Kyrgyzstan accepts the apostille, which makes it considerably simpler than its neighbours for document work. A U.S. certificate needs one certificate from the Secretary of State of the issuing state, plus a Russian translation, which is cheap and easy to obtain here.
Quick facts
Because Russian is official in Kyrgyzstan rather than merely common, a Russian translation is fully acceptable and usually preferred to a Kyrgyz one prepared abroad.
Fees breakdown
| Item | Cost | Issued by |
|---|---|---|
| Apostille on a U.S. state document | $3–$25 per document | Secretary of State of that state |
| Apostille on a U.S. federal document | $20 per document | U.S. Department of State |
| Apostille on a Kyrgyz document | Charged in Kyrgyzstan | Competent authority there |
| Russian translation | Per page | Usually required |
| Consular certification | Consular tariff | Where an office asks for it |
Names are the recurring problem: Kyrgyz is written in Cyrillic, and transliterations into the Latin alphabet vary. Settle on one spelling of your name and use it across every document.
How to prepare a document
- Ask the receiving institution whether an apostille satisfies it.
- Order a certified copy from the U.S. issuing office.
- Notarise private documents first, since the apostille certifies the notary.
- File with the Secretary of State of the issuing state, or Washington for federal records.
- Arrange the Russian translation.
- Send tracked and keep copies.
Required documents
- Original certified copy with signature and seal.
- Russian translation where required.
- Completed authentication request and payment.
- Photo identification for consular services.
- Prepaid tracked return envelope.
What the embassy does
It handles passports and travel documents, certifies documents, issues visas in the categories it covers, registers nationals abroad and assists Kyrgyz citizens across the United States and Canada.
Additional notes
Simpler than its neighbours
The apostille route removes the consular step that Turkmenistan and Tajikistan still require.
Russian translations are accepted
And they are far easier to obtain in the United States than Kyrgyz ones.
One spelling of your name
Cyrillic transliteration varies. Consistency prevents a great deal of trouble.
Order two copies
Cheap here, and the postage is not.