Kyrgyzstan’s rugged mountains, pristine lakes, and traditional nomadic lifestyle draw adventure seekers from around the world to enjoy a cooler climate than the desert heat of the UAE. If you are in either Dubai or Abu Dhabi and you want to hike in the Tian Shan Mountain range or explore ancient Silk Road ruins, the first thing to do is get the visa organized.
This article breaks down the Kyrgyzstan visa process specifically for UAE residents, including conditions to be eligible, steps to apply, and other useful information to help simplify the process.
Overview of Kyrgyzstan’s Visa Policy
Kyrgyzstan has a simple visa policy that supports tourism and business. Citizens from more than 60 countries, including those from the UAE, can enter the country for short stays as visa-free travelers. For everyone else, the government provides electronic visas (e-visas) that allow travelers to apply online for a visa without needing to visit an embassy in many situations.
Residents of the UAE are also able to take advantage of this policy, which allows entry based on nationality and not residence. Still, a current, valid residence visa for the UAE can be used to ease immersing themselves in the process for an e-visa or consular visa. Most inquiries and applications will be conducted through the official portal, evisa.e-gov.kg, while the Kyrgyz Consulate General in Dubai will handle more complex inquiries or applications.
As of 2025, there are additional e-visa options for digital nomads and expedited processing for some nationalities. Continue to check the official Kyrgyz e-visa website for national updates on the visa process and policy, as visa policies can change based on international relations.
Who Requires a Visa as a UAE Resident?
- Visa conditions are linked to your passport nationality, rather than your UAE residency status. UAE citizens benefit from free entry. All expatriates must check the requirements according to their nationality.
- Citizens of the UAE: Visa-free entry for tourist, business, and private travel up to 60 days duration. No prior application needed, but you do need a passport valid for at least six months from your date of entry.
- Nationalities eligible for visa-free entry, typical to UAE conditions: Many expats can enter without the need for filing a visa application. Some typical examples of citizenship from visa-free entry countries are:
- Up to 60 days: Citizens of Australia, Canada, Germany, Japan, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, the UK, the US, and the majority of countries in the EU.
- Up to 90 days: Citizens of Turkey and Mongolia.
- Up to 30 days: Citizens of Malaysia.
· Visa-Required Nationalities: Many residents groups living in the UAE, such as Indians, Pakistanis, Filipinos, Bangladeshis, and Egyptians, may require a visa. Some may receive a visa on arrival at Manas International Airport in Bishkek or apply online for an e-visa.
· Indians/Pakistanis: Eligible for an e-visa or visa on arrival with valid UAE residency.
· Filipinos: Eligible for a visa on arrival for up to 30 days without an invitation letter.
· Others: Use the “Do I Need a Visa?” tool on the e-visa portal by checking your passport country.
If your nationality is not visa-free, check in advance to avoid being denied entry. Transit passengers do not require a visa if they stay within the airport international zone, but confirm with your airline.
Types of Visas Available
· Kyrgyzstan has different visa types designed for travel purposes. UAE residents typically enter Kyrgyzstan on tourist or business visas, but they can stay longer.
· Tourist Visa (Sapar Visa): Issued for traveling for sightseeing, visiting family, or short medical trips. It applies to a short trip of up to 90 days with the possibility of extension.
· Business Visa: Issued for attending conferences, conducting business negotiations, or working temporarily. It applies to a short trip of 90 days or less
· Transit Visa: Issued for layovers on the way to a third country and includes a valid stay of up to five days.
· Digital Nomad Visa: Issued only recently, and available for IT professionals to work while in Kyrgyzstan up to six months.
· Student or Work Visas: Issued for studying or working through an invitation letter from a Kyrgyz establishment.
E-visas are available for purposes of travel for tourism, business, or transit for qualifying nationalities. Specific Visa types, such as student or work visas, need to be started at the consulate.
How to Apply for an e-Visa for Kyrgyzstan from the UAE
The method for applying is different based on your nationality and the visa you brought with you. Generally speaking, UAE residents are typically much more likely to use the e-visa when easier.
For e-visas:
- Go to evisa.e-gov.kg and click “Do I Need a Visa?” to establish if you can use e-visa.
