For those planning to travel to Bishkek this August
It looks like those who plan to enter Bishkek from 6th until 19th August will have to change their plans as the government is likely to set limitations upon entering Bishkek during the SCO summit in August. Yes, it sounds ridiculous, but what can one do against such a regulation? Only those who have an invitation for wedding or funeral will be allowed to enter the capital.
I would assume that some people now would rush to get this kind of invitation, especially those who have planned their trip to Issyk-Kul several months ago and already bought “putevka”, a coupon or pass ensuring your place at certain hotel or resort. This whole situation reminds me of China: the border of the country closes during major holidays and events, for instance, Chinese New Year. It is really inconvenient for tourists and businessmen especially who face the delay of their goods.
I cannot really imagine how it is going to be physically possible to regulate the massive movement of people. One thing I am sure about people will find ways to enter the city. By the way, those who are registered in Chui Oblast can freely move and enter Bishkek. Further, due to an increasing number of foreigners visiting the capital during the SCO summit, the law enforcement bodies are urging foreigners to follow the rules and regulations set by the Law of the Kyrgyz Republic on “External Migration”. Anyway, foreigners who are coming to Bishkek and unsure about such regulation, can view those rules (in Russian language)here.
on July 26th, 2007 at 11:20 am
From RFE/RL’s July 17 Transcaucasia and Central Asia newsline:
…AFTER IMPOSING NEW SECURITY RESTRICTIONS IN KYRGYZ CAPITAL
Kyrgyz Border Service Chairman Zamir Moldoshev announced in Bishkek on July 16 the imposition of new presidentially ordered security restrictions in the Kyrgyz capital, Bishkek, in preparation for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit next month, Interfax reported. The new security measures include tight restrictions limiting access to Bishkek, enhanced security at border-crossing posts, and an increase in the number of soldiers deployed at checkpoints. Moldoshev added that although the measures are temporary, they went into effect immediately, timed exactly one month prior to the August 16 summit, and said further restrictions are due to be imposed 10 days prior to the event. He also noted that “remembering the lessons” from an incursion of Islamist extremists through the Kyrgyz-Tajik border in May 2006, special units of the Border Service will be deployed in border areas to “carry out search and reconnaissance activities” in mountain passes. RG
on July 26th, 2007 at 9:41 pm
Great. I will be travelling on 10 August. Interesting way to ensure security… What about internal migrants who are living in Bishkek without any registration and should the invitations be stamped and signed?
on July 27th, 2007 at 10:41 pm
Do the restrictions on entering the city apply only to locals or also to foreigners? From what I got from it, it would only be for locals, but foreigners are being asked to make sure they strictly follow the normal requirements. Is that correct?
on July 30th, 2007 at 5:36 am
Anna, I think you are safe if you are travelling py plane. I don’t think they will send you back to the airport.
on July 30th, 2007 at 5:41 am
TR, as far as I understood, the regulation applies both to the locals and foreigners, but again as I said above foreigners usually coming from the airport most probably would be able to enter the capital.
on August 2nd, 2007 at 1:27 pm
OK, got a reply from the Honorary British Ambassador in Bishkek:
“It seems to be very unlikely that there will be any restrictions placed on (Western) foreigners. What is likely to happen is that there will be a lot more security spot checks and thus it will be more prudent to comply with the law and ensure that one carries valid documentation (passport and visa in most cases) at all times - photocopies are not acceptable unless notarised.
City streets will be closed off as required to allow convoys to pass by.”
So it looks like security will be tighter, but it is still possible to enter Bishkek and move around.