Entry Ban
Igor Pilyadov, a citizen of Kyrgyzstan, shared with Kaktus.media that on December 14, while returning with his mother, Svetlana Pilyadova, through the "Ak-Zhol" checkpoint, he encountered a problem: his mother, who had long been a citizen of Kyrgyzstan, could not cross the border because she now holds Kazakhstani citizenship.“She was handed a refusal without explanation, just like other Kazakhs. This situation began on December 12. Many people, including students, pensioners, and women, spent several days at the border. Attempts to register through the online service were unsuccessful, as the application does not work, and personal presence at the Center for Public Services (CPS) is required for registration in Kyrgyzstan. Now, Kazakhs will not be able to enter Kyrgyzstan for three months. Border guards refuse to comment on the situation, claiming they are not obliged to provide explanations,” Igor reported.
According to him, his mother has lived in Kyrgyzstan all her life; she has an apartment where she resides. Now she cannot return home.“She often travels to Kazakhstan to visit her grandmother. Previously, Kazakhs could freely cross the border and start a new 30-day count. Many were unaware of the new rules; students and pensioners were left at the border—everyone has different circumstances,” he added.
“They say they informed us about the new rules and the need for registration, but that does not solve the problem. Due to a lack of knowledge, Kazakhs cannot enter Kyrgyzstan. They are handed a refusal notice and sent back, stating: 'Wait three months for everything to reset.' I hope they will be given the opportunity to register, as it is impossible to do this online. One must be physically present at the CPS, but they cannot cross the border,” Pilyadov continued.
At the checkpoint at that moment, there were more than 20 people, including a woman traveling to her sister's funeral.
Doctor's Problems at the Border
Samir Askerov, a doctor from Kazakhstan, also told Kaktus.media about his situation. On December 14, he left Kyrgyzstan intending to return through the "Ak-Zhol" checkpoint, but he was also denied entry and handed a refusal notice.“I am a doctor; I even showed my lab coat. But the border guard said that the rules are the same for everyone. They did not let through even those who were supposed to fly out of 'Manas' airport. They showed their tickets but were also denied entry. I tried to find out the reason, but until two in the morning, no one could explain the situation. We were not informed about the new rules, as there were no announcements at the checkpoint, only a sign prohibiting filming,” Askerov said.
Since September, he has crossed the border about eight times and has not seen any warnings.“Usually, important information is posted in a visible place. But there was only a sign about the prohibition of photos and videos. To register again, one must be at the CPS, but how to get there if they are not allowed to cross the border? We were told we could do this in 90 days. But during that time, I might lose my job; patients cannot wait,” the doctor noted.
“There are many of us in this situation. If we were given a deadline until the New Year, it would be fair. People do not travel to Kyrgyzstan for no reason; it brings money to the budget. Some spend days at the border; there are no rooms in hotels, and they are expensive. A local resident took me in. It would be good if we were given the opportunity to register, or at least issued a fine but allowed to enter,” he added.
Comment from the Border Service
The press service of the State National Security Committee's Border Service reported to Kaktus.media that foreigners were timely informed about the new rules coming into effect on September 1, 2025.Government agencies conducted an information campaign: they organized a media tour at the "Ak-Zhol - Automobile" checkpoint; representatives of the border service, the population registration department, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs gave interviews on "Birinchi Radio".The Border Service reminded about key changes:
- New procedure for calculating the visa-free period. Starting September 1, citizens of Kazakhstan will be able to stay in Kyrgyzstan for a total of up to 90 days within every 180 days from the date of first entry. This rule is applied in many countries and aims to streamline migration processes.
- Registration at the place of stay. Kazakhs are exempt from registration for the first 30 days of stay. If they plan to stay longer, registration will become mandatory.
- Responsibility for exceeding the stay period. Staying in Kyrgyzstan for more than 90 days without registration will restrict subsequent entry into the country for 90 days.
- Grounds for extending the stay. The duration of legal stay in Kyrgyzstan can be extended with the following documents:
- registration at the place of stay;
- residence permit;
- temporary residence permit;
- "Kairylman" status;
- "Meken-kart";
- "Resident card";
- other documents provided for by international treaties of which Kyrgyzstan is a participant.
The Border Service noted that crossing the border by citizens of Kazakhstan is prohibited due to their violations of migration legislation.Regarding the information that border guards refuse to explain the reasons for refusals, the agency stated that this is impossible, as the grounds for refusal are always specified in the notice.
