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Osh Bazaar in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

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Kyrgyzstan travel advice

Most visits to Kyrgyzstan are trouble-free.

Since the parliamentary elections in March 2005, there have been a number of demonstrations in Bishkek related to the internal-political situation. Political tensions remain high. The next parliamentary elections will take place on 16 December 2007. Visitors should check the current situation before travelling and avoid any political demonstrations or large crowds while in Kyrgyzstan.

There is a threat from terrorism in Kyrgyzstan. Attacks could be indiscriminate and against civilian targets.

Tensions also exist over recognition of the Kyrgyz-Uzbek borders and all visitors choosing to travel there should ensure that they only use officially recognised border crossings. These tensions remain heightened following the events May in Andijan, Uzbekistan in May 2005. There is a risk that uncontrolled border areas may be land-mined.

In June 2005, a Westerner was murdered in Bishkek and there have been other incidents of Westerners being targeted for theft.

This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organisations for the latest travel advice:

British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: 0845 850 2829.
Website: www.fco.gov.uk

US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel

Embassies and tourist offices

British Embassy in Kazakhstan

Kosmonavtov 62, Renco Building 6th floor, Astana, Kazakhstan

Telephone: +7 7172 556 200 Website: http://ukinkz.fco.gov.uk Opening times: Mon-Thu 08.30-17.00; Fri 08.30-15.30
Embassy of the Kyrgyz Republic in the USA

2360 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA

Telephone: (202) 449 9822 Website: http://www.kgembassy.org/ Opening times: Mon-Fri 09.30-12.00 (visa section)
Embassy of the Kyrgyz Republic in the UK

Ascot House, 119 Crawford Street, London W1U 6BJ, UK

Telephone: (020) 7935 1462 Website: http://www.kyrgyz-embassy.org.uk Opening times: Mon-Fri 0900-1800; 0930-1230 (visa section).
Ministry of Tourism

Ulitsa Togolok Moldo 17, 720001 Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

Email address: gatiskr@bishkek.gov.kg Telephone: (312) 220 657

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