Kyrgyz Republic

Demonstrations

Demonstrations occur regularly in Bishkek and elsewhere across the country and can turn violent without warning. Avoid large crowds and any demonstrations and follow the advice of local authorities.

Border areas

Security is volatile in the Kyrgyz-Uzbek and Kyrgyz-Tajik border areas. This includes the Ferghana Valley.

Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan signed an agreement on their borders in 2023, but local authorities may still close border crossings at short notice. Smuggling and cross-border criminal activity occur, and the security situation can be volatile. Landmines are a risk in uncontrolled areas of the Uzbek-Kyrgyz border. 

In September 2022, military clashes in the Batken Region bordering Tajikistan escalated into an armed conflict, where more than 100 people were killed and 140 000 evacuated. The Kyrgyz Republic declared a state of emergency, which was lifted following a ceasefire agreement. The security situation remains volatile and could deteriorate further with little warning. Avoid all non-essential travel to the Kyrgyz-Tajik border area.

Violent crime and civil unrest occur often. There are frequent reports of terrorist activity.

There have been clashes between security forces and militant and criminal groups.

Security forces from Kyrgyz Republic, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan monitor border areas and often conduct operations there.

If you plan to travel to those regions, read the travel advice for Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.

Landmines

Landmines are a risk in the Kyrgyz-Uzbek, Kyrgyz-Tajik border areas and Batken Oblast near the Kyrgyz-Tajikistan border.

Crime, including violent crime, occurs often.

Criminals can target foreigners.

Kidnapping, pickpocketing, muggings and robberies occur. Incidents have been reported near hotels, on public transport and in crowded places, especially where expats gather.

The risk of crime increases at night.

Petty crime

Thieves may target you by posing as:

• off-duty police
• uniformed police
• 'meet-and-greet' drivers at airports

If you think someone is posing as a police officer or official, offer to go with them to the nearest police station. Once there, you can verify their identity and their demands.

Drink spiking

Drink spiking is a risk.

Harmful substances added to alcoholic drinks can cause loss of consciousness, serious illness, blindness, brain injury or death.

To lessen your risk:

• never accept food, drinks, gum or cigarettes from strangers
• don't leave your food or drink unattended

Violent clashes

Foreigners can get caught up in violent clashes between criminal groups.

If you get into a dispute with locals, it might result in:

• officials detaining you
• lengthy legal proceedings

To reduce your risk of becoming a victim of crime:

• keep your car windows up and doors locked, even when moving
• always be alert to your surroundings
• avoid walking at night, especially if you're alone

When using taxis:

• avoid hailing taxis on the street
• book official taxis by phone if you can
• negotiate the price before the trip
• don't get in if there are other passengers

ATM card fraud

There have been cases of unauthorised withdrawals after people have used ATMs or EFTPOS machines.

To reduce your risk:

• use ATMs in controlled areas, such as in banks or large hotels
• check for skimming devices before you insert your card
• keep your credit card in sight when paying for things

Cyber security

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you’re connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth.

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions, or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media.

More information: 

Cyber security when travelling overseas

Kidnapping occurs across the world with political, ideological, and criminal motives. Foreigners, including Australians, have been kidnapped overseas whilst travelling. Kidnaps can happen anywhere, anytime, including in destinations that are typically at lower risk.  

Criminal kidnappings can occur in the Kyrgyz Republic. Criminals can pose as police or 'meet-and-greet' drivers at the airport. 

The risk of crime increases at night. Always be alert to your surroundings. Avoid walking at night, especially if you're alone. 

The kidnapping of local women for marriage occurs in the Kyrgyz Republic. Foreigners could fall victim to such kidnappings. 

If you're female, take care when travelling alone outside major cities. 

If, despite our advice, you travel to an area with a high risk of kidnapping, our ability to provide consular assistance in these destinations will be limited.  

To reduce the risk of kidnapping:  

• always be alert to your personal security and surroundings  
• get professional security advice for travel in locations with a heightened kidnap risk  
• check your accommodation has appropriate security measures  
• avoid isolated locations, particularly when travelling alone  
• notify family or friends of planned travel, and share your location   
• avoid talking about your money or business affairs  
• use ATMs in public places and during daylight hours  
• avoid giving personal details to strangers online or over the phone  

 The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers. Ransom payments to kidnappers have funded further terrorist attacks and criminal activity. Paying a ransom to terrorist groups will likely break Australian counter-terrorism financing laws.  

