Kyrgyzstan E-visa Application and Photo

Citizens from nearly 70 countries can visit Kyrgyzstan without needing a visa. For those who aren't eligible for visa-free entry, there's an easy-to-use online platform for applying for an e-visa.

Keep reading to discover how to get a visa for Kyrgyzstan and how you can easily get a compliant Kyrgyzstan e-visa picture from home.

Table of contents

• Kyrgyzstan e-visa policy: who must apply and who can travel visa-free
• Countries eligible for the Kyrgyzstan e-visa
• Kyrgyzstan e-visa types and requirements
• Step-by-step application process
• Documents required for an online Kyrgyzstan visa application
• Kyrgyzstan visa photo requirements
• Make a Kyrgyzstan e-visa photo online
• Visa Photo App
• Kyrgyzstan e-visa fees
• How long does it take to get a Kyrgyzstan visa?
• How to check Kyrgyzstan e-visa status
• FAQ

Kyrgyzstan e-visa policy: who must apply and who can travel visa-free

When visiting Kyrgyzstan, travelers will either have the privilege of entering without a visa (duration varies based on nationality) or need to obtain the new e-visa, known as the Sapar visa, introduced in 2025.

Travelers from 69 countries are granted visa-free travel to Kyrgyzstan:

Indefinite stay:

• Cuba
• North Korea

90 days within any 180 days:

• Armenia
• Azerbaijan
• Belarus
• Georgia
• Kazakhstan
• Moldova
• Mongolia
• Russia
• Serbia
• Tajikistan
• Turkey
• Ukraine

60 days within any 120 days:

• All European Union citizens
• Albania
• Andorra
• Argentina
• Australia
• Bahrain
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Brazil
• Brunei
• Canada
• Chile
• Iceland
• Israel
• Japan
• Kuwait
• Liechtenstein
• North Macedonia
• Mexico
• Monaco
• Montenegro
• New Zealand
• Norway
• Oman
• Qatar
• San Marino
• Saudi Arabia
• Singapore
• South Korea
• Switzerland
• Thailand
• United Arab Emirates
• United Kingdom
• United States
• Uzbekistan
• Vatican City
• Vietnam

30 days:

• Hong Kong (must present onward ticket – only entry/exit via air)
• Macao (must present onward ticket – only via air)
• Malaysia
• Maldives

Moreover, Chinese nationals arriving at Manas International Airport can stay visa-free for up to 7 days if they:

• have a voucher (purchasable upon arrival) worth at least USD 500 and a return ticket to their home or a third country where they can re-enter visa-free after 21 days,
• or hold long-term visas (over 3 years) for the USA, UK, Schengen Area, allowing them to stay 7 days visa-free and re-enter after 21 days.

Those from countries not listed for visa-free entry must secure an e-visa (Sapar visa) via the official e-visa portal before traveling. The Sapar e-visa merges the previous tourist, business, and private visit visa categories.

How long can I stay in Kyrgyzstan? The Sapar visa permits stays of up to 90 days within the 90-day validity period, with both single-entry and multiple-entry options.

Countries eligible for the Kyrgyzstan e-visa

If your country isn’t on Kyrgyzstan’s list for visa-free travel, you can apply for an e-visa, known as the Sapar visa. To see if you're eligible and to learn about the entry and stay rules for foreign visitors, head to the Kyrgyzstan e-visa portal, navigate to Information, choose the "Do I Need a Visa?" section, and select your travel document's country or region.

Kyrgyzstan e-visa types and requirements

As of January 2025, Kyrgyzstan updated its e-visa system to make the process easier and consolidate several categories. Each type has different requirements, but you can handle most of it online. The main e-visa options now are as follows:

• Sapar e-visa (Type J). This visa consolidates the previous categories for business, tourism, mountain tourism, private visits, and medical visits. It is valid for 90 days, allows stays of up to 90 days, and offers single or multiple entries.
• Study e-visa (Type S). Designed for international students enrolling in formal education programs in Kyrgyzstan. You’ll need documentation from your educational institution.
• Digital Nomad e-visa (Type DN). Geared towards remote workers looking to live in Kyrgyzstan while working online. Applicants must show proof of remote employment and income.

Step-by-step application process

You can complete your entire application online through the official Kyrgyzstan e-visa portal. To apply follow these steps:

1. Go to the official Kyrgyzstan e-visa portal.
2. Check if you need a visa. Use the "Do I Need a Visa?" feature by selecting your nationality.
3. If a visa is needed, start your application.
4. On the main page, click “Apply for a Visa” and choose the appropriate type, often "Sapar J Visa" for tourism, business, or private visits.
5. Fill out the application form, providing personal information.
6. Upload all required documents.
7. Pay the visa fee securely with a credit or debit card and submit your application.
8. After submission, you’ll receive a reference number and a verification email valid for 72 hours.
9. Once approved, print out the confirmation document. You’ll need this hard copy when you arrive at the airport or a land border.

Documents required for an online Kyrgyzstan visa application

To apply for a Kyrgyzstan e-visa, you'll need several key documents. Additional paperwork may be necessary depending on the type of visa you are seeking.

• Passport copy. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival and has at least two blank pages.
• A passport-sized photo.
• Return flight tickets as proof of your return trip to your home country.
• A valid credit card to pay the visa fee, as your application won't be processed without payment.

Supporting documents differ based on the purpose of your visit:

• Kyrgyzstan tourist e-visa: might require proof of hotel reservations and a travel itinerary.
• Business: could need an official invitation from a recognized entity in Kyrgyzstan.
• Medical: may need documentation from a medical facility in Kyrgyzstan.
• Private visits: possibly requires an invitation from a resident or organization.
• Study: enrollment confirmation from an educational institution in Kyrgyzstan.
• Digital Nomads: must show proof of remote employment or business activities.
• Tour package travelers: you'll need a Letter of Invitation (LOI) from the host organization or tour operator.

