Medical Summary
The health risk information presented here is summarized from Shoreland Travax®, a decision-support tool used by health care providers to perform a detailed health risk analysis based on specific locations, individual travel styles, and traveler risk behaviors. Travax provides practitioners current, independently researched malaria risk and prevention recommendations in a map-based format that goes beyond the annual WHO and US CDC statements included here. Not included here are current reports from Travax of disease outbreaks or environmental events that may pose elevated risks to travelers’ health and safety. The Providers section of this site offers a directory of health care providers who utilize Shoreland Travax for travel health counseling. Learn more about the detailed reports and maps available from these practitioners (includes links to samples).
General Information
Kyrgyzstan is a developing nation classified as lower middle income. Located in the Middle East (north of Tajikistan and east of Uzbekistan), the climate is extremely diverse with classifications that range from dry summer to dry (arid), with cooler temperatures in some high-altitude areas.
Vaccinations
Depending on your itinerary, your personal risk factors, and the length of your visit, your health care provider may offer you vaccination against COVID-19, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, influenza, measles, mumps, rubella, rabies, tick-borne encephalitis, or typhoid fever. Routine immunizations, such as those that prevent tetanus/diphtheria or "childhood" diseases, should be reviewed and updated as needed.
Malaria
See also: Library article for Malaria
The following is current information as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC):
WHO—International Travel and Health (current online update, Country List)
No statement given.CDC—Health Information for International Travel (current online edition)
Areas with malaria: None.
Drug resistance: Not applicable.
Other Concerns
Travelers' Diarrhea
See also: Library article for Travelers' Diarrhea
Moderate risk exists throughout the country, including in deluxe accommodations. Community sanitation and food safety measures may be inadequate. Some itineraries (e.g., remote destinations, austere accommodations) and activities (e.g., ecotourism, eating street or local-market food) further increase risk.
Travelers should observe food and beverage precautions, which reduce the likelihood of illness.
Travelers should carry loperamide for self-treatment of diarrhea and, if risk is moderate to high, an antibiotic to add if diarrhea is severe. Consult a knowledgeable health care provider regarding which antibiotic is appropriate for you and most effective for your destination.
Other Food-Borne Illnesses
Precautions to prevent brucellosis may be needed.
Other Disease and Health Risks
Additional concerns include anthrax disease, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, helminths, hepatitis C, leptospirosis, plague, sexually transmitted infections, tuberculosis.
Consular Advice
The material below includes information from the US Department of State (DOS), the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCO), Global Affairs Canada (GAC), and Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), as well as from additional open-source material. Standard safety precautions that apply to all international travel can be found in the Library article Safety and Security.
Consular Travel Advice
Due to terrorism, civil unrest, and other ongoing security concerns, Australia (DFAT) advises reconsidering travel (or avoiding nonessential travel) to Ferghana Valley and areas bordering Uzbekistan and Tajikstan. US (DOS) and Canada (GAC) have more limited warnings. UK (FCO) has no current warning.
Terrorism Risk
Risk of attack by transnational terrorist groups exists throughout the country, including Bishkek. Targets may include domestic and international organizations and businesses; public places and events, including those frequented by tourists; and transportation systems.
Crime
High risk of violent crime (armed robbery, sexual assault, and assault) exists throughout the country, including Bishkek and areas frequented by foreigners.
High risk of petty crime exists in Bishkek, near hotels, in markets (especially Bishkek’s Osh Bazaar), on public transportation, and in areas frequented by foreigners.
Kidnappings by criminal groups may occur in Bishkek and other cities. Targets may include foreigners (especially Westerners).
Scams involving false identity (such as criminals posing as police officers and prearranged drivers at airports) have been reported.
Risk exists of robberies and/or assaults occurring after consuming intentionally drugged food or drink; tourists are frequently targeted.
Civil Unrest
Protests and demonstrations occur throughout the country, especially in Bishkek, and are generally peaceful but have the potential to turn violent without warning. Bystanders are at risk of harm from violence or from the response by authorities. Disruption to transportation, free movement, or the ability to carry out daily activities may occur.
Unsafe Areas
Landmines and other unexploded ordnance are present, a dangerous security environment may exist, and territorial disputes may occur in areas bordering Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, especially in areas bordering the Ferghana Valley.
Transportation Safety
High risk of traffic-related injury or death exists. The road traffic death rate is 12 to 24 per 100,000 population. The rate is less than 10 in most high-income countries.
Speed laws are poorly enforced.
Drunk driving laws are poorly enforced.
Structural standards for vehicles may not meet international standards.
Natural Disasters
Avalanches, floods, mudslides, and landslides frequently occur during the spring, especially in mountainous areas.
Seismic activity frequently occurs.
Consular Information
Selected Embassies or Consulates in Kyrgyzstan
- United States: [+996] 312-597-744; kg.usembassy.gov
- Canada: [+996] 312-65-01-01; travel.gc.ca/assistance/embassies-consulates/kyrgyzstan
- United Kingdom: [+996] 312-303637; www.gov.uk/world/organisations/british-embassy-bishkek
- Australia: Australia does not have an embassy or consulate in Kyrgyzstan.
Kyrgyzstan's Embassies or Consulates in Selected Countries
- In the U.S.: mfa.gov.kg/en
- In Canada: [+1] 514-403-4692
- In the U.K.: [+44] 020-3865-1994
- In Australia: Kyrgyzstan does not have an embassy or consulate in Australia.
Visa/HIV Testing
HIV and hepatitis testing are required to obtain a work or residence visa.
