kyrgyzstan

No restrictions in this travel advice

Avoid all but essential travel to part(s) of country

Avoid all but essential travel to whole country

Avoid all travel to part(s) of country

Avoid all travel to whole country

• Travel Summary
• Safety and security
• Local laws and customs
• Entry requirements

• Health
• Natural disasters
• General
 

• We advise against all but essential travel to the Oblasts (Provinces) of Osh and Jalal-Abad. An evacuation of British nationals from Osh was completed on 15 June 2010. Any British nationals remaining in these regions should exercise extreme caution and maintain close contact with the British Embassy Office in Almaty or the British Embassy in Astana.
  
  
• The British Embassy in Bishkek is now operational. Consular assistance will continue to be provided by the British Embassy Office in Almaty, Kazakhstan. See General - Consular Assistance - Contact Details.
  
  
• Official reports suggest that over 400 people died during violence in Osh and Jalal-Abad Oblasts in June 2010, but others put the figure at nearer to 2,000. See Safety and Security - Political Situation.
  
  
• The Kyrgyz/Uzbek and Kyrgyz/Tajik borders are subject to closures without notice and we understand that security has been increased in border areas. If travelling overland, you should check in advance which border posts are currently open and only use officially recognised border crossings. See Safety and Security -  Local Travel.
  
  

• There is an underlying threat from terrorism.  Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by expatriates and foreign travellers. See Safety and Security -  Terrorism.
  
  

• You must carry your passport, or a notarised copy of it, at all times. The police may arrest you if you do not carry ID.
  
  
• You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. See General - Insurance.
  
  
• Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency.
  

Safety and Security - Terrorism

There is an underlying threat from terrorism.  Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. There has been a history of some terrorist activity and armed violence, particularly south and west of Osh.

A security incident was reported in Osh on 29 November 2010 and on 30 November 2010 there was an explosion in central Bishkek. Six people were injured in the Bishkek blast. You should maintain a high level of vigilance in public spaces and near to public buildings.

See our Terrorism abroad page.

You should pay attention to any security announcements by the Kyrgyz authorities.

Safety and Security - Crime
Muggings (sometimes violent) and theft occur regularly and foreigners can be a particular target. Following widespread unrest in 2010, there continue to be small incidents involving individual and groups of criminals invariably after dark. Due to this criminal threat we advise all British nationals to exercise caution if going out after dark.

On 7 August 2011, a Kazakhstani tourist visiting Kara-Oy village at Lake Issyk-Kul was mugged and beaten. He subsequently died of his injuries on 14 August; three men have been arrested.

Keep large amounts of money hidden at all times and be wary of any strangers offering assistance or being over-friendly. Be particularly aware of your surroundings when making use of currency exchange offices.

There have been reports of thefts committed by uniformed police officers and gangs. Avoid walking alone at night and travelling in unofficial taxis. Always try to use a licensed taxi operator. Passenger lists on aircraft are not always kept confidential.

There have been cases of people being met by name from an aircraft and subsequently robbed.

See our Victims of crime abroad page.

Safety and Security - Local Travel
We advise against all but essential travel to the Oblasts (Provinces) of Osh and Jalal-Abad. British nationals already in Osh and Jalal-Abad Oblasts should exercise extreme caution.

Tensions exist over recognition of the Kyrgyz/Uzbek borders. There have been a number of security incidents in this region and there have been several gunfire exchanges across the Kyrgyz/Uzbek border, the most recent of which was on 30 March 2012 in the Jalal-Abad Oblast. You should only use officially recognised border crossings in this area, as there is a risk that uncontrolled Kyrgyz/Uzbek border areas may be land-mined. You should check in advance which border posts are open. See FCO Travel Advice for Uzbekistan before planning any visits into the Ferghana Valley within Uzbekistan.

There are currently regular electrical power cuts taking place across the country. Some areas can be without electrical power for up to six hours per day. Kyrgyz authorities predict that regular electrical power cuts will continue.

