Visas, Embassies & Border Crossings
The embassy of Kyrgyzstan in Tashkent, Uzbekistan has moved. It is now next to the Kazak embassy at Holida Samatova. Since 1997 a visa costs US$65 and is valid for one month. If the consul is at work he'll process the visa while you're waiting. He speaks German. If he's away there is nobody else who can give you a visa.
Martyn Rasche (June 98)
The Kyrgyzstan consulate in Istanbul is at Lamartin C.7 in Taksim (tel) 235 3737. They charge US$100 for a 30 day tourist visa but require no sponser.
Ari Katz
The Kyrgyz Republic has finally opened an embassy/consulate in the UK at Ascot House 119 Crawford Street, London W1H 1AF (tel) 0171 935 1462; fax 0171 935 7449 (nearest tube is Baker Street). The documents required for a visa are : letter of invitation (for tourist); letter of support (business/official), one application form, passport and one photograph. Single entry visas cost ú20 - one week; ú35 - over one week; ú40 - one month; ú66 over one month. Multiple entries are ú100 for six months and ú125 for one year. Transit visas are issued at the border and are valid for three days provided you have a visa and/or onward connections to a neighbouring third country.
Hitesh Parmar (May 98)
To get a Kyrgyzstan visa in London, go to the Kazakstan embassy not the Russian one. You'll need an invitation letter.
Damian McCormick - Ireland (Jan 97)
I have heard that there is a Chinese/Kyrgyzstan agreement to make a new border crossing point for foreigners at Irkeshtan on the old silk route. It would take 1.5 days to drive from Osh to the border on a spectacular road through the Pamirs.
Alptreksport intend to provide transport to and from Osh as well as a tented camp near the border.
John & Diane McKinnon (Nov 97)
For UK citizens, the nearest embassy is in Brussels, at Ambassade Du Kyrgyzstan, 133 Rue De Ten Bosch, 1050 Brussels Fax (32 2) 534 23 25. ( (32 2) 534 63 99. The consul is very friendly and helpful; 1800 BF buys a one month visa handed out immediately.
The Kazakh embassy in Bishkek has moved (the old site is a bank now) to Togolok Moldo. The US embassy hasn't moved yet.
Jon Aldridge (Sept 97)
The best remedy against problems in Central Asia is to stay tuned in order to keep your papers in order and give them the least shakedown opportunities as possible. The rules and regulation change all the time, thus leaving plenty of loopholes for whoever wants to abuse them.
Take the "72 hours-rule", according to which, a valid visa for Kirghizstan normally gives you the right to spend 72 hours in Kazakhstan without transit visa, registration or any cost (and the same with a Kazakhstan visa in Kirghizstan). But hardly anyone issues entry stamps at the border, and often they outrightly refuse you one when you ask for it. That way you can't prove how long you've been in the country, and its potluck whether an official will seize the opportunity to make problems at the first passport control or not. On top of that, recent anti-narcotic laws in Kazakhstan and Kirghizstan give police the full right to run in passengers at bus and railway stations, search, question and hold them for a longer time at the nearest police post.
When arrested, consular advice is not only a basic right, its you main tool of defence. For example, in Dzhambul policemen who searched my bag pretended that my water purifying tablets were narcotics and that I was ready for a long time in prison. But they quickly forgot about that matter when I said that in that case, I had the right to call my consulate in Almaty immediately and inform them about my arrest. Thus It is very wise to keep the address and telephone numbers of your embassy or an embassy that would help you in Tahkent, Bishkek etc with you.
It is important to know that only the issuing authorities and noone else are entitled to confiscate your passport, and that it should be with you at all times. It can only be taken for a brief check. However in practice they often take it away.
Never let a policeman put their hands in your pockets during a search. Instead take all stuff out yourself and turn your pockets out. There have been cases where policemen planted some hash in pockets while they were searching them.
Unless you understand Russian, never sign anything. One French man signed something of which the fine print said he admitted to 'aggressive behaviour towards policemen'.
Always insist on paying a fine at the bank. This is, indeed, official policy to prevent bribes. Demand a copy of the receipt, as with all documents or declarations involved. If they ask to see your money (control law on counterfeit bills), insist on the presence of the highest ranking officer and count out the money in front of them. Count all the money you hand over very slowly and out loud, agreeing firmly on the amount (eg write it down) and when they hand the money back, count again in the same way.
Making a scene can help if there is an audience. Officials are not used to contradiction, and locals have been known to help protect travellers.
This does not mean, however, that all Central Asian police are thugs. Most are simple underpaid and bored, and, more important, have families to feed. Some are friendly and have showed us around and given us meals.
Bruno de Cordier - Belgium (Dec 1997)
As well as the usual hostels and hotels, another possibility is to rent an apartment. We found several in the best area of the city, at the northern end of Orozbekova. A lease for a three bedroom unit, well furnished and very comfortable is around US$600 per month. A two bedroom might be $400. Cheaper apartments are no doubt available elsewhere. For an extra $50-100 per month you can get household staff.
Roger Lewer - Australia (Dec 1997)
The possibilities for walks and horse treks around Naryn are superb. I recommend the 4 day horse trek from Naryn to Son Kol, which can be arranged through the Yildiz Hostel in Naryn. It could be done by those with limited riding experience, but not if you've never horse-ridden.
Bruno de Cordier - Belgium (Dec 1997)
