Passport and Visa Services

Import regulations by Kyrgyzstan customs

Imports:


The following goods may be imported into Kyrgyzstan by travellers of 16 years or over without incurring customs duty:
1000 cigarettes or 1000g of tobacco products; 1.5l of alcoholic beverages and 2l of wine; a reasonable quantity of perfume for personal use.

Note
On entering the country, tourists must complete a customs declaration form which must be retained until departure, and then handed over on the international flight leaving any CIS country. This allows the import of articles intended for personal use, including currency and valuables which must be registered on the declaration form. Customs inspection can be long and detailed.

Export regulations by Kyrgyzstan customs

Prohibited:

meat and milk products
living animal
plants
chemicals and fertilizers
drugs
weapon
pornography

Other Kyrgyzstan customs information

Following WHO guidelines issued in 1973, a cholera vaccination certificate is not a condition of entry to Kyrgyzstan. However, cholera is common in this country and precautions are essential. Up-to-date advice should be sought before deciding whether these precautions should include vaccination, as medical opinion is divided over its effectiveness. For more information, see the Health appendix.

Typhoid is common in rural areas. Polio eradication is underway, rapidly reducing the risk of infection with the disease.

A Malaria risk, exclusively in the vivax form, exists from June to September in some southern and western parts of the country - mainly in Batken, Osh amd Zhele-Abudskaya provinces, in areas bordering Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

Food drink: The water has been tested by the US-based Center for Diseases Control and found to be generally bacteria-free; however, it does have a high metal content. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Pork, salad and mayonnaise may carry increased risk. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.
Owing to the difficulty of obtaining a balanced diet in some parts of Kyrgyzstan, visitors are recommended to take vitamin supplements.

Other risks: Diphtheria outbreaks have been reported in the area. Hepatitis A and E are common. Hepatitis B is endemic.
Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay. For more information, consult the Health appendix.

Note: HIV testing is required for visits of over one month.

Health care: There is no reciprocal health agreement with the UK. Medical services offered to foreigners, except emergency care, require immediate cash payment and are somewhat limited. There is a severe shortage of basic medical supplies, including disposable needles, anaesthetics and antibiotics, and travellers are advised to bring any necessary medication or equipment. Elderly travellers and those with existing health problems may be at risk owing to inadequate medical facilities. The US Embassy maintains a list of English-speaking physicians in the area. Medical insurance is strongly recommended.

http://www.kyrgyzembassy.org/