Covid-19 Update May 20

To date, Kyrgyzstan reports 1,270 COVID-19 infections. 14 people have died and 910 have recovered.

Emergency Situation and Planned Re-Opening

While the State of Emergency ended on May 11, Kyrgyzstan is still officially in an emergency situation and restrictions on certain activities remain. Checkpoints outside of Bishkek and other major cities are keeping tight controls on movement into and out of urban areas. Starting May 21, public service centers, shopping centers (but not food courts and play areas for children), non-grocery stores, car and cattle markets, and hotels will resume operations. Starting May 25, clothing markets, cafes, restaurants, theaters, museums, and all forms of public transport will re-start. We remind American citizens to abide by the restrictions, follow good hygiene practices, and to obey orders from Kyrgyz law enforcement.

Kyrgyz Visa and Registration Update

On April 30, the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic announced that foreigners may remain in the Kyrgyz Republic until June 1, 2020 without requiring an exit visa. U.S. citizens whose visas or registration are expired will not be required to pay a fine or obtain an exit visa upon departure before June 1, 2020. This measure was implemented due to the difficulty for foreign citizens to depart the Kyrgyz Republic on time as a result of the restrictive travel measures as well as the temporary suspension of international flights due to the spread of COVID-19. The State Registration Service announced that foreign citizens who want to extend their stay in the territory of the Kyrgyz Republic must renew their registration within ten business days after the service centers re-open.

Flights and Borders

The government has made no announcements yet about re-opening airports or borders or resumption of commercial flights. U.S. citizens who remain in Kyrgyzstan should prepare to shelter in place until normal commercial flight routes resume.

Actions to Take:

  • Consult the CDC website, for the most up-to-date information regarding enhanced screening procedures.
  • For the most recent information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19, please see the CDC’s latest recommendations.
  • Visit the COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov for the latest information.
  • Visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19 for information on conditions in the Kyrgyz Republic.
  • Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions to the U.S.

Assistance: