No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:
\n\nIf you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
\n\nThe Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\nThis information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Kyrgyzstan’s current rules for the most common types of travel.
\n\nThe authorities in Kyrgyzstan set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Kyrgyz Embassy in the UK.
\n\nIf you’re visiting or resident in Kyrgyzstan, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the day you arrive.
\n\nCheck with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
\n\nYou will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
\n\nWhen returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
\n\nYou can enter Kyrgyzstan as a visitor for stays of up to 30 calendar days without a visa, for each 60-day period. After this period expires, UK nationals must either leave Kyrgyzstan or obtain the appropriate documents.
\n\nTo stay longer, to work or study, see more information on the available visa types.
\n\nKyrgyzstan offers an e-visa service for visitors. See Kyrgyzstan’s official e-visa portal
\n\nIf you’re visiting Kyrgyzstan for more than 30 calendar days, you must either leave the territory of Kyrgyzstan before the 30 calendar day period ends, or register online with the State Registration Service (SRS) (in Kyrgyz and Russian). You must register within 5 days of your entry into Kyrgyzstan for the period of your visa’s validity.
\n\nIf you’re staying with someone who owns a property in Kyrgyzstan for longer than 30 calendar days, you and the property owner must register at the State Registration Service.
\n\nDo not overstay your visa, or exceed your permitted duration of stay, even for a very short period. If you overstay, you could get a fine and possibly be deported. It is not always easy or possible to extend your stay or visa if you want to stay in the country for longer than planned. If you’re travelling overland, make sure you arrive at your intended border crossing in good time before your period of stay or visa expires.
\n\nFor details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Kyrgyzstan guide.
\n\nKyrgyzstan does not recognise dual nationality. If you enter Kyrgyzstan on a Kyrgyz passport and are also a British national, the British Embassy will only be able to provide limited consular assistance. If you’re arrested or detained, the Kyrgyz authorities are unlikely to grant you access to British Embassy staff.
\n\nThere are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Kyrgyzstan (in Russian). You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
\n\nBring a doctor’s prescription if you travel with prescription medicines and declare them on your customs declaration form. Some non-prescription medicines in the UK cause problems on entry into Kyrgyzstan. Possession can lead to civil or criminal proceedings if you have not declared them on arrival. Some medicines which are available without a prescription in the UK might require a prescription in Kyrgyzstan.
\n\nIf you are planning to take any medication with you, it is recommended that you contact the Kyrgyz Embassy into the UK or a local travel agency for further advice on whether any restrictions apply to the medications you are planning to bring.
\n","slug":"entry-requirements","title":"Entry requirements"},{"body":"You should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and regional risks advice.
\n\nThere is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
\n\nUK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
\n\nTerrorist attacks in Kyrgyzstan cannot be ruled out.
\n\nAttacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals. Be alert for any security related announcements by the Kyrgyz authorities.
\n\nDemonstrations happen regularly in Bishkek and elsewhere across the country. Most demonstrations are peaceful but can turn violent, with little or no warning. On 17 and 18 May 2024, 41 people were injured in Bishkek in Kyrgyz protests against South Asian migrant workers and students.
\n\nAvoid crowds and demonstrations, check for updates on local media and follow the advice of local authorities.
\n\nStreet crime is a risk, including bag-snatching and mugging. Take care if you go out alone or use public transport and consider using private cars or pre-arranged taxis at night.
\n\nDo not show large amounts of money and be wary of strangers offering help or being over-friendly.
\n\nBe careful when using currency exchange offices and visiting the bazaars in Bishkek, particularly Osh Bazaar, where pickpockets target tourists.
\n\nUse caution and take measures to reduce your personal risk, such as:
\n\nkeep sight of your belongings at all times
\nbe aware of thieves using distraction techniques
\navoid carrying all your valuables together in one place e.g. handbags or pockets
\nexercise a similar level of caution as you would in the UK
\nDrink spiking is a risk in nightclubs and bars and can lead to sexual assault. Alcohol and drugs can reduce your vigilance, making you less in control.
\n\nBuy your own drinks and always keep them in sight to avoid them being spiked. If you drink, know your limit. Avoid splitting up from your friends and do not go off with people you do not know. See Travel Aware ‘Stick with your mates’ for tips and advice.
\n\nKyrgyzstan has a secular constitution. Most Kyrgyz people are Muslim. Respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions. Make sure your actions do not offend other cultures or religious beliefs, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or when you visit religious sites.
\n\nRamadan is a holy month for Muslims. The dates vary by year and country. Cafés and restaurants may amend their menus and be busy around fast-breaking (‘Iftar’). Areas around mosques are also likely to be busy around prayer times. Take particular care not to offend religious sensitivities at this time.
\n\nYou must always carry your passport, or a notarised copy of it, with you at all times. The police can arrest you if you do not carry ID. You can be arrested if you fail to do so. You can get a copy of your passport notarised in the UK and translated into Kyrgyz or Russian, or use a copy notarised in Kyrgyzstan.
\n\nIt is illegal to possess or use drugs. You could get a lengthy prison sentence if convicted. Prison conditions are basic.
