Published on
January 10, 2026
Poland joins Ireland, Canada, Netherlands, Sweden, Thailand, and other forty-six countries in navigating new travel restrictions as Kyrgyzstan enforces a 30-day limit for visa-free stays within 60 days, a significant reduction from the previous 60-day allowance. This change, effective from January 2026, is part of Kyrgyzstan’s efforts to streamline its migration system and improve monitoring of foreign visitors. The tighter rules mean that travelers from these nations will now have to carefully manage their time in the country to avoid overstays and potential penalties, impacting both short-term tourists and long-term travelers alike.
Kyrgyzstan, the hidden gem of Central Asia, has just implemented a significant shift in its visa policies that may affect travelers from various nations across Europe, the Americas, and Asia-Pacific. Starting from January 1, 2026, travelers from 55 countries, including major travel hubs like Poland, Ireland, Canada, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Thailand, will no longer enjoy the same visa-free entry privileges that they once did. This move has raised eyebrows, particularly for those who had planned on taking advantage of Kyrgyzstan’s easygoing visa-free travel system. The updated rules now restrict visitors to a 30-day maximum stay within a 60-day period, a sharp reduction from the previous 60-day allowance within a 120-day window.
This development is one of the most significant changes in the country’s immigration landscape in recent years, prompting questions about its broader impact on the tourism and business sectors, as well as how it will affect both short-term and long-term travelers. Below, we delve into the specifics of Kyrgyzstan’s new visa-free regulations, their implications for travelers, and the nations affected by this shift.
What’s Changing for Visa-Free Travelers?
The new Resolution No. 855 of Kyrgyzstan, which was confirmed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on December 31, 2025, introduces stricter guidelines for travelers from 55 countries. The visa-free entry limit has been significantly reduced, and now nationals of these countries will only be able to stay in Kyrgyzstan for 30 days within any 60-day period.
This change applies to all travelers who previously enjoyed a visa-free stay of up to 60 days within 120 days. The new policy means that the clock starts ticking from the moment travelers enter Kyrgyzstan, and they must leave or apply for a visa once they have reached the 30-day limit.
This reduction is intended to make the country’s visa system more streamlined, as it seeks to better align with Kyrgyzstan’s migration policy. The government has stated that the aim is to reduce confusion around overstays and improve the monitoring of foreign visitors. However, it is also clear that this change will impact a variety of travelers, including those who use Kyrgyzstan as a gateway to explore the surrounding regions of Central Asia.
Countries Affected by the New Rules
The revised visa-free regulations are set to impact travelers from the following 55 countries and territories, many of which are popular tourist destinations or business hubs.
Among the European nations, travelers from Poland, Ireland, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands are now subject to the 30-day stay restriction. Travelers from countries like Belgium, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Finland will also be affected. Similarly, countries with strong ties to Kyrgyzstan, such as Russia and Ukraine, also fall under these new restrictions.
North and South America will see the imposition of the shorter stay limit for travelers from Canada, the United States, Argentina, and Brazil, all of whom had previously enjoyed the more generous 60-day allowance. In addition to these large nations, smaller countries like Chile, Mexico, and Colombia will face the same limitations.
Asia-Pacific nations will also experience these changes, including countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Japan, and Vietnam, all of which are popular among travelers exploring Kyrgyzstan’s rugged landscapes and rich cultural heritage.
The countries impacted by the new rules are as follows:
- Albania
- Andorra
- Argentina
- Australia
- Belgium
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Brazil
- Brunei Darussalam
- Bulgaria
- Canada
- Chile
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Israel
- Italy
- Japan
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Mexico
- Monaco
- Montenegro
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Russia (with exceptions, see below)
- San Marino
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Thailand
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Vatican
- Vietnam
Who Is Not Affected by the New Rules?
Despite the tightening of visa-free entry, Kyrgyzstan’s new rules do not apply universally. There are certain countries and regions that continue to benefit from more generous visa policies:
- Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) Nationals: Nationals from Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Russia can still stay up to 90 days within a 180-day period without any residence formalities.
- Uzbek Nationals: Uzbekistan citizens can remain in Kyrgyzstan for 60 days within a 180-day period, unless an international agreement dictates otherwise.
- Other Key Countries: Nationals from Serbia, Turkey, Ukraine, and Mongolia can stay up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
- Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Nationals: Nationals from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain can enjoy a visa-free stay of up to 180 days within a 360-day period.
The E-Visa: A Convenient Option for Extended Stays
For travelers who intend to stay longer than the newly imposed 30-day limit, Kyrgyzstan still offers an excellent solution: the e-Visa system. Introduced in 2017, the e-Visa allows visitors to apply for a visa online for a variety of purposes, including tourism, business, and private visits. The e-Visa system has been particularly popular with digital nomads and long-term travelers who need to extend their stay beyond the 30-day window.
Visitors can submit applications through Kyrgyzstan’s official government portal. The e-Visa process is generally straightforward and serves as a convenient alternative for those planning extended stays. Given the growing popularity of remote work and extended travel, the e-Visa remains the most efficient option for travelers who wish to stay longer than the newly imposed 30-day limit.
The Takeaway for Travelers
Kyrgyzstan’s new visa policy may seem like a significant step toward tightening control over immigration and visa-free travel, but it remains a welcoming destination for travelers from the 55 affected countries. However, visitors will need to plan their trips carefully to avoid overstays and potential fines or entry issues in the future.
Travelers are advised to double-check their travel dates, especially if they plan to enter and exit Kyrgyzstan multiple times within a short period. Host parties, travel agencies, and accommodation providers are also being urged to follow the new rules to ensure smooth travel experiences for their guests.
While the new rules may impose certain travel obstacles, Kyrgyzstan remains a captivating destination, rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. From the stunning Issyk-Kul Lake to the vibrant city of Bishkek, the country’s diverse landscapes and thriving cultural scene make it a must-visit for any adventurous traveler. Just be sure to stay informed and adjust your travel plans accordingly.
Kyrgyzstan’s move to tighten visa-free entry rules serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding and adhering to a country’s immigration policies, especially as they evolve to reflect changing political, economic, and security priorities.
Poland joins Ireland, Canada, Netherlands, Sweden, Thailand, and other forty-six countries in navigating new travel restrictions as Kyrgyzstan enforces a 30-day limit for visa-free stays within 60 days, aiming to streamline migration controls and improve monitoring of foreign visitors. This reduction from the previous 60-day allowance impacts both short-term travelers and long-term visitors.
For anyone planning a trip to Kyrgyzstan in 2026 or beyond, keeping track of the updated entry regulations and considering the e-Visa option for longer stays will ensure a hassle-free journey to this fascinating corner of Central Asia.
