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Citizens of select countries, primarily within the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) and CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States), such as Russia, Kazakhstan, Armenia, and Belarus, can enter Kyrgyzstan with a national ID card. Travelers from other countries must present a valid passport.
All other travelers entering Kyrgyzstan must have a valid passport. Here’s a guide to the visa policies:
Citizens of the following countries can enter Kyrgyzstan without a visa for stays ranging from 30 to 90 days, depending on the country:
Kyrgyzstan offers a visa on arrival or eVisa for citizens of many countries. This visa allows stays for up to 30 or 60 days, depending on the nationality. You can apply online for an eVisa prior to your trip.
Citizens of countries not eligible for visa-free entry or a visa on arrival must apply for a visa in advance at a Kyrgyz embassy or consulate. A valid passport with at least six months of validity is required.
Note: Always check the latest entry requirements based on your nationality before planning your trip, as visa regulations can change.
Kyrgyzstan does not have toll roads or a vignette system for road use. Major highways, including those between Bishkek, Osh, and Issyk-Kul, are toll-free. However, some mountain roads may have informal fees for maintenance or access.
Kyrgyzstan has a continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. The weather varies significantly depending on the region and altitude, with mountainous areas being cooler year-round.
Summers in Kyrgyzstan are warm and dry, with temperatures in the lowlands ranging from 77°F to 86°F (25°C to 30°C). In the high-altitude regions, temperatures remain cooler.
Winters are cold, with temperatures dropping to as low as 14°F to -4°F (-10°C to -20°C), especially in the mountains. Snow is common, particularly in the higher elevations.
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) offer moderate temperatures, making these the best times to visit, especially for trekking and outdoor activities.
The official currency of Kyrgyzstan is the Kyrgyzstani Som (KGS), symbolized as С̲ or sometimes KGS.
Som banknotes are available in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1,000, and 5,000 KGS. Coins are available in 1, 3, 5, and 10 Som, and smaller denominations in tyiyn.
Currency exchange services are available in major cities, especially in Bishkek and Osh. ATMs are widespread, and you can withdraw Som from your bank account. USD and EUR are the most commonly exchanged foreign currencies.
Credit and debit cards are accepted in major hotels, restaurants, and shopping centers in urban areas, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially when visiting rural areas and smaller towns.
