Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US State Department 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
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: Tuesday, June 04, 2024
