Kashlee KucheranLast Updated
Kyrgyzstan has officially reopened for tourism on August 21, now allowing select countries to once again visit since shutting its borders to foreigners in March.
The landlocked country in Central Asia gets around 3 million tourists per year, mostly from neighboring nations, but has a growing adventure travel and eco-tourism sector. Since they are reporting a flattening of the curve and a downward trend in cases, Kyrgyzstan is hoping to now recover some of their lost tourism season.
Many tourists visit Kyrgyzstan for horse riding, yurt camping, mountain climbing, hiking, kayaking, and enjoying natural hot springs.
Countries Allowed to Travel to Kyrgyzstan
As of August 21st , Kyrgyzstan is now allowing residents from 31 countries to visit.
- Armenia
- Austria
- Azerbaijan
- Belarus
- Belgium
- China
- Georgia
- Germany
- Great Britain
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Japan
- Kazakhstan
- Kuwait
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malaysia
- Pakistan
- Portugal
- Qatar
- Russia
- Slovenia
- South Korea
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Turkey
- Turkmenistan
- UAE
The government stated that this list was based on the epidemiological state and overall safety of each nation, however they have decided to include Russia, who has had the 4th worst case recordings in the world. Russia is also the 2nd largest contributor to overall tourism in Kyrgyzstan, which may have been a factor in its inclusion.
COVID-19 Testing Entry Requirements for Kyrgyzstan
When Kyrgyzstan first opened in August, no mandatory testing was required. Now as of September 5th, PCR testing is required.
All passengers arriving by air into Kyrgyzstan will have to produce proof of a negative PCR test, in original paper form, that was taken no longer than 72 hours before arrival.
*Land Border Arrival Note: A negative PCR test from no more than 120 hours by land, is now required for foreign citizens to enter Kyrgyzstan
Quarantine Entry Requirements for Kyrgyzstan
For residents entering Kyrgyzstan from the above 31 countries, there are no mandatory quarantine requirements, as long as the negative PCR test has been provided.
However, passengers will undergo a health screening upon arrival and if symptoms are detected, they may be required to quarantine.
Visa Requirements for Kyrgyzstan
Apart from the above Covid-related entry requirements, you also might be required to obtain a Visa in order to enter Kyrgyzstan.
There are currently 45 countries that do not need a visa to enter, and 20 countries that offer a visa-on-arrival at Manas airport. All other nations will have to apply for a visa ahead of time.
Click here to see if your nation requires a visa to enter
Flights to Kyrgyzstan
Tourists will most likely be flying into (FRU) Manas airport, the largest airport just outside the capital city of Bishkek. Flights are already starting to resume with the announcement of Kyrgyzstan’s reopening.
Here are some direct flights resuming soon:
- Istanbul on Pegasus resuming Aug 26, and on Turkish Airlines Sept 1
- Dubai on FlyDubai resuming Aug 28
- Ulaanbaatar on Turkish Airlines resuming Sept 5
- Astana on Air Astana resuming Sept 17
- Novosibirsk on S7 resuming Oct 2
- Moscow on AeroFlot resuming Oct 25
Travel Insurance For Kyrgyzstan
While having valid travel health insurance is not a mandatory entry requirement, all travelers should ensure they have a policy that covers Covid.
Read More: See what countries have re-opened in Europe and Asia for tourism, and which countries have no restrictions or entry requirements
Sources: Direct interview with Minister of Foreign Affairs / 24.kg / Wiki / Ministry of Health /
Disclaimer: Kyrgyzstan's reopening news is ever-changing and being updated constantly. We do our best to keep this article up to date with all the latest information, but the decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling.
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Originally Published August 20th, 2020