Overall country Risk Rating: 

 

BB - Stable regulated state, there is a medium HSE risk. Worksite risk is deemed to be medium. Corruption risk is medium. Road deaths are higher than the EU average.The country scores 136/175 on the corruption perception index, with a score of -1.17 on corruption control.(Point estimates range from -2.5 to 2.5. Higher values correspond to better governance outcomes).

Genvisec advises that all business and leisure travel should continue to Kyrgyzstan.Certain categories of traveller will require enhanced security.

 

Political situation

 

Demonstrations on political and socio-economic themes occur both in central Bishkek and in other parts of the country. You should avoid all demonstrations.

 

Independent Kyrgyzstan’s first two Presidents were deposed: Akaev in the 2005 Tulip Revolution and his successor Bakiev in a bloody coup in April 2010. In June 2010 inter-ethnic violence erupted in southern Kyrgyzstan, leaving more than 400 dead and over 100,000 displaced. Interim President Roza Otunbayeva oversaw a constitutional referendum and parliamentary and presidential elections before handing over power voluntarily to President Almazbek Atambaev in December 2011

 

Crime

 

Muggings (sometimes violent) and theft occur regularly. Foreigners can be targeted. Following widespread unrest in 2010, there continue to be small incidents involving criminals, mostly after dark. Take care if you go out after dark.

 

Keep large amounts of money hidden at all times and be wary of strangers offering help or being over-friendly. Be particularly aware of your surroundings when using currency exchange offices.

 

There have been reports of thefts carried out by uniformed police officers and gangs. Avoid walking alone at night and don’t travel in unofficial taxis.

 

Passenger lists on aircraft are not always kept confidential. There have been cases of people being met by name from an aircraft and subsequently robbed.

 

Local travel

 

Take care if you travel to the Oblasts (Provinces) of Osh, Batken and Jalal-Abad. While there has been no widespread violence since 2010, ethnic and political tensions continue to exist.

 

Tensions exist over recognition of the Kyrgyz/Uzbek borders. There have been a number of security incidents in this region and several gunfire exchanges. You should only use officially recognised border crossings in this area; there is a risk that uncontrolled Kyrgyz/Uzbek border areas may be land-mined. Check in advance which border posts are open.

 

The Kyrgyz-Tajik border is disputed. Localised violence erupts occasionally and the border can be closed at short notice, particularly near the Vorukh enclave. Tajik and Kyrgyz security forces clashed in this area on 11 January 2014 leaving 8 wounded, and a Tajik civilian was killed in an exchange of gunfire on 10 July.

 

There are frequent power cuts throughout the country. There are gas shortages in southern Kyrgyzstan.

 

Road travel

 

You should avoid flagging down taxis. Use telephone taxi services, which are more reputable and have English-speaking dispatchers. Wherever possible use main roads when travelling in and around Bishkek and avoid large crowds even if in a vehicle.

 

Avoid using local buses and mini-buses as they are not always properly maintained and are notorious for pick-pockets.

 

You can drive in Kyrgyzstan using a UK Driving Licence or an International Driving Permit. Service stations are limited outside the cities of Bishkek and Osh. Make sure you take all you need for your journey.

 

Take extra care when driving, particularly over long distances. Many roads are poorly maintained with road works or damaged roads often not clearly signposted. Roads outside the capital are often blocked by snow in winter.

 

Air travel

 

All Kyrgyz airlines are banned from operating services to the EU because they don’t meet international safety standards.

 

In 2009 the International Civil Aviation Organisation conducted an audit of the level of implementation of the critical elements of safety oversight in Kyrgyzstan.

 

Trekking

 

Trekking in Kyrgyzstan often involves travelling to very remote areas. There is a high risk of avalanches, landslides and rock falls. Adequate insurance, including for any activity at high altitude, is essential. If you’re trekking or mountaineering, be vigilant and be prepared to adapt your plans to reflect local conditions and advice. Use a reputable trekking agency, let someone know your estimated return time and don’t trek alone. In remote areas, mobile phone coverage is extremely limited, and any medical facilities basic.

 

Local laws and customs

Kyrgyzstan has a secular constitution. Most Kyrgyz people are Muslims. You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend other cultures or religious beliefs, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas.

 

In 2015, the holy month of Ramadan is expected to start on 18 June and finish on 18 July. 

 

Possession and use of drugs is illegal. If you are found guilty, you could face a lengthy prison sentence in basic conditions.

 

Homosexuality is legal, but not often discussed or recognised publicly. You should take care over public displays of affection.

 

Taking photos of anything that could be perceived as being of military or security interest may result in problems with the authorities.

 

You must carry your passport, or a notarised copy of it, at all times. The police can arrest you if you do not carry ID.

 

Terrorism

There is an underlying threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. There has been some terrorist activity and armed violence, particularly south and west of Osh.

 

You should maintain a high level of vigilance in public spaces and near to public buildings, and pay attention to any security announcements by the Kyrgyz authorities.

 

Natural disasters

There is a high risk of earthquakes. Tremors are frequent. You should familiarise yourself with safety procedures in the event of an earthquake and follow any advice given by local authorities. In the mountains, avalanches and landslides frequently block roads.

 

Health

Medical facilities in Kyrgyzstan are not as developed as those in the EU. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

 

There have been several cases of anthrax in Kyrgyzstan, mainly in the south of the country, due to insufficient measures to vaccinate animals.

 

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 103 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

 

Visas

 

Foreign nationals don’t need a visa to enter and stay for up to 60 days. If you stay in Kyrgyzstan for over 60 days without a valid visa, you’ll be liable for a fine. It’s not possible to get a visa in Kyrgyzstan if you originally entered the country without a visa. If you think you may spend more than 60 days in Kyrgyzstan, you should get a visa from a Kyrgyz Embassy before you travel or on arrival at the airport in Bishkek. The visa can be extended at a Kyrgyz Government office at 66, Razzakova Street in Bishkek.

 

Passport validity

 

Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 3 months from the date of entry into Kyrgyzstan and must have at least 1 full blank page if you are applying for a visa.

 

The Kyrgyz authorities have confirmed they will accept British passports extended by 12 months by British Embassies and Consulates under additional measures put in place in mid-2014.

 

Emergency Travel Documents

 

Emergency Travel Documents are accepted for entry, airside transit and exit from Kyrgyzstan. If using one to leave Kyrgyzstan, you must obtain an exit visa from OVIR (the Department for Visa and Registration under the Ministry of Internal Affairs). This takes at least 5 working days.

 

Yellow fever

 

Yellow fever vaccination is required for travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.