Korday Border Crossing: Almaty to Bishkek and 2026 Visa Rules

The Korday (Kazakhstan) to Ak-Zhol (Kyrgyzstan) crossing on the Almaty-Bishkek highway is the busiest border in Central Asia, open around the clock. For years it was the standard visa run for nomads in either city. In 2026 the rules on both sides make that much less useful.

Quick Facts

• Kazakhstan side: Korday
• Kyrgyzstan side: Ak-Zhol, about 21 km from central Bishkek
• Hours: 24 hours
• Almaty to Bishkek: about 4 to 5 hours by bus or shared taxi

Why Visa Runs Changed

Kyrgyzstan: from January 1, 2026, visa-free stays for 55 nationalities are capped at 30 days within any 60-day period. Because the window rolls, leaving and coming back does not give you a fresh 30 days. Kyrgyzstan’s Sapar visa allows stays of up to 90 days if you need longer.

Kazakhstan: visa-free visitors, including US citizens, get up to 30 days per entry with a limit of 90 days in any 180-day period. A trip to Bishkek resets the 30 days but not the 90/180 count.

In other words, a Korday run can split your time between two countries, but it cannot extend your total stay beyond those limits.

Crossing Step By Step

1. Take a bus or shared taxi from Almaty’s Sayakhat area, or from Bishkek’s western bus station
2. Get off at the border and walk through Kazakh exit control
3. Walk across to Kyrgyz entry control and get stamped
4. Catch onward transport waiting on the other side

Evenings are often quieter than mornings. Queues get long on weekends and holidays.

Bring Proof Of Onward Travel

Border officers on a visa run are deciding one thing: will you leave again on time? A confirmed onward or return booking is the quickest way to answer that. It matters most when you are re-entering a country you only just left, and on the flight leg if your run involves one.

If you do not want to commit to a real ticket yet, Fast Onward Tickets issues an onward flight reservation in minutes. See our complete guide to proof of onward travel for what officers and airlines accept.

FAQs

Can I alternate between Almaty and Bishkek indefinitely?

Not under the 2026 rules. Track your days in each country carefully.

What happens if I overstay in Kyrgyzstan?

Fines, and for some nationalities a temporary entry ban.

Do I need to register?

Short-stay visitors from visa-free countries generally do not, but check the rules for your passport.

The Bottom Line

Korday is an easy crossing, but in 2026 it is no longer a reset button. If you want to stay long term, look at Kyrgyzstan’s Sapar visa or a Kazakh visa instead.