Travel Vaccines and Advice for Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan is in Central Asia. It is a landlocked country bordered by Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and China. The capital is Bishkek.
Kyrgyzstan has amazing mountain lakes, great hospitality, and beautiful sunsets. Its natural beauty is clear to see by the country’s spacious pastures and shepherd dwellings. Travelers will find most of the attractions in Kyrgyzstan are rural and high in altitude.
When travelers explore the sites, they should experience Lake Song-Kol, Alay Valley and Arelanbob. These places are perfect for the nature lover inside you.
Whether you enjoy the natural settings of Kyrgyzstan or the history and culture, you’ll find everything you’ll need.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Kyrgyzstan?
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Kyrgyzstan
Do I Need a Visa for Kyrgyzstan?
What Is the Climate Like in Kyrgyzstan?
How Safe Is Kyrgyzstan?
Ala Archa National Park
What Should I Take to Kyrgyzstan?
U.S. Embassy in Kyrgyzstan
Do I Need Vaccines for Kyrgyzstan?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Kyrgyzstan. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Kyrgyzstan: typhoid, hepatitis A, polio, yellow fever, tick-borne encephalitis, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travelers. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travelers to any destination. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. - Tick-borne Encephalitis –
Ticks –
Limited information is available from local authorities. Human cases have been reported in rural areas. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travelers to most regions. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Meningitis –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended.
See the table below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Kyrgyzstan |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travelers. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travelers to any destination. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. |
| Tick-borne Encephalitis | Ticks | Limited information is available from local authorities. Human cases have been reported in rural areas. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travelers to most regions. |
Routine Vaccinations for Kyrgyzstan |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Meningitis | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
Specific Vaccine Information
- Typhoid – Typhoid, a potentially life-threatening illness caused by Salmonella Typhi, spreads through contaminated food and water in areas with poor sanitation. To prevent it, practice good hygiene and safe food and water precautions.
- Hepatitis A – Hepatitis A is an infectious liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus, often spread through contaminated food or water, or via direct contact with someone infected. It leads to liver inflammation, potentially impairing its function, and manifests as symptoms like tiredness, stomach pain, nausea, and yellowing of the skin or eyes. The vaccine for hepatitis A offers robust protection against this virus. It is typically given in two doses over a six-month period and is advised for those traveling to regions with higher risk or for people more likely to come into contact with the virus.
- Tick-borne Encephalitis – Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a viral infection spread through tick bites, potentially leading to severe neurological complications. Protecting against TBE requires vaccination, particularly in areas with high transmission risk.
- Rabies – Rabies, a deadly viral disease, spreads via bites or scratches from infected animals. Vaccination is the cornerstone of prevention, including post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for suspected exposures and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for individuals with regular animal contact or travelers.
- Hepatitis B – The hepatitis B vaccine is a potent shield against this liver virus, recommended for all travelers and crucial for healthcare workers. Alongside vaccination, practicing safe sex and avoiding needle sharing are essential in hepatitis B prevention.
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – Measles, mumps, and rubella are viral infections that spread easily. Vaccination with the MMR vaccine is the CDC’s top recommendation for preventing these diseases. It offers comprehensive protection against all three viruses, ensuring the safety of both individuals and the community.
See our vaccinations page to learn more about these infections and vaccines. Ready to protect yourself? Book your travel health appointment today by calling or schedule online now.
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Kyrgyzstan
Prevent Bug Bites in Kyrgyzstan
In case of bug bites, cleanse the area, use anti-itch treatments, and resist scratching to prevent infection. Seek medical help for severe reactions or if symptoms of vector-borne diseases emerge post-bite.
Food and Water Safety in Kyrgyzstan
Abroad, make wise food choices by familiarizing yourself with local cuisine and favoring established restaurants. Frequent hand-washing is crucial, and it’s advisable to steer clear of street food, opting for thoroughly cooked options.
Altitude Sickness in Kyrgyzstan
At high altitudes, altitude sickness can strike, manifesting as headaches, dizziness, and nausea due to oxygen deprivation. Preventive measures include gradual ascent, hydration, and medication like acetazolamide. If symptoms develop, immediate descent to lower altitudes is essential, along with rest and medical evaluation if symptoms persist.
Infections To Be Aware of in Kyrgyzstan
- Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever – Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever, which spreads through ticks and human-to-human contact, can be mitigated by practicing tick bite prevention. Vaccinations against the disease are in development.
- Leishmaniasis – Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease transmitted by infected sand flies. It poses a significant health threat to humans and animals. Preventive measures include using insect repellents, wearing protective clothing, and staying indoors during peak sand fly activity.
Do I Need a Visa for Kyrgyzstan?
A visa is not required for stays under 60 days. A valid passport is essential for visiting Kyrgyzstan. The passport needs to be valid up to six months from the date of entering Kyrgyzstan. A full blank page must be available if you are thinking about applying for a visa.
Kyrgyzstan Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Kyrgyzstan? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | |
|
| Vaccinations | ||
Sources: Embassy of Kyrgyzstan and U.S. State Department
Travelers visiting for religious purposes must include this information on their visa application. People involved in missionary work have to get a work visa and register with the Office of Religious Affairs. You can’t be involved in any religious activity on a tourist visa because it is illegal.
What Is the Climate Like in Kyrgyzstan?
Kyrgyzstan is a country in Central Asia that has many popular tourist destinations. The weather in these places depends on the season and location. Kyrgyzstan has a continental climate with dry and hot summers and cold winters.
Issyk-Kul Lake is one of the most popular tourist destinations, and the weather is generally mild. The temperature is around 70 to 80 degrees during summer (June-August) and 15 during winter (December-February).
Bishkek, the capital city, has hot summers and cold winters. During the summer months, temperatures can reach 95, and during winter, it can be 5.
Karakol, another famous tourist destination, has cold and dry weather, with temperatures ranging from 15 to 30 degrees during winter (December-February) and 60 to 75 during summer (June-August).
Osh, located in the southern part of Kyrgyzstan, experiences subtropical weather with hot summers and mild winters. During the summer months, temperatures can go up to 95 degrees, and during winter, it is usually 20 to 40.
It is always a good idea to check the weather forecast before traveling to Kyrgyzstan and its various destinations as weather conditions can vary.
How Safe Is Kyrgyzstan?
To stay safe in Kyrgyzstan, travelers should research the country and learn about local customs and laws. They should be aware of their surroundings, especially when walking alone or in unfamiliar areas, and keep an eye on their belongings.
It’s important to stay informed about current events and travel warnings, and to respect local customs and traditions. Travelers should avoid attending demonstrations or protests and should choose reputable accommodations and transportation.
They should keep in touch with friends and family back home and carry important documents, like their passport and visa, with them at all times. It’s also helpful to learn some basic language skills to communicate with locals and navigate the country.
By following these tips, travelers can help ensure their safety while enjoying their trip to Kyrgyzstan.
Ala Archa National Park
Avoid an Embarrassing Stop
Over 70% of travelers
will have diarrhea.
Get protected with Passport Health’s
travelers’ diarrhea kit!
Ala Archa National Park is a beautiful place in Kyrgyzstan where tourists can enjoy nature and hiking. There are different hiking trails for people who like easy or hard hikes. Visitors can see waterfalls, glaciers, and mountains while hiking. The park is also a great place for a picnic and to relax with family and friends.
Visitors might see some animals like ibex, lynx, or snow leopards. During the winter, the park is a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding. Photographers can take pictures of the beautiful landscapes and wildlife.
Ala Archa National Park is a great place for people who love nature, hiking, and outdoor activities. Visitors can hike, have a picnic, see animals, ski, and take pictures.
What Should I Take to Kyrgyzstan?
When you prepare for travel to Kyrgyzstan, there are some things you need to take with you on your trip.
- Visa and Passport — You need a visa to travel to Kyrgyzstan if you’re planning to stay more than 60 days. You will also need a passport that is valid from 6 months from the date of entry.
- Health and Safety — It’s important to pack for your health and safety in Kyrgyzstan. Prescription medicines, medical supplies, and over the counter medicines are what you need to consider before traveling to Kyrgyzstan. You should also pack supplies to prevent injury and illness and a first aid kit.
U.S. Embassy in Kyrgyzstan
All Americans visiting Kyrgyzstan should register online with the U.S. Department of State before departure. This will inform the office of your travel plans within the country and will allow them to reach out in the case of an emergency or evacuation.
Once in Kyrgyzstan, the information for the U.S. Embassy is:
The embassy can help in an emergency situation, like a natural disaster or medical emergency. They can also give information about traveling in Kyrgyzstan, including safety and cultural customs.
U.S. Embassy Bishkek
171 Prospect Mira
Bishkek 720016 Kyrgyz Republic
Telephone: +996 312 597 000
The services offered by the embassy may change based on the current situation. It’s a good idea to check the embassy’s website or contact them directly to get the most recent information.
Ready to start your next journey? Call us at or book online now!
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Kyrgyzstan
Overall rating: 5 stars – 2 reviews
★★★★★
“Fantastic Experience“
“Tina was extremely knowledgeable and well prepared. I have been traveling overseas to third world countries for over 8 years and learned many things I was unaware of or ill-informed. This will make my next trip to Kyrgyzstan so much better.”
Submitted by: Kathleen
★★★★★
“The best travel check-up“
“I travel frequently to Africa, Kyrgyzstan, Central America and other places with some challenging health and security risks. I always use Passport Health for vaccinations but what I value most are their superb pre-trip briefings, including a comprehensive customized booklet.”
Submitted by: Bill
“Tina was extremely knowledgeable and well prepared. I have been traveling overseas to third world countries for over 8 years and learned many things I was unaware of or ill-informed. This will make my next trip to Kyrgyzstan so much better.”
“I travel frequently to Africa, Kyrgyzstan, Central America and other places with some challenging health and security risks. I always use Passport Health for vaccinations but what I value most are their superb pre-trip briefings, including a comprehensive customized booklet.”
US – English
CA – English
UK – English
Rest of World – English