More information:  

• Kidnapping 

Terrorist attacks have occurred in the Kyrgyz Republic. Targets include public transport and transport hubs and places popular with foreigners.

To stay safe:

• be alert to possible threats, especially in public places
• take care around potential targets
• report suspicious activity to the police
• monitor the media for new threats
• take official warnings seriously
• follow the advice of local authorities

If there's an attack, leave the area as soon as it's safe.

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

• Terrorist threats

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.

To keep safe:

• monitor the media for possible unrest
• avoid protests and public gatherings

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

The Kyrgyz Republic can experience natural disasters and severe weather.

Earthquakes

There's a high risk of earthquakes. Tremors are frequent.

Avalanches and landslides are common in mountainous areas. 

Severe weather

People have died in snow-related accidents in recent years, including:

• avalanches
• snow falling from roofs
• prolonged exposure to extreme cold
• car accidents

Natural disasters

If a natural disaster occurs:

• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof location
• monitor local media and other sources, such as the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System
• follow the advice of local authorities
• keep in contact with friends and family

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave.

Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers

• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. 

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare, or the welfare of someone you know, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

More information:

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips (Healthdirect Australia)

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in the Kyrgyz Republic. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription and a letter from your doctor. The documents must be translated into Russian. The letter should state:

• what the medication is
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use

Declare all medicine on arrival. Even with a prescription, you could face charges if you either:

• don't declare restricted medicines, or
• carry amounts over the legal limit

More information:

• Medication
• Embassy or consulate of the Kyrgyz Republic

Insect-borne diseases

Ticks carrying encephalitis are common in forested areas from spring to autumn.

Regularly check your body for ticks during and after visits to forest areas.

If a tick bites you:

• remove it from your body as soon as possible
• make sure you remove the whole tick
• monitor the site for any signs of infection

Other insect-borne diseases occur, including leishmaniasis.

To protect yourself from disease:

• ensure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose fitting, light coloured clothing
• consider taking medicine to prevent malaria

Get medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash or severe headache.

More information:

• Tick prevention

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases occur. They include:

• typhoid
• hepatitis
• meningitis
• tuberculosis
• brucellosis
• rabies
• COVID-19

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid raw and undercooked food, such as salads
• avoid unpasteurised dairy products
• avoid contact with dogs and other mammals

If you're bitten or scratched by an animal, get medical help straight away.

Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

More information:

• Infectious diseases

Medical facilities

Medical facilities in Bishkek are limited. Medical equipment and medicines are in short supply.

The standard of medical services in remote areas is basic.

If you're seriously ill or injured, you could need treatment in a place with better facilities. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

Law enforcement agencies in the Kyrgyz Republic cooperate closely with agencies in other Commonwealth of Independent State (CIS) countries. If you commit an offence in one of these countries, you may be detained in another (including at the border) and extradited for prosecution.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Drugs

Penalties are severe for carrying or using illegal drugs. They can include lengthy prison sentences and heavy fines.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Legalising documents

If you plan to marry in the Kyrgyz Republic, you'll need a Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage (CNI). Contact the Australian Embassy in Moscow to find out how to apply.

You'll need an apostille for Australian-issued documents.

This includes if:

• you plan to live or work in the Kyrgyz Republic
• you plan to stay long periods

Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of the Kyrgyz Republic about legalising documents.

More information:

• Legalising documents
• Getting married

Other laws

Be aware that it's illegal to:

• not carry ID
• drive with a blood alcohol reading over 0%
• take photos of military and security establishments

Always carry your passport or a certified copy. Identity checks by police are common.

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

The Kyrgyz Republic doesn't recognise dual nationality.

If you're a dual citizen, this limits the consular services we can provide if you're arrested or detained.

Always travel on your Australian passport.

More information:

• Dual nationals

Standards of dress and behaviour are conservative in the Kyrgyz Republic.

Take care not to offend. If in doubt, dress modestly and seek local advice.

Obvious displays of affection, even between married couples, can offend. Police may harass or detain you.

Same-sex relationships are legal in the Kyrgyz Republic but aren't widely accepted.

More information:

• LGBTQIA+ travellers

Ramadan

The Islamic holiday month of Ramadan is observed in the Kyrgyz Republic. Respect religious and cultural customs and laws at this time. 

During Ramadan, eating, drinking, and smoking may be illegal in public during the day. If you're not fasting, avoid these activities around people who are. Seek local advice to avoid offence.

Explore our Ramadan page to learn more, including dates for Ramadan.

Visa-free travel for short stays

You don't need a tourist visa to stay up to 60 days. 

In other cases, you'll need a visa.

You can apply for an e-visa for tourism and business purposes for up to 90 days.

To apply, visit the e-visa website.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Kyrgyz Republic for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

Many flights in and out of the Kyrgyz Republic stopover in Russia. You'll need to meet visa requirements for any countries you'll transit through.

More information:

• Travel advice for Russia

Border measures

Entry requirements could change at short notice. 

Contact your airline or the nearest embassy of the Kyrgyz Republic to confirm visa and entry requirements. 

Yellow fever vaccination

You may need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter the Kyrgyz Republic if you arrive from a country with yellow fever.  

More information:

• Countries with a risk of yellow fever (DOC 152KB)

HIV test

There are some HIV/AIDS restrictions for visitors and residents.

You'll need an HIV test to apply for a work visa.

Check with an embassy or consulate of the Kyrgyz Republic before you travel.

Border crossings

Kyrgyz Republic's borders can close without notice.

Some border crossings may only open for local residents. Others may be open to some nationalities but not Australians.

Strict border controls apply on the road between Bishkek and Almaty in Kazakhstan. Expect delays at the border crossing for customs checks.

If you plan to cross any of Kyrgyz Republic's borders, check with local authorities first. They can tell you:

• the latest conditions for border crossing
• which border crossings Australians can use

Validity

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If hotel staff ask to photocopy your passport, make sure they return it promptly.

Losing your passport in the Kyrgyz Republic might be costly and might delay your travel plans. You'll need to get an exit visa and a replacement passport.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can’t guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers.

More information: 

• LGBTQIA+ travellers

The official currency is the Kyrgyzstani Som (KGS), but US dollars are widely used.

Currency controls are in place.

The economy is mostly cash-based. Only a few of the major hotels accept traveller's cheques and credit cards.

Carry sufficient cash to cover your needs. Contact your bank to ensure your Australian cards will work overseas.

Border regions

The security situation in the Kyrgyz-Uzbek and Kyrgyz-Tajik border areas is volatile. This includes the Ferghana Valley. Landmines are present. See Safety

Driving permit

To drive in Kyrgyz Republic, you need both:

• an Australian driver's licence
• an International Driving Permit (IDP)

Driving without an IDP could void your travel and vehicle insurance.

Get your IDP in Australia before you leave.

Road travel

Road conditions and driving standards are poor.

Roads can be very hazardous in winter and at night.

It may be difficult to access service stations in rural areas. Diesel is often unavailable.

To stay safe on the road:

• find out about local traffic laws and practices before driving
• keep your car windows and doors closed and locked at all times
• have plenty of petrol when driving in rural areas

If you're planning to travel by road to Kazakhstan, read the travel advice for Kazakhstan.

Motorcycles

Check your insurance policy covers you using a motorbike, quad bike or similar vehicle.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis

It's safest to use registered taxis and authorised limousines. Arrange them through your hotel or resort.

Taxis are often poorly maintained. See Safety

Public transport

Bus and trolley car services operate in Bishkek.

Minibus services operate in regional areas.

Local buses and minibuses are often poorly maintained.

More information:

• Transport and getting around safely

Air travel

Flight delays are common. Check your departure time with the airport.

The EU has banned airlines certified by Kyrgyz authorities from operating in EU airspace. The ban is due to safety concerns.

On 11 April 2022, the EU announced that 21 Russian owned airlines were banned from flying in EU airspace due to safety concerns. 

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths. If you're flying domestically or internationally, you should research your aviation provider.

Check the Kyrgyz Republic's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

Fire and rescue services

Call 101.

Medical emergencies

Call 103 or go straight to the hospital.

Police

Call 102 or go to your local police station.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

Australia doesn't have an embassy in the Kyrgyz Republic. Contact the Australian Embassy in Moscow for consular help.

Australian Embassy, Moscow

13 Kropotkinsky Pereulok
Moscow 119034
Russia
Phone: (+7 495) 956-6070
Website: russia.embassy.gov.au
X: @PosolAustralia
Telegram: https://t.me/AusEmbMoscow

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia