How to get a visa for Kyrgyzstan?

Kyrgyzstan is one of the oldest known regions for human civilisation. Various expeditions and investigations have shown that primitive man has lived in this country since the stone age. This country, located in the centre of Asia, covers almost 200,000 square kilometres and has a population of over 6 million people.

It is a vast country with large mountains and unexplored landscapes. When China began building its famous Great Wall, border clashes with the Kyrgyz inhabitants forced some to leave the country and join other tribes. However, those that remained in Kyrgyz stayed in the country and fought to maintain their land, culture and writing.

Today, Kyrgyzstan has two official languages, Kyrgyz and Russian.

Do I need a visa to travel to Kyrgyzstan?

Yes, you will have to apply for one of the various visas that the Kyrgyz government has on offer. The more common Kyrgyzstan visas are tourist or business visas. These can be easily requested online, in person at the country's embassies or consulates, or on arrival at the airport.

Types of visas

Tourist visa (TS)

This visa is granted to foreign citizens who come to Kyrgyzstan for tourism purposes with a maximum stay of 90 days.

Mountain Tourism Visa (MT)

This visa is granted to foreign citizens who wish to do sports tourism in Kyrgyzstan, whether it be alpine, climbing, snowboarding, rafting, etc. It is valid for a maximum of 3 months.

Transit visa (TR)

This visa is granted to foreign citizens who are passing through Kyrgyzstan before arriving at their final destination. It has a maximum validity of 5 days.

Business visa (B)

This visa is granted to foreign citizens who come to Kyrgyzstan to do business, to participate in negotiations, conferences, meetings, events, etc. It is valid for a maximum stay of 90 days.

Guest visa (G)

This visa is granted to foreign citizens who travel to Kyrgyzstan to carry out activities of a private nature, whether visiting friends and acquaintances or receiving medical services. It is valid for a maximum stay of 60 days.

Student visa (S)

This visa is granted to foreign citizens who come to the country to study. It is valid for 90 days, with the option of extending it up to 1 year or to the duration of the course to be taken.

Diplomatic visa (D)

This visa is granted to foreign citizens holding a diplomatic passport who travel to the country to carry out official work. It can be requested for stays ranging from 30 days to 1 year, with single, double or multiple entries, depending on the needs or work to be done.

Official visa (O)

This visa is granted to foreign citizens holding an official passport who travel to Kyrgyzstan to participate in official work. It can be requested for stays ranging from 30 days to a year, with single, double or multiple entries, depending on the needs or work to be done.

Investor visa (I)

This visa is granted to investors or heads of foreign investment companies, and their families, who come to carry out investment activities in Kyrgyzstan.

Driver's visa (T)

This visa is granted to foreign citizens who enter the country with an international cargo truck. It is valid for a maximum of 6 months, with stays not exceeding 30 days per entry.

Religion visa (R)

This visa is granted to foreign citizens who come to Kyrgyzstan to carry out religious activities for a maximum period of 60 days.

Private visa (P1)

This visa is granted to foreign citizens who travel to Kyrgyzstan for personal and private matters such as visiting relatives or friends, receiving medical treatment, etc.  It is valid for a maximum stay of 90 days and with it, they cannot carry out paid activities.

Private visa (P2)

It is the same as the P1 private visa, with the difference that the applicant can qualify for an extension of up to 6 months.

Private visa (P3)

This visa is the same as the P1 and P2 visas, with the difference that the applicant can stay in Kyrgyzstan for a maximum of 1 year.

Family visa (F)

This visa is granted to family members of a foreign citizen established in the country, who have a valid visa of the employment categories (W1 and W2) or of the study category (S), in addition to a residence permit. It is valid for 1 year with the possibility of annual extension without the right to engage in paid employment.

Work visa (W1)

This visa is granted to foreign citizens who need a work permit for a company in Kyrgyzstan. This permit allows the applicant to enter the country with a maximum of 90 days to apply for a work permit. Once the work permit is obtained, the consular service will issue the multiple employment visa (W1) for the period of validity of the job for which it was requested.

Work visa (W2)

This visa is granted to foreign citizens who come to carry out a work activity without the need to apply for a work permit, for a period not exceeding 90 days.

Relative visa (RL)

This visa is granted to foreign citizens who wish to obtain temporary or permanent residence or refugee status. It has a maximum validity of 1 year.

Exit visa (L)

This visa will be imposed on foreign citizens who have violated the conditions to stay in the territory of Kyrgyzstan. It is valid for up to 10 days to leave the country.

Visa for ethnic Kyrgyzstan (M)

This visa is granted to foreign citizens of Kyrgyz origin or former citizens of Kyrgyzstan. It has a maximum validity of 12 months.

How do I apply for a Kyrgyzstan visa?

There are 3 ways to apply for visas to travel to Kyrgyzstan. You can apply in person at the Kyrgyz embassies or consulates closest to your place of residence, on arrival at the airport, or online. The most recommended way to apply for a visa is through the Internet.

