Entry-exit stamps

Technically it is only legal to enter the Kyrgyz Republic at a designated entry point. This means that it is no longer possible to trek over the border (for example over Kungei Ala-Too mountains from Almaty in Kazakhstan). More importantly, it is important to receive a stamp in your passport at the border crossing point. This can be important when it comes to registering with OVIR – especially if you cross some time after your Kyrgyz visa starts.

If there is no official in passport control or they claim not to have a stamp you can try to make a complaint – but you should at least note the date, time and place where you crossed the border. If possible a note of the name and number of any official on duty would also be helpful.

If you have some document – such as an airline ticket or a hotel receipt – which shows when you were in the other country – that might also help … but the stamp in the passport is the only sure way to avoid potential problems.

Please don’t misunderstand us … the problem rarely ever arises – but it has been known to occur … and, if possible, you want to avoid it occurring to you.