\n\nThe police conduct regular drug raids in bars and night clubs. Police will be masked and armed. Stay calm and follow instructions. If you are not carrying and have not taken drugs you are normally asked for identification and then allowed to leave.
\n\nIt is illegal to sell alcohol to someone aged 18 or under. Drinking in public is prohibited, and violators may face a 1,000 KGS fines or even imprisonment.
\n\nIt is illegal to bring e-cigarettes, vaping devices and solutions into Kyrgyzstan or to buy and sell them. Customs officials will confiscate these items; and they could fine or detain you.
\n\nIt is prohibited to bring certain material into Kyrgyzstan. This includes material which promotes war, terrorism, religious hatred or racism and pornographic content.
\n\nIt is illegal to take photos of or use drones near anything related to the military or security, including border checkpoints, military sites and police stations. Check carefully that you are not near any military or security facilities.
\n\nCheck if you can import and use your model of drone with the Kyrgyz Embassy.
\n\nBe careful when posting images of your visit on social media as offence can be taken. Take particular care with images or comments about public buildings, the Kyrgyz flag, national food or customs. Disrespectful content could result in fines or detention.
\n\nSame-sex relationships are legal but not often discussed or recognised publicly. Showing affection in public could result in a violent attack or unwanted attention. Same sex marriages are not recognised in Kyrgyz law.
\n\nRead more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
\n\nThere are frequent power cuts throughout Kyrgyzstan during the winter.
\n\nThe currency in Kyrgyzstan is the Kyrgyz som (KGS), and is usually not available in currency exchanges outside Kyrgyzstan.
\n\nATMs are widely available in main cities and usually distribute Kyrgyz som and US dollars. You should pay with KGS but USD is a universal currency, and may be accepted in certain situations. ATMs sometimes have a maximum som withdrawal limit. This varies from bank to bank, but is often around 10,000 KGS. ATMs are also usually available in smaller towns, though it may be more difficult to withdraw dollars outside main cities. Credit and debit cards are widely used around the country; VISA is accepted in most places, but MasterCard is sometimes not accepted. Payment by QR code is also common. Travellers’ cheques are not normally accepted.
\n\nBring cash if you plan to travel to rural areas where ATMs may not be available.
\n\nUS dollars are the most easily exchanged foreign currency. Notes from before 2007 usually are not accepted or subject to additional charge if changing to Kyrgyz som.
\n\nTrekking in Kyrgyzstan often involves travelling to very remote areas. There is a high risk of avalanches, landslides and rockfalls. Weather can change very quickly, and heavy snowfall can block roads and trekking routes, particularly in the autumn and winter.
\n\nAt higher altitudes there is a possibility of snow even in the summer months, and a risk of sunstroke, serious sunburn and altitude sickness.
\n\nYou should:
\n\nIn remote areas, mobile phone or satellite phone coverage can be extremely limited. Medical facilities are basic, and difficult terrain can in some circumstances make it impossible for emergency services to reach you.
\n\nThere is a basic mountain rescue service staffed by volunteers. The rescue equipment they have is limited. Mountain rescue 24-hour emergency number: +996 312 651 404.
\n\nIf you’re planning to drive a hire car or a UK vehicle, see information on driving abroad.
\n\nYou can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Kyrgyzstan for up to 30 days. For stays longer than this, you’ll need to have both the 1968 version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence with you in the car. You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel. An IDP is valid for either 12 months or 3 years, depending on the type, and is issued for a fixed duration.
\n\nIf you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence or get the correct version of the international driving permit (IDP) as well.
\n\nYou’re legally required to have third-party insurance. For more information, contact insurance companies in Kyrgyzstan.
\n\nHire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as a minimum of one year of driving experience, a higher minimum age and holding an IDP.
\n\nDrink-driving is a serious offence in Kyrgyzstan. If you are tested and found to have any alcohol in your system, you may be fined and have your licence revoked for 1 year.
\n\nIf the police stop you and issue a fine, they should give you a paper copy with instructions on how to pay. You can pay fines through a payment terminal or in a bank. Do not pay cash directly to police officers, although some may have a payment terminal you can use. Some fines may be reduced if you pay quickly. Payment terminals are available on streets and other places such as malls, grocery stores, kiosks and restaurants.
\n\nKyrgyzstan road laws require you:
\n\nMany roads are poorly lit and not maintained, with road works or damaged roads often not clearly signposted. Watch out for pedestrians as they often have a low awareness of road safety. Roads outside of Bishkek are often blocked by snow in winter.
\n\nTake extra care when driving, particularly over long distances and avoid giving lifts to hitchhikers. Drivers have been robbed by people they picked up.
\n\nRoad conditions can be poor in and around Bishkek, wherever possible use main roads when travelling.
\n\nPetrol stations are limited in rural areas and diesel is often unavailable. Make sure you take all you need for your journey.
\n\nAvoid flagging down taxis. Use licensed pre-ordered taxi services whenever possible, these are more reputable and have English-speaking dispatchers.
