Kyrgyzstan

🇰🇬

Phone Code

+996

Capital

Bishkek

Population

6.7 Million

Native Name

Кыргызстан

Region

Asia

Central Asia

Timezone

Kyrgyzstan Time

UTC+06:00

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Money & CurrencyVisa OverviewVisa TypesImportant NotesCitiesEmbassies abroadEmbassies in country

Kyrgyzstan is a mountainous Central Asian country and former Soviet republic known as the 'Switzerland of Central Asia' for its stunning alpine scenery, nomadic culture, and adventure tourism. Over 90% of the country is mountainous, dominated by the Tian Shan and Pamir mountain ranges. Bishkek, the capital, is a Soviet-planned city with wide boulevards, Soviet architecture, and growing café culture. Kyrgyzstan is one of Central Asia's most accessible and visitor-friendly countries with very liberal visa policies. Visitors are drawn to Issyk-Kul Lake (world's second-largest alpine lake), Song-Kul Lake high-altitude nomadic pastures and yurt stays, Ala-Archa National Park near Bishkek, Jeti-Oguz red rock formations, Karakol and Tian Shan trekking, Silk Road heritage, Burana Tower, traditional horseback culture, eagle hunting, felt crafts (shyrdaks), and authentic Central Asian experiences. Kyrgyzstan offers pristine mountain landscapes, nomadic hospitality, and adventure tourism at budget-friendly prices.

Visa Requirements for Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan has remarkably liberal visa policies to boost tourism. Citizens of over 60 countries including United States, United Kingdom, EU member states, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and many others can enter visa-free for up to 60 days for tourism or business. Citizens of most other countries can obtain e-visas online through the government e-visa portal (www.evisa.e-gov.kg) with processing typically 1-3 business days and costing $51 USD for single entry. E-visas are valid for 90 days. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months. No registration required for tourist stays. Kyrgyzstan's visa liberalization since 2012 has made it one of the easiest Central Asian countries to visit, positioning itself as a regional tourism hub for trekking, cultural tourism, and Silk Road exploration.

Common Visa Types

Visa-Free Entry

60 days; passport valid 6 months required; no registration needed; can't work on visa-free status; very straightforward entry process; one of Central Asia's most liberal visa policies; extendable within Kyrgyzstan if needed.

For citizens of 60+ countries including US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea for tourism or business.

E-Visa (Tourist/Business)

90 days single entry; costs $51 USD (plus $3 processing fee); apply at www.evisa.e-gov.kg; processing 1-3 business days typically; requires passport scan, photo, travel itinerary; print e-visa confirmation; very efficient system.

For nationalities not eligible for visa-free entry, applied for online before travel.

Embassy Visa

Varies by type; mostly used for work visas, study visas, or long-term stays; requires application form, passport, photos, invitation letter, support documents; available at few Kyrgyz embassies worldwide.

Traditional visa obtained through Kyrgyzstani embassy or consulate, rarely needed due to visa-free and e-visa availability.

Visa Extension

Extensions possible through State Registration Service in Bishkek or regional offices; apply before current visa expires; relatively straightforward process; fees apply; can extend total stay up to 90 days typically.

For visitors wishing to extend stay beyond initial visa-free or e-visa period.

Important Travel Information

Very accessible: Kyrgyzstan has most liberal visa policies in Central Asia. 60+ countries visa-free for 60 days, e-visa for most others. Easy entry, no registration hassles. Welcoming to tourists.

Passport validity: Must be valid for at least 6 months from entry date. Immigration generally friendly and efficient.

Cash economy: Kyrgyzstan is largely cash-based. Kyrgyzstani Som (KGS) relatively weak currency. US Dollars can be exchanged easily. ATMs in Bishkek and major towns. Credit cards accepted only in upscale hotels/restaurants in Bishkek. Carry cash elsewhere.

Cities with missions

Where this country maintains embassies or consulates

Bishkek
States & Regions in Kyrgyzstan

Explore different regions and their cities.

Hosted missions

Embassies in Kyrgyzstan

These foreign embassies and consulates are based here. Choose a mission to open its in-depth guide and contact details.

Key origin countries

United Kingdom in Kyrgyzstan
United States in Kyrgyzstan

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