U.S. Citizen Services
Family Emergency in the United States
Families of Americans overseas may try to contact the American because of an emergency at home, natural disaster or because of concern about the American's welfare. If they cannot reach the American directly, they may call the State Department's Citizens Emergency Center or call the American Citizen Services (ACS) unit of the U.S. Embassy in Bishkek. The State Department will relay the message to the nearest U.S. Consular Section. The ACS unit will attempt to locate the American, pass on urgent messages, and, consistent with the Federal Privacy Act, report back to the family. Registering upon arrival greatly enhances our ability to locate you in the event of the emergency.
U.S. Embassy Bishkek
+996 312 551-241 (Temporary phone number: +996 312 551-740)
State Department’s Citizens Emergency Center
(202) 647-5225 24 hours, everyday
Civil Disturbance or Disaster
In the event of a natural disaster or major crisis, American citizens need to be resourceful. U.S. officials will do everything they can to contact and advise. However, officials must give priority to helping Americans who have been hurt or are in immediate danger. In a disaster, consular officers may face the same constraints as private Americans - lack of electricity or fuel, interrupted telephone lines, closed airports, etc. Americans are advised to monitor news reports and contact the Embassy to find out if an advisory has been issued. In the event that all other forms of communication are not working, Americans should tune in to Radio OK (100.5 FM in Bishkek) for safety information from the Consular Section. Information will be provided at the top of the hour.
Death of American Citizen
The death of any American citizen in Kyrgyz Republic should be reported immediately to the Consular Section. A Consular Officer will notify the deceased next-of-kin and inform him or her about options and costs for the disposition of remains. If the next-of-kin wishes, the consular officer can act as his or her representative with local authorities.
The Consular Section will prepare the necessary documents should the family choose to have the body returned to the U.S. Costs associated with the repatriation of remains to the U.S. are quite high and must be paid by the family. The Consular Section will prepare a Consular Report of Death, based upon the Kyrgyz death certificate, which may then be used in the U.S. to settle estate and other matters.
Arrests
If you are arrested, you should ask authorities to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. Since you are subject to Kyrgyz laws while in Kyrgyz Republic, the Embassy cannot force your release from jail, but it can protect your legitimate interests and ensure that you are not discriminated against. A consular or other officer from the Embassy will visit you. In addition, the Embassy can provide a list of local attorneys, and, if you choose, contact your friends and relatives on your behalf.
