Kyrgyz Republic Travel Tips

International Travel:

Getting There by Air
The national airline is Kyrgyzstan Airlines (R8).

Departure Tax
US$10. Infants and transit passengers are exempt.

Main Airports
Bishkek Manas Airport (FRU) is 30km (18 miles) north of Bishkek. To/from the airport: There is a minibus shuttle service to the city center when the airport is open (journey time – 30 minutes). Taxis are available 24 hours. There is also a bus service (journey time - 45 minutes). Facilities: Left luggage, crèche, bars, restaurant, chemist, bank and bureau de change.

Note: All but essential travel to the south and west of Osh and to the Ferghana Valley region is advised against, due to the history of terrorist activity and armed violence, and to the threat of landmines in the Batken region and along the Kyrgyz-Uzbek border that Kyrgyzstan shares with other countries in Central Asia. However, this should not deter travel since most visits to Kyrgyzstan are trouble-free.

Getting There by Rail
There are rail connections with the Russian Federation (journey time to Moscow - 3 days) and with other Central Asian Republics. Tourists are advised that robberies on trains have been reported.

Getting There by Road
The main international road links are with Kazakhstan and there is presently one crossing point into China (PR); visitors should note that the Chinese authorities normally require proof of an invitation by a Chinese tour operator as a condition of entry.

There are regular bus links from Bishkek to Tashkent (Uzbekistan) (journey time – 10 to 12 hours) and Almaty (Kazakhstan) (journey time – 6 hours); services leave the long-distance (zapadni) bus station in Bishkek. There is also a direct service to Osh from Tashkent (Uzbekistan) via the Fergana Valley, but road conditions are very poor on this route (see also Uzbekistan section).

Generally, roads can be affected by landslides (especially during spring in the mountain areas), while winter may cause hazardous conditions on a number of roads (especially on mountain passes, some of which may be closed during certain periods); visitors should also note that garage services are very limited.

Overview
The following goods may be imported into Kyrgyzstan by travelers of 16 years or over without incurring customs duty:

• 1000 cigarettes or 1000g of tobacco products.
• 1.5l of alcoholic beverages and 2l of wine.
• A reasonable quantity of perfume for personal use.

Note: On entering the country, tourists must complete a customs declaration form which must be retained until departure, and then handed over on the international flight leaving any CIS country. This allows the import of articles intended for personal use, including currency and valuables which must be registered on the declaration form. Customs inspection can be long and detailed.

Prohibited Imports
Military weapons and ammunition (subject to special permit); narcotics; fruit and vegetables; live animals (subject to special permit); photographs and printed matter directed against Kyrgyzstan; anything owned by a third party that is to be carried in for that third party. If there are any queries regarding items that may be imported, an information sheet is available on request from Intourist.

Prohibited Exports
As prohibited imports, as well as precious metals and articles, works of art and antiques (unless permission has been granted by the Ministry of Culture), furs.

Internal Travel:

Getting Around By Air
There are internal connections from Bishkek to Cholpan-Ata, Kara-Kol, Naryn and Osh. Travelers should note that maintenance procedures for aircraft operating internally may not conform to internationally accepted standards. Access to the Central Tien-Shan region is via helicopter, which takes climbers up the Inylchek Valley.

Getting Around by Rail
There is only one railway line, which runs from Bishkek to Balikchi at the western end of Lake Issyk-Kul. Osh, in the south of the country, can be reached by rail via Tashkent (Uzbekistan). A new North–South railway is currently planned. Travelers are advised that robberies on trains have been reported.

Getting Around by Road
Traffic drives on the right. Visitors should note that roads are poorly maintained and badly signposted.

Bus: There are regular bus connections to all parts of Kyrgyzstan. Buses are crowded. The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office currently advises against the use of local buses/minibuses due to their commonly poor maintenance.

Taxi: Taxis can be found in all major towns. Many are unlicensed, and fares should be agreed in advance. As many of the street names, particularly in the capital, have changed since independence, visitors are advised to ask for both the old and the new names when seeking directions.

Car hire: Car hire is not available. It is possible to hire cars with drivers for long-distance journeys, but because of the shortage of petrol, it is generally an expensive option. Foreigners are generally expected to pay in US Dollars.

Documentation: Licenses for long-stay residents intending to buy or import a car can be obtained from the Protocol Department of the Foreign Ministry. An International Driving Permit and two photos are required.

Getting Around Towns and Cities
There are bus and trolleybus services around the capital.

Journey Times
The following chart gives approximate journey times from Bishkek (in hours and minutes) to other towns in Kyrgyzstan.

	Road
Osh	12.00
Tokmak	1.00
Balikchi	2.30
Kara-Kol	5.30

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