Routine Message – New Visa Validity for Tourism and Business

The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Kyrgyz Republic would like to bring to the attention of U.S. citizens residing or traveling in the Kyrgyz Republic, the following Informational Message regarding new visa regulations:

The U.S. Embassy is pleased to announce that on April 28, 2015, the United States and The Kyrgyz Republic will begin issuing five-year, multiple entry visas on a reciprocal basis to qualified applicants traveling for short term business and tourism purposes.  U.S. citizens traveling on the five year visas will be allowed a maximum period of stay of up to six months.

U.S. citizens may apply for the five-year visa at any Kyrgyz Embassy abroad.  The total cost for this visa will be $205.00 ($160 non-refundable visa processing fee and a $45 reciprocity fee when issued).  Travelers may still obtain a 60-day visa at no cost upon arrival which cannot be extended.  U.S. citizens can also purchase a short-term visa at the point of entry which can be extended in country if the planned period of stay is longer than 60 days.  U.S. citizens staying in The Kyrgyz Republic longer than 60 days must register with the local State Registration Office.

Travelers should be aware that violating the authorized period of stay or engaging in activities inconsistent with their visa category may result in a fine of 10000 Kyrgyz som, deportation, and/or delays upon exit.  Travelers who are unsure whether their planned activity is allowed on a tourist/business visa, should contact the nearest Kyrgyz Embassy for clarification.

Additional information on visa rules and regulations can also be found on the Embassy’s website.

We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens traveling abroad enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).  STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates, and makes it easier for the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate to contact you in an emergency.  If you do not have Internet access, enroll directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

For the latest security information, U.S. citizens traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State’s Internet website at travel.state.gov where the Worldwide Caution, Country Specific Information,Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts can be found.  Follow us on Twitter and the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook as well.

In addition to information on the internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or, from other countries, on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.  These numbers are available from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm Monday through Friday, Eastern Time (except U.S. federal holidays).

If you need to contact the U.S. Embassy in The Kyrgyz Republic, you may contact us via telephone at +996-312-55-1241.  The Consular Section can be reached via e-mail at BishkekConsular@state.gov.

Non-emergency services for U.S. citizens are provided by appointment on Mon. and Fri., 9 a.m. – 12 p.m and 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. and Wed., 2 – 4 p.m.  In the event of emergency, you may reach the Duty Officer via telephone at +996-312-55-1262.

Best regards,

The Consular Section