Kyrgyzstan Tourist E-Visa (How to Apply Online)

After visiting Kyrgyzstan three times (wow it's been 3 times already??), as a Philippine passport holder, I experienced both visa options already. If you're interested to learn how to apply a Kyrgyzstan Tourist E-Visa online, let me guide you to the best of my ability!

DISCLAIMER: As of 2024, Philippine Passport Holders can obtain either an E-Visa or a Visa On Arrival in Kyrgyzstan as per IATA. This eligibility is based on the passport and NOT on the residency in the UAE. I also have experience with both visas, but this post is focused only on the E-Visa. If you are interested in applying for a visa on arrival, please refer to my other POST.

E-Visa Eligibility

To know if you are eligible for an e-visa, you can check it HERE by selecting your nationality.

Application Process

Now that you have checked your eligibility, follow the step-by-step instructions from the same website which follows:

1. Apply for a Visa - fill out your information on this page (Step 1).
2. Fill out the Applicant Data page on the next page (Step 2).
3. Check your e-mail for your E-visa Application Reference Number. Click the link embedded in the e-mail (Part of Step 2).
4. Fill out the Additional Information page where you will need to provide the name and contact details of your accommodation or an inviting party if applicable (Step 3).
5. Attach a passport-size photo as well as a passport copy on the next page and check at the Document Preview page. (Step 4).
6. Re-check your details on the next page (Preview & Confirmation) (Step 5).
7. Make your payment by using your credit/debit card (Step 6).
8. Submit your Application.

Kyrgyzstan Tourist E-Visa Cost

The single entry of 30 days visa costs around $51 / AED 195. As of June 2024, the visa costs the same $51 / KGS 4516.55 / AED 195 (upon conversion by my local bank).

I still get shocked by the conversion rate from my bank (happened twice). On times like this, of course, I just close my eyes and remember that my Oman Tourist Visa cost me much much more due to my low-profession UAE Residence Title. And also, who can forget my rejected Schengen Tourist Visa? Money went down the drain at that time too. 😉

Result & Overall Experience

Back in May 2022, I applied quite late and forgot about the upcoming Eid Holidays for the processing of my E-Visa. So, of course, it didn't come out... at all. To the rescue is the Kyrgyzstan Visa On Arrival at Manas International Airport!

But what happened to my e-visa application? A week after the Eid Holidays, obviously, it was detected that I was inside the country already. I received a polite e-mail as below:

"Dear Rochelle Medrano to apply for a visa, you must leave the country and inform us".

Of course, I don't need the e-visa anymore. Unfortunately, I couldn't refund the amount paid for my application. They told me they would keep my info in their database and would only apply ONCE I decided to come back to Kyrgyzstan. I was quite happy with that and considered it as my 'travel investment'.

However, one fine day in October 2022, I suddenly received an e-mail below:

"Dear Rochelle Medrano, Congratulations. Your e-visa application is approved. You must print out your e-visa."

I was like wait what? I didn't initiate an application since I'm not planning to travel anytime soon...

And that my friend is how I ended up in Kyrgyzstan the second time around. I hate wasting money, especially when traveling is on the line 😉

Processing time of Kyrgyzstan E-Visa

Fast forward to June 2024, I have applied for a new visa and it took 5 working days for the e-visa to come out. I applied for it on a Monday morning and the e-visa came out on the Monday the following week. I took a printout of the e-visa as I was planning to use it to enter through a land border (Ak-Jol) and I heard that a printout is required.

Make sure that you avoid applying for your e-visa before an upcoming public holiday as there are chances that it will be a little late. Set aside at least 5-10 working days before your trip just to be sure.

Kyrgyzstan E-Visa or Visa on Arrival?

To be honest, it's totally up to you. However...

Based on recent reports by fellow travelers, getting a visa on arrival at Manas International Airport can take some time (1-2 hours). Remember that most of the flights arrive in the wee hours of the day simultaneously. There could be lots of tourists applying for a visa on arrival at the same time hence the long queues.

Also, take note that visa on arrival is ONLY available at Manas International Airport. If you're entering Kyrgyzstan from another country (for example, Kazakhstan) through a land border, sorry but you will not get a visa on arrival (or the visa sticker). Make sure you have an e-visa instead.

Ready to explore the beautiful country of Kyrgyzstan? Check my guide on How to Go from Manas International Airport to Bishkek and back!