OVIR is an abbreviation, which stands for the Visa and Registration Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Kyrgyz law currently states that foreign visitors must register with OVIR within three working days of their arrival in the country. However, the government issued an order (No.213, dated 15.04.03) which decreed that citizens of 28 countries in the country for up to one month no longer needed to register.
Visitors are supposed to register in the town where they enter the country. If, however, they cannot do so for some reason then they can register in another town, but they should do so within the three working days.
We can arrange registration, where necessary, for our clients here in Bishkek, or in Naryn for a small fee. However you can do so yourself- it is not very expensive, just time consuming. If you are lucky the process can take just about half an hour, but it could take all day.
If you are late registration with OVIR, then you will have to pay a fine, and the person or organization inviting you can also be fined.
f you don’t register then you could have trouble if a policeman stops you and asks for your papers- it is one of the things he will check. Also, you may have trouble leaving the country. For example, the border authorities may fine you and you will not be allowed into Kazakhstan without a valid registration. If by any chance you do get in, you will be fined later (for example, in airport).