Kyrgyzstan’s visa policy outlines the regulations for foreign nationals entering the country. It offers various entry options, including visa-free access, visa on arrival, and an electronic visa (e-Visa) system, depending on the visitor’s nationality. Kyrgyzstan is also a member of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), which influence its mobility and visa policies.
Who Needs a Visa to Enter Kyrgyzstan?
- Visa-Free Entry: Nationals from a significant number of countries can enter Kyrgyzstan visa-free for varying durations.
- Visa on Arrival (VoA): Some foreign nationals can obtain a visa upon arrival at select airports in Kyrgyzstan.
- Electronic Visa (e-Visa): Citizens of all other countries may apply for an e-Visa online.
- Visa in Advance: Nationals not eligible for visa-free entry, VoA, or e-Visa must apply for a visa through a Kyrgyz embassy or consulate.
Visa-Free Entry
Kyrgyzstan allows citizens of many countries to enter visa-free for specific periods, based on bilateral agreements. These countries are divided into several categories:
Indefinite Period (No Visa Required)
Citizens of the following countries can enter Kyrgyzstan indefinitely without needing a visa:
- Azerbaijan, Cuba, Georgia, Kazakhstan, North Korea, Moldova, Tajikistan
90 Days within any 180 Days
Visitors from the following countries are allowed visa-free entry for up to 90 days within a 180-day period:
- Armenia, Belarus, Mongolia, Russia, Serbia, Turkey, Ukraine
60 Days within any 120 Days
Citizens of the following countries can enter Kyrgyzstan for up to 60 days within a 120-day period:
- European Union (all member states)
- Albania, Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Bahrain, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Canada
- Chile, Israel, Japan, Kuwait, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States
Additionally, Vietnam, Uzbekistan, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Montenegro, Norway, Oman, Qatar, San Marino, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, Vatican City also enjoy 60-day visa-free entry.
30 Days
Nationals of Hong Kong, Macao, Malaysia, Maldives can enter Kyrgyzstan visa-free for up to 30 days. However, travelers must present a return or onward ticket to qualify.
Visa on Arrival (VoA)
Citizens of select countries can obtain a visa on arrival at Manas International Airport. The visa is valid for 30 days, and eligible countries include:
- Indonesia, Philippines, South Africa, Venezuela
Electronic Visa (e-Visa)
Since September 1, 2017, citizens of all countries and territories are eligible to apply for an e-Visa. The e-Visa is available for tourism, business, or group travel purposes, with options for either 30 days or 60 days of stay.
e-Visa holders must enter Kyrgyzstan through:
- Manas International Airport
- Osh Airport
- Land crossings from China, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan
Applications for the e-Visa can be submitted online, simplifying the process for visitors.
Simplified Visa Procedure
Nationals of the following countries can obtain a short-term entry-exit visa under a simplified procedure:
- Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, India, Iran, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Tunisia, Yemen
These visas, typically for tourist or business purposes, are valid for up to 1 month. However, these citizens must hold a valid residence permit issued by countries such as GCC member states, Brunei, Singapore, Thailand, or Vietnam.
Visa Exemption for Special Passports
Citizens holding diplomatic, official, or service passports from several countries, including China, India, Indonesia, Iran, Morocco, and Turkmenistan, are eligible for visa-free entry to Kyrgyzstan.
Additionally, Kyrgyzstan has signed mutual visa exemption agreements for holders of diplomatic and service passports with Albania, Montenegro, Thailand, and Venezuela, though these agreements are yet to be ratified.
Admission Restrictions
Kyrgyzstan does not admit or transit citizens from Kosovo and does not recognize passports issued by Abkhazia, Somaliland, South Ossetia, and Transnistria.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
- Can I get a visa on arrival in Kyrgyzstan? Yes, citizens of Indonesia, Philippines, South Africa, and Venezuela can obtain a visa on arrival at Manas International Airport for stays up to 30 days.
- Who can enter Kyrgyzstan visa-free? Nationals from over 60 countries, including EU member states, United States, Russia, Kazakhstan, and Turkey, can enter Kyrgyzstan without a visa for varying durations, from 30 days to indefinite periods.
- How can I apply for an e-Visa to Kyrgyzstan? You can apply for an e-Visa online via the official Kyrgyzstan e-Visa portal. It is available for tourism, business, or group travel for 30 or 60 days.
- What documents do I need to enter Kyrgyzstan? All visitors must hold a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry and, if required, a visa or e-Visa.
- Do residents of GCC countries need a visa? Nationals of certain countries, such as Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, and Morocco, holding a valid GCC residence permit can obtain a visa under a simplified procedure.
- Are there any restricted nationalities for entry to Kyrgyzstan? Yes, Kyrgyzstan refuses entry to nationals of Kosovo and does not recognize certain territorial passports like those from Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
