The US has extended the validity period of newly issued US tourist and business visas for Kyrgyz citizens to ten years, as revealed by the US Embassy in Bishkek last Monday, on March 4.
The previous effective period of these visas was five years. Meanwhile, the new 10-year validity will be applied to B1, B2, and B1/B2 visas issued on or after March 4 of this year, VisaGuide.World reports.
It is not retroactive for previously issued visas, and the validity and reciprocity changes apply only to the visa categories specified. Further consular service improvements are anticipated for this summer.
Moreover, the US has removed the $20 reciprocity tariff for B1, B2, and B1/B2 visa applications for holders of Kyrgyz passports.
In a press release issued on Monday, the embassy stated these changes would benefit thousands of Kyrgyzstani travelers annually.
According to the Embassy, such measures express the value the United States places on easing travel and strengthening the relationship between US citizens and the Republic of Kyrgyzstan.
Commenting on the matter, the US Ambassador to the Kyrgyz Republic, Lesslie Viguerie, said that new policies will enhance the bonds between the two countries.
These changes are all about improving services for the Kyrgyz people, making travel easier between our countries, and strengthening our bonds.
During the fourth quarter of 2023, the US authorities issued over 1,500 B1/B2 visas (temporary visitor for business & pleasure) for Kyrgyz citizens. The number of visas issued per month is as follows:
- October 2023 (561)
- November 2023 (501)
- December 2023 (479)
Meanwhile, in January of this year, 587 Kyrgyzstani nationals were granted such visas from the US. Despite B1/B2, the US has issued other types of visas.
Türkiye Expanded Visa-Free Stay for Kyrgyz Citizens to 6 Months
In addition to the US, Türkiye has recently extended visa-free stays to Kyrgyzstanis for up to six months. Before this change, Kyrgyz citizens were allowed to enter Türkiye visa-free for stays up to three months.
Reportedly, this new measure was taken to encourage Kyrgyzstani citizens whose visas have expired to legalize their stay in the country for longer periods.
According to the Ambassador of the Kyrgyz Republic to Türkiye, Ruslan Kazakbaev, currently 20,000 Kyrgyz citizens are in Türkiye, with the figure doubling during the summer.
Kyrgyzstani Citizens Can Travel Visa-Free To 28 Countries
At present, Kyrgyzstan passport holders are able to travel visa-free to 28 countries and territories, according to the VisaGuide Passport Index.
Meanwhile, the Kyrgyzstan passport is ranked 133rd, and citizens of this country are required to obtain a visa in 151 other countries.