Travel Report for Kyrgyz Republic

Country Profile for
Kyrgyz Republic

TRAVEL REPORTS:

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TRAVEL REPORT

Last Updated: November 30, 2006 15:45 EST
Still Valid: December 8, 2006 22:43 EST

Kyrgyz Republic

1.	INTRODUCTION
2.	ATTENTION
3.	SAFETY AND SECURITY
4.	LOCAL TRAVEL
5.	NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE
6.	LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
7.	ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD
8.	ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS
9.	MONEY

10.	GENERAL INFORMATION
11.	TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM
12.	ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION
13.	RETURNING TO CANADA
14.	INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS
15.	TRAVEL TIPS
16.	HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE
17.	FOR MORE INFORMATION
18.	ANNEX

1. INTRODUCTION

A Travel Warning has been removed from this report. Section 2 has been updated.

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2. ATTENTION

Recurring protests throughout the country and political uncertainty demonstrate that the security situation in the Kyrgyz Republic can deteriorate rapidly and without warning. Canadians in the Kyrgyz Republic should exercise extreme caution, monitor local developments, avoid crowds and demonstrations, and register and remain in regular contact with the Consulate of Canada in Bishkek (see Section 7 below), the Embassy of Canada in Almaty, Kazakhstan (see Section 7 below), or Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada at 613-996-8885.

Recent violence in and around the city of Andijan in eastern Uzbekistan and the flow of Uzbek refugees into the Kyrgyz Republic have increased tension in the south of the country. Caution should be used if travelling to areas south and west of Osh, the Ferghana Valley region, and rural areas along the borders of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. Many expatriates are living there, working with non-governmental and international organizations. Border areas near Uzbekistan and Tajikistan should be avoided because of the presence of anti-personnel mines.

Heightened tensions throughout the region, together with increased threats globally from terrorism, may put Canadians at greater risk. Canadians should maintain a high level of personal security awareness at all times. Exercise caution, particularly in commercial and public establishments (hotels, clubs, restaurants, bars, schools, places of worship), at outdoor recreational events, and in tourist areas frequented by foreigners.

Special permission must be obtained from Chinese authorities prior to travelling to China from the Kyrgyz Republic.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada offers a registration service for Canadians travelling or residing abroad. Canadians should register with the responsible Canadian government office in this country if they are going to be there for longer than three months. Registration can be done on-line or by calling the responsible Canadian government office abroad to request a registration form. Canadians visiting for less than three months are strongly advised to: (a) leave a detailed travel itinerary and contact information with family or friends in Canada; (b) provide family with the emergency number for Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (1 800 267-6788 or 613-944-6788); and (c) keep the phone number of the responsible Canadian government office on hand (see Section 7 below).

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

Violent crime is high and foreigners have been targeted. According to Kyrgyz law enforcement officials, the situation has worsened since the change of government in March 2005. Organized gangs are common. Robbery, mugging, and pickpocketing occur frequently near major hotels, bars, and parks, and on public transportation. Remain vigilant, and ensure personal belongings and documents are secure. Do not show signs of affluence and avoid carrying large sums of money. Keep a legally certified copy of your visa and registration (see Section 8 below) with you at all times and keep your passport and visa in safe-keeping facilities. The police can arrest visitors who do not carry identification.

Some robberies have been committed by men in police uniforms. If approached, ask to see police credentials. Do not walk or travel alone, especially at night. Use only officially marked taxis, pre-negotiate fares, and do not share a ride with strangers. Men posing as "meet and greet" airport facilitators lure unsuspecting foreigners into cars and demand money. Canadians should make prior arrangements with their contacts and ask for identification upon arrival. Do not leave with anyone who does not show pre-arranged identification.

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4. LOCAL TRAVEL

Air travel is limited. International flights to Bishkek are available with Turkish, British, and Russian airlines. Travellers should not use domestic carriers due to safety concerns. Avoid public transportation, as it is unsafe and unreliable.

Drive defensively, as traffic accidents are a common cause of death and injury. Roads are poorly maintained and inadequately lit, and traffic regulations are often ignored. Roads to Tashkent are hazardous in winter. The road to Almaty has been improved dramatically thus increasing the safety of the transportation and the time in transit.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required.

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5. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

The Kyrgyz Republic is located in an active seismic zone. Canadians should know the address and telephone number of the Consulate of Canada in Bishkek (see Section 7 below) in the event of an emergency.

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6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail or death sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 7 below. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The Department publishes A Guide for Canadians Imprisoned Abroad, specifically targeted at incarcerated Canadians. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian detainees, their families, and friends about available assistance and advice.

Islamic practices and beliefs are closely adhered to in the country's customs, laws, and regulations. Respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities. Common sense and discretion should be exercised in dress and behaviour. Visitors should dress conservatively in rural areas (e.g., women should cover their arms and legs).

Dual nationality is not recognized. This may limit the ability of Canadian officials to provide consular services. Canadians should travel using their Canadian passport and present themselves as Canadian to foreign authorities at all times.

The Department publishes a booklet entitled Dual Citizenship: What Travellers Should Know, specifically targeted at Canadians with dual nationality.

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7. ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD

You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following address:

Kyrgyz Republic - BISHKEK, Consulate of Canada
Address: 189 Moskovskaya Avenue, Bishkek, 720010, Kyrgyz Republic
Tel.: 996 (312) 65-01-01 or 65-05-06
Fax: 996 (312) 65-01-01
E-mail: canada_honcon@akipress.org

The Embassy of Canada in Almaty, Kazakhstan, has consular responsibility for the Kyrgyz Republic. The address is as follows:

Kazakhstan - ALMATY, Embassy of Canada
Address: 34 Karasai Batir Street (Vinogradov St.), Almaty, 480100, Kazakhstan
Tel.: 7 (3272) 50-11-51
Fax: 7 (3272) 58-24-93
E-mail: almat@international.gc.ca

For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in Almaty,

Kazakhstan

, and follow the instructions. You may also make a collect call to the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.

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8. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with Kyrgyz authorities and was valid on April 1st, 2006. However, entry and exit requirements are subject to change.

It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the country or countries to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada’s Office of Protocol provides contact details for the Embassy of the Kyrgyz Republic, where you can obtain further information on entry and exit requirements.

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit the Kyrgyz Republic. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country. Canadians must also be in possession of a visa and a letter of invitation. Visitors who plan to stay in the Kyrgyz Republic for less than one month are not required to present a letter of invitation. Holders of diplomatic passports do not need a visa to enter. Canadians must register their passports with the Office of Visas and Registration within three business days after their arrival into the Kyrgyz Republic.

Tourist Visa: Required
Business Visa: Required
Student Visa: Required

Travellers who plan to travel to both the Kyrgyz Republic and Kazakhstan, with Almaty as their arrival and departure point, need a multi-entry Kazakhstan visa in addition to a Kyrgyz visa.

Routine and strict border control on the road between Almaty, Kazakhstan, and Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, has been implemented, making travel in this region difficult. Strict adherence to visa regulations is essential.

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify visa requirements for this and other countries, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

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9. MONEY

The economy is cash-based. The currency is the Kyrgyzstani som (KGS). Visitors must declare foreign currency upon entry and cannot leave with more than was brought in. Convert Kyrgyzstani soms into euros or U.S. dollars prior to leaving the country, as you will not be able to do so after departure. Canadian currency and traveller's cheques are not widely accepted worldwide. There are no ATMs. Credit cards and U.S dollar traveller's cheques are accepted in major hotels, some restaurants, and most banks. Due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity, credit cards should be used with caution. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

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10. GENERAL INFORMATION

The Kyrgyz Republic (capital: Bishkek) is located in central Asia, bordered by Kazakhstan, China, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Tourist facilities are not highly developed. Public telephones are limited. International calls can be made from hotels but are very expensive. The postal system is inefficient. Express mail services such as DHL and UPS are available in Bishkek and Osh but are costly. The official languages are Kirghiz and Russian.

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11. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Medicine Program Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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12. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Consumption of untreated water and water-based foods greatly increases your chance of illness. Do not drink tap water. Travellers should drink only bottled water, peel all fruits and vegetables, and avoid undercooked meat, dairy products, and most food sold in the streets. There is a severe shortage of basic medical supplies, including disposable needles, anaesthetics, and antibiotics. Elderly travellers and those with existing health problems may be at risk due to inadequate medical facilities.

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13. RETURNING TO CANADA

Please consult the Current Issue on returning to Canada.

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14. INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS

Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child from another country, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

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15. TRAVEL TIPS

Please consult our Traveller's Checklist.

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16. HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE

Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

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17. FOR MORE INFORMATION

N/A

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18. ANNEX

N/A

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