Kyrgyzstan updates visa-free stay rules for 55 countries

January 2, 2026|Joshua

Kyrgyzstan has updated its visa-free stay rules for citizens of 55 countries, limiting visa-free visits to a maximum of 30 days within each 60-day period starting from entry, requiring longer stays to have appropriate permits to enhance migration control and align with national policy.

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On 31 December 2025 the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic announced that Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 855 had entered into force, amending the rules for visa-free stays in Kyrgyzstan. The changes affect citizens of 55 countries that previously benefited from relatively generous short term visa-free access.

Under the new rules, eligible travelers may still enter Kyrgyzstan without a visa, but their stay is now limited to a shorter period and is calculated over a rolling time frame.

New 30 days in 60 days visa-free rule

For citizens of the 55 affected states, Resolution No. 855 introduces the following conditions:

visa-free entry to Kyrgyzstan without obtaining a residence permit or other stay document
a maximum of 30 calendar days of stay within each 60 day period starting from the date of entry
after 30 days of stay in that 60 day window, the traveler must either leave Kyrgyzstan or obtain an appropriate permit

The regulation is designed to:

systematise migration flows and reduce long term stays based solely on repeated short visits
increase transparency and predictability for foreign nationals and host organisations
align Kyrgyz legislation with the priorities of the state migration policy

The new limits do not change the conditions set in international treaties or separate bilateral agreements. They also do not apply to people entering Kyrgyzstan for work, study or other activities that require special permits or work authorisation.

How the 30 days in 60 days calculation works

The 60 day period is counted from the day you enter Kyrgyzstan. Within that 60 day window you can spend up to a total of 30 days in the country without a visa.

Examples:

If you enter on 1 March and stay continuously until 30 March, you reach the 30 day limit and must leave. You can only start a new 60 day period from your next entry after the previous 60 day window has passed.
If you enter on 1 March, stay 10 days, leave, and then re enter on 20 March for 20 more days, your total visa-free stay in that 60 day period is 30 days. Any additional days within the same 60 day window would require a visa or other permit.

Travelers should keep careful records of their days in the country to avoid unintentional overstays.

Countries covered by the amended visa-free regime

Citizens holding ordinary passports from the following 55 states are subject to the new 30 days in 60 days visa-free rule:

Albania, Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States of America, Vatican City, Vietnam

If you are a citizen of one of these countries and intend to visit Kyrgyzstan without a visa, you must now plan your trip around the 30 day limit within each 60 day period.

Who is not directly affected

Resolution No. 855 specifically targets the above 55 visa-exempt states. It does not in itself change:

visa-free entry that is based on separate laws or bilateral agreements, for example with some Commonwealth of Independent States and Eurasian Economic Union partners
the special 180 days within 360 days visa-free regime for citizens of six Gulf countries that was introduced earlier for tourism and private visits
standard visa requirements for nationals of countries that are not on the 55 state list

However, all foreign nationals remain bound by other migration rules, including cumulative stay limits and registration requirements where these apply under separate regulations.

Travelers from any country should therefore check both the general visa policy and the specific rules for their nationality before travel.

Options for staying longer than 30 days

If you need to remain in Kyrgyzstan beyond the new 30 day visa-free limit, you will have to obtain an appropriate permit before you reach the limit of your allowed stay. Depending on the purpose of your visit, options may include:

Sapar visa via the eVisa system – a streamlined visa category for tourism, business and private visits that can allow stays of up to 90 days and is issued electronically
Other visa categories – for example visas for study, medical treatment, family reunification or other specific purposes
Temporary or long term residence permits – relevant for those planning to live in Kyrgyzstan for work, business or long term private reasons

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasises that the new visa-free rules do not replace the need for visas or permits when the purpose of stay requires them. Overstaying visa-free limits can result in fines, removal from the country and possible future entry restrictions.

Entry, passport and registration requirements

In addition to the new visa-free stay limits, travelers should observe standard entry conditions that typically apply in Kyrgyzstan, including:

a passport that is usually required to be valid for at least six months from the date of arrival
at least one or two blank pages for entry and exit stamps
evidence of onward or return travel and sufficient funds, if requested by border officials
compliance with registration rules, which may apply for longer stays and certain categories of visitors

Because practice can differ by nationality and purpose of travel, visitors should confirm the latest requirements with the nearest Kyrgyz embassy or consulate, or through official government information channels, before departure.

Practical tips for travelers from the 55 countries

Plan itineraries carefully – build your route so that all time on Kyrgyz territory fits within the 30 day allowance in each 60 day period.
Track your days in country – keep a simple log of entry and exit dates and check your passport stamps.
Avoid back to back visa runs – repeated short exits followed by immediate re entry will no longer reset your stay; the total within each 60 day window still cannot exceed 30 days.
Apply early if you need a visa – if your planned trip approaches 30 days, consider applying in advance for an eVisa or other appropriate permit.
Keep copies of documents – carry copies of your passport, migration or registration slips and any permit or visa approvals in both paper and digital form.