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Road Travel
Due to ongoing tensions in Kyrgyzstan, you should avoid flagging down taxis and instead use the telephone taxi services which are more reputable and have English-speaking dispatchers. Wherever possible you should use main roads when travelling in and around Bishkek and avoid large crowds even if in a vehicle.

You can drive in Kyrgyzstan on a UK Driving Licence or an International Driving Permit.

Service stations and petrol/water access can be limited outside the cities of Bishkek and Osh. Make sure you take all you need for your journey. You should take extra care when driving in Kyrgyzstan as many cars are not safely maintained and do not have rear seatbelts. You should avoid using local buses and/or mini-buses as these vehicles are not always properly maintained and are notorious for pick-pockets.

Many roads are poorly maintained with road works or damaged roads often not clearly signposted. Roads outside the capital are often blocked by snow during the winter months.

See our Driving abroad page.

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Air Travel
All Kyrgyz airlines are currently banned from operating services to the EU because they do not meet international safety standards. You should avoid travelling with any Kyrgyz airline. If you have a flight booked with a Kyrgyz airline and it is part of a journey which commenced in the EU you should consult your travel agent.

In December 2011, a TU-134 aircraft operated by Kyrgyzstan Air crashed upon landing on an internal flight from Bishkek to Osh, resulting in a number of casualties but no fatalities.

Safety and Security - Political Situation
Kyrgyzstan country profile

In October 2011, Kyrgyzstan held peaceful Presidential elections following a number of years of political turmoil. Despite allegations of some irregularity, Almazbek Atambaev achieved a sufficient margin to ensure that a second round of voting was not required.  He was inaugurated as President on 1 December 2011. After a period of extensive negotiations between the main parties/factions, a coalition Government comprising four of the parliamentary factions was formed.

At the end of December 2011, the Kyrgyz Parliament approved the composition of a new Government, headed by Prime Minister Omurbek Babanov. The Government has announced an ambitious programme of work with a focus on stability, reform and development and particular emphasis on reducing the costs of government; the importance of safety for all citizens of Kyrgyzstan; economic recovery and securing more inward investment for the country.

These elections bring to a close a difficult period for the Kyrgyz Republic.  The former President, Kurmanbek Bakiev, who was first elected President in July 2005 and then re-confirmed in the position in July 2009, was overthrown following a violent uprising in April 2010. 

Violent clashes also broke out in Osh Oblast on 10 June 2010. The violence subsequently escalated, primarily on inter-ethnic lines, leading to shooting, car-burning, and looting of shops. As many as 400,000 were displaced by the violence. On 5 August 2010 security forces used tear gas and blank rounds to disperse crowds of around 2-3,000 in Bishkek.
Small-scale, largely peaceful, demonstrations are frequent in Bishkek. You should remain vigilant. You should exercise caution in public areas and avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings, particularly in the capital, Bishkek.

There continues to be ongoing tensions in the south of the country, occasionally escalating into violence and larger protests. Such protests break out with little warning and have resulted in injuries to local people involved.

Kyrgyzstan has a secular constitution. Most Kyrgyz people are Muslims. You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend other cultures or religious beliefs, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas. See our Travelling during Ramadan page.

Possession and use of drugs is illegal and, if found guilty, you could face a lengthy prison sentence in basic conditions. Homosexuality is legal, but not often discussed or recognised publicly. You should take care over public displays of affection. 

Taking photos of anything that could be perceived as being of military or security interest may result in problems with the authorities. See our Your trip page.

Entry Requirements - Visas
Although it is possible to obtain one-month entry visas on arrival at Manas Airport, you should for ease of entry get a visa before travelling to Kyrgyzstan. Contact the Embassy of the Kyrgyz Republic in London. It is normally possible to have one-month visas extended for up to an additional two months whilst in country. You should check carefully the validity of your visa before travelling.

There is no longer an agreement allowing visas issued in another Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) country to be used to transit Kyrgyzstan. If you intend to visit two or more CIS countries you should contact the relevant countries' Embassies in London for advice before travelling.

British nationals staying for less than 60 days no longer need to register with OVIR (The Department for Visa and Registration under the Ministry of Internal Affairs).

Entry Requirements - Passport Validity
You must hold a valid passport to enter Kyrgyzstan. Your passport must be valid for a minimum period of three months from the date of entry into Kyrgyzstan and must have at least one full blank page to affix the visa.

Entry Requirements - Staying Longer than Two Months
British nationals intending to stay in the country for more than 60 days must register at their regional OVIR office. For those staying in hotels, this should be done by the hotel, but it is up to every individual to check. Failure to do so could result in a fine and delay in departure.

Entry Requirements - Travelling with Children
Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country.

Contact your GP around eight weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations or other health advice. Country specific information and advice is published by the National Travel Health Network and Centre, and useful information about healthcare abroad, including a country-by-country guide of reciprocal health care agreements with the UK, is available from NHS Choices.

Medical facilities in Kyrgyzstan are not as developed as those in the UK. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

In the 2010 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around  9,700 adults aged 15 or over in Kyrgyzstan were living with HIV; the prevalence percentage was estimated at around 0.3% of the adult population compared to the prevalence percentage in adults in the UK of around 0.2%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 103 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Our Travel Health pages offer further advice on how to stay healthy when overseas.

Health - Anthrax
There have been several cases of anthrax in Kyrgyzstan, mainly in the south of the country, due to insufficient measures to vaccinate animals.

Kyrgyzstan is located in an active seismic zone. On 20 July 2011 an earthquake measuring 6.2 on the Richter scale hit the Batken region of south-western Kyrgyzstan. There were no casualties. Avalanches and landslides frequently block roads and are a particular hazard in the spring. On 16 April 2009 a landslide in the village of Raykomol, southern Kyrgyzstan killing 16 people.

General - Insurance
You should get comprehensive travel and medical insurance, including evacuation by air ambulance, before travelling. Check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See Travel insurance.

See our When things go wrong page.

General - Money
Kyrgyzstan is a cash-only economy. You should only change money at officially authorised currency exchanges. Very few establishments accept credit cards and travellers' cheques. There are only a handful of ATM machines, and none in rural areas. US dollars (larger denominations) or Euros are the most widely accepted foreign currency; others may be difficult to exchange. Only fresh, undamaged bank notes will be accepted for exchange.

General - Consular Assistance - British Representation
British interests in Kyrgyzstan are represented by the British Embassy in Bishkek. However, responsibility for the provision of consular or emergency cover for Kyrgyzstan rests with the British Embassy Office in Almaty, Kazakhstan. For consular advice or emergency assistance, please contact the Consular Section at the British Embassy Office Almaty, Kazakhstan. See General - Consular Assistance - Contact Details.

General - Consular Assistance - Registration
Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency.

General - Consular Assistance - Passport
You must carry your passport, or a notarised copy of it, at all times. The police can arrest you if you do not carry ID.

The British Embassy Office in Almaty does not issue passports and, before setting off, you should ensure that your passport has sufficient validity and unused pages. However, the Embassy Office is able to accept applications for new passports, which will be forwarded to the British Embassy in Dusseldorf for processing. Please note that this may take between four-six weeks.

Emergency Travel Documents for limited validity, and for specific journeys can be produced in Almaty within 24 hours.  Emergency Travel Documents can only be issued in cases of genuine emergency.

General - Consular Assistance - Contact Details

British Embassy Bishkek
c/o 215 Manaschy Sagynbaya Street, 720010, Bishkek
Telephone: (996 312) 690 232
Facsimile: (996 312) 690231

British Embassy Office Almaty - Consular & Visa Section Microdistrict Samal – 297 Zholdasbekova Street Samal Towers 9th Floor Block A2 Almaty 050051; Telephone +7 7272 506 191; Facsimile +7 727 2507112 / +7 7272 507962; e-mail Kyrgyzstan.consular @fco.gov.uk; Office Hours (Local time GMT+6hrs) Mon-Thurs 08:30-17:00; Fri 08:30-15:30; Out of office Emergency Number +7 717 255 6244.