- You will then choose “Apply for a Visa”, pick the passport type (ordinary by default), and Visa Category.
- You will then complete the online application in English by putting in information about yourself, the itinerary, and finally your contact information.
- Upload scanned documents and pay the fee by either credit or debit card.
- You will get the confirmation email with a reference number. You will be able to track the status of the application from the portal.
- It will typically take from 3-5 working days to find approval, which is sent via email. Be sure to print off the e-visa and show it at entry.
- For applications submitted through the consulate (if you cannot use the e-visa or need an urgent visa):
- Applicable in Dubai at the Kyrgyz Consulate General in Dubai (Green Tower Building, Office 302, Deira).
- Opening hours: Monday – Thursday, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm.
- You will need to submit the printed forms, photos, and originals with your application.
- It will normally take 7 – 10 business days to process your visa, and 1 – 3 days if marked urgent.
If it is allowed, you can also get a visa on arrival at Manas Airport, but only for certain nationalities, such as Indians with UAE residency. If you are going to do this, bring all of your documentation, and know you will have to wait in line. Using the e-visa is more reliable if you run into issues.
Required Documents
Gather these essentials ahead of time to avoid delay. Requirements can vary slightly based on visa type and process.
· Valid Passport: Valid for at least six months, includes two blank pages.
· Recent Passport Photos: Color on white background and taken within six months.
· UAE Residence Visa and Emirates ID copies: Documents your status with at least three months of validity remaining.
· Filled-in application: An application form filled out either online (for e-visa) or printed and filled out for the consulate.
· Invitation letter: Required for some visas, but not all. Could be from a Kyrgyz host, business or tour operator. Many e-visas do not need this.
· Proof of travel: Plane tickets, hotel bookings, or travel itineraries.
· Additional requirements for certain visas: Enrollment letter for students, employment contracts for work visas.
You should scan all documents clearly and have any necessary translations to English, Russian, or Kyrgyz if the original language is not one of these.
Fees and Processing Times
Visa fees depend on which visa you choose and whether it is e-visa or consulate application. Payments are non-refundable.
E-visa fees are about $50-100 (approximately 185-370 AED), for up to 30 days on a tourist visa. You can pay online.
If applying through the consulate (AED):
- Tourist visa for up to 30 days costs: 310 for regular processing, 460 AED for urgent processing.
- Business or private visit: 405 AED for regular processing, 590 AED for urgent processing.
- Visa on Arrival is same fees as e-visa and must be paid in cash (USD accepted).
- Processing times:
- E-visa is 3-5 working days.
- Consulate would be 7-10 working days for regular processing and 1-3 working days for urgent, at an extra cost.
Take into account that the weekends in Kyrgyz and the UAE are different when calculating processing times.
General Obstacles and Tips
- Most applications go smoothly, but you need to watch out for obstacles.
- Incorrect language forms are one aspect of denial and incorrect information comes up regularly, so double check the information before applying.
- Overstays – you will have to pay a fine after your visa-free period if applicable, and have to be careful if you are using any 60 day visa-free periods.
- If you experience a technical issue with the e-visa application website, try a different browser and/or support at +996 703 428 865.
Tips:
- Apply as much in advance as you can; a minimum of 2 weeks ahead of travel would be good.
- Book flights as flexible until your visa is approved.
- Bring a paper copy of each required document to immigration.
- Groups should apply separately; this prevents some groups being rejected together.
Registration and Stay Extensions
If necessary, you must register your stay upon arrival. Citizens of exempt countries with visa-free entry for short visits can skip this step. However, all other nationals must register their stay within five working days, at a local police station or hotel.
If you need to extend your stay:
· You must apply for this extension at the State Registration Service in Kyrgyzstan, before your visa expires.
· You will need assist documentation to support your request; for example, extended tourism.
· There are fees involved for extensions, and it may take several days to process.
· You should try to avoid needing to extend your visa, if possible, as it involves more bureaucracy.
Once you have figured out the visa rules for your nationality, and if you’re a resident of the UAE, the Kyrgyzstan visa process is simple. Regardless of being visa-free or applying online, travel possibilities to this expedition destination are exciting for an underappreciated country with many natural spectacles. You will want to confirm official online updates and prepare your planning and documentation, and focus on the experience that lies ahead.
