Kirghizstan

Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims. The dates vary by year and country. Cafés and restaurants may amend their menus and be busy around fast-breaking (‘Iftar’). Areas around mosques are also likely to be busy around prayer times. Take particular care not to offend religious sensitivities at this time.

You must always carry your passport, or a notarised copy of it, with you at all times. The police can arrest you if you do not carry ID. You can be arrested if you fail to do so. You can get a copy of your passport notarised in the UK and translated into Kyrgyz or Russian, or use a copy notarised in Kyrgyzstan.

It is illegal to possess or use drugs. You could get a lengthy prison sentence if convicted. Prison conditions are basic.

The police conduct regular drug raids in bars and night clubs. Police will be masked and armed. Stay calm and follow instructions. If you are not carrying and have not taken drugs you are normally asked for identification and then allowed to leave.

It is illegal to sell alcohol to someone aged 18 or under. Drinking in public is prohibited, and violators may face a 1,000 KGS fines or even imprisonment.

It is illegal to bring e-cigarettes, vaping devices and solutions into Kyrgyzstan or to buy and sell them. Customs officials will confiscate these items; and they could fine or detain you.

It is prohibited to bring certain material into Kyrgyzstan. This includes material which promotes war, terrorism, religious hatred or racism and pornographic content.

It is illegal to take photos of or use drones near anything related to the military or security, including border checkpoints, military sites and police stations. Check carefully that you are not near any military or security facilities.

Check if you can import and use your model of drone with the Kyrgyz Embassy.

Be careful when posting images of your visit on social media as offence can be taken. Take particular care with images or comments about public buildings, the Kyrgyz flag, national food or customs. Disrespectful content could result in fines or detention.

Same-sex relationships are legal but not often discussed or recognised publicly. Showing affection in public could result in a violent attack or unwanted attention. Same sex marriages are not recognised in Kyrgyz law.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

There are frequent power cuts throughout Kyrgyzstan during the winter.

The currency in Kyrgyzstan is the Kyrgyz som (KGS), and is usually not available in currency exchanges outside Kyrgyzstan.   

ATMs are widely available in main cities and usually distribute Kyrgyz som and US dollars.  You should pay with KGS but USD is a universal currency, and may be accepted in certain situations. ATMs sometimes have a maximum som withdrawal limit. This varies from bank to bank, but is often around 10,000 KGS. ATMs are also usually available in smaller towns, though it may be more difficult to withdraw dollars outside main cities. Credit and debit cards are widely used around the country; VISA is accepted in most places, but MasterCard is sometimes not accepted. Payment by QR code is also common. Travellers’ cheques are not normally accepted.

Bring cash if you plan to travel to rural areas where ATMs may not be available.

US dollars are the most easily exchanged foreign currency. Notes from before 2007 usually are not accepted or subject to additional charge if changing to Kyrgyz som.

There is a high risk of earthquakes and tremors are frequent. Familiarise yourself with safety procedures and follow advice from local authorities. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency has information about what to do before, during and after an earthquake.

In the mountains, avalanches and landslides often block roads, particularly in the spring.