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.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
For the latest passport and visa requirements for this country, please consult the U.S. State Department’s “Learn About Your Destination” search tool, available through the link below.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages.html
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, influenza, COVID-19.
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 (majority Sunni), Christian (Russian Orthodox), other (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: Thursday, March 28, 2024
