Kyrgyzstan canceled visa run for foreigners

The Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan, at the initiative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, approved the Regulations on the procedure for the stay of foreign citizens in the country. Now foreigners will not be able to leave the country to extend their legal stay, the Foreign Ministry reports .

“Cancellation of visa-run. The practice in which foreign citizens often travel outside the country and return back in order to extend their stay on the territory of the Kyrgyz Republic will now be limited by the implementation of a visa-free regime based on the “60/120” principle,” the department said.

Foreigners after 60 days of staying in the country without a visa will be able to re-enter Kyrgyzstan only 60 days after the previous departure.

For citizens who can visit Kyrgyzstan visa-free for up to 90 days, the terms will be calculated according to the “90/180” principle.

The ministry also reported an increase in the cost of an exit visa in direct proportion to the length of time the foreign citizen exceeds the period of stay.

At the same time, in Kyrgyzstan it remains possible to obtain a residence permit, registration or temporary legal status before acquiring citizenship.

Earlier, Thailand increased the period of visa-free stay for Russians to 90 days.

“Winter in Russia lasts from December to March, and the weather during this period is very cold. Thus, Russians may have a desire to travel abroad. A visa-free period of just one month may not be enough. Therefore, I want tourists to stay in Thailand longer,” said Prime Minister of Thailand Sretta Taweesin following the meeting.

According to Thai authorities, the rules will be in effect from November 1, 2023 to April 30, 2024 as a temporary measure to attract more tourists.