Kyrgyzstan border zone permit, online in 5 minutes. Travelling to Kel-Suu lake, Ak-Sai, Chatyr-Kol, the Inylchek glacier, Khan Tengri or Karavshin? Foreigners need a border zone permit for these areas. We apply for it officially on your behalf: standard processing 50 USD per person, paid online, digital copy by email.
The border zone stretches along the borders with China, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Most popular places – Song-Kol, the Issyk-Kul shore, Karakol, Jeti-Oguz, Ala-Archa, Sary-Chelek, Tash-Rabat – do not need a permit. Click a point on the map to see details.
Orientation map: the border zone runs along the state border; the list of places and the Border Service decide.
| Area | Permit? |
|---|---|
| Kel-Suu (Kol-Suu) lake, Kok-Kiya, Ak-Sai valley, Chatyr-Kol, Arpa | Yes |
| Inylchek glacier, Merzbacher lake, Khan Tengri & Pobeda base camps, Engilchek, Sary-Jaz, Ak-Shyirak, Karkyra | Yes |
| Sarychat-Ertash reserve | Yes + permission of the reserve |
| Karavshin, Leilek, Aidarken (Batken) | Yes |
| Torugart and Irkeshtam (to China), Bor-Dobo / Kyzyl-Art (Pamir Highway) | Zone before the checkpoint – yes |
| Lenin Peak base camp, upper Chon-Kemin, Talas border areas | Depends on the route – ask us |
| Song-Kol, Issyk-Kul shore, Karakol, Altyn-Arashan, Ala-Kul, Jeti-Oguz, Jyrgalan, Tash-Rabat, Ala-Archa, Kol-Ukok, Sary-Chelek, Arslanbob, Naryn | No |
| Service | When to apply | Price per person | How to order |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 12 days or more before entering the zone | 50 USD | Online form + card payment |
| Express | 5–11 days before | 120 USD | Only on request |
| Urgent | 2–4 days before | 200 USD | Only on request – may be refused in high season |
One price for all areas; several areas fit into one application. Not included: national park and reserve fees (Khan-Tengri park, Leilek forestry, Sarychat-Ertash) and delivery of the original outside Bishkek (on request).
For trips that start in 12 days or more. 50 USD per person, pay online now.
Kyrgyz Tourism provides a technical service: we prepare the application and obtain the official border zone permit on your behalf, exactly as Kyrgyz law requires.
If you travel to the border zone on your own (without our tour or guide), you are fully responsible for your stay there: for following the border regime and the instructions of border guards, for complying with the laws of the Kyrgyz Republic and for your own safety. Kyrgyz Tourism is not liable for fines, refusal at a checkpoint, detention, deportation, accidents or any other consequences of breaking the rules or the law. Before you receive the original permit, you sign a liability waiver to Kyrgyz Tourism LTD.
Entry to the border zone is regulated by the Rules of the border regime and the regime of the border strip, approved by Resolution No. 172 of the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic of 4 April 2016 (latest amendments April 2026). The border strip is up to 5 km wide along the state border; the border zone extends up to 50 km inland. Foreign citizens may enter it with a valid passport and a permit. In 2026 the government announced an electronic permit through the Tunduk Travel service; until it is fully available we apply through the official procedure, and we will update this page.
For trips that start in less than 12 days, for groups over 15 people or if you are not sure which areas you need – write to us. We reply within one working day.
The permit covers the dates you apply for, usually up to 30 days. For longer trips we file two applications.
A clear scan or photo of the passport data page of each traveller, your travel dates and the areas or route. You send the passport scan after payment by email or WhatsApp.
We send you a digital copy as soon as the permit is issued. Still carry the original and your passport – some checkpoints ask for the paper. You collect the original at our office in Bishkek; delivery to other regions on request.
Yes, but the procedure is in Russian or Kyrgyz and tied to offices in Bishkek. That is why most travellers use a tour operator like us.
Yes. On our tours to border areas – for example Kel-Suu lake, Ak-Sai or Inylchek – we apply for the permit for you and it is included in the price.
Express (5–11 days before the trip) 120 USD per person, urgent (2–4 days) 200 USD per person. Both only after confirmation – in high season (June–September) we cannot always promise very short deadlines.
No. Khan-Tengri nature park, the Leilek forestry and the Sarychat-Ertash reserve collect their own fees or issue their own permissions. We are happy to advise.
Without a permit you will be turned back at the checkpoint. Being in the border zone without a permit is an administrative offence (Art. 429 of the Code of Offences of the Kyrgyz Republic) and can lead to a fine and detention.
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