The online procedure is quicker and does not require you to travel. In addition, you will ensure that you enter the country with all your documents in order. All visas can be applied online through the government website, or a specialised company such as Visagov.com, which will facilitate the process.

Who needs a visa for Kyrgyzstan?

Any foreign citizen wishing to enter the Kyrgyz Republic must  apply for one of the available visas. To check whether your nationality is eligible to apply for one of the visas offered by the Kyrgyz government use the eligibility checker.

There are nationalities exempt from applying for a visa, such as the citizens of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Cuba, Georgia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Moldova, North Korea, Russia, Tajikistan and Vietnam. These nationalities do not require a visa to travel to Kyrgyzstan for tourism. They can stay there for a maximum stay of 90 days. If they wish to work or reside in the country, they will need a visa.

What are the requirements to apply for a visa to Kyrgyzstan?

To apply for a visa online, you need a travel document or ordinary passport, a passport photo and a credit or debit card to pay the fees.

All documents must be properly scanned and attached to the visa application. The passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry to the country and must have at least 2 free pages, as well as being in perfect condition and not including any unofficial comments.

To process the visa in person at an embassy or consulate, or at the airport, you must present the same documents. Depending on the type of visa requested, you may be asked to provide additional documentation.

Can I change my Kyrgyzstan visa once it has been processed?

No, it is not possible to modify the visa once it has been processed or approved and delivered. If you have made a mistake, the only way to correct it will be to process a new application and pay the corresponding fees again, without the possibility of being refunded.

How much does a visa to Kyrgyzstan cost?

The government fees depend on the type of visa and the time of your trip to the country:

• Tourist visa (1-month, single entry): 41 USD.
• Tourist visa (2 months, single entry): 51 USD.
• Transit visa (5 days, single entry): 26 USD.
• Business visa (1-month, single entry): 62 USD.
• Business visa (2 months, single entry): 72 USD.
• Business visa (1-month, multiple entries): 72 USD.
• Business visa (2 months, multiple entries): 93 USD.
• Tourist visa per mountain (1-month, single entry): 62 USD.
• Mountain tourist visa (3 months, single entry): 72 USD.
• Tourist visa per mountain (1-month, multiple entries): 72 USD.
• Mountain tourist visa (3 months, multiple entries): 93 USD.
• Guest visa (1-month, single entry): 62 USD.
• Guest visa (2 months, single entry): 72 USD.
• Guest visa (1-month, multiple entries): 72 USD.
• Guest visa (2 months, multiple entries): 93 USD.
• Relative visa (1-month, single entry): 62 USD.
• Relative visa (3 months, single entry): 72 USD.
• Relative visa (6 months, single entry): 82 USD.
• Relative visa (1-month, multiple entries): 72 USD.
• Relative visa (3 months, multiple entries): 93 USD.
• Relative visa (6 months, multiple entries): 134 USD.
• Relative visa (12 months, multiple entries): 196 USD.
• Religion visa (1-month, single entry): 62 USD.
• Religion visa (2 months, single entry): 72 USD.
• Religious visa (1-month, multiple entries): 72 USD.
• Religious visa (2 months, multiple entries): 93 USD.
• Family visa (1-month, single entry): 62 USD.
• Family visa (3 months, single entry): 72 USD.
• Family visa (6 months, single entry): 82 USD.
• Family visa (1-month, multiple entries): 72 USD.
• Family visa (3 months, multiple entries): 93 USD.
• Family visa (6 months, multiple entries): 134 USD.
• Family visa (12 months, multiple entries): 196 USD.
• Diplomatic visa: Free.
• Investor's visa: Free.
• Service/official visa (1-month, single entry): 62 USD.
• Service/official visa (3 months, single entry): 72 USD.
• Service/official visa (6 months, single entry): 72 USD.
• Service/official visa (1-month, multiple entries): 72 USD.
• Service/official visa (3 months, multiple entries): 93 USD.
• Service/official visa (6 months, multiple entries): 124 USD.
• Service/official visa 12 months, multiple entries): 196 USD.
• Student visa (6 months, single entry): 31 USD.
• Student visa (12 months, single entry): 51 USD.
• Student visa (6 months, multiple entries): 41 USD.
• Student visa (12 months, multiple entries): 72 USD.
• Visa for university futures (1-month, single entry): 62 USD.
• Visa for university futures (3 months, single entry): 72 USD.
• Visa for university futures (1-month, multiple entries): 72 USD.
• Visa for university futures (3 months, multiple entries): 93 USD.
• W1 and W2 "job search" visa (1-month, single entry): 62 USD.
• W1 and W2 "job search" visa (2 months, single entry): 72 USD.
• W1 and W2 "job search" visa (1-month, multiple entries): 72 USD.
• W1 and W2 "job search" visa (2 months, multiple entries): 93 USD.
• Working visa W1 and W2 (2 months, single entry): 72 USD.
• Working visa W1 and W2 (1-month, multiple entries): 72 USD.
• Working visa W1 and W2 (2 months, multiple entries): 93 USD.
• Working visa W1 and W2 (3 months, multiple entries): 93 USD.
• Working visa W1 and W2 (6 months, multiple entries): 134 USD.
• Working visa W1 and W2 (12 months, multiple entries): 196 USD.
• Ethnic Kyrgyz visa (1-month, single entry): 62 USD.
• Ethnic Kyrgyz visa (3 months, single entry): 72 USD.
• Ethnic Kyrgyz visa (6 months, single entry): 82 USD.
• Ethnic Kyrgyz visa (1-month, multiple entries): 72 USD.
• Ethnic Kyrgyz visa (3 months, multiple entries): 93 USD.
• Ethnic Kyrgyz visa (6 months, multiple entries): 134 USD.
• Ethnic Kyrgyz visa (12 months, multiple entries): 196 USD.
• Exit visa: 62 USD.

