Providing assistance to Americans during an emergency or crisis abroad is one of the most critical tasks consular officers perform. To help us better assist you, the U.S. Embassy in Bishkek encourages all American citizens traveling to and living in Kyrgyzstan to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). When you enroll in STEP, you automatically receive up-to-date security information about Kyrgyzstan. Your enrollment also makes your whereabouts known in case it is necessary to contact you in an emergency.
Before a crisis situation occurs:
- Check the validity of your passport and visas. If your passport expires within six months or less, you need to renew your passport.
- Non-citizen immediate family members should keep their U.S. visas current. Visa processing can sometimes take several weeks.
- Make sure your enrollment in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program is up-to-date and that we have your current phone number, email and overseas work and residential addresses.
- Make or update a complete inventory of your household effects, in duplicate.
- Maintain an adequate supply of food, water, and medications in your home.
- Make sure your car is in good working condition. Keep the gas tank full and check the oil, coolant, tires, and battery.
- Individuals with children should complete and have on hand DS Form 3053 – Statement of Consent: Issuance of a Passport to a Minor under Age 16.
- Execute a Power of Attorney for each adult family member. Whenever possible, make the power of attorney specific to required actions – banking, child care, property management, medical (at home and abroad), etc.
- Assemble vital records and important documents in one readily accessible location (portable file box, computer disk/thumb drive or laptop); documents you should gather include, passports, naturalization certificates, birth and marriage records, U.S. driver’s license, social security cards, will/testament, power of attorney, DS Form 3053, children school records, medical and immunization records, insurance policies, personal checks, credit cards, and bank account documents, etc.
We offer assistance in the following crisis situations:
Family Emergency in the United States and Welfare and Whereabouts
Families of Americans overseas may try to contact the American because of an emergency at home, natural disaster or because of concern about the American’s welfare. If they cannot reach the American directly, they may call the State Department’s Citizens Emergency Center or call the American Citizen Services (ACS) unit of the U.S. Embassy in Bishkek. The State Department will relay the message to the nearest U.S. Consular Section. The ACS unit will attempt to locate the American, pass on urgent messages, and, consistent with the Federal Privacy Act, report back to the family. Registering upon arrival greatly enhances our ability to locate you in the event of the emergency.
U.S. Embassy Bishkek
- Phone number: +996312597000
- After-Hours Emergency Telephone number: +996312597000 (Dial as indicated if calling from the U.S.
State Department’s Citizens Emergency Center
(202) 647-5225 (monitored 7 days a week, 24 hours a day)
Civil Disturbance or Natural Disaster
In the event of a natural disaster or major crisis, American citizens need to be resourceful. U.S. officials will do everything they can to contact and advise. However, officials must give priority to helping Americans who have been hurt or are in immediate danger. In a disaster, consular officers may face the same constraints as private Americans – lack of electricity or fuel, interrupted telephone lines, closed airports, etc. Americans are advised to monitor news reports and check the Embassy website for new alerts and advisories.