Kyrgyzstan Tourist Visa - Definitive Guide

There are certain formalities that are to be fulfilled at the time of travelling abroad. Similarly, when visiting Kyrgyzstan, issuing a tourist visa for Kyrgyzstan is one of the most important and fundamental requirements to be fulfilled. There are several benefits to this permit. The holder is permitted sightseeing, attending concerts and exhibitions, touring the country and other leisure activities. The validity of the permit and the duration of the stay will differ from case to case.

At the time of issuing a tourist visa for Kyrgyzstan from India, you first need to make sure that you are an eligible candidate for the same. The process for the application is mainly online and can be applied through the online portal. Procedure for the issuance of a tourist visa for Kyrgyzstan is as follows:

1. Start by creating an account on the Kyrgyzstan e-visa portal.
2. Confirm your account by following the process.
3. Start with the application process.
4. Select your preferred type of visa.
5. Read the instructions properly and fill out the Kyrgyzstan tourist visa application form.
6. Submit the application form and other documents through an email to e-visa@mfa.gov.kg.
7. Wait for the application to get approved.
8. Pay the fee for the visa online.

Filling out the application form is a sensitive process. You need to ensure that the application form is filled out with care. The information provided must match with the details in the travel documents. If there are any kind of issues are found with the application, or if the information is found to be false or unverifiable, the application may become inadmissible and even rejected. There can be other reasons for a visa rejection and such a visa rejection can affect your future applications to get a tourist visa for Kyrgyzstan or to any other country.

The criteria that will make you eligible for the issuance of a tourist visa for Kyrgyzstan from India is determined by the Embassy. You need to fulfil these parameters in order to apply for the permit. These criteria are given as follows:

• You must possess proof of purpose of visit

• If you are visiting your acquaintances, you must have an invitation letter from the resident in Kyrgyzstan.
• You must visit for tourism only, or visiting acquaintances and not searching for or taking up any kind of employment.
• You must meet the health requirements

• You must be healthy enough to travel to Kyrgyzstan.
• You must perform a medical test before travelling to the country and provide a relevant documentary proof (if asked).
• You must be of good character, you may not be granted the visa if -

• • • You have a history of a criminal conviction.
    • You have been deported or banned from another country.
    • You are found to be a threat or risk to the country.
• You must have sufficient funds
  • • You must possess or have access to sufficient funds to be able to cover your stay and other expenses in Kyrgyzstan.
    • Bank statement or any equivalent document is to be submitted as well as proof of the same.

There are different kinds of documents that are required as per the type of the permit. They can even vary from case to case. The Kyrgyzstan tourist visa requirements are given as follows:

• Passport valid for at least 6 months ahead of travel.
• Photo as per the photo specifications.
• Confirmed flight tickets (to be submitted after verification of the application).
• Proof of purpose of visit - exhibition pass, invitation letter, etc.
• Proof of sufficient funds - bank statement for the last three months, etc.

Note: Scanned copies of the documents must be submitted. Also, the documents must be translated into Kyrgyz or Russian languages.

• One copy must be provided
• Photo size: 35 mm x 45 mm.
• Coloured copy must be provided.
• The face must cover about 70-80% of the frame.
• Head should well-centred.
• The picture must not be older than 6 months.
• The background must be white
• Neutral expressions.
• Both the ears must be visible.
• Teeth should not be visible.
• Glasses are not permitted.
• Headgears are not allowed except for religious reasons.
• Clothing shouldn’t match the background.

The time required for processing of a tourist visa for Kyrgyzstan is about 5 to 7 working days and the time may even vary depending on certain factors. These factors are workload at the embassy office, the staff availability, whether the documents are complete or the rest of the documents are yet to be submitted and others.

The fee required to get a tourist visa for Kyrgyzstan is to be paid at the time of initial submission of the documents online. The fee can be paid using a standard electronic payment option. If you are paying with a credit or a debit card, the card does not necessarily have to be in your name. The fee will also vary as per the type of the permit and the validity and the stay permitted.

When the documents have been submitted, there are certain things that you need to remember. Some of the pointers are given as follows:

• After the submission of the application form and the documents, there is some time taken for the verification and the approval of your application.
• A verification email is then received which is valid for 72 hours within which you need to make the final application.
• It is advised by the authorities to not book your flight tickets until confirmation of the application.
• If there are any kind of changes to be made in the application, you need to make sure that the authorities are known.
• If there is a change of plans, you can even withdraw you application in such a case. 
• Also, in case the application gets rejected, the visa fee is non refundable.

The status of the permit can be checked online on the Kyrgyzstan e visa portal. To check the status, you can visit the online portal and enter your reference number. You can even enquire for the status to the agency you have applied through.

When you have the Visa

After the application, the documents will be processed and you will be provided with a visa sticker. You may be provided with a visa certificate if the visa stickers are out of stock. When you have your permit, there are certain things that you need to keep in mind -

• Before you travel

• Make a note of the visa expiry date, as well as the number of entries permitted. You must not stay in the country beyond this period.
• You should travel to Kyrgyzstan within the validity of your visa.
• Make sure to carry a copy of your passport and other travel documents while you are in the country.
• Issue health insurance and travel Insurance from a certified company for safety.
• At the Border

• Get your documents checked and your passport verified at the Immigration.
• Consult the airport authorities for any kind of assistance required.
• Check your visa copy for other guidelines and rules to be followed.
• When you enter Kyrgyzstan

• • • Get registered within 5 working days of entry.
    • Ensure not to get involved in any kind of employment. You can, however, do unpaid volunteer work.
    • The tourist prohibited areas must be stayed out of.
    • Make sure you don’t overstay and apply for visa extension in time.
    • If you have a change of plans and you need to stay longer, you can apply for an extension or a different kind of visa at least one month prior to the expiry.