Currency exchange in Kyrgyzstan from 16 October to require ID for every transaction

According to the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic, new rules for buying and selling cash foreign currency took effect in Kyrgyzstan on 16 October 2026. Exchange offices must now identify every client regardless of transaction size and check them against sanctions lists. The regulator adopted the changes on 1 October 2026.

For identification, clients may present not only paper documents with a photo but also digital versions provided through state information systems. Exchanges starting from one million soms are subject to additional checks: exchange offices must complete a client questionnaire and verify beneficial owner data where required by regulations.

The changes are linked to tougher measures against money laundering and the financing of criminal activity. In June 2026, the Ministry of Finance and the State Financial Intelligence Service had proposed stricter oversight of exchange offices, and the requirements were later enshrined in the National Bank's updated rules.