Kyrgyzstan - Consular Information Sheet
April 29, 1993

Country Description:  Kyrgyzstan is a nation undergoing profound political 
and economic change.  It is a newly independent nation still in the process 
of stabilizing its relations with neighboring countries.  Street 
demonstrations and other disturbances related to outstanding disputes may 
occur without warning.  Tourist facilities are not highly developed, and 
many of the goods and services taken for granted in other countries are not 
yet available.  Internal travel, especially by air, may be disrupted by fuel 
shortages and other problems.

Entry Requirements:  A passport and visa are required.  Without a visa, 
travelers cannot register at hotels and will be required to leave the 
country immediately via the route by which they entered.  Visas for 
Kyrgyzstan are issued by a Russian embassy or consulate.  U.S. citizens can 
contact the Russian Embassy, Consular Division, 1825 Phelps Place, N.W., 
Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 939-8907, 8911, 8913, 8918 or the 
Russian consulates in San Francisco, New York, or Seattle for current 
information on visa requirements.  Thus far, travelers to Kyrgyzstan holding 
visas valid for neighboring countries of the Commonwealth of Independent 
States, have been able to enter Kyrgyzstan without difficulty.

Medical Facilities:  Medical care in Kyrgyzstan is limited.  The U.S. 
Embassy maintains a list of English speaking physicians in the area.  There 
is a severe shortage of basic medical supplies, including disposable 
needles, anesthetics, and antibiotics.  Elderly travelers and those with 
existing health problems may be at risk due to inadequate medical 
facilities.  Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for 
health services.  U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the 
United States.  Travelers have found that in some cases, supplemental 
medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved to be useful.  
Further information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for 
Disease Control's international travelers hotline, tel: (404) 332-4559.

Crime Information:  Kyrgyzstan has a low rate of violent crime, but common 
street crime has increased especially at night.  The loss or theft abroad of 
a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the 
nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.  The Department of State's pamphlet "A 
Safe Trip Abroad" provides useful information on guarding valuables and 
protecting personal security while traveling abroad.  Additional information 
on the region can be found in the Department of State's brochure "Tips for 
Travelers to Russia."  Both publications are available from the 
Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, 
D.C. 20402.

Currency Regulations:  Kyrgyzstan is a cash only economy.  Travelers checks 
and credit cards are not accepted.

Drug Penalties:  U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in 
which they are traveling.  Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in 
illegal drugs are strict and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences 
and fines.

Registration:  Americans who register at the Consular Section of the U.S. 
Embassy may obtain updated information on travel and security within 
Kyrgyzstan.

Embassy Location:  The U.S. Embassy in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, is located at 
Erkindik Prospect #66, Telephone (7-3312) 22-26-93.

No. 93-085

This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated October 7, 1992, to 
provide the new telephone number for the U.S. Embassy in Kyrgyzstan, and to 
add information on reporting the loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport.