Gisht Kuprik border crossing (Tashkent – Shymkent)

Tashkent lies very close to the border with Kazakhstan: the edge of the city almost touches it. The crossing at Gisht Kuprik, on the northern outskirts, is the busiest between the two countries. On the Kazakh side, the checkpoint is called Zhibek Zholy ("Silk Road"). From there, a good road leads north to Shymkent, the third-largest city in Kazakhstan, and on to Turkistan, Almaty and beyond.

This border is useful for travellers combining Uzbekistan with Kazakhstan, or continuing from Tashkent to Kyrgyzstan via Shymkent and Taraz. For an overview of all crossings, see border crossings in Central Asia.

Gisht Kuprik is about 20–30 minutes by car from central Tashkent, depending on traffic. Take a taxi or ride-hailing car and ask for the border (granitsa in Russian, chegara in Uzbek). Shared taxis and minibuses also go there from some points in the city. If you have a private car with driver, the driver can take you to the border but usually not across it; you continue with another car on the Kazakh side. See our transfer service.

Most travellers cross on foot:

1. Uzbek exit: queue for passport control; officers check your passport and may ask for your hotel registration slips. Your luggage goes through an X-ray scanner, and you may need to fill in a customs declaration if you carry large amounts of cash.
2. Neutral zone: a short walk to the Kazakh side.
3. Kazakh entry: passport control, sometimes a migration card, and a customs check.

Allow 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on queues. Crossing by car takes longer because of vehicle checks.

Citizens of many countries can enter Kazakhstan without a visa for a limited period; others need a visa or e-visa. Rules differ by nationality and change from time to time, so check before you travel. To come back into Uzbekistan, make sure your Uzbek visa or visa-free stay allows another entry. See Central Asia visas and Uzbekistan visa and entry rules.

Taxis and shared taxis wait after the Kazakh checkpoint. Shymkent is about 2 hours by road. Agree the fare before you leave, or use a ride-hailing app if you have a Kazakh SIM card or roaming. You will need Kazakh tenge: exchange a little money at the border or withdraw from an ATM in Shymkent. Buses also run from the border area.

From Shymkent, you can continue to Turkistan, with the mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, or east towards Taraz, Bishkek and Almaty.

International trains have linked Tashkent with Kazakh cities such as Turkistan and Almaty, and the routes and schedules have changed several times. When they run, they cross the border with passport checks on board, which avoids the walk. Check current services with Uzbekistan Railways and Kazakhstan Railways; see trains in Uzbekistan.

The border is usually open around the clock, but queues are longest at weekends, on public holidays and in the evening. Early weekday mornings are often the quickest. During major holidays, such as Navruz in March or the New Year, expect long waits. Check current opening hours and any temporary restrictions before you go.

• Keep your hotel registration slips from Uzbekistan; they may be checked on exit.
• Carry small amounts of both som and tenge.
• Do not take photographs at the border.
• Download offline maps and have your hotel address in Shymkent written down.
• If you plan to return to Uzbekistan, check whether your entry allows multiple visits.