Health Alert:  U.S. Embassy Bishkek

Location:  Kyrgyzstan

Event:  Update on Government of the Kyrgyz Republic response to COVID-19

There have been no confirmed cases of coronavirus in the Kyrgyz Republic. However, the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic has implemented enhanced screening and quarantine measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Travelers should be prepared for travel restrictions to change with little or no advance notice. According to the enhanced measures:

 

  • As of March 10, 2020, the Government of Kyrgyz Republic has imposed a 14-day self-quarantine on U.S. citizens arriving to the Kyrgyz Republic. This self-quarantine may be done at home or at a hotel.
  • U.S. citizen travelers arriving at Manas International Airport will be scanned with a thermal camera and may be tested for fever at the point of entry. Those who enter with high temperatures may be subject to involuntary quarantine for up to 14 days.
  • Travelers coming from a country with confirmed cases of COVID-19 who have fever and/or other symptoms of COVID-19 will be sent to a hospital for monitoring and COVID-19 testing.
  • U.S. citizen travelers presenting at a land border checkpoint may be subject to initial medical screening and possibly to involuntary quarantine for up to 14 days regardless of the results of their medical screening.  Expect delays due to enhanced screening procedures.
  • The Kyrgyz government on March 1, 2020 imposed restrictions for citizens of Japan, China, South Korea, Iran, and Italy.

The Kyrgyz government has encouraged organizers of large public gatherings to consider cancelling or postponing them, or otherwise limiting participation.  Several sport competitions and public events have accordingly been cancelled throughout the Kyrgyz Republic.

This remains a fluid situation.  Please check the Kyrgyz Republic’s Ministry of Health website for updates.

Actions to Take:

  • Consult the CDC website, for the most up-to-date information regarding enhanced screening procedures.
  • Check with the airlines regarding any flight cancellations and/or restrictions on flying.
  • 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.
  • Check with your airlines or cruise lines regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions.
  • 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.

Seek medical care right away if you believe you may have COVID-19 (or similar symptoms) or were exposed to someone who may have COVID-19 in the last six weeks.