uzbekistan travel warning

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Uzbekistan Traveler View

Travel health notices, vaccines and medicines, non-vaccine-preventable diseases, stay healthy and safe.

• Packing List

After Your Trip

Be aware of current health issues in Uzbekistan. Learn how to protect yourself.

Level 1 Practice Usual Precautions

• Updated   Global Measles April 26, 2024 Many international destinations are reporting increased numbers of cases of measles. Destination List: Afghanistan, Angola, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Malaysia, Mauritania, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, Republic of South Sudan, Republic of the Congo, Romania, Russia, Senegal, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Timor-Leste (East Timor), Togo, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Yemen, Zambia

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Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Flu (influenza)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see  Your COVID-19 Vaccination  for more information. 

COVID-19 vaccine

Hepatitis A

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Uzbekistan.

Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.

Travelers allergic to a vaccine component or who are younger than 6 months should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given.

Unvaccinated travelers who are over 40 years old, immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions planning to depart to a risk area in less than 2 weeks should get the initial dose of vaccine and at the same appointment receive immune globulin.

Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep A

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers of all ages traveling to Uzbekistan.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to  CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

Rabid dogs are commonly found in Uzbekistan. If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other mammal while in Uzbekistan, there may be limited or no rabies treatment available. 

Consider rabies vaccination before your trip if your activities mean you will be around dogs or wildlife.

Travelers more likely to encounter rabid animals include

• Campers, adventure travelers, or cave explorers (spelunkers)
• Veterinarians, animal handlers, field biologists, or laboratory workers handling animal specimens
• Visitors to rural areas

Since children are more likely to be bitten or scratched by a dog or other animals, consider rabies vaccination for children traveling to Uzbekistan. 

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.

Typhoid - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Typhoid

Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

• Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
• Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
• Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
• Avoid contaminated water and soil

Clinical Guidance

Avoid bug bites.

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic fever

• Tick bite 
• Touching the body fluids of a person or animal infected with CCHF
• Avoid Bug Bites

Leishmaniasis

• Sand fly bite

Airborne & droplet

• Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
• Bite from an infected rodent
• Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
• Avoid rodents and areas where they live
• Avoid sick people

Tuberculosis (TB)

• Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Uzbekistan, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

• Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
• Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
• Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene | Healthy Water
• Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the Department of State Country Information Pages for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Uzbekistan. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
• Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
• Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
• Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
• Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

• FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
• Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• 2-undecanone
• Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

• Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
• Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in Uzbekistan include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.

• Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
• Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
• Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
• If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
• Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
• Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
• Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

• Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
• Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
• Do not dive into shallow water.
• Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
• Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
• To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

• Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
• Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
• Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
• Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
• If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

• Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
• Go to a doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

• Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
• If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

• Use latex condoms correctly.
• Do not inject drugs.
• Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
• Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
• If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

• Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
• Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
• Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
• Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Uzbekistan’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
• Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

• Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
• Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
• Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

• Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
• Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
• Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
• Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
• Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
• Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

• Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
• Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
• Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

• Wear a seatbelt at all times.
• Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
• When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
• Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Uzbekistan may be poor.
• Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
• Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
• If you choose to drive a vehicle in Uzbekistan, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
• Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
• Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
• Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
• If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
• Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Medical Evacuation Insurance

If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

• Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
• Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
• Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
• Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

• Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
• Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
• Follow all local laws and social customs.
• Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
• Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
• If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Uzbekistan for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.

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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Uzbekistan travel advice

Latest updates: Laws and culture – updated information about money

Last updated: April 23, 2024 12:32 ET

On this page

Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, uzbekistan - take normal security precautions.

Take normal security precautions in Uzbekistan

Border with Afghanistan - Avoid all travel

Avoid all travel to within 5 km of the border with Afghanistan due to the ongoing and dangerous security situation and the risk of terrorism.

Border with Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan - Exercise a high degree of caution

Exercise a high degree of caution in areas bordering Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan in the western Fergana Valley, south of the road linking the Ravat border crossing and the Soh river, due to the unpredictable security situation in the region.

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Borders areas

Armed clashes have occurred in the mountainous area bordering Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan . The situation could escalate without notice.

Afghanistan

The land border between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan has been closed since the Taliban takeover in 2021.

The area is heavily guarded and the Uzbek military established several checkpoints to deter smuggling, illegal crossings and other illegal activities.

In 2022, shelling from Afghanistan was reported in the Uzbek city of Termez, causing damage to several buildings.

In 2020, Uzbekistan announced the completion of a demining operation along its border with Tajikistan.

Although no incidents have been reported since, landmines still pose a threat to your safety.

Land disputes and tensions between Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan have occurred since the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991. However, in early 2023, Uzbek and Kyrgyz authorities announced that they finally reached an agreement on the delimitation of their shared borders.

Kyrgyz authorities may restrict access to border crossings with Uzbekistan without warning.

You should confirm with local authorities if border posts are open for travel before heading to Kyrgyzstan.

Despite landmines clearing efforts, marked and unmarked minefields may still be present in areas bordering the following countries, especially in uncontrolled areas:

If you are travelling to any of these areas despite the advisory in effect:

• stay on main roads and paved surfaces
• avoid roadside ditches, shoulders and unmarked trails
• cross only at official border crossings
• strictly observe warning signs indicating the possible presence of landmines

There is a low threat of terrorism. This threat is amplified by individuals returning from fighting in the Middle East. Local security forces conduct operations to counter terrorist threats, which can lead to sporadic violence.

Terrorist attacks could occur at any time.

Targets could include:

• government buildings, including schools
• places of worship
• outdoor recreation events
• airports and other transportation hubs and networks
• public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners

Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places.

Be particularly vigilant during:

• sporting events
• religious holidays
• public celebrations
• major political events, such as elections

Terrorists may use such occasions to mount attacks.

Petty crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, is common and home break-ins and burglaries occur. Thefts occur in crowded places, such as:

• public transportation
• public markets and bazaars
• restaurants
• bars and nightclubs

Incidents of petty crime are more frequent at night and in the following regions:

There are reports of foreigners being robbed by individuals posing as police officers.

If you’re approached:

• ask to see police credentials
• offer to go to the police station
• remain vigilant

During your stay:

• keep your car and home doors locked and windows closed at all times
• don’t leave personal items and documents in plain sight in a vehicle
• make sure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents are secure at all times
• don’t show signs of affluence
• avoid travelling alone in isolated and poorly-lit areas

Credit card and ATM fraud occurs, especially outside reputable establishments and banks.

When using debit or credit cards:

• pay careful attention when your cards are being handled by others
• use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or a store
• avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
• cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN

Overseas fraud

Demonstrations

Planned and unplanned demonstrations are rare and security forces tightly control crowds to prevent escalation and violence.

In 2022, the authorities intervened in large-scale demonstrations in the Karakalpakstan region over constitutional reforms. They have led to vandalism and violent clashes between demonstrators and security forces. The situation could escalate without notice.

Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Women’s safety

Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse.

Advice for women travellers

Adventure tourism

Adventure tourism, such as zip-lining, rock climbing or trekking, can be dangerous, especially if they are not well-organized. Trails are not always marked and weather conditions can change rapidly.

Tour operators may not meet international standards.

If you are participating in adventure tourism, such as zip-lining, rock climbing, trekking, hiking, parasailing:

• never do so alone, and do not part with your tour companions  
• consider hiring an experienced guide from a reputable company 
• obtain detailed information on your activity and on the environment in which you will be setting out  
• buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation   
• ensure that your physical condition is good enough to tackle the challenges of your activity  
• avoid venturing off marked trails  
• refrain from using equipment if you have doubts on their safety  
• Make sure you always have access to an emergency kit

Power outages

Power outages, referred to as planned outages, occur regularly throughout the year and last for several hours due to the lack of natural gas supply. During winter months, the heating of buildings is difficult and the supply of drinking water is limited due to freezing temperatures.

They usually lead to long lines at grocery stores, gas stations and pharmacies.

• Plan accordingly
• Keep a supply of water, food and fuel on hand

Road safety

Road conditions.

Roads are generally in good condition in Tashkent, but in rural areas, particularly in the Tian Shan and Fan mountains, they are poorly maintained and dangerous due to:

• large potholes
• malfunctioning or absence of traffic lights
• insufficient lighting
• uneven surface
• bad road markings and signage

Gas stations are limited and the quality of fuel is poor in rural areas.

Driving habits

Drivers often disregard traffic laws, including:

• sudden lane changes without signaling
• driving on the opposite side of the road and astride lanes
• stopping abruptly

Vehicles entering roundabouts have priority over those already in them.

Pedestrians often cross in the middle of the road and drivers don’t always give pedestrians the right of way.

Police frequently stop drivers for minor infractions or to verify their identification. Foreigners may face harassment, including bribes.

If you’re driving in Uzbekistan:

• always drive defensively
• avoid driving at night
• use main roads and highways as much as possible
• always carry a cellphone and a charger

Public transportation

You should avoid taking taxis in Uzbekistan. Licensed and unlicensed taxis operate in Uzbekistan, but it’s difficult to differentiate them.

Vehicles don’t always have roof-mounted taxi signs and are not always equipped with safety features like seatbelts.

Drivers are often distracted and don’t always take the shortest itinerary. Unlicensed taxis may pick up additional passengers, which poses a risk to your safety.

In major cities, there are ridesharing applications on which you can order a taxi with safer vehicles and fixed fares.

If you choose to take taxis during your stay:

• order it at the reception if you are staying at a hotel
• don’t use unmarked taxis
• never share a taxi with strangers
• confirm the fare in advance
• have small bills available for payment

The rail network is extensive and trains are generally modern and safe.

When travelling by rail in Uzbekistan, it is sometimes necessary to cross into neighbouring countries.

• Make sure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times
• Make sure that you have the required travel documents to cross into neighboring countries
• Don’t leave your compartment unattended
• Keep the door locked from the inside

Buses operate in and between major cities. They are generally crowded and have no air conditioning. Some buses are in poor condition.

Pickpockets are common on buses.

Minibuses called "Damas vans" often lack security features like seatbelts.

• Always carry your valuables and identification with you
• Avoid storing bags in the overhead compartment or under your seat
• Don't take buses that look overloaded or in poor condition

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Uzbek authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid at least 6 months before entering Uzbekistan.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Tourist visa: not required for stays of up to 30 days Business visa: not required for stays of up to 30 days Student visa: not required for stays of up to 30 days

If you require a visa, you must obtain it before arriving in Uzbekistan

• Official Electronic Visa Portal – Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan
• Visa of the Republic of Uzbekistan – Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan

Overland travel

When travelling by rail or road in Uzbekistan, it is sometimes necessary to cross into neighbouring countries. To avoid complications, make sure you have a multi-entry visa for Uzbekistan and any visa required for entry into these countries.

Registration

You must register with the local authorities if you intend to stay for more than 3 days. Hotel staff normally registers guests when they check-in. The registration slip may be requested upon leaving Uzbekistan.

Online registration - Ministry of internal Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan

Tourist areas

Travel to certain tourist areas, including in the Surkhandarya region, requires special permission from the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

You should contact the nearest Uzbek diplomatic representation or an Uzbek travel agency for more information on whether you need to request an authorization prior to travelling to certain areas.

• Contact information – Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan
• Contact information – National Tourist Information Center of the Republic of Uzbekistan

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children .

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

• Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
• COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine Vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccines , as per your province or territory, are up-to-date regardless of your travel destination.

Some of these vaccines include: measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines are right for you.

Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

• There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

• Proof of vaccination is not required to enter this country.

Recommendation

• Vaccination is not recommended.

* It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada

There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.

Practise  safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

•  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
•  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
•  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

In this destination, rabies is commonly carried by dogs and some wildlife, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. While travelling, take precautions , including keeping your distance from animals (including free-roaming dogs), and closely supervising children.

If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. In this destination, rabies treatment may be limited or may not be available, therefore you may need to return to Canada for treatment.  

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who are at high risk of exposure (e.g., occupational risk such as veterinarians and wildlife workers, children, adventure travellers and spelunkers, and others in close contact with animals). 

Food and Water-borne Diseases

Travellers to any destination in the world can develop   travellers' diarrhea   from consuming contaminated water or food.

In some areas in Central Asia, food and water can also carry diseases like  hepatitis A  and  typhoid . Practise  safe food and water precautions  while travelling in Central Asia.  Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!

Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.

The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Typhoid   is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.

Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.  

Insects and Illness

In some areas in Central Asia, certain insects carry and spread diseases like   Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever ,   leishmaniasis ,   Lyme disease ,   malaria , and   tick-borne encephalitis .

Travellers are advised to   take precautions against bites .

Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever is a viral disease that can cause fever, pain and bleeding under the skin.  In some cases, it can be fatal.  It spreads to humans through contact with infected animal blood or tissues, or from the bite of an infected tick.  Risk is generally low for most travellers.  Protect yourself from tick bites and avoid animals, particularly livestock.  There is no vaccine available for Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever.

Animals and Illness

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats. Certain infections found in Central Asia, like  rabies , can be shared between humans and animals.

Person-to-Person Infections

Crowded conditions can increase your risk of certain illnesses. Remember to  wash your hands  often and practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette to avoid colds, the  flu  and other illnesses.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)  and  HIV  are spread through blood and bodily fluids; practise safer sex.

Tuberculosis is an infection caused by bacteria and usually affects the lungs.

For most travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low.

Travellers who may be at high risk while travelling in regions with risk of tuberculosis should discuss pre- and post-travel options with a health care professional.

High-risk travellers include those visiting or working in prisons, refugee camps, homeless shelters, or hospitals, or travellers visiting friends and relatives.

Medical services and facilities

Medical services and facilities are below Canadian standards and medical personnel is often not properly trained. The equipment is not adequate for serious medical procedures and often lack basic supplies, especially in rural areas.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Some prescription medication may not be available in Uzbekistan.

Pharmacies operate with little oversight and may disregard international standards and recommendations. They sell several medications without requiring a prescription from a doctor, including narcotics.

Counterfeit and expired medicines are prevalent in Uzbekistan.

If you take prescription medication, you’re responsible for determining their legality in the country.

• Bring sufficient quantities of your medication with you
• Always keep your medication in the original container
• Pack your medication in your carry-on luggage
• Carry a copy of your prescriptions

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a   travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Uzbekistan's customs authorities strictly control the import of medicines and pharmaceutical products and quotas are imposed.

You must declare to customs if you have narcotics or psychotropic substances in your possession.

The law also requires you to present a letter from your doctor declaring:

• your diagnosis
• your prescription’s name
• how long you must take the medication for

You must also present the original prescription to customs officers.

If you fail to declare the drugs in your possession at customs, you could face:

• heavy fines
• confiscation of your medication

Import of medicines into Uzbekistan – State Customs Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan

Identification

You should carry photo identification at all times, such as a passport, but keep a photocopy in a safe place, in case it is lost or confiscated.

2SLGBTQI+ travellers

The laws of Uzbekistan prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex.

2SLGBTQI+ travellers should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Uzbekistan.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is not legally recognized in Uzbekistan.

If local authorities consider you a citizen of Uzbekistan, they may refuse to grant you access to Canadian consular services. This will prevent us from providing you with those services.

Travellers with dual citizenship

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. The convention applies between Canada and Uzbekistan.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Uzbekistan, and if the applicable conditions are met, you may apply for the return of your child to the Uzbek court.

If you are in this situation:

• act as quickly as you can
• contact the Central Authority for your province or territory of residence for information on starting an application under The Hague Convention
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Uzbekistan to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.

• List of Canadian Central Authorities for the Hague Convention
• International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
• Travelling with children
• The Hague Convention - Hague Conference on Private International Law
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Emergency Watch and Response Centre

You must be at least 18 years old to drive a car in Uzbekistan, but certain car rental agencies impose the minimal age at 21 years old.

Using a cell phone while driving is prohibited.

Police officers rarely speak English.

Numerous roadside cameras have been installed to help enforce traffic regulations. You could receive heavy fines if you drive above the speed limit or don’t comply with the Highway Code.

A Canadian driver’s licence alone is not acceptable to drive in Uzbekistan. You must carry an international driving permit.

International Driving Permit

Religious proselytism

Religious proselytizing and certain religious activities are illegal in Uzbekistan, including:

• importing, producing and distributing religious content without prior approval from the government
• practicing private religious education without registration
• wearing religious attire in public

If you engage in illegal religious activities, you could face:

• lengthy jail sentences
• deportation

Dress and behaviour

Islamic practices and beliefs are closely adhered to, particularly in rural areas.

To avoid offending local sensitivities:

• dress conservatively
• behave discreetly
• respect religious and social traditions

In 2025, the lunar month of Ramadan is expected to begin on or around February 28.

In public, between sunrise and sunset, be discreet when:

The currency of Uzbekistan is the Uzbekistani sum (UZS), which is used for most transactions. 

You may also be able to use U.S. dollars. Carry bills that are in good shape, as worn U.S. bills may not be accepted by stores and banks. 

Credit cards are not widely accepted, except in larger hotels, restaurants and cafés in major cities.

You can exchange money at official exchange counters at international airports or at any bank and major hotel, but Canadian dollars cannot be exchanged in Uzbekistan. 

There are ATMs throughout Uzbekistan, but they are more prevