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Kyrgyz Republic
Country Specific Information
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August 29, 2008
COUNTRY DESCRIPTION:
The Kyrgyz Republic, a mountainous country of five million people, is undergoing political and economic change. Tourist
facilities are not highly developed, and many of the goods and services taken for granted in other countries are not yet widely
available. Read the Department of State Background Notes on the Kyrgyz Republic for additional information.
ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: A passport and visa are required. American citizens can obtain a one-month single-entry, non-extendable tourist visa upon arrival at the “Manas” International Airport outside Bishkek for a $36 fee without invitation or sponsorship. Newly enacted legislation requires that all foreigners present in the Kyrgyz Republic for more than sixty days register with the Kyrgyz Department of Visa and Passport Control. Failure to do so may cause difficulties when exiting the country. Individuals traveling to Kyrgyzstan to perform religious work or work in affiliation with any religious organization in any capacity are required by Kyrgyz law to declare so on their visa applications. Failure to do so may lead to difficulties with local law enforcement as it is considered a violation of Kyrgyz law to engage in activities not matching the purpose of travel indicated on an individual’s visa. In general, travelers should apply for the correct category of visa for their purpose of travel. Travelers cannot obtain a tourist visa at land borders or other airports. American citizens visiting the Kyrgyz Republic are not required to register with the Office of Visas and Registration. The Embassy recommends that Americans traveling in the Kyrgyz Republic also obtain Kazakh visas, as commercial air travel out of the Kyrgyz Republic is limited and Americans may need to travel through Kazakhstan to return to the United States. For further information regarding entry/exit requirements, contact the Embassy of the Kyrgyz Republic at 2630 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20008, telephone: (202) 338-5141, fax: (202) 742 6501. Visit the Embassy of the Kyrgyz Republic web site at http://www.kgembassy.org/ for the most current visa information.
Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our web site. For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information sheet.
SAFETY AND SECURITY: The Department of State urges U.S. citizens to avoid all travel to rural areas along the Kyrgyz-Uzbek and Kyrgyz-Tajik borders,
and all areas to the south and west of the provincial capital of Osh. Security conditions in these parts of the southern Kyrgyz
Republic differ from security conditions in the north, and the threat of violence against foreigners in the southern Kyrgyz
Republic continues. Hostage-taking incidents involving foreigners occurred during the summers of 1999 and 2000, including
one incident in the summer of 2000 involving American citizens. In 2007, there were reports of attempted “bride-kidnappings”
in rural areas. While foreigners are not believed to be intentional targets, an American female was held against her will
for several days in one reported incident. In 2006, suspected militants attacked a border post on the Kyrgyz-Tajik border,
and ensuing skirmishes took place between the militants and Kyrgyz military forces throughout the southern Batken region. Land
mines in Batken Oblast and near the Kyrgyz-Tajik border continue to be a concern. There are currently restrictions for U.S.
Government employees traveling to areas of the Kyrgyz Republic south and west of Osh and in rural areas along the Kyrgyz-Uzbek
border because of the volatile security situation in these areas.
Supporters of extremist groups such as the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU), the Islamic Jihad Union (IJU), al-Qaeda,
and the Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement remain active in Central Asia. These groups have expressed anti-U.S. sentiments
and may attempt to target U.S. Government or private interests in the region, including in the Kyrgyz Republic. Terrorist
attacks involving the use of suicide bombers have previously taken place in neighboring Uzbekistan. Terrorists do not distinguish
between official and civilian targets. Because of increased security at official U.S. facilities, terrorists are seeking softer
civilian targets such as residential areas, clubs and restaurants, places of worship, hotels, schools, outdoor recreation
events, resorts, beaches, maritime facilities, airports and aircraft.
In 2005-2007, there were several large-scale demonstrations and protests. Demonstrations in Bishkek have occurred in front
of the Presidential Administration building (White House) and on Alatoo Square in the city center. The Embassy does not always
have advance information regarding new demonstrations. Therefore, all Americans are reminded to remain vigilant and are urged
to avoid the vicinity of all protests, because even protests that are intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and
possibly escalate into violence.
For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State, Bureau of
Consular Affairs’ web site at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts, as well as the Worldwide Caution, can be found.
Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S. and Canada, or for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
The Department of State urges American citizens to take responsibility for their own personal security while traveling overseas. For general information about appropriate measures travelers can take to protect themselves in an overseas environment, see the Department of State’s pamphletA Safe Trip Abroad.
CRIME: The U.S. Embassy advises U.S. citizens to exercise caution in urban areas of the Kyrgyz Republic due to the high rate of
violent crime against foreigners. Travelers arriving at Manas International Airport should arrange their transportation from
the airport in advance. Foreign travelers have been the victims of extortion by airport taxi drivers, who appeared in some
cases to be colluding with airport personnel to identify their victims. Travelers should not take public transportation or
walk after dark, and should be extremely cautious in or near hotels, bars, parks and all places that attract an expatriate
clientele. The Kyrgyz Republic has a high rate of violent crime due to unemployment and a large number of organized gangs. Muggings
often occur after dark and can be quite violent, leaving the victim severely injured. Other common crimes include auto theft,
mugging, and pick pocketing in crowded places such as markets, Internet cafes and on public transportation. U.S. citizens
have been the victims of such crimes as rape, assault, kidnapping and robbery while in urban and rural parts of Kyrgyzstan,
and there have been reports of U.S. citizens who were robbed by groups of young men who had followed them back to their residences
from hotels and bars. Police officers rarely speak English and no victims’ assistance programs are available. Medical and
psychiatric care for victims is limited.
Harassment and extortion by people who purport to be Kyrgyz police officers are common. According to Kyrgyz law, any person
claiming to be a police officer must show identifying documents on demand. U.S. citizens should not act upon requests by people,
whether in civilian dress or in police uniform, if they have no official identification. Also U.S. citizens should not get
into cars with someone they do not know, even if the person claims to be a police officer.
INFORMATION FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME: The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, contact family members or friends and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.
The local equivalent to the “911” emergency lines in Kyrgyzstan are: 101 for fire; 102 for police;
103 for first aid ambulance (state-funded); 151 (from landline), 0 312 684466 (from landline or cellphone); and 161 for rescue
service (under the Ministry of emergency situations.)
See our information on Victims of Crime.
MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: Medical services in the Kyrgyz Republic are extremely limited. Elderly travelers and those with existing health problems
may be at risk due to inadequate medical facilities. The U.S. Embassy strongly recommends that travelers to the Kyrgyz Republic
carry medical evacuation insurance in case of emergency. The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Bishkek maintains a list
of foreign-trained and local physicians who have agreed to give medical assistance to Americans. This list is available on
the Embassy web site at http://bishkek.usembassy.gov.
Some HIV/AIDS entry restrictions exist for visitors to and foreign residents of Kyrgyzstan. There is no legal requirement
for HIV/AIDS testing during the visa application or registration process. Kyrgyz law does state that if a foreign citizen
refuses to submit to HIV/AIDS testing when requested while in Kyrgyzstan, that person could be deported. Please verify this
information with the Embassy of Kyrgyzstan at http://www.kgembassy.org before you travel.
Tuberculosis is an increasingly serious health concern in Kyrgyzstan. For further information, please consult the CDC's Travel Notice on TB available at http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/yellowBookCh4-TB.aspx.
Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747) or via the CDC’s web site at http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/default.aspx. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization’s (WHO) web site at http://www.who.int/en. Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith/en.
MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. Please see our information on medical insurance overseas.
TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United
States. The information below concerning the Kyrgyz Republic is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally
accurate in a particular location or circumstance.
Most of the Kyrgyz Republic’s road infrastructure consists of two-lane roads, which are all in various states of disrepair,
and are poorly marked and lit. Many local drivers tend to disobey fundamental traffic laws – such as stopping at red lights. As
a result, driving can be very dangerous. Accidents involving severe injury and/or death are not uncommon.
Drivers must exercise particular caution to avoid uneven pavement, potholes and open drains and manholes. Night driving should
be avoided, as roads are inadequately lit. In winter, roads are seldom plowed and ice and snow make the poor driving conditions
even more hazardous. Pedestrians routinely walk in the road, often wearing dark clothes at night, necessitating even greater
caution for drivers. Mountain roads in the Kyrgyz Republic are often narrow and treacherous, and may close without notice
due to snow, ice or rockslides. Guardrails and barriers preventing falling rocks are often missing. The Kyrgyz Republic does
not have a roadside assistance infrastructure. Towing companies do not exist. Although mechanics are available in cities there
is little organized oversight or certification of their practices or abilities. Rest areas are infrequent and very primitive. Service
stations are generally available in and near cities, but the fuel they provide may be adulterated or of poor quality.
The road between Almaty, Kazakhstan and Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, is especially treacherous at night or during poor weather. Americans
and other travelers have been killed in traffic accidents on that road, and travel at night is not recommended.
