Embassy/Consulate Addresses | Foreign Relations | Travel Advisories | Travel Tips | Customs/Duties



EMBASSY/CONSULATE ADDRESSES

Diplomatic Representation in US:

Ambassador: Zamira Sydykova
Embassy: 2360 Massachuetts Ave, Washington D.C, 20008
Telephone: 202-338-5141
FAX: 202-386-7550

US Diplomatic Representation:

Ambassador:Tatiana Gfoeller
Embassy: 171 Prospect Mira, Bishkek 720016
Mailing address: use embassy street address
Telephone: (996-312) 551-241
Fax: (996-312) 551-264


Embassy and Consulate Web Sites for Kyrgyzstan
Embassy of the United States of America in the Kyrgyz Republic
Embassy of the Kyrgyz Republic in Washington, United States of America
Embassy of the Kyrgyz Republic in London, Great Britain and Northern Ireland


FOREIGN RELATIONS

The Kyrgyz Republic maintains close relations with other former Soviet countries, particularly with Kazakhstan and Russia. Recognizing Russia's concerns about the Russian-speaking minority in the Kyrgyz Republic, President Akayev was sensitive to potential perceptions of discrimination. For example, although the 1993 constitution designates Kyrgyz as the state language, an amendment to the constitution in 2001 granted official status to the Russian language. The amended December 30, 2006 constitution reaffirmed the status of the two languages.

While the Kyrgyz Republic initially remained in the ruble zone, stringent conditions set by the Russian Government prompted the Kyrgyz Republic to introduce its own currency, the som, in May 1993. Withdrawal from the ruble zone was done with little prior notification and initially caused tensions in the region. Both Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan temporarily suspended trade, and Uzbekistan even introduced restrictions tantamount to economic sanctions. Both nations feared an influx of rubles and an increase in inflation. Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan's hostility toward the Kyrgyz Republic was short-lived, and the three nations signed an agreement in January 1994 creating an economic union. Economic cooperation within the region, though, is still hampered by unilateral barriers created by the Kyrgyz Republic's neighbors. The Kyrgyz Republic has been active in furthering regional cooperation, such as joint military exercises with Uzbek and Kazakh troops.

Turkey has sought to capitalize on its cultural and ethnic links to the region and has found the Kyrgyz Republic receptive to cultivating bilateral relations. The Kyrgyz Republic is a member of the OSCE, the CIS, the WTO, and the United Nations.

Since December 2001, the Kyrgyz Republic has hosted Manas Transit Center, an important logistical hub for the coalition effort in Afghanistan.

U.S.-KYRGYZ RELATIONS
The U.S. Government provides humanitarian assistance, non-lethal military assistance, and assistance to support economic and political reforms. It also has supported the Kyrgyz Republic's requests for assistance from international organizations.

The United States helped the Kyrgyz Republic accede to the WTO in December 1998. U.S. assistance aids the Kyrgyz Republic in implementing necessary economic, health sector, and educational reforms, and supports economic development and conflict resolution in the Ferghana Valley.

[Also see fact sheet on FY 2008 U.S. Assistance to Kyrgyz Republic.]

Principal U.S. Officials
Ambassador--Tatiana Gfoeller
Deputy Chief of Mission--Larry Memmott
Political-Economic Officer--David McCormick
Management Officer--Patrick Fenning
USAID Director--Patricia Shapiro

The U.S. Embassy in the Kyrgyz Republic is located at 171 Prospect Mira 720016 Bishkek (tel.: 996-312-55-12-41; fax: 996-312-55-12-64).


TRAVEL ADVISORIES

To obtain the latest Travel Advisory Information for Kyrgyzstan check the U.S. State Department Consular Information Sheet.


TRAVEL TIPS

Driving U.S Driving Permit and International Driving Permit required
Currency (KGS) Kyrgyzstani som
Electrical 220 Volts
Telephones Country Code 996, City Code Bishkek 312+6D, Belovodskoe 3131+5D, Kant 3132+5D



Landlocked Kyrgyzstan is slightly larger than Austria and Hungary put together. It borders Kazakstan in the north, China in the east, Tajikistan in the south and Uzbekistan in the west. Nearly 95% of the country is mountainous: almost half of it at an elevation of over 3000m (9840ft) and three-quarters of it under permanent snow and glaciers. The dominant feature is the Tian Shan range in the south-east. Its crest, the dramatic Kakshaal-Too range, forms a stunning natural border with China, culminating at Pik Pobedy (7439m/24,400ft), Kyrgyzstan's highest point. The southern border with Tajikistan lies along the Pamir Alay Range. Lake Issyk-Kul, almost 700m (2300ft) deep, lies in a vast indentation on the fringes of the Tian Shan in eastern Kyrgyzstan.

Though environmental pressures are as bad in Central Asia as anywhere, there's a reasonably good chance of seeing memorable beasts and plants, especially since Cannabis indica grows thick and wild by the roadsides. The mountains of Kyrgyzstan are the setting for high, grassy meadows - it's not unheard of to look out a train or bus window on the open steppe and see a rushing herd of antelope. Marmots and pikas are preyed upon by eagles and lammergeiers while the elusive snow leopard hunts the ibex amongst the crags and rocky slopes. Forests of Tian Shan spruce, larch and juniper provide cover for lynx, wolf, wild boar and brown bear. In summer, the wildflowers are a riot of colour.

The climate of this mountainous region is influenced by its distance from the sea and the sharp change of elevation from neighbouring plains. Conditions vary from permanent snow in high-altitude cold deserts to hot deserts in the lowlands. From the end of June through mid-August most afternoons reach 32°C (90°F) or higher, with an average annual maximum of 40°C (104°F). During the winter months, temperatures remain below freezing for about 40 days. The coldest month is January when winds blow in from Siberia.


CUSTOMS/DUTIES

Tobacco....400 cigarettes or 100 cigars or 500g of tobacco

Liquor.....2 litres

Perfume....reasonable for personal use

Cameras....no restrictions

Film.......reasonalbe for personal use

Gifts......up to a value of us$5000

Currency...no restrictions

PROHIBITED IMPORTS: Military weapons and ammunition, narcotics and pornography, loose pearls and anything owned by a third party that is to be carried in for that third party. If you have any query regarding items that may be imported, an information sheet is available on request from Intourist.

PROHIBITED EXPORTS: As prohibited imports, as well as annulled securities, state loan certificates, lottery tickets, works of art and antiques (unless permission has been granted by the Ministry of Culture), saiga horns, Siberian stag, punctuate and red deer antlers (unless on organised hunting trip), and punctuate deer skins.



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