£1 KGS 118.69
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11:02 pm
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Weather & climate
Weather in Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan
16°
Slight rain showers
Thu
11°
16°
Fri
9°
11°
Sat
8°
17°
Sun
7°
19°
Mon
9°
21°
Tue
10°
23°
Wed
13°
25°
SPF level in Kyrgyzstan
Recommended: SPF 50
Spring
SPF 30
Summer
SPF 50
Autumn
SPF 30
Winter
SPF 15
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Before you go
Entry requirements for Kyrgyzstan
What British travellers need to know
You can enter Kyrgyzstan without a visa for a stay of up to 30 days within any 60-day period.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the day you arrive in Kyrgyzstan.
If you are staying for more than 30 days, you must register online with the State Registration Service within 5 days of entry.
You must not overstay your permitted duration of stay, even briefly, to avoid fines and possible deportation.
If you are staying with a property owner for more than 30 days, both you and the owner must register at the State Registration Service.
Good to know:
You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty, as there are strict customs rules.
Bring a doctor's prescription for any prescription medicines and declare them on your customs declaration form, as some common UK medicines can cause problems.
Safety in Kyrgyzstan
Tips when travelling
Kyrgyzstan is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Be wary of bag-snatching and mugging, especially on public transport or when alone at night.
Watch your drinks in bars and nightclubs to avoid spiking, which can lead to sexual assault.
Pickpockets often target tourists at bazaars like Osh Bazaar in Bishkek.
Drinking alcohol in public is illegal and can result in a fine or imprisonment.
Do not take photos or use drones near military sites, border checkpoints, or police stations.
Bonus tips:
Always carry your passport or a notarised copy with you, as police can arrest you if you don't have ID.
Do not bring e-cigarettes or vaping devices into the country as they are illegal and will be confiscated.
More information
Driving in Kyrgyzstan
UK driving licenses are generally accepted for short visits. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
110 km/h
Urban speed limit
60 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.0%
Remember: Kyrgyzstan drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Health in Kyrgyzstan
Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including emergency evacuation. A GHIC or EHIC card is not applicable in Kyrgyzstan.
Consult your doctor regarding necessary vaccinations and health precautions before travelling to Kyrgyzstan. Drink bottled water and be cautious about food hygiene to avoid stomach issues. Medical facilities, especially outside Bishkek, may be limited.
Cards & payments
Credit and debit card acceptance is limited, especially outside of Bishkek. Visa is the most widely accepted card, followed by Mastercard. Smaller establishments and rural areas often only accept cash.
Visa
Medium
Mastercard
Medium
American Express
Low
Lost card? Call Visa: +1-303-967-1096
Tipping in Kyrgyzstan
Tipping is becoming more common in Kyrgyzstan, especially in tourist areas. While not always expected, it is appreciated for good service.
Restaurant
5-10% for good service
Bar/Café
Rounding up the bill or a small tip for good service
Taxi
Rounding up the fare is appreciated
Hotel Porter
50-100 KGS per bag
Hotel Housekeeper
50-100 KGS per day
Tour Guide
5-10% of the tour price for a good experience
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, EU roaming agreements no longer apply. Check with your UK mobile provider about roaming charges in Kyrgyzstan as they can be high. Purchasing a local SIM card is usually the most cost-effective option for calls and data.
Local SIM
10 GB for 500 KGS (~£5)
Network coverage
4G, 3G, 2G
Electrical in Kyrgyzstan
Voltage
220V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type C, Type F
WiFi & internet
WiFi is available in hotels, cafes, and restaurants in major cities. Coverage can be spotty in rural areas.
Average speed
15 Mbps
Internet access is readily available in Bishkek and other cities. Mobile data is affordable, so a local SIM is a good choice.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
112
Police
102
Ambulance
103
Fire
101
Save 112 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Kyrgyzstan
Country code
+996
To call the British Embassy in Bishkek, dial 00 996 312 596 200.
To call a Kyrgyz number from abroad, you need to dial the exit code of the country you are calling from, followed by the country code for Kyrgyzstan (996), and then the local number.
UK Embassy
British Embassy Bishkek
17 Erkindik Boulevard, Bishkek 720040, Kyrgyz Republic
Phone
Website
Frequently asked questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.