Kyrgyzstan Travel Guide

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Passports and Visas

Most foreign nationals can obtain a visa on arrival in Kyrgyzstan. This visa is valid for one month, and costs between USD 35 and USD 70. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Americans

US citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Kyrgyzstan. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival (see note, below).

UK Nationals

British citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Kyrgyzstan. British passport holders endorsed British Citizen can obtain a visa on arrival (see note, below). British passport holders with other endorsement can also obtain a visa on arrival, PROVIDED THAT they are holding confirmation of a pre-arranged visa.

Canadians

Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Kyrgyzstan. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival (see note, below).

Australians

Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Kyrgyzstan. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival (see note, below).

South Africans

South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Kyrgyzstan. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival, PROVIDED THAT travelers are holding confirmation of a pre-arranged visa.

Irish Nationals

Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Kyrgyzstan. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival (see note, below).

New Zealanders

New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay in Kyrgyzstan. A visa is required, and can be obtained on arrival (see note, below).

Healthcare

There is a risk of malaria from June to November in Kyrgyzstan, mainly in the areas bordering Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, but cases have also been reported from Bishkek. There have been outbreaks of anthrax, and travelers are advised to avoid buying meat from local markets and should ensure that all food is well cooked before eating. Visitors are recommended to drink bottled water only. Medical care and medical supplies are limited and it may be difficult to find someone who speaks English. Comprehensive medical insurance is advised, which should include air evacuation.

Safety

Visitors are often a target for muggings and theft, mainly in the cities, but also occurring in the rural areas. It is therefore not advisable to display wealth, take unofficial taxis or public transport, or walk in unlit areas at night. There is a threat of terrorist activity particularly in the south west. The political situation is tense due in part to continuing high levels of corruption and crime, and all demonstrations should be avoided. Tensions also exist over recognition of the Kyrgyz-Uzbek borders and most governments advise against travel to the Ferghana Valley area, as well as along the Tajik-Kyrgyz border. While major cities such as Bishkek and the Issyk-Kul region are fairly stable, it is advised that the situation could deteriorate rapidly in any area of the country. Avalanches and mudslides in mountainous areas are common in the spring with the snow melt, and this leads to frequent road closures and disruption to transport.