+ 4 h

Bishkek

Kyrgyz

• 220 volts
• A travel plug adapter for type C and F sockets is required

Banks

9.00 am - 4.00 pm (Mon - Fri)

Shops

9.00 am - 5.00 pm (Mon - Sat)
Some shops are open 24 hours a day. Supermarkets are open from 10.00 am to 8.00 pm.

• 1 January - New Year’s Day
• 7 January - Orthodox Christmas
• 8 March - International Women’s Day
• 21 March - Nooruz (Spring and New Year Festival)
• 5 May - Constitution Day
• 9 May - Victory Day
• 31 August - Independence Day
• Orozo Ait (end of Ramadan) - date varies
• Kurban Ait (Feast of Sacrifice) - date varies

The following documents are required for entry into Kyrgyzstan:

• A Swiss passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.

• A visa is not required for stays of up to 60 days.

• A return or onward ticket and valid documents for onward travel to the next country are required. 
• Proof of sufficient financial means for the entire duration of the stay.

• Minors: For minors travelling alone, with only one parent or without their parents, a travel authorisation is recommended.

As of: January 2025

Due to its geographical location and considerable differences in altitude, Kyrgyzstan has a very diverse climate. Here is an overview of the climate in the different regions of the country:

• North (including Bishkek): The north has a continental climate with cold, snowy winters and hot summers. Temperatures vary considerably between the seasons.
• South (including Osh): The south is generally warmer and drier. Winters are milder and summers are very hot, with temperatures sometimes reaching 40 °C.
• Issyk-Kul region: This region has a more temperate climate, influenced by Lake Issyk-Kul. Winters are cool and summers are pleasantly warm.
• Mountain regions (Tian Shan and Pamir): The high mountain regions have an alpine climate, with cool temperatures throughout the year and heavy snowfall in winter.
• Fergana Valley: The Fergana Valley has hot summers and mild winters. It is fertile and receives moderate rainfall, particularly in spring.

The ideal time to travel to Kyrgyzstan:

• City trips: April to June, September and October: These months offer mild weather, ideal for sightseeing and exploring cities such as Bishkek and Osh without the extreme heat of midsummer.

• Winter sports: December to March: These months are ideal for skiing and snowboarding in the mountains of Kyrgyzstan. Ski resorts such as Karakol generally offer good snow conditions during this period and are well suited to a variety of winter sports.

• Horse riding and outdoor activities: May to September: These months are perfect for horse-riding tours and other outdoor activities in Kyrgyzstan’s vast natural landscapes, with pleasant temperatures and the countryside in full bloom.

• Cultural events: March and August: March is marked by the traditional Nooruz festival, while August features Independence Day celebrations. Both periods offer an insight into the country’s rich culture and festive traditions.

• Using a mobile phone in Kyrgyzstan may incur roaming charges. It is advisable to check roaming fees before travelling and, if necessary, purchase a suitable roaming package to reduce costs.
• Free Wi-Fi is available in cafés, hotels and some public places.
• It is recommended to purchase a prepaid SIM card to make calls and use mobile Internet at a lower cost during your stay in Kyrgyzstan. The two largest mobile operators are Megacom and Beeline.
• Outside the major cities, international calls and mobile Internet are not always available. Temporary disruptions to telephone and Internet connections may also occur across the country.

• Lake Issyk-Kul - The world’s second-largest mountain lake, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and popular for water sports and relaxation.

• Sulaiman-Too - A sacred mountain in Osh that is also recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It features numerous historical sites and offers spectacular views of the surrounding area.

• Burana Tower - An 11th-century minaret near Tokmok that was once part of the ancient city of Balasagun. The surrounding ruins and museum provide insights into the history of the Karakhanids.

• Ala-Archa National Park - A popular destination for hikers and nature lovers, just a few kilometres south of Bishkek. The park provides access to spectacular alpine scenery and mountain trails.

• Tash Rabat - A well-preserved 15th-century caravanserai in the Tian Shan Mountains that once served as a resting place along the Silk Road.

• Jety-Oguz - Known for its red sandstone formations and as a starting point for trekking in the surrounding Tian Shan Mountains.

• Song-Köl - A remote high-altitude lake surrounded by vast meadows and nomadic yurt camps, ideal for horse riding and experiencing traditional Kyrgyz hospitality.

• Arslanbob Forests - Extensive walnut forests in southern Kyrgyzstan, known for their scenic beauty and hiking trails.

• Manas-Ordo - A complex near Talas dedicated to the Kyrgyz national hero Manas and of major historical and cultural importance.
• Fairy Tale Canyon (Skazka Canyon) - A colourful canyon with unusual rock formations on the southern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul. The canyon is known for its distinctive red and yellow sandstone formations, which resemble landscapes from a fairy tale.

Kyrgyz cuisine offers a fascinating blend of traditional flavours and influences from nomadic culture, complemented by the culinary traditions of neighbouring regions. Here are some highlights of Kyrgyz gastronomy:

• Hearty meat dishes: Lamb, beef and horse meat are key ingredients in many traditional recipes.
• Beshbarmak: Kyrgyzstan’s national dish, consisting of boiled meat served over flat noodles and topped with a flavourful broth.
• Kumys: A refreshing, slightly sour drink made from fermented mare’s milk, deeply rooted in Kyrgyz culture.
• Plov: A hearty rice dish with meat, carrots and onions, often prepared for special occasions.
• Samsa: Crispy pastries filled with meat or vegetables, a popular snack at markets and street stalls.
• Manty: Large steamed dumplings filled with a juicy mixture of meat and onions, often served with a spoonful of sour cream.
• Shashlik: Popular meat skewers grilled over an open fire and a favourite at festive meals.
• Dungan cuisine: The spicy and colourful dishes of the Dungan minority add a touch of China’s culinary diversity.
• Natural produce: A rich selection of fresh fruit and nuts, including walnuts and apricots, enjoyed fresh or used in desserts.

