You can travel to Kyrgyzstan with or without a visa.

Documents for citizens to enter Kyrgyzstan without a visa:

international passport

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Who can travel to Kyrgyzstan without a visa?

Citizens of the following countries can stay in Kyrgyzstan without a visa for an indefinite period of time and without employment: Cuba, North Korea.

Citizens of the following countries can stay in Kyrgyzstan without a visa for up to 90 days: Mongolia, Serbia, Ukraine.

Citizens of the EEA countries (Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Russia) can stay in the country for up to 90 days in total during each 180-day period from the date of entry into the country without the need for documentation.

Citizens of the following countries may stay in Kyrgyzstan without a visa for up to 60 days:

EU member countries (except Bulgaria, Cyprus and Romania), Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Bahrain, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Australia, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Iceland, Japan, Kuwait, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Montenegro, New Zealand Oman, Qatar, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, United States, Uzbekistan, Vatican City.

Citizens of Tajikistan, Georgia, Azerbaijan and Moldova may stay for no more than 60 days in any 120-day period.

Citizens of Malaysia and Turkey may stay in Kyrgyzstan without a visa for up to 30 days.

Registration and extension of registration of citizens of the countries of Russia, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Moldova, who plan to stay in Kyrgyzstan for a long period of time for private reasons, will be carried out only on the basis of the following documents that give them the legal right to stay in this territory:

• residence permit
  
• A “Kayrylman” certificate (this document is issued to ethnic Kyrgyz who are returning to their historical homeland)
  
• Meken Card certificate (foreigners who have previously been citizens of the Kyrgyz Republic can obtain it)
  
• stateless person's certificate

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Visa regime.

Methods of submitting documents for a visa to Kyrgyzstan.

It is possible to apply for a visa to Kyrgyzstan in one of the following ways:

1) Upon arrival at Manas International Airport (visa on arrival).

 It is possible to get a Kyrgyzstan visa upon arrival at Manas International Airport (valid within the specified time) if you are from one of the following countries:

EU member states (except Cyprus, Bulgaria and Romania) – for 60 days, Albania – for 30 days, Andorra – for 30 days, Argentina – for 30 days, Australia – for 60 days, Bahrain – for 60 days, Bosnia and Herzegovina – for 60 days, Brazil – for 30 days, Brunei – for 60 days, Bulgaria – for 30 days, Canada – for 60 days, Chile – for 30 days, Cyprus – for 30 days, Iceland – for 60 days, Indonesia – for 30 days, Israel – for 30 days, Kuwait – for 60 days, Liechtenstein – for 60 days, Mexico – for 30 days, Monaco – for 60 days, Montenegro – for 30 days, New Zealand – for 60 days, North Macedonia – for 30 days, Norway – for 60 days, Oman – for 30 days, Philippines – for 30 days, Qatar – for 60 days, Romania – for 30 days, San Marino – for 30 days, Saudi Arabia – for 60 days, Singapore – for 60 days, South Africa – for 30 days, South Korea – for 60 days, Switzerland – for 60 days, Thailand – for 30 days, Great Britain – for 60 days, USA – for 60 days, United Arab Emirates – for 60 days, Uzbekistan – for 60 days, the Vatican – 60 days, Venezuela – for 30 days.

It is possible to apply for a visa at the Visa Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic at Manas Airport in Bishkek.

2. Applying for a visa to Kyrgyzstan online (eVisa to Kyrgyzstan) according to the following procedure:

- It is possible to apply for an e-visa to Kyrgyzstan through the official website of the government. This can be done by following the link.

- Check whether the applicant has the right to apply for an e-visa to Kyrgyzstan. In the "Information" tab, there is a "Do I need a visa" section. Generally, if the applicant is visa exempt or eligible for a visa on arrival, the applicant may also apply

application for an electronic visa to Kyrgyzstan.

- Run the program. Click the button "Submit a visa application" on the main page.

- Add a scanned copy of the passport and a passport-size photo.

- Pay the eVisa fee using a credit or debit card.

- Wait for the visa to be issued. This may take about a week. In the meantime, the applicant will receive a confirmation email and be able to check the status of their visa application.

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Visa rules of Kyrgyzstan for issuing an electronic visa:

- The passport must be valid for more than six months from the estimated arrival date in Kyrgyzstan and contain at least one blank page. 

- It is important to apply for an electronic visa to Kyrgyzstan at least fifteen days before the expected arrival date. 

- US, UK and Canadian citizens can apply for an e-visa to Kyrgyzstan and enter the country with their passports valid for more than six months from the expected time of arrival in Kyrgyzstan. 

It is possible to use an electronic visa at the following entry points to Kyrgyzstan: Manas International Airport, Osh International Airport, Chon Kapka, Chaldibar border crossing, Ak-Zhol border crossing, Ak-Tilek border crossing, Dostuk border crossing, Kyzyl-Bel border crossing, Kulundu border crossing, Bor-Dobo border crossing, Irkeshtam border crossing, Torugart border crossing.

3) Submission of documents for a Kyrgyzstan visa at the embassy.

If the tourist is not eligible for a visa on arrival, e-visa or visa-free regime, he must apply for a visa to Kyrgyzstan at the Embassy of Kyrgyzstan.

A sponsor is required to obtain permission from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan.

Who can be a sponsor?

The sponsor of a visa to Kyrgyzstan can be:

- The owner of the house who invites the tourist

- Company or organization

- Travel agency in Kyrgyzstan.

The sponsor must contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan consular department to obtain a tourist authorization letter. Only after the tourist receives the letter, they can get the Kyrgyz embassy in his country to apply for a visa.

What to do if there is no Kyrgyz embassy in the tourist's country?

Suppose there is no Kyrgyz embassy in the tourist's country. In that case, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises contacting the visa department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at Manas Airport in Bishkek immediately upon arrival. You need to have documents and a visa permit letter with you.

Requirements for obtaining a visa to Kyrgyzstan.

- Permission from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.*

- Completed visa application form.

- One passport-size photo, which is attached to the visa application form.

- Passport must be valid for at least another 90 days after the visa expires and have at least one more blank visa page.

- Payment of the fee for a visa to Kyrgyzstan. The visa fee varies depending on the tourist's country, the purpose of the visit and whether it is a single-entry or multiple-entry visa.

- Confirmation of travel arrangements, such as a plane ticket and proof of residence.

- If the tourist applies by post, a self-addressed, prepaid envelope must be included so the embassy can return the documents.

*Those who are exempt from visa requirements or eligible for a visa on arrival do not need a visa permit.

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Additional required or supporting documents from certain applicants:

Self-employed:

- a copy of the latest income tax or relevant bank statements or documents;

- proof of activity such as bank statements, invoices, or receipts.

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Employed:

- employment contract

- a letter from the company stating the applicant's absence, length of stay and confirmation of a return to the current job;

- bank account statement for the last six months

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Student:

- confirmation of enrollment and a certificate of no objection from the registered school/higher educational institution

- sponsorship letter, if the applicant cannot support himself financially during the stay period.

What is visa sponsorship for Kyrgyzstan?

Visa assistance is required in Kyrgyzstan if the applicant cannot cover their expenses for educational or tourist purposes during their stay.

A sponsor can be a parent, sibling, relative, or friend. However, it will increase the chances of obtaining a visa if the sponsor is a first-degree relative or has a permanent residence permit or citizenship in Kyrgyzstan.

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Required documents from the sponsor:

- a signed sponsorship letter that clearly states the relationship with the applicant, information about how and what expenses will be covered, personal and contact information of both the applicant and the sponsor, as well as details of the applicant's residence;

- a scanned copy of the identity card

- proof of sufficient funds, such as bank statements or payslips

- proof of ownership of property or business, if any

- circulars for signing

Visa sponsorship to Kyrgyzstan can also be granted for long-term or short-term stays for business, legal or cultural purposes by legal entities, entities or individuals.

When applying for a sponsored visa, additional supporting documents may be required.

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How long does it take to get a visa to Kyrgyzstan?

After the tourist submits a complete package of documents, including the visa authorization, it usually takes about seven working days before the embassy processes the visa application. 

If a tourist applies by post, it is necessary to apply long before the planned trip because it will take some time to send the documents by post there and back.

What is the validity period of a visa to Kyrgyzstan?

A tourist visa of Kyrgyzstan is issued with a validity period of 90 days.

During this time, a foreigner can enter Kyrgyzstan and stay there for up to 30 days. Kyrgyzstan tourist visas can be issued for single, double or multiple entry.

Depending on the reason for the trip, a foreigner can get a visa with a longer validity period, up to six months or up to one year. If a foreigner is going to live in Kyrgyzstan for a long time, they should exchange his visa for a residence permit at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after entering the country.

Is it possible to extend a visa to Kyrgyzstan?

You should contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan to get a visa extension.

To extend a visa, you need to provide the following list of documents (this list is not exhaustive):

- passport together with a copy of passport and visa

- a letter indicating the reason for the need to extend the visa

- passport-size photo

- payment of the visa extension fee

An application for an extension should be submitted at least ten days before the visa expires.

Types of Kyrgyzstan visas

The most common types of visas to Kyrgyzstan:

1) Tourist visa to Kyrgyzstan. This type of visa is issued to foreign citizens who intend to visit Kyrgyzstan for a short period of time for tourist purposes.

Kyrgyzstan tourist visa can be obtained through consulates, online visa system, authorized visa companies or travel agencies.

Necessary documents: 

- Valid, signed passport (must be valid for at least the next 6 months)

- One completed and signed visa application form.

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All application forms must be printed

- 2 color passport photos

- round trip ticket

- confirmation of the availability of funds for the intended stay

- a copy of a foreigner's resident card or a valid visa

- those traveling to the Kyrgyz Republic for private, business, or other purposes need visa support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (for those visiting their friends or relatives from the Ministry of Internal Affairs) of the Kyrgyz Republic.

- Individual tourists staying in the Kyrgyz Republic for up to 1 month must provide a personal letter from the travel agency indicating the dates of arrival and departure, the contact organization or host of the place of residence and places of stay in the Kyrgyz Republic.

More detailed information can be found at the link.

2) Business visa to Kyrgyzstan. This type of visa is issued to foreign citizens who intend to enter Kyrgyzstan for business purposes, for example, for negotiations, to participate in a conference or sports event organized by a Kyrgyz organization or government institution.

Documents:

- An invitation from the host association and supporting documents from the sending association must be attached to the application*.

- valid, signed passport/must be at least six months old.

- 1 visa application form, completed and signed - click here. All application forms must be printed.

- 1 filled and signed questionnaire

- 2 color passport photos

- round trip ticket

- confirmation of the availability of funds for the intended stay

- a copy of a foreigner's resident card or a valid visa

*For those who received an invitation from a government organization of Kyrgyzstan or official government affairs for a period of up to one month, it is necessary to submit: a cover letter from the head of their department/company or an invitation letter from the contact organization in the Kyrgyz Republic, summarizing the purpose of the trip and indicating the dates arrival/departure, confirmation of the contracting organization or department for the meeting, Kyrgyz or otherwise within the Kyrgyz Republic, as well as the address and telephone number.

Details at the link.

3) Study visa to Kyrgyzstan. This type of visa allows the holder to stay in the country if he is studying at a higher education institution in Kyrgyzstan. The applicant must attach documents of sufficient means of subsistence, proof of accommodation, and a letter of acceptance from the host institution.

4) Private visa to Kyrgyzstan ("G"). A private visa to Kyrgyzstan is issued to foreigners entering the country for a short-term purpose, such as to visit relatives, receive medical treatment, or even marry a Kyrgyz citizen or for family reunification. These types of visas do not allow the holder to work in Kyrgyzstan. To obtain a visa, applicants need to add to other documents an invitation letter from the person the tourist is visiting.

Documents:

1. Application form

2. Passport. The validity period must be at least six months after the date of departure from Kyrgyzstan. Must be issued within the last ten years, with at least one or two blank "visa pages". Also, undamaged photos must be securely attached to the passport.

3. Recent photo (not older than six months). Format: JPG, PNG. Minimum 10 KB. Maximum 1Mb. The height and width of the photo must be the same. The photo should be full face with open eyes without glasses. The background should be light-colored or white.

4. Photocopies. A copy of the main page of the passport

5. Written request from a citizen of the Kyrgyz Republic in the presence of a copy of an internal passport (ID card)

6. A copy of the document confirming the permanent residence of the inviting party in the territory of the Kyrgyz Republic.

7. Certificate from the place of work or any other document about the financial capacity of the inviting party or the applicant, a notarized commitment

When the applicant arrives in Kyrgyzstan, he must also provide:

- a printed visa to Kyrgyzstan

- travel itinerary, which includes: flight reservation, valid hotel/other place reservation with full address (hotel name, street, city, postal code, contact information, reservation number)

*Additional documents may be required.

The average processing time for a Kyrgyzstan guest visa (e-Visa) is 5 working days.

You can apply for a guest visa to Kyrgyzstan online (electronic visa).

5)A diplomatic visa ("D") is issued to a foreign citizen, holder of a diplomatic passport, who intends to visit the Kyrgyz Republic for official purposes.

A diplomatic visa is issued:

- heads of foreign states, governments, family members who accompany them, and members of official foreign delegations. In this case, a multiple-entry visa is issued for up to 30 days unless otherwise provided by an international treaty to which the Kyrgyz Republic is a party or by the principle of reciprocity.

- to a person who holds a diplomatic or consular position in a diplomatic mission or consular institution of a foreign state, the head of a representative office of an international organization in the Kyrgyz Republic, who enjoys immunity and privileges in the Kyrgyz Republic, as well as family members (wife and children under 18 years of age), adults and dependent parents), enjoy immunity and privileges. The indicated persons are issued a multiple-entry visa for a term of up to 1 year unless otherwise stipulated by an international treaty to which the Kyrgyz Republic is a party or by the principle of reciprocity.

- a foreign diplomatic courier is issued a one-time, two-time, or multiple-time visa for a period of up to 90 days unless otherwise stipulated by an international treaty to which the Kyrgyz Republic is a party or by the principle of reciprocity;

6) An official visa ("O") is issued to a foreign citizen:

- to the holder of an official passport who intends to visit the Kyrgyz Republic for official purposes; to a foreign citizen who enters the Kyrgyz Republic at the invitation of state institutions of the Kyrgyz Republic on official matters.

These persons are issued a single, double or multiple-entry visa for up to 90 days;

- a member of the administrative, technical, and service staff of a diplomatic mission or consular institution of a foreign country in the Kyrgyz Republic or an employee of a representative office of an international organization (husband and children under 18 years of age, as well as dependent parents). The indicated persons are issued a multiple-entry visa for up to 1 year unless otherwise provided by an international treaty in force to which the Kyrgyz Republic is a party or by the principle of reciprocity.

- a foreign courier who transports diplomatic post is issued a single, double or multiple-entry visa for up to 90 days unless otherwise stipulated by an international treaty in force, to which the Kyrgyz Republic is a party, or on the principle of reciprocity (in the absence of a diplomatic passport).

7) Investment visa ("I") – a multiple-entry visa for up to 3 years is issued to an investor or the head of a foreign investment company and his family members (wife, minor children, and dependent parents) who carry out investment activities in the Kyrgyz Republic and submit the necessary supporting documents confirming their contribution to the economy of the Kyrgyz Republic of monetary and material values ​​equivalent to 10 (ten) million Som for industrial, agricultural, financial, energy, educational, medical, engineering and construction purposes, as well as IT technologies.

8) Religious Visa ("P") is issued to a missionary who intends to visit the Kyrgyz Republic to cooperate with religious organizations (with the permission of the relevant state body) for a period of up to 60 days.

9) Family visa ("F") is issued to family members (husband/wife, minor children, and dependent parents) of a foreign citizen residing in the Kyrgyz Republic under the following conditions: official ("O"), employment ("W1" and "W2"), educational ("S") visa categories, and based on a residence permit, for a period of up to 1 year with the possibility of annual extension without the right to work.

10) Relative visa ("RL") is issued to a foreigner to visit close relatives who are citizens of the Kyrgyz Republic.

11) Ethnic Kyrgyz ("M") visa is issued to ethnic Kyrgyz and persons born on the territory of the Kyrgyz Republic who have the opportunity to obtain the status of "Kairilman".

12) Exit visa ("L") is issued to foreigners who have exceeded the period of stay for leaving the Kyrgyz Republic (issued for up to 10 days).

13) A mountain tourism visa (MT) is issued to a foreign citizen to visit the Kyrgyz Republic for the purpose of alpine tourism (mountaineering, rock climbing, snowboarding, rafting, freeriding, etc.).

Required documents for a mountain tourism visa to Kyrgyzstan (electronic visa):

1. Application form

2. Passport. The validity period must be at least six months after the date of departure from Kyrgyzstan. Must be issued within the last ten years, with at least one or two blank "visa pages". Also, undamaged photos must be securely attached to the passport.

3. Recent photo (not older than six months). Format: JPG, PNG. Minimum 10 KB. Maximum 1Mb. The height and width of the photo must be the same. The photo should be full face with open eyes without glasses. The background should be light-colored or white.

4. Photocopies. A copy of the main page of the passport.

5. A written statement from the tourist organization or a personal statement from the applicant.

6. Tour route or plan for the organization of the corresponding tour.

When the applicant arrives in Kyrgyzstan, he must also provide:

- a printed visa to Kyrgyzstan

- travel itinerary, which includes: flight reservation, valid hotel/other place reservation with full address (hotel name, street, city, postal code, contact information, reservation number)

*Additional documents may be required.

The average processing time for a Kyrgyzstan mountain tourism visa (e-Visa) is 5 working days.

Types of visas to Kyrgyzstan by duration.

1. Type C (short-term) visas are issued for tourism, business purposes, to visit a family, relative, or friend in Kyrgyzstan, for study or internship for up to 90 days.

2. Visa type D (long-term). Category D visas for Kyrgyzstan are required for stays in Kyrgyzstan of more than three months for various purposes, even if the applicant's nationality is on the visa-free list.

It is possible to apply for a long-term visa to Kyrgyzstan if a foreigner belongs to one of the following categories:

- a student who plans to study at a higher educational institution, take a language course or a long-term internship

- an employee who is going to work for an enterprise located in Kyrgyzstan or for seasonal work

- academician, researcher or scientist to work in a certified research center of Kyrgyzstan

- an individual whose family member is a citizen of Kyrgyzstan

- a patient who is going for long-term treatment in a medical institution in Kyrgyzstan

- an investor who is the founder of a legal or physical entity that will bring great economic benefit to Kyrgyzstan

Registration after arrival in Kyrgyzstan

Registration of foreign citizens and stateless persons arriving in the Kyrgyz Republic is carried out by the territorial units of the Passport Issuance Department of the Department of Population Registration and Civil Status Acts of the State Registration Service under the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic.

Registration of foreign citizens and stateless persons arriving in the Kyrgyz Republic as tourists and for private purposes is carried out on the basis of the submission of the following documents:

1. For private individuals acting as an acceptor:

- application of a foreign citizen or stateless person;

- a request letter from the receiving party. The receiving party can be citizens of the Kyrgyz Republic, foreign citizens and stateless persons who have a permanent residence permit; power of attorney from an individual if a representative submits the invitation;

- passport of a foreign citizen or a stateless person or another identity document, unless otherwise stipulated by international treaties to which the Kyrgyz Republic is a party, as well as its copy with a valid visa;

- a passport of a citizen of the Kyrgyz Republic, a permanent residence permit of a foreign citizen or a stateless person who is the receiving party, and its copies;

- a receipt for the payment of state duty;

2. For legal entities that are the receiving party:

- request of the receiving party; passport of a foreign citizen or a stateless person or other identity document, unless otherwise stipulated by international treaties to which the Kyrgyz Republic is a party, with a valid visa and its copies;

- power of attorney on behalf of a legal entity, if the request is submitted by a representative;

- a receipt confirming the payment of the state duty.

3. Registration of foreign citizens or stateless persons who have the kyrilman status* is carried out for the period of validity of the kyrilman certificate, subject to the submission of the following documents:

- a statement of a foreign citizen or a stateless person recognized as a Kyrilman, or a request letter from the host party. The receiving party can be citizens of the Kyrgyz Republic, foreign citizens, and stateless persons who have a permanent residence permit, as well as legal entities;

- power of attorney on behalf of an individual or legal entity, if a representative submits the request;

- certificate of a kyrilman, issued by an authorized state body in the field of migration, and its copy; a passport of a citizen of the Kyrgyz Republic, a permanent residence permit of a foreign citizen or a stateless person who is the receiving party, and its copies;

- a receipt for the payment of state duty;

*ethnic Kyrgyz

Registration of foreign citizens or stateless persons arriving in the Kyrgyz Republic for official purposes based on cooperation with religious organizations or for other purposes is carried out upon submission of the following documents:

- request of the receiving party (the receiving party can be legal entities), a passport of a foreign citizen or a stateless person or another identity document, a valid visa and its copies

(unless otherwise stipulated by international treaties to which the Kyrgyz Republic is a party;

- power of attorney on behalf of a legal entity, if a representative submits the request;

- a receipt confirming the payment of the state duty.

Registration of foreign citizens or stateless persons who have the status of a refugee, or a person who requests to be recognized as a refugee, is carried out for the period of validity of the refugee card or the card of the person seeking the refugee issued by the authorized state body in the field of migration.

In the event of a change of place of residence, a foreign citizen or a stateless person is obliged to notify the Department or its territorial bodies of the new place

stay.

You can find out more at the link.

In addition to routine vaccinations, vaccination against hepatitis A/B/E, rabies, brucellosis, tuberculosis, and meningitis is required before entering the country. These are not required, but may be more difficult to obtain once in the country, so are highly recommended.