TRAVEL INFORMATION
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Kyrgyzstan


This Advice is current for Monday, 13 October 2003, EST
The Advice was issued on Wednesday, 28 May 2003, 14:34:21, EST

This advice has been reviewed. It contains new information or advice. The overall warning level has not changed.

In view of the ongoing risk of terrorism, Australians in Kyrgyzstan should exercise extreme caution and maintain a high level of personal security awareness. Australians in Kyrgyzstan should avoid travel to areas to the south and west of the provincial capital Osh, the Ferghana region, and regions bordering Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

Australian travellers should be aware of the increased threat of terrorism globally and should consult the General Advice to Australian Travellers, available at http://www.dfat.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Advice/General.

Safety and Security

In view of the ongoing risk of terrorism, Australians in Kyrgyzstan should exercise extreme caution and maintain a high level of personal security awareness. Particular care should be exercised in commercial and public areas frequented by foreigners such as - but not limited to - hotels, foreign government buildings, clubs, restaurants, bars, schools, businesses, government offices, places of worship, outdoor recreation events and tourist areas. Australians in Kyrgyzstan should monitor carefully developments that might affect their safety. In light of recent political unrest, there is a possibility of civil disorder in Kyrgyzstan.

Australians in Kyrgyzstan should avoid travel to areas to the south and west of the provincial capital Osh, the Ferghana region, and regions bordering Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Landmines have been found in the Batken Oblast and along the Kyrgyzstan-Tajikistan border, and there have been incidents of armed conflict between Islamic extremist groups and Government forces. In recent years there have been instances of kidnapping of foreign nationals in the border regions.

There has been an increase of violent crime in many parts of the country and foreigners have been targeted. Robbery, mugging and pick-pocketing occurs frequently, including near hotels, public transport and in other crowded places, especially where expatriates are known to gather. Travellers are advised not to walk around at night, especially alone, or travel in unofficial taxis. Driving at night is also hazardous due to the combination of poor driving standards and road conditions.

General

Australians entering Kyrgyzstan using passports of the former Soviet Union are likely to experience difficulties in dealing with immigration authorities when seeking to depart Kyrgyzstan. Advice from local authorities on documentation requirements for exit should be sought on arrival. Visitors intending to stay more than three days should register with the local authorities on arrival

Local Laws and Customs

Australians are reminded that when overseas they are subject to local laws and a violation of local law may result in a jail sentence, served in a local prison.

Health Issues

For information on prevalent diseases and inoculations, travellers should consult their doctor or a travel clinic. Contact details for travel clinics can be found in our 'Travelling Well' brochure available on the Department's website.

Travel and Health Insurance

Travel and health insurance is strongly recommended for all overseas travel. Travellers should check with their insurer to make sure that their policy meets their needs. They should ensure that their insurance covers medical evacuations. In particular, travellers should be aware that some insurance companies will not pay claims which arise when travellers have disregarded the Government's travel advice.

Entry Requirements

Visa conditions are subject to change. For up-to-date visa information, Australians should contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate for the Republic of Kyrgyzstan.

Consular Assistance and Registration

Australia does not have a mission in Kyrgyzstan. Australians may obtain consular assistance and further information from the Australian Embassy in Russia, located at 10a/2 Podkolokolny Pereulok, Moscow - telephone (7 095 or 7 503) 9566070 or facsimile (7 095 or 7 503) 9566170.

Australians are strongly advised to register their presence in Kyrgyzstan with the Department of Foreign Affairs on-line registration service, accessible via the internet at http://www.orao.dfat.gov.au, or directly through the Australian Embassy in Moscow.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra may also be contacted on telephone (02) 62613305.


While every care has been taken in preparing this travel information for travellers, neither the Australian Government nor its agents or employees including any member of Australia's consular staff abroad, can accept liability for injury, loss or damage arising in respect of any statement contained therein.


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