Visas
Citizens of many countries, including the UK, the EU and the US, can enter Kyrgyzstan without a visa. The permitted length of stay and the rules differ by nationality, so check the current requirements with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan or your country's embassy before you travel.
For Russian citizens
- No visa is needed.
- You can enter with either a Russian internal passport or an international passport.
- You can stay up to 90 days in every 180 without any additional paperwork.
- Since 20 January 2026, children under 14 need their own international passport to travel from Russia to Kyrgyzstan.
Money
The local currency is the Kyrgyz som. Bishkek has plenty of ATMs and exchange offices, but there are none in the gorge, and cards are far from universally accepted.
- Withdraw cash in Bishkek before your trip.
- Bring some small notes for cafés, the pool and taxis.
- Exchange money at banks and official exchange offices.
Language
The official languages are Kyrgyz and Russian. In Bishkek and at tourist spots almost everyone speaks Russian; English is less common, especially outside the city, so a translation app on your phone will come in handy.