Formalities

This next section describes some of the formalities which face tourists who visit the Kyrgyz Republic:

• Visas: most visitors to Kyrgyzstan need a visa. To obtain a visa it may be necessary to have an invitation.
• When you arrive, you will have to go through the procedures for immigration and for Customs control.
• There is a short, “Express”, Questionnaire that every visitor to the country is asked to complete.
• Once here, it may be necessary to register with the local authorities – OVIR.
• In theory, every foreigner is supposed to carry identification (e.g. Passports) with them.
• For some parts of the country it is necessary to obtain permits.
• When leaving the country, it may be necessary to have registered souvenirs and obtain permission to export them out of the country – see the section under “Customs”.

Also, later in the “Practical Matters” section, there are notes about:

• Insurance: Under Kyrgyz law, it is necessary for every tourist to carry insurance cover to meet medical expenses.
• Driving in Kyrgyzstan : if you are bringing your own vehicle with you.
• Crossing Torugart and Irkeshtam : if you are planning to cross the land border with China.
• There are also some notes about money – and using exchange offices, banks, etc.