Kyrgyzstan envoy proposes $100–200 visa fee for US citizens

Kyrgyzstan’s Ambassador to the United States Edil Baisalov has proposed introducing a visa requirement for US citizens visiting Kyrgyzstan, with a fee of $100–200.

Speaking to Azattyk, Baisalov said Kyrgyzstan should consider introducing reciprocal visa measures in response to US immigration policies.

“Whether to let us in or not, and on what terms, is their sovereign right. At the same time, we too should introduce a visa and charge $100 or $200 to American citizens who wish to visit,” the ambassador said.

Baisalov said such a fee would not significantly affect the number of American tourists visiting Kyrgyzstan. He also urged Kyrgyz citizens to understand changes to US visa policy.

“Nevertheless, as I have already noted, we need to address the issue of the number of our citizens residing illegally in the US and work to reduce this figure,” he added.

By Sabina Mammadli