• Greetings: In Kyrgyzstan, men commonly greet each other with a firm handshake and direct eye contact, while women are often greeted with a slight bow and a hand placed over the heart.
• Saying please and thank you: Politeness is highly valued in Kyrgyzstan. The words “Min iltimos” (please) and “Rahmat” (thank you) are commonly used in conversation. Where possible, objects should be handed over with both hands as a sign of respect and appreciation.
• Clothing: Modern, casual clothing is common in urban areas, while more conservative dress is expected when visiting religious sites and in rural areas. Shoulders and knees should be covered.
• Dining etiquette: Meals in Kyrgyzstan are usually a communal occasion, with dishes generally shared. Serving older people first is considered a sign of respect. Avoiding food waste is also valued, and finishing the food on your plate is seen as a sign of appreciation.
• Smoking: Smoking is prohibited in public buildings and on public transport in Kyrgyzstan. In other places, it is advisable to ask permission before smoking.
• Tipping: Tipping is not compulsory, but it is appreciated in restaurants and hotels. In more upmarket establishments, 5-10% of the bill is customary, while in simpler establishments it is common simply to round up the amount.

• Tap water: Tap water in Kyrgyzstan is not suitable for drinking directly. It is recommended to drink only bottled or properly filtered water.

• Vaccinations: No mandatory vaccinations are required for entry into Kyrgyzstan. However, it is advisable to check that standard vaccinations are up to date before travelling and to receive any necessary boosters. Vaccination against hepatitis A is recommended. For longer stays or travel to certain areas, vaccinations against hepatitis B, typhoid, rabies and tick-borne encephalitis may also be advisable.

• Medical care in Kyrgyzstan is less developed than in many Western countries and may be limited, particularly in rural and remote areas. In larger cities such as Bishkek, there are some well-equipped clinics and hospitals offering basic to intermediate medical care.
• Travel insurance covering medical emergencies and repatriation is strongly recommended.
• It is advisable to carry a travel medical kit containing not only your regular medication but also remedies for common travel-related health problems. If you rely on specific medication, make sure you bring a sufficient supply together with a medical prescription.

• Check the latest situation in the media before and during your trip and remain in contact with your tour operator.
• Political and social tensions throughout Kyrgyzstan can lead to violent demonstrations. Travellers are advised to avoid crowds and political gatherings.
• There is a risk of terrorist attacks in Kyrgyzstan. Particular caution is advised in busy places and during special events.
• Travel to the border areas with Tajikistan, particularly the Batken and Osh regions, is not recommended. Travel in areas directly along the borders with Uzbekistan and Tajikistan is also risky due to landmines and the possibility of armed incidents.

• Further information on the current security situation is available on the website of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA).

As of: January 2025

• A Swiss driving licence is recognised only if accompanied by a certified Russian translation. Without such a translation, an international driving permit is required and is valid only together with the national driving licence.
• Rental cars are available only with a driver.
• A strict blood alcohol limit of 0.0 ‰ applies when driving.

• Long-distance trains: They connect larger cities such as Bishkek with other regional centres and are operated by the state-owned company Kyrgyz Temir Zholu. However, long-distance trains are relatively infrequent and journey times can be long.
• Regional trains: These are an affordable option for shorter journeys within the country, although services are also limited.
• Buses: Buses are one of the main forms of public transport in Kyrgyzstan. They are widely available and connect both urban and rural areas. Services range from minibuses (marshrutkas) to larger long-distance coaches.
• Tickets: Tickets for buses and trains are generally available directly from the driver or at railway stations. There is no widespread electronic ticketing system. For longer journeys, it is advisable to buy tickets in advance to secure a seat.

Although there are no direct flights from Switzerland to Kyrgyzstan, connections with stopovers are readily available. The main airports in Kyrgyzstan are:

• Manas International Airport (FRU), Bishkek - As the country’s largest airport, Manas serves as the main aviation hub and offers a wide range of international and regional flights.
• Osh International Airport (OSS), Osh - This airport focuses mainly on regional connections and plays an important role in linking southern Kyrgyzstan with neighbouring countries.

The national airlines Air Kyrgyzstan and Avia Traffic Company offer a wide range of domestic and international routes. International flights are also operated by airlines such as Turkish Airlines, Aeroflot, Uzbekistan Airways and Air Astana.

00 41 (omit the zero from the Swiss area code)

• General emergency number: 112

21 Erkindik blvrd. 
Bishkek 720040
Tel. +996 312 30 10 36
Email: bishkek@eda.admin.ch

• Photographing military installations and certain public buildings (airports, bridges, etc.) is prohibited.

• Drug laws are very strict.
• Always carry your passport or a copy of it with you, including the page showing your visa and entry stamp, so that you can identify yourself during frequent police checks.
• Kyrgyzstan is located in a seismically active zone.
• During the winter months, disruptions to water and energy supplies may occur in Kyrgyzstan.