Asia and Oceania

Kyrgyzstan
Still current at: 26 November 2009 Updated: 26 August 2009

This advice has been reviewed and reissued with amendments throughout. The overall level of the advice has not changed.

(see travel advice legal disclaimer)

Travel advice for this country

Travel Summary

There are officially confirmed cases of (A) H1N1 - swine flu in Kyrgyzstan. Medical checkpoints are being established at Manas and Osh international airports. Not all ports of entry have doctors qualified for medical assessment. Anyone showing symptoms of (A) H1N1 may be taken to a local hospital (in either Bishkek or Osh). If quarantined, or isolated for health reasons British nationals are advised to contact the British Embassy. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised its pandemic threat alert phase to Level 6. The WHO website has further details. You should monitor media reports for any developments and advice. There is a dedicated swine flu page on the FCO website. Guidance on pandemic flu is available on the UK Department of Health website.
There is no British Embassy in Kyrgystan, but there is an Honorary British Consul in Bishkek. Kyrgyzstan is covered from the British Embassy in Astana, Kazakhstan, with consular assistance provided by the British Embassy Office in Almaty, Kazakhstan. See the general section of this advice for more details.

There is a threat from terrorism in Kyrgyzstan. Attacks could be indiscriminate and against civilian targets, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. See the terrorism section of this advice for more details.
Tensions also exist over recognition of the Kyrgyz-Uzbek borders and you should only use officially recognised border crossings if travelling in the region. There is a risk that uncontrolled border areas may be land-mined. See the local travel section of this advice for more details.
Most visits to Kyrgyzstan are trouble-free. However, you should be aware that there have been a number of criminal incidents involving expatriates in Kyrgyzstan. See the crime section of this advice for more details.
You should carry your passport, or a notarised copy of it, at all times. The police can arrest you if you do not carry identification.
We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See the general (insurance) section of this advice and travel insurance for more details. 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 in Kyrgyzstan. Attacks could be indiscriminate and against civilian targets, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. There has been a history of terrorist activity and armed violence, particularly south and west of Osh. Although there are no confirmed links to terrorist organisations, this does highlight the need for continued vigilance when travelling in the region. For further information see terrorism abroad.

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

Crime

Most visits are trouble free. However, mugging, sometimes violent, and theft regularly occur in both cities and rural areas and foreigners are a particular target.

On the evening of 2 June 2009, a British citizen was injured in a shooting incident in a Bishkek bar.

In March 2009 a British citizen was held at knife point in his office during an attempted robbery in Bishkek.

In the summer of 2008, a British couple on a cycling holiday around Kyrgyzstan were stopped, robbed and beaten in the Jetty Oguz region of Issy Kul. The criminals were rapidly apprehended and most of the stolen property recovered.

These crimes highlight the necessity to be vigilant and to be aware of security issues.

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 and use an accredited 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.

For more general information see victims of crime abroad.

Political situation

Kyrgyzstan country profile

Since 2005, popular demonstrations have become a feature of political life in Kyrgyzstan. In 2008 political tensions were underpinned by large price increases in basic commodities and regular power shortages. Presidential elections were held on 23 July 2009 and some opposition parties have held demonstrations and plan to conduct more demonstrations in the future. Demonstrations are being prohibited in the centre of towns across Kyrgyzstan. You should check the current situation before travelling and avoid any political demonstrations or large gatherings of people while in Kyrgyzstan.

Local Travel

Tensions exist over recognition of the Kyrgyz-Uzbek borders. There have been a number of security incidents in this region. 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. Travellers should note that along the Kyrgyz-Uzbek border, Uzbek border stations are subject to unadvertised closure at any time due to security reasons. Please check our travel advice for Uzbekistan before planning any visits into the Ferghana Valley within Uzbekistan.

The centre of Bishkek is currently experiencing gas cuts whilst major repairs are undertaken. These are expected to be completed in early August.

There are currently regular electrical power cuts taking place across the country. Power cuts are frequent and some areas can be without electrical power for up to six hours per day. Kyrgyz authorities predict that regular electrical power cuts will continue until at least April 2009.

Road Travel

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

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. Extra care should be taken when driving in Kyrgyzstan as a significant proportion of cars are not safely maintained and do not have rear seatbelts. We advise against using local buses and/or mini-buses as maintenance of these vehicles are not always properly observed.

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.

For further information see driving abroad.

Air Travel

All Kyrgyz airlines are currently banned from operating services to the EU because they do not meet international safety standards and 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 August 2008 a Boeing 737 belonging to ITEK Air crashed in Kyrgyzstan shortly after take-off killing 68 passengers and crew.

Local laws and customs

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. For more general information see travelling during Ramadan.

Possession and use of drugs is illegal and, if found guilty, you could face a lengthy prison sentence in basic conditions.

Homosexuality was legalised on 1 January 1998. However, homosexuality is 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.

For more general information for different types of travellers see your trip.

Entry requirements

Visas

Although it is now possible to obtain one-month entry visas on arrival at Manas Airport, we continue to recommend that for ease of entry visitors 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.

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). However, 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 undertaken 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.

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

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.

Health

Medical facilities in Kyrgyzstan are not as developed as those in the UK. You should ensure that your medical insurance includes evacuation by air ambulance.

(A) H1N1 Flu - swine flu

There are officially confirmed cases of (A) H1N1 - swine flu in Kyrgystan. Medical checkpoints are being established at Manas and Osh international airports. Not all ports of entry have doctors qualified for medical assessment. Anyone showing symptoms of (A) H1N1 may be taken to a local hospital (in either Bishkek or Osh). If quarantined, or isolated for health reasons British nationals are advised to contact the British Embassy.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised its pandemic threat alert phase to Level 6. The WHO website has further details, including numbers of confirmed cases in each country. You should monitor local media reports for the latest developments and advice. A dedicated swine flu page can be found on the FCO website. Guidance on Pandemic Flu can be obtained on the UK Department of Health website.

Avian influenza (bird flu)

There have been no reported cases of avian influenza (also known as bird flu) in Kyrgystan, but the World Health Organisation (WHO) has confirmed cases elsewhere in the region.

Malaria, tuberculosis, Hepatitis A, meningitis and brucellosis are common to Kyrgyzstan.

In 2008, 10 people (eight children and two adults) died of rabies in southern Kyrgyzstan.

In the 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 4,200 adults aged 15 or over in Kyrgyzstan were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at around 0.1% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate 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.

You should seek medical advice before travelling to Kyrgyzstan and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the National Travel Heath Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) and NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

For more general health information see travel health.

Anthrax

As of 23 September 2008, there have been 42 cases of anthrax in people officially registered in Kyrgyzstan, mainly in the south of the country, due to insufficient measures to vaccinate animals.

Natural disasters

Kyrgyzstan is located in an active seismic zone. On 5 October 2008 an earthquake measuring 6.6 magnitude on the Richter scale hit Alai region (Osh oblast in the south of the Republic) destroying the village of Nura and killing more than 60 people, more than 100 were injured. 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 killed 16 people.

General

Insurance

We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance, including evacuation by air ambulance, before travelling. This advice is particularly relevant if planning an adventure holiday (e.g. skiing, mountaineering etc). You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See travel insurance for more details.

If things do go wrong when you are overseas then this is how we can help.

British representation

British interests in Kyrgyzstan are represented overall by the British Embassy in Astana, Kazakhstan. However, consular or emergency cover for Kyrgyzstan will be provided by the British Embassy Office in Almaty, Kazakhstan. For consular advice or emergency assistance, please contact the British Honorary Consul in Bishkek, who works closely with the British Embassy Office in Almaty (see contact details).

Consular 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.

Passport

You should carry your passport, or a notarised copy of it, at all times. The police can arrest you if you do not carry identification.

The British Embassy Office in Almaty does not issue passports and, before setting off, you should ensure that your passport has sufficient validity and a good number of unused pages. However, the Embassy Office is able to accept applications for new passports, which will be forwarded to the British Embassy in Moscow for processing. Please note that this may take up to four weeks. Temporary passports, valid for one year, are available in Almaty and can usually be produced within 24 hours.

Money

Outside Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan is very much 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.

Contact Details

British Embassy - Astana

62, Kosmonavtov Street

Renco Building 6 Floor

Astana 010000

Telephone: (77172) 556200

Facsimile: (77172) 556211

Office Hours: GMT: Mon-Thurs: 0300-1130; Fri: 0300-1000

Local: Mon-Thurs: 0900-1730; Fri: 0900-1600

Website

British Embassy Office Almaty – Consular & Visa Section

Microdistrict Samal – 2

97 Zholdasbekova Street

Samal Towers 9th Floor

Almaty 050051

Telephone: +7 7272 506 191

Facsimile: +7 727 2507112 / +7 7272 507962

Hours of Business (local time: GMT + 6 hours)

08:30-17:00 (Mon-Thurs)

08:30-15:30 (Friday)

Out of office Emergency Number: +7701 711 2301

Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek, British Honorary Consulate
British Honorary Consul
Tynystanova 231
Bishkek, 220040
(Located in the basement under Fatboy's Cafe)
720040 British Honorary Consul: Michael Atsoparthis

Telephone:
Mobile: +996 (0) 555 584245
Office: +996 (0) 312 627686
Facsimile: +996 (0) 312 627686

Email: gbhoncon@mail.kg

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Contacts

Kazakhstan, Astana, British Embassy

Address:

Kazakhstan, Astana, British Embassy
62, Kosmonavtov Street
Renco Building 6 Floor
Astana 010000

Kazakhstan, British Embassy Office Almaty
Samal Towers, 97 Zholdasbekova street 97,
Block A2, 9 Floor
Microdistrict Samal 2
Almaty 050051

Telephone:

+7 (7172) 556200 (Astana)
+7 (7272) 506191 (Almaty)

Fax:

+7 (7172) 556211 (Astana)
+7 (7272) 507962 (Almaty)

Email: BritishEmbassy@mail.online.kz

Email: AlmatyVisaGeneral@fco.gov.uk

Office hours:

Astana:
GMT: Mon-Thurs: 0300-1130; Fri: 0300-1000
Local: Mon-Thurs: 0900-1730; Fri: 0900-1600

Almaty:
GMT: Mon-Thurs: 0230-1100; Fri: 0230-0930
Local: Mon-Thurs: 0830-1700; Fri: 0830-1530

Website: http://UKinKZ.fco.gov.uk

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