A step-by-step guide to the Uzbekistan Kyrgyzstan border crossing at Dostyk!
Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan might be neighbours but the two countries are vastly different.
Uzbekistan is mostly flat and desert landscapes with fascinating Silk Road history. Almost every inch of Kyrgyzstan is covered in breath-taking mountains. It might not have the well-preserved ancient cities of Uzbekistan, but it makes up for it with incredible hiking and some of the friendliest people in the world.
If you’re travelling in Central Asia, you really need to make time to visit both of these fascinating countries!
Uzbekistan to Kyrgyzstan border crossings
There are a few border crossings between Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan that are open for tourists. The two most popular are the Izboskan border which you will use if you are heading directly to Arslanbob, and the Dostyk border between Andijon and Osh.
The Izboskan border is for pedestrians and cyclists only. If you have your own car or motorbike, you will need to cross the Uzbek Kyrgyz border at Dostyk.
Getting to the Uzbekistan Kyrgyzstan border at Dostyk
To get to the Dostyk border crossing, you will first need to get to Andijan. Andijan is a a regional city considered the gateway to the Fergana Valley in the east of Uzbekistan.
Conveniently, Andijan is the final stop on the train line that runs all the way to Khiva, making it easy to get to from Khiva, Bukhara, Samarkand and Tashkent. We took the night train from Samarkand and it was easy and comfortable. You can check train times and book tickets to Andijan on the Uzbek Railways website.
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From Andijan train station to the Uzbek Kyrgyz border
When you exit Andijan train station there will be plenty of taxis that can take you straight to the border. However, the cheapest way is to take a bus. Taxi drivers are known to tell tourists that there is no bus, but they’re just trying to get a fare.
To get to Andijan bus station, exit the train station, cross to the other side of the street, turn right and walk about 10 mins.
From the bus station you have two options to get to the Dostyk border.
The 777 bus leaves the Andijan bus station every 20 minutes to go directly to Osh. Tickets cost 15k Som.
We didn’t know about this and were instead rushed onto the 496 bus. The 496 goes as far as the Uzbek Kyrgyz border. It takes about one hour and costs 7k Som.
What facilities are at the Uzbek Kyrgyz border?
On the Uzbek side
On the Uzbek side of the border, you will arrive at a busy market. You can change money and buy SIM cards there.
On the Kyrgyz side
On the Kyrgyz side, things were a bit pushier. There are lots of touts trying to sell SIM cards, persistent taxi drivers and a few street kids around begging for money. It’s nothing too hectic but better to have your wits about you.
We exchanged money at the first window on the left next to the shop. The lady was super friendly and we were given very close to the XE rate. We also bought SIM cards from her at a good price.
The immigration process from Uzbekistan to Kyrgyzstan
If you’ve taken the 496 bus, you will be dropped off at a market. Walk to the end of the street to a grey gate. It is on the left hand side of the road when facing the border. Show your passport to guard and enter.
Walk along the long outdoor corridor into the passport control building.
Most places that you stay in Uzbekistan will give you a record of your accommodation registration. In the past you needed to keep these and show them to immigration when leaving Uzbekistan. We had kept ours, but no one asked to see them which apparently is common these days.
Head outside along another long outdoor corridor. A guard checks your exit stamp before you continue into the Kyrgyzstan immigration building.
On the Kyrgyz side, it’s very simple. Get your stamp, put your bags through the scanner and leave. Keep your passport handy because you will need to show it again on the way out.
Our personal experience
Crossing the Uzbekistan Kyrgyzstan border was a really entertaining experience for us. When we arrived at the Uzbek immigration, there were four immigration officers in the one booth. They all looked very serious but then we realised one was giving another a massage. They were all just hanging out.
One of them then went and manned a different booth to process us. He was a real character. He asked all about my partner’s short-sightedness and wanted to try on his glasses. Alex was asked why he lives in Australia, how we met, and a whole heap of other questions that I’m sure weren’t official immigration questions.
I went through immigration in about 2 minutes, but Alex was there chatting about the rail system in Uzbekistan, his favourite Uzbek foods, how he spent the past 3 weeks, how much money we spent, the salaries of local professions, Alex’s salary in Australia and so on. It was all very pleasant and jovial, but also very unexpected.
On the Kyrgyz side we had a bit of a wait. There were lines out the door and only 2 immigration officers. When we managed to get our head in the door and the immigration officer saw us he called out, “Tourist, come here”. We were allowed to cut in front of everyone and welcomed to Kyrgyzstan. It felt a bit uncomfortable, but it did save us what would have been a long time waiting.
Kyrgyzstan visa policy
A lot of nationalities are eligible for visa free travel in Kyrgyzstan. Australia, United States, United Kingdom and EU passport holders can get 60 days visa free on arrival.
It is always a good idea to confirm your visa requirements. You can check visa requirements for Kyrgyzstan here.
Options for onward travel in Kyrgyzstan
On the Kyrgyz side of the border there are taxis that can take you anywhere you need to go. If you are staying in Osh, Yandex is available from the border to downtown.
For longer journeys, head to the new Osh bus station. If heading to Bishkek, many people opt to fly rather than take the 12 hour shared taxi.
Where to stay in Osh, Kyrgyzstan
Budget – If you’re after a dorm, Ocean Hostel Osh is the best budget stay in town. Super clean, shared kitchen and laundry facilities and curtains on all the beds for privacy.
Mid-range – If you’re after your own space, TES Hotel is a great mid-range accommodation option. We stayed here after we had spent a few nights in yurts and it felt like heaven!
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Looking for more inspiration for travelling in Central Asia?
Jizeu Valley hike: Pamir Highway, Tajikistan
Kyrgyz cuisine: Must-try foods in Kyrgyzstan
Amazing day trips from Samarkand
The best things to do in Khiva
Uzbekistan Tajikistan border: Dushanbe to Samarkand
