Kyrgyzstan

This 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.

The 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.

Passport validity requirements

If you’re visiting or resident in Kyrgyzstan, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the day you arrive.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You 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.

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.

Visa requirements

You 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.

To stay longer, to work or study, see more information on the available visa types.

Kyrgyzstan offers an e-visa service for visitors. See Kyrgyzstan’s official e-visa portal

Registering with the authorities

If 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.      

If 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.

Do 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.

Vaccine requirements

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Kyrgyzstan guide.

Kyrgyz-British dual nationality

Kyrgyzstan 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.

Customs rules

There 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.

Medication

Bring 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.

If 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.

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.

Emergency services in Kyrgyzstan

Ambulance: 103

Fire: 101 

Police: 102

Rescue and emergency: 112

Tourist police in Issyk-Kul Province

If 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.

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact 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.

Refunds and changes to travel

For 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.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding English-speaking lawyers, funeral directors and translators and interpreters in Kyrgyzstan
• dealing with a death in Kyrgyzstan
• being arrested or imprisoned in Kyrgyzstan
• getting help if you’re a victim of crime
• what to do if you’re in hospital
• if you’re affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO

Help abroad  

See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency. 

Help in the UK  

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.  

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)  

Find out about call charges

Get travel advice updates  

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Risk information for British companies

If you’re considering investing or doing business in Kyrgyzstan, it is important to research carefully.

Although 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.

The 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.

Business 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).