Starting January 14, 2026, new financial control rules will be introduced in Kyrgyzstan. Currency exchange offices will now be required to request documents and verify the origin of clients' funds, including foreigners, when conducting large or suspicious transactions. This decision by the National Bank is aimed at combating money laundering and requires exchange offices to store transaction data for five years.
While the country enjoys the New Year holidays, a group of high-profile officials made a minor pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia. Among them was the head of the State National Security Committee, Kamchybek Tashiev, who performed rituals in Mecca along with the presidential chief of staff Kanatbek Tumanbaev and former mufti Maksatbek aji Toktomushev.
Almambet Shykmamatov, the chairman of the Tax Service and a participant in the pilgrimage, shared his thoughts on religion. He emphasized that true faith is an inner path to mercy and responsibility, not a means for public disputes.
President Sadyr Japarov once again justified the transition to a 12-year school education as a necessity in the context of global realities. He stated that a demographic increase of 500,000 people over the decade has led to a shortage of school places, and the new educational system will allow graduates to integrate into the global labor market by 2029 without losing time for preparation.
In Bishkek, at 24 Razzakov Street, at the intersection with Chokmorov Street, another historical building has been demolished. At the beginning of January, activists noticed preparatory work, and information about the demolition was confirmed by urban defender Iskander Burkanov. He reported that the building was removed from the register of architectural monuments in 2018, and the procedure was carried out "legally": residents appealed to the city hall to recognize the object as emergency. One of the owners was involved in removing the building from the list of monuments and later bought out all the apartments, becoming the sole owner of the site.
- Starting January 21, 2026, when applying for non-immigrant visas to the USA in categories B-1 (business trips) and B-2 (tourism), citizens of Kyrgyzstan will be required to pay a refundable deposit of $5,000 to $15,000. This information was published on the website of the U.S. Department of State. The deposit can only be paid through the U.S. Department of the Treasury's system, and its payment does not guarantee visa issuance, which is explained by frequent cases of overstaying on B-1/B-2 visas.
In response, the Deputy Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan, Edil Baisalov, stated that "it is necessary to initiate a review of the visa-free regime for U.S. citizens in light of the new visa requirements announced by the State Department." In his opinion, visa policy is a matter of parity and mutual respect. "If such high barriers are imposed on our citizens, we cannot ignore the situation," emphasizes the official.
What else interesting and important were journalists from 24.kg engaged in — in the review “Week-24”.
“Lipstick Effect,” or Why Cafes and Restaurants in Bishkek Are Full of Visitors
Some officials in Kyrgyzstan often wonder, when faced with a difficult economic situation: if everything is so bad, why are there traffic jams in Bishkek, and cafes and restaurants are crowded? The answer to this question may be provided by American scholar Juliet Schor and her hypothesis of the “lipstick effect.”
Traffic Jams, Construction, and Scandals: What Stood Out in Bishkek in 2025
The past year was marked by record road repairs and large-scale construction in Bishkek, accompanied by traffic jams, demolitions of fences and buildings, tree cutting, and loud scandals. The city underwent changes affecting the daily lives of many residents. Here are the key events of 2025 that took place in the capital:
Kyrgyz is Logic. Victoria Krinwald on How to Quickly Learn the State Language
Victoria Krinwald is a German national who has been living in Kyrgyzstan for 17 years and teaches the Kyrgyz language using her own methodology. She is currently studying at the Faculty of Kyrgyz Philology and continues to develop her program. Victoria told 24.kg how to master the state language faster.
In Search of Hope: How Rescue Dogs Find People in Kyrgyzstan
In Kyrgyzstan, searches for missing people often start too late, when traces can no longer be taken. But where technology and human eyes fail, dogs from the "Rescuer" canine center come to the rescue. In an interview with 24.kg, volunteers spoke about the legendary Barkhan, their mission in earthquake-stricken Turkey, searching for children, and why in a country where volunteers save lives, they still have to take taxis to the call site.
A Voice Connecting Eras. Baktybek Ibykeev — Kyrgyz Maestro of Russian Romance
People's Artist of Kyrgyzstan, opera singer Baktybek Ibykeev, despite his long stage career and talent, speaks modestly about himself. But as soon as the conversation turns to Russian romances, his soul opens up — he begins not just to tell but to perform songs, showing his love for the profession.
Holiday Aftertaste. How to Get Back to Work After the New Year?
As always, the long-awaited New Year vacation is coming to an end, and many are frightened by the thought of returning to work. Saying goodbye to fun and returning to routine work causes stress for many. But is it really that difficult? Or are there secrets that allow one to return to an active life, full of energy, as it should be after the holidays? 24.kg turned to cardiologist Samara Su laymanova for advice on how to return to the usual rhythm with the least pain.
The Mountains Call. Top 5 Peaks Near Bishkek That Even Beginners Can Climb
Hiking in Kyrgyzstan is becoming increasingly popular. We have many places for hiking, and one of the main directions is climbing mountain peaks. You don't have to be an experienced climber; comfortable shoes, trekking poles, and a strong desire to conquer the summit are enough. The editorial team of 24.kg has compiled a list of five peaks that can be conquered near Bishkek without special training.
How to Survive on a Mountain Slope: Tips for Beginner Skiers
A new ski season is starting in Kyrgyzstan. Resorts are opening, and outdoor enthusiasts are preparing their skis and snowboards. If this is your first experience, read this material carefully. Experienced skiers and instructors shared with 24.kg rules that will help you fall in love with skiing.
Politicians, Military, Cultural Figures. Who Kyrgyzstan Lost in 2025
Unfortunately, every year the world loses well-known figures in art, science, politics, and the military. Kyrgyzstan was no exception. The editorial team of 24.kg invites you to remember those we lost in 2025.
They Have Left Forever. Who the World Lost in 2025
In 2025, our world lost outstanding individuals who left a mark in history. These include well-known artists, politicians, cosmonauts, TV presenters, and other professionals. Their contributions are hard to overestimate, and journalists wrote about them. Let’s remember these names.
Post, Kutya, and Caroling: How Orthodox Christians in Kyrgyzstan Celebrate Christmas on January 7
On January 7, Orthodox Christians in Kyrgyzstan celebrated Christmas. This day, which is an official holiday, symbolizes the end of the 40-day Christmas fast and the conclusion of the January holidays.
How to Divinate on Christmas and in the Holy Nights: Five Rituals for Love and the Future
In the days leading up to Christmas, one can arrange an interesting entertainment — to divine for a betrothed or for the future. The best time for this is the Holy Nights, the period from January 7 to January 19. These two weeks are considered sacred for making wishes and conducting divinations among Orthodox Christians.
Lake Kyl-Suu and November Bishkek. Photos and Videos from Readers
The "Moments of Life" section is created with the help of our authors — readers of 24.kg, who love to travel around Kyrgyzstan, take photos or shoot videos. We will take a little walk through November Bishkek, visit the Kosh-Kara and Kyl-Suu lakes, and conclude our little excursion in the south of the republic.
The Return of "The Night Manager" and New Thrillers: Series for Next Week
In the first full week of January 2026 (January 5 — 11), streaming platforms and TV channels will present continuations of popular crime dramas and thrillers. The focus will be on the return of Tom Hiddleston in the new season of "The Night Manager," the finale of anti-corruption investigations in "Saint Pierre," and the expansion of anime universes.
