Kyrgyzstan Visa on Arrival (VoA) Experience for Philippine Passport Holders

As per IATA, Philippine Passport Holders can obtain either an E-Visa or a Visa On Arrival (only through Manas International Airport) in Kyrgyzstan. After visiting 4 times already, I only took a Visa on Arrival just once, after a failed attempt at the E-Visa back in 2022.

To be honest, I was a bit uneasy about getting a visa on arrival—but it turned out to be smooth and hassle-free at Manas International Airport. If you're planning a trip to Kyrgyzstan and considering the Visa on Arrival option, here’s what you need to know!

As of January 2025, Kyrgyzstan has introduced a new Visa Category named Sapar Visa - Type J, to combine the previous visa types, namely Tourist, Business, and Mountain Visas.

🔗Related Posts:

• Visa Guides: E-Visa & Visa on Arrival
• Transportation between Airport & Bishkek: Several Ways to Go to Bishkek from Manas Airport
• Border Crossing Guide: Almaty to Bishkek by Public Bus (Ak-Zhol Border)
• Hostel Recommendation: People Hostel in Baitik Baatyr Street
• Beginner-Friendly Hike: Ala-Archa Hike to Ratsek Hut or Kol-Tor Lake Hike
• 4000-er Hike: Komsomolets Peak
• Sightseeing: Burana Tower, Skazka Canyon, Jeti Oguz, and Things to Do in Kyrgyzstan
• Banya Experience(s): Bath of Aphrodite by Baytur, Zhirgal Banya, and Garden Spa
• Travel Story: Four Seasons of Kyrgyzstan

Visa on Arrival at Manas International Airport

As soon as you get out of the aircraft, you will find yourself on the second floor of the airport. From there, airport staff will guide all passengers down to the first floor, where passport control (immigration) is located.

Before reaching passport control, look to your left—that’s where you’ll find the Visa Office. This is where you’ll apply for your Visa on Arrival.

Requirements for Visa on Arrival

Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Application Form - Fill out the sections from #1-#13
2. Passport – Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay.
3. Digital passport photo – Clear, in color, and recent (I wasn't asked but I was told to always keep it ready)
4. Travel details – Approximate travel dates & place of stay.
5. Visa fee payment – Payable online via card (~ USD 51 for a single-entry visa).

✨ Note: As of 2025, the tourist visa is now issued under the Sapar Visa - Type J category (question no. 13 on the form below).

Kyrgyzstan Visa on Arrival Cost

As of May 2022, the single-entry tourist visa (now Sapar Visa) valid for 30 days costs approximately USD 51, which was equivalent to KGS 4,516.55 or AED 195 at the time, based on my local bank’s conversion rate.

Back in May 2022, cash payments were not accepted. However, as of July 2025, both cash in USD and card payments are accepted.

Result & Overall Experience

While I was still nervously fumbling with my debit card—worried it might not work again like it did in Baku—the visa officer had already placed the visa sticker in my passport. I couldn’t help but think, what if my payment didn’t go through? Holy moly.

But I guess that speaks volumes about how relaxed, trusting, and welcoming the Kyrgyz people are. They gave me the visa even before confirming the payment. I was stunned—but in the best way possible.

But I guess that speaks volumes about how relaxed, trusting, and welcoming the Kyrgyz people are. They gave me the visa even before confirming the payment. I was stunned—but in the best way possible.

Kyrgyzstan E-Visa or Visa on Arrival?

Honestly, it’s up to you—but here’s what you should consider:

While the Visa on Arrival option at Manas International Airport is convenient, recent reports from travelers say it can take 1–2 hours to process. Why? There's only one desk processing the visa, so expect long queues with multiple tourists applying at the same time.

Also, keep in mind that a Visa on Arrival is only available at Manas Airport. If you’re entering Kyrgyzstan by land from another country (like Kazakhstan or Uzbekistan), you must already have an approved e-visa—they don’t issue visas at land borders.

So if you want a smooth, queue-free arrival—or if you're coming in overland—the e-visa is the way to go.

✈️ Ready to explore Kyrgyzstan?