Generally, speed limits are 60 km per hour in the cities and 90 km per hour in rural areas. Kyrgyz law mandates that all automobile
passengers wear seat belts and that motorcycle riders wear helmets. International driving permits are recognized in the Kyrgyz
Republic.
Drivers may face harassment by traffic police, who have been known to demand payment for arbitrary "fines" for purported infractions.
The Kyrgyz Republic has a "zero tolerance" policy for driving under the influence of alcohol.
Public transportation in the Kyrgyz Republic is limited to buses, taxis, and very few intercity trains. Travelers should be
particularly careful when using public transportation. Buses tend to be very crowded and can be unsafe and unreliable. Taxis
too can be dangerous. Due to the danger of theft or assault, travelers should avoid entering a cab that already contains passengers. Taxis
are seldom metered, and travelers should negotiate a fare prior to entering a cab and be aware that cab drivers often try
to charge foreigners a high fare. Drivers of vehicles that are not taxis are often willing to drive people for fares. However,
U.S. citizens should avoid using any of these "private taxis" and unmarked taxis.
Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information. Visit the website of the country’s national tourist office and national authority responsible
for road safety at insert site here.
AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in the Kyrgyz Republic, the U.S.
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the Kyrgyz Republic’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with
International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. For more information, travelers may visit the
FAA’s web site at http://www.faa.gov/safety/programs_initiatives/oversight/iasa.
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Kyrgyz customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from the Kyrgyz
Republic of items such as antiquities or hunting trophies. It is advisable to contact the Embassy of the Kyrgyz Republic in
Washington at 2630 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20008, telephone: (202) 338-5141, fax: (202) 742 6501 or at http://www.kgembassy.org/ for specific information regarding customs requirements.
The Kyrgyz Republic is a cash-only economy. The banking system is not well developed. ATMs are available, but the security
of these machines remains untested. A hotel or bank may, on occasion, accept traveler’s checks or credit cards, but the fees
can be as high as 20 percent for traveler’s checks.
U.S. citizens are encouraged to carry a copy of their U.S. passport with them at all times, so that, if questioned by local
officials, proof of identity and citizenship are readily available.
In accordance with the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations and certain bilateral treaties, a consular officer from the
U.S. Embassy must be given access to any U.S. citizen arrested in the Kyrgyz Republic. U.S. citizens who are arrested or detained
should ask that the U.S. Embassy be contacted immediately. This is generally recognized, though there can be a sizeable delay
in notification times depending on the local authorities’ interpretation of the case’s legal status.
The Kyrgyz Republic is an earthquake-prone country. General information about natural disaster preparedness is available via
the Internet from the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at http://www.fema.gov.
Hunting and trekking are popular sports for locals and tourists in the Kyrgyz Republic; however, American citizens traveling
to the Kyrgyz Republic should know that hunting in the Kyrgyz Republic without proper licenses is illegal. It is illegal to
import or own firearms in the Kyrgyz Republic without a permit issued by the Kyrgyz government. Foreign hunters who do not
have official permission to hunt or take trophies out of the country may face criminal and civil charges. Both hunting and
trekking infrastructures are underdeveloped with limited services, especially in the high mountainous regions popular with
trekkers and hunters. Avalanches and landslides are common in these mountainous regions, often cutting off villages for weeks
at a time. These villages and hunting areas are in isolated, rugged, mountainous areas inaccessible by the limited rescue
services available in the Kyrgyz Republic. Americans traveling to the Kyrgyz Republic to hunt or trek need to be aware of
the risks involved. The Embassy recommends that all Americans register with the Embassy in Bishkek for the duration of their
stay in the country.
Please see our Customs Information.
CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating the Kyrgyz Republic’s laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in The Kyrgyz Republic are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime, prosecutable in the United States. Please see our information on Criminal Penalties.
CHILDREN'S ISSUES: For information see our Office of Children’s Issues web pages on intercountry adoption and international parental child abduction.
REGISTRATION / EMBASSY LOCATION: Americans living or traveling in the Kyrgyz Republic are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate
through the State Department’s travel registration web site so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security within the Kyrgyz Republic. Americans withoutInternet
access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier
for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency. The U.S. Embassy in Bishkek is located at 171 Prospect
Mira, 720016 Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic. The phone number is 996-312-551-241, fax: 996-517-777-202, and web site: http://bishkek.usembassy.gov.
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This replaces the Country Specific Information for the Kyrgyz Republic Dated January 8, 2008, to update sections on Country
Description, Entry/Exit Requirements, Crime, Information for Victims of Crime, and Medical Facilities and Health Information.
