Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise normal precautions in Kyrgyzstan. Some areas have increased risk. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is not required as long as the stay is less than 60 days.
US Embassy/Consulate
+(996)(312) 597-000; EMER: +(996)(312) 597-733; US Embassy Bishkek, 171 Prospect Mira, Bishkek 720016, Kyrgyz Republic; ConsularBishkek@state.gov; https://kg.usembassy.gov/
LGBTQIA+ Travelers
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad. Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. Legal protections vary from country to country. Many countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage. Approximately seventy countries consider consensual same-sex sexual relations a crime, sometimes carrying severe punishment.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/lgbtqi.html
Telephone Code
996
Local Emergency Phone
103
Vaccinations
The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Kyrgyzstan: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, tickborne encephalitis, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, COVID-19, and influenza.
http://www.who.int/
Climate
Dry continental to polar in high Tien Shan Mountains; subtropical in southwest (Fergana Valley); temperate in northern foothill zone
Currency (Code)
Soms (KGS)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
220 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, F
Major Languages
Kyrgyz (official), Uzbek, Russian
Major Religions
Muslim 90% (majority Sunni), Christian 7% (Russian Orthodox 3%), other 3% (includes Jewish, Buddhist, Baha'i)
Time Difference
UTC+6 (11 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Potable Water
Opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit
Suggested
Road Driving Side
Right
Tourist Destinations
Issyk Kul Lake; Bishkek; Ala Archa National Park; Burana Tower; Song Kul; Tash Rabat; Sulaiman-Too; Tien Shan mountain range; Kyrgyz yurt
Major Sports
Soccer, wrestling, ice hockey
Cultural Practices
Guests should take a small gift (alcohol or sweets work well) and be sure to remove their shoes at the door.
Tipping Guidelines
In general, most restaurants include a 10-15% service charge and tipping is not required.
Souvenirs
felt rugs and felt-crafted clothing/cloth and decorative items, silver jewelry, chess sets, miniature wood-carved yurts
Traditional Cuisine
Beshbarmak — horse or lamb meat with flat noodles and onion sauce
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444
Page last updated: Tuesday, September 26, 2023
