By Air
Most international flights arrive at Manas International Airport, about 25 kilometers north of Bishkek. Turkish Airlines and Pegasus fly direct from Istanbul, and there are regular connections through Moscow on Aeroflot and other Russian carriers. Smaller airlines including Air Manas, Avia Traffic and Asman Airlines connect Bishkek with cities across Central Asia and beyond.
Osh has a smaller international airport with limited connections, mainly to Russia and some domestic routes.
If you are coming from Europe or North America, Istanbul is the most convenient hub. Flights from Istanbul take about four hours. Flying via Almaty in neighboring Kazakhstan is another option, particularly if you are combining the two countries.
By Land
From Kazakhstan: The main crossing is at Korday, on the road between Almaty and Bishkek. Shared taxis and buses make the run in three to four hours. There are additional crossings in the south and east of the country.
From Uzbekistan: Buses run between Tashkent and Bishkek (10-12 hours), crossing through Kazakh territory en route. In the south, you can cross between the Fergana Valley and Osh.
From Tajikistan: Border crossings between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan reopened in 2025 after a bilateral agreement settled longstanding border disputes. Crossings are now possible in the Batken region in the south.
From China: The Torugart and Irkeshtam passes connect Kyrgyzstan with Kashgar in China's Xinjiang region. Both require advance planning. The Torugart pass is the more established route but has strict regulations about crossing independently; most travelers use a local travel agency to arrange transport and permits. The Irkeshtam pass is somewhat more straightforward.
Visas
Kyrgyzstan has the most liberal visa policy in Central Asia. Citizens of the EU, US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea and many other countries can enter visa-free for up to 60 days. The Sapar visa, introduced in 2025, streamlined the process for longer stays up to 90 days. If you need a visa, e-visas are available online and cost around $60.