\n\nAvoid using local buses and minibuses if possible. They are not always maintained properly and pickpockets operate on them.
\n\nIn May 2022, the UK sanctioned Aeroflot, Rossiya Airlines and Ural Airlines. It is now illegal under UK law for any British national or British company to do business with these airlines. This includes buying flight tickets.
\n\nThe UK Air Safety List (ASL) lists all known airlines in Kyrgyzstan that do not meet international safety standards and are banned from operating commercial air services to, from, and within the UK. Check the UK Air Safety List when considering which airlines to fly with. The list is maintained by the Department for Transport, based on advice from the UK Civil Aviation Authority.
\n\nCheck whether your tour operator has concerns about airlines in Kyrgyzstan.
\n\nFind out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
\n\nThere is a high risk of earthquakes and tremors are frequent. Familiarise yourself with safety procedures and follow advice from local authorities. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency has information about what to do before, during and after an earthquake.
\n\nIn the mountains, avalanches and landslides often block roads, particularly in the spring.
\n\n","slug":"safety-and-security","title":"Safety and security"},{"body":"This section has safety advice for regions of Kyrgyzstan. It only covers regions where FCDO has specific advice.
\n\nYou should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice.
\n\nThere is a history of border clashes in this area, and the security situation can change at short notice. There have been no further clashes since the border agreement in 2025. There might be a risk of unexploded ordinance and mines, particularly in the border areas of the Batken region. Border areas may be subject to sudden restrictions on movement and a heightened security presence. You should exercise caution if travelling near the Kyrgyzstan–Tajikistan border, check local conditions before travel, and follow the advice of the local authorities.
\n\nCrossing the borders can be complex, take local advice if you’re planning on crossing.
\n\nCheck local media reports before you travel to see which border posts are open. Only use officially recognised border crossings. Border crossings can close at short notice.
\n\n","slug":"regional-risks","title":"Regional risks"},{"body":"Before you travel check that:
\n\nThis is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
\n\nCall 103 and ask for an ambulance.
\n\nContact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
\n\nAt least 8 weeks before your trip:
\n\nSee what health risks you’ll face in Kyrgyzstan.
\n\nAltitude sickness is a risk in parts of Kyrgyzstan. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.
\n\nThere have been several cases of anthrax, mainly in the south due to insufficient vaccination of animals.
\n\nAir quality in Bishkek has deteriorated due to pollutants into the air, particularly during the winter months. Try to minimise your exposure to outside air by staying in an air-conditioned indoor place as much as possible, with windows and doors closed and well-sealed.
\n\nRegularly damp-dust all indoor surfaces, washing your hands afterwards. Monitor local reports and weather forecasts for the latest information and advice.
\n\nThe legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
\n\nRead best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
\n\nBasic medicines including painkillers are available without a prescription. Most UK prescriptions are accepted in Kyrgyzstan, but you should phone a Kyrgyz pharmacy in advance to check. You may need to get your UK prescription translated into Russian or Kyrgyz. You can get a translation in Kyrgyzstan – find an interpreter or translator.
\n\nSome prescription medications are not widely available. Medications often come under different brand names, so ask for the drug’s generic name. If your medication is not available, you may be able to get it couriered from Russia or Turkey, though this could take time.
\n\nYou may need to pay cash for medication.
\n\nThe quality of medical care in Kyrgyzstan is not as high as the UK. Medical facilities are often badly equipped and unhygienic, with a limited supply of drugs. There is no guarantee that equipment will have been properly sterilised, especially in rural hospitals. Avoid all but basic or essential treatment in the event of an emergency. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.
\n\nThere is no reciprocal healthcare agreement between the UK and Kyrgyzstan.
\n\nFCDO has a list of medical providers in Kyrgyzstan where some staff will speak English.
\n\nRead FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
\n\n","slug":"health","title":"Health"},{"body":"The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.
\n\nAmbulance: 103
\n\nFire: 101
\n\nPolice: 102
\n\nRescue and emergency: 112
\n\nIf you are in Issyk-Kul Oblast (province) and need help, you can call the tourist police call centre, where the staff speak English and Russian, or message on WhatsApp, on +996 705 00 91 02.
\n\nContact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.
\n\nFor refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.
\n\nFind out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:
\n\nFCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:
\n\nSee how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.
\n\nYou can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.
\n\nTelephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)
\n\n\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\nIf you’re considering investing or doing business in Kyrgyzstan, it is important to research carefully.
\n\nAlthough there are British companies operating successfully in Kyrgyzstan, there have been instances of British people getting into difficulties. This includes having assets stolen or being physically attacked. See Kyrgyzstan’s ranking in the Transparency International Global Corruption Index.
\n\nThe Kyrgyz legal system can be slow and getting judgements implemented can be very difficult. The British Embassy is not able to get involved (including offering advice) in private disputes over property, employment, commercial or other matters.
\n\nBusiness associations in Kyrgyzstan may be able to offer you advice. If you get into difficulties due to the actions of state bodies, you can also contact the Kyrgyzstan ombudsman (in Russian and Kyrgyz).
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