Note: All documents must be in Kyrgyz or Russian or translated into these languages. Ensure uploaded files are the right size and format: JPEG/PDF, with photos and documents not exceeding 7.5 MB.

Kyrgyzstan visa photo requirements

To meet the Kyrgyzstan e-visa photo requirements, follow these guidelines:

• The Kyrgyzstan e-visa photo size must be 35×45 mm, which is the standard for passport photos. Digital uploads should be in JPEG, JPG, or PNG format, with a file size typically under 120 KB.
• Use a plain white or light gray background, free of shadows, patterns, or objects.
• The face should be centered and take up about 70-80% of the photo. The head height should be approximately 34.5mm, with a 3mm gap from the top of the hair to the edge of the photo.
• Maintain a neutral look with your mouth closed, no smiles, and eyes open, looking straight at the camera.
• Ensure even lighting with no shadows on the face or background, and provide a high-resolution, clear, and color photo free of red-eye or glare.
• Avoid hats or head coverings unless worn for religious or medical reasons, which should not hide any facial features.
• Glasses are permitted as long as they don’t create glare or block the eyes; a doctor’s note is required if medically necessary.
• Wear simple attire with visible shoulders; uniforms or camouflage should be avoided.
• The photo must have been taken within the last 3 to 6 months.

Here's an example of a photo:

Make a Kyrgyzstan e-visa photo online

Research indicates that using professionally edited photos can significantly boost your chances of getting your Kyrgyzstan e-visa. For the best results, consider using Visafoto, an online photo editing service known for its 99.7% success rate with official document pictures.

Start by taking a picture of yourself in natural daylight, then upload it to Visafoto.com. The service will replace the background, adjust the resolution, fine-tune the colors, and crop the image to the correct size. If you're unhappy with the result, we offer a free redo. In the rare case your photo isn't accepted by authorities, we will provide a full refund.

Here is an example of the photo you can upload:

Visafoto will provide you with a digital version for online submissions and a print-ready copy.

Visa Photo App

Prefer using your smartphone? Try the 7ID app from Visafoto.com. This user-friendly app makes it easy to create ID, passport, and visa photos directly from your phone. It works with both iPhone and Android devices.

After uploading your photo to the 7ID app, select the document type and country. The app will automatically adjust your photo to meet official standards, handling size, format, background color, and ensuring your face and eyes are perfectly centered. You'll receive a digital file and a print template that fits standard paper sizes like 4x6, A4, A5, or B5.

For any questions, our technical support team is available 24/7 to assist you.

Kyrgyzstan e-visa fees

The cost of a Kyrgyzstan e-visa varies based on the type of visa, your nationality, and the duration of stay. For example, the Sapar e-visa for a 90-day stay will cost around USD 50-60.

Be aware that extra charges apply for faster processing services. Fees can differ based on nationality and visa type, so it's wise to check the latest information on the official Kyrgyzstan e-visa portal before you apply.

How long does it take to get a Kyrgyzstan visa?

The Kyrgyzstan e-visa approval duration is typically between 1 to 5 business days after application submission. For those needing quicker service, an expedited option is available, which promises processing within 24 hours for an additional charge.

How to check Kyrgyzstan e-visa status

For a Kyrgyzstan e-visa check, you can use the official e-visa portal. Here’s how to do it:

1. Go to the official Kyrgyzstan e-visa portal and head to the "Check Status" section.
2. Enter the necessary information: your application reference number and the passport number used in your application.
3. Submit the details to check your visa application's current status.

If you have any questions, you can reach out to the services of the Kyrgyzstan e-visa. Their contact numbers are:

• Hotline of the Visa Center: +996703428865
• 24/7 Hotline of the Consular Department: +996999312002

FAQ

Can I extend my Kyrgyzstan e-visa?

This visa cannot be extended online, as the system does not provide such an option. It is normally issued for up to 90 days and does not renew automatically. If you need to stay longer, you should contact the migration authorities in Kyrgyzstan.

Can I enter through any border checkpoint with an e-visa?

No, e-visa holders must enter Kyrgyzstan through specific border checkpoints. These are:

• Manas International Airport (Bishkek)
• Osh International Airport
• Several land border crossings, including:
  • Chon-Kapka (Talas to Taraz, Kazakhstan)
  • Chaldybar (Bishkek to Taraz, Kazakhstan)
  • Ak-Jol (Korday, Almaty to Bishkek, Kazakhstan)
  • Ak-Tilek (near Korday, Kazakhstan)
  • Dostuk (Osh to Andijan, Uzbekistan)
  • Kyzyl-Bel (Batken to Khujand, Tajikistan)
  • Kulundu (Isfana to Khujand, Tajikistan)
  • Bor-Dobo (Sary Tash to Murghab, Tajikistan)
  • Irkeshtam (Sary Tash to Kashgar, China)
  • Torugart (Naryn to Kashgar, China)

Do children need a separate e-visa?

Yes, each child needs their own Kyrgyzstan e-visa. All minors, including infants, must have individual e-visa applications, as they can't be included on their parents' visas.

What if my application is denied?

If your application requires corrections, you'll receive an email explaining what you need to change. Once you fix the issues highlighted in red, resubmit your application, and the review process will start again.

If your application is completely rejected, you can reapply, but it's important to first address any issues that caused the rejection. If you're not eligible for an e-visa, consider applying at a Kyrgyz embassy or consulate.

Do I need to carry a printed copy of the e-visa?

Yes, you must carry a printed copy of your Kyrgyzstan e-visa. Once approved, the e-visa will be emailed to you, and you'll need to print it out and show it, along with your passport, when you arrive in Kyrgyzstan at airports or land checkpoints.