Asia and Oceania

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

 

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.