Medical Resources
Local medical services in Bishkek are overwhelmed. Hospital beds are unavailable and doctors and nurses are in short supply. This is true for both COVID and non-COVID medical care. American Citizens should keep this in mind, continue to shelter in place as much as possible, and wear masks and practice social distancing whenever in public. The Republican Headquarters and the Ministry of Health have expanded the 24/7 hotline to provide consultations and arrange testing for those who are experiencing COVID-19-like symptoms. Dial 118 to reach the hotline. Due to a lack of capacity, testing is now being done only on those who are experiencing symptoms.
Kyrgyz Visa and Registration Update
The Government of the Kyrgyz Republic has informed us that foreigners may remain in the Kyrgyz Republic until the emergency situation ends without requiring an exit visa. U.S. citizens whose visas are expired will not be required to pay a fine or obtain an exit visa upon departure while the emergency situation persists. The Visa Service Center of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is closed for in person visitors but open for phone or email consultation at +312-66-30-70, e-visa@mfa.gov.kg
Reminder: Flights July 15, 22, 29: Turkish Airlines Charters to Istanbul
The Turkish Embassy in Bishkek announced likely charter flights on the following dates from Bishkek to Istanbul:
15 July 2020
22 July 2020
29 July 2020
Any interested passengers must apply at the Turkish Airlines office as soon as possible. You may inquire directly with Turkish Airlines about price, baggage allowance, health and safety precautions, and exchange of previously purchased tickets. For those who have already signed up with Turkish Airlines, you will be contacted by them starting on July 10 with confirmation of your flight assignment.
The Turkish Airlines office is located at 130 Bokonbayev Street. Their phone number is +996 312 979 598 and e-mail is info-kg@thy.com. If approved, citizens of any nationalities may board as long as they have a valid passport and they meet Turkish visa requirements. Please check official Turkish government sources for any requirements for transit passengers.
This is not a U.S. government funded or organized charter; U.S. Embassy Bishkek cannot assist in arranging for tickets or space on these flights or for onward travel to the U.S. At this time, Turkish Airlines offers flights from Istanbul to a few ports of entry to the U.S. on certain days of the week.
Government Actions
As of July 2, the following rules and limitations are in place for Bishkek:
- Public transport (trolleys, marshrutkas, buses) will run from 07:00-10:00 a.m. and from 5:00-9:00 p.m. only. Public transportation and taxi service will be suspended entirely on weekends.
- Cafes and restaurants can operate only between the hours of 8:00 am -8:00 pm.
- Supermarkets and shopping centers will operate 7:00 am -7:00 pm
- Markets will operate from 6:00 am – 5:00 pm.
- Bars, nightclubs, playgrounds, bike rentals, parks, squares and other gathering places will be closed.
Actions to Take:
- Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information.
- 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 https://kg.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/ for information on conditions in Kyrgyzstan
- Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s websiteon the latest travel restrictions to the United States
Assistance:
- U.S. Embassy Bishkek
- 171 Prospect Mira
Bishkek 720016
Kyrgyz Republic
Telephone: +(996)(312) 597-000
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(996)(312) 597-733
Fax: +(996)(312) 597-744
Email: consularbishkek@state.gov - Kyrgyzstan Country Information
- Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates
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