Local Laws

Carry a copy of your U.S. passport and Kyrgyz visa with you at all times, so that, if questioned by local officials, proof of identity and citizenship are readily available.

You must obey all laws in the Kyrgyz Republic. 

• If you violate them, even without knowing you did, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.
• You may be taken in for questioning if you do not have your passport with you.
• It is illegal to take pictures of certain buildings. Ask before taking pictures of anything of possible military or security interest, including government buildings, people in police or military uniforms, and food markets.
• The legal blood alcohol level for driving in the Kyrgyz Republic is zero. Driving under the influence may land you immediately in jail, no matter how little you consumed.
• Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in the Kyrgyz Republic are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.
• Some laws are also prosecutable in the U.S., regardless of local law.  For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

Arrest: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately.

Women Travelers: Please review our travel tips for Women Travelers.

Faith-Based Travelers:  It is illegal to practice a religion in groups or to proseltyze without being registered with the State Commission of Religious Affairs.   See the Department of State’s International Religious Freedom Report.

Students:  See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips.

LGBTI Travelers:

• The Kyrgyz Republic does not recognize sexual orientation as a protected category within the context of discrimination and there are no laws that define hate crimes in the Kyrgyz Republic to include LGBTI individuals.
• LGBTI individuals may be subject to discrimination in the application of current laws and many LGBTI individuals report that they are often threatened and harassed by law enforcement officials.For more detailed information about LGBTI rights in the Kyrgyz Republic you may review the State Department’s Country Reports on Human Rights Practices.
• For further information on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) travel, please read our LGBTI Travel Information page.

Persons with Mobility Issues: Public transportation, sidewalks and road crossings, hotels, and restaurants are rarely wheelchair accessible.

Hunting and Trekking Issues: 

• It is illegal to hunt without a proper license.  You must get a permit from the Kyrgyz government prior to arrival in country in order to import or own firearms in the country.
• Foreigners who do not have official permission to hunt or take trophies out of the country may face criminal and/or civil charges. 
• Hunting and trekking infrastructure is underdeveloped with limited services, especially in the high mountainous regions.  Medical evacuations can take many hours or days depending on the weather and the availability of rescue service resources.