How far in advance do I need to apply for a Kyrgyzstan visa?

If you apply for your visa from an embassy, you should do so at least 1 month before your intended trip. If you apply for the visa online, you can do so with a minimum of 5 working days. However, it is always advisable to apply at least 15 days before your trip in case of any unexpected delays. If you decide to apply at the airport, you need to make sure that you have all the necessary documents to apply in person.

What are the borders of entry into Kyrgyzstan?

If you have one of the electronic visas to enter the country, you can do so through Manas International Airport, the main airport of the Republic, located about 25 km from the capital of Bishkek. This airport has many connections with Europe. You can also enter via the International Airport of Osh, in the same capital of the province Osh of Kyrgyzstan.

You will be able to enter Kyrgyzstan through the following land border posts with the electronic visa:

• There are two border posts with China, Irkeshtam and Torugart. To cross through Torugart, you may need an additional permit that you will have to request at the embassy.
• If you are coming from Tajikistan, there are six border points, four of which are open to tourists. The crossings currently open are Kyzlart, Karamyk, Jirgital, Kulundu and Batken-isfara.
• In Kazakhstan, the open entry points are Aisha Bibi, Sypatai Batyr, Kordai and Karkara Valley.
• In Uzbekistan, you will find two border posts open, Dostyk and Uchkurgan.

All of these land border posts are prone to change, so it is advisable to check these details before travelling if you intend to cross at one of them.

Are vaccines required to travel to Kyrgyzstan?

If you come from a country where yellow fever has not been eradicated, you must be vaccinated against this disease and present your international vaccination card on entry. Vaccines against Tetanus-Diphtheria or Tetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis, MMR (Measles, Rubella and Mumps) and Hepatitis A are also recommended.

What is the currency of Kyrgyzstan?

The country's official currency is the Kyrgyz Som (KGS) and is divided into 100 tyiyns (cents). It was introduced in the country in May 1993 to replace the Soviet rouble. This currency is not convertible on international markets, but you can easily exchange euros or dollars at banks, hotels and authorised currency exchange offices.

Most payments will have to be made in cash, as card payments are not widely available beyond tourist establishments or large shops.

Cash machines are available and it is recommended that you use those located in international hotel chains or those linked to well-known banks. There are no limits to the amount of money that can be brought into the country, but you must declare it upon arrival.

When is the best time to travel to Kyrgyzstan?

The best time to travel to Kyrgyzstan is in spring and autumn, specifically April, May, June, September and October. If your trip is to discover flora and fauna and you are going to spend most of the time in forest or mountain areas, then it is best to go to the country during July and August. The summer months can be sweltering, but the temperatures are milder in these areas.

Is it safe to travel to Kyrgyzstan?

Kyrgyzstan is a country where earthquakes are prevalent, and in the rainy season, flooding is common.

There are risk areas in the country, which you are best to avoid. The border area of the Kyrgyz Republic and the Republic of Tajikistan are two such areas. Another border area to avoid is the border with Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.

There are continuous closures of borders without warning and the boundaries are not clearly defined. Travelling to the capital Bishkek, or any of more touristy cities of Kyrgyzstan is generally safe.

Public transport areas are a known place for pickpockets, so you must be careful and aware of your belongings.

Important tips for travelling to Kyrgyzstan

• Although it is not compulsory to purchase travel insurance, it is highly recommended.
• Fines for overstaying past your visa limit can reach up to 200 USD.
• The climate conditions are somewhat varied and in the high mountain areas, it is usually cold, unlike the pre-mountain areas and cities, which tend to have a more temperate climate. It is best to take the weather into account when planning and packing.
• We recommend that you take and use insect repellent if you go hiking or camping, especially in June and July.
• Look, but don’t touch the flowers when you go to rural areas, especially a blue bell-shaped flower called issykulskiy koren. It is very toxic.