Depends on your nationality. At least 78 nationalities enjoy visa-free access to Kyrgyzstan including the United Kingdom, the United States, and all of the European Union. However, it’s important to check for your nationality before travelling to Kyrgyzstan. Where visas are required, e-Visas are available for many nationalities, although restrictions do exist on which ports of entry can issue them. It’s best to contact your travel company to advise directly on where and when visas might be required.
When is the best time to visit Kyrgyzstan?
The peak travel season in Kyrgyzstan is between May and September. During the winter months, many roads and mountain passes become inaccessible which can cause issues with travel during that period, especially in the southern Pamir region. There is a popular summer trekking period between June and August, and winter travel does exist for skiing trips around Karakol.
Is it safe to travel in Kyrgyzstan?
Kyrgyzstan is generally considered to be a safe country for foreign travel, both independent and group. Crime affecting foreign tourists is generally rare, although it is recommended to stay aware of your surroundings in busy areas and local markets. The main risks to travellers is altitude, especially in the more mountainous areas, as well as road conditions which can change suddenly, especially in winter. Trips along the M41 Pamir Highway historically cross the Tajik-Kyrgyz border at Kyzyl-Art, which has been the site of recent tensions. We recommend travelling with an experienced local driver and qualified guide.
What language is spoken in Kyrgyzstan?
The official language of Kyrgyzstan is Kyrgyz. It is a Turkic language closely related to neighbouring Kazakh, and is written using the Cyrillic alphabet, a holdover from the country’s time as part of the Russian Empire and later the USSR. Russian is also considered an official language in the country, and can often be used as an intermediary language.
English is not commonly spoken, however is slowly increasing in popularity in larger cities like Bishkek and Osh, although is nowhere near widespread.
What currency is used and how do I access money?
The currency in Kyrgyzstan is the Kyrgyzstani Som (KGS) and is widely available through ATMS and local currency exchanges in the cities of Bishkek, Karakol, and Osh. Exchanges regularly accept US Dollars and Euros, however the quality of the banknotes will often define the exchange rates, with older variants of US dollar notes often refused. So, for exchanging cash, make sure to bring new, crisp banknotes.
In the cities, card payments are becoming more common, although in the rural areas, cash is still heavily relied on.