Border permits

If you are planning to visit remote areas near the borders of China, Tajikistan, or Kazakhstan, you will likely need a Border Zone Permit. These areas are strictly controlled, and border guard checkpoints will require the original paper document and your passport.

Areas Requiring a Permit

Permits are generally required for any zone within 50km of the border. Key tourist spots include:

• Issyk-Kul Region: Enilchek Glacier, Khan Tengri Base Camp, Sary-Jaz Valley, Sarychat – Ertash State Nature Reserve, and the Karkyra Valley (near the Kazakhstan border).

• Naryn Region: Kol-Suu Lake, Chatyr-Kul Lake, and the Ak-Sai Valley. 

• Osh Region: Lenin Peak Base Camp (Achik-Tash) and the Irkeshtam area.

• Chuy Region: Parts of the Chong-Kemin Valley.

• Batken Region: Most of the mountain areas (e.g., Ak-Suu Karavshin area).

How to Obtain One

Most travelers use a tour agency because the independent process involves navigating multiple government offices in Bishkek (the State Registration Service and the Border Service) several time and requires few weeks of processing.

Since obtaining those permits independently can be a headache , having a direct point of contact at travel@visitkyrgyzstan.kg is incredibly helpful.

For anyone planning to use this service, it is usually best to reach out at least 3 to 4 weeks before your trip begins.

When emailing travel@visitkyrgyzstan.kg, travelers should be ready to provide:

• A clear scan of their passport.

• The exact dates they will be in the border zones.

• The specific regions they plan to visit