21 Aug 2023 | 11:55 AM UTC
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan: Disruptions reported at several border crossings between Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan as of Aug. 21
Delays at several crossings on the Kazakhstan-Kyrgyzstan border as of Aug. 21 due to enhanced checks. Travel and freight disruptions likely.
Event
Kazakhstan has partially closed the Ak-Tilek, Ken-Bulun, and Sypatay Batyr Road border crossings between Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan as of Aug. 21. The partial closures appear to be the result of protracted additional customs checks on vehicles entering Kazakhstan. Vehicles entering Kyrgyzstan are reportedly unaffected. Kazakh authorities state that additional checks have been implemented to combat smuggling. Long queues of cargo trucks and passenger vehicles have been reported at the affected border crossings. The duration of the enhanced checks is currently unclear.
Further travel delays and freight disruptions are likely.
Advice
Anticipate protracted commercial trucking disruptions if shipping overland freight to or through Kazakhstan via the Ak-Tilek, Ken-Bulun and Sypatay Batyr road checkpoints in the coming days. Consider using alternative routes. Heed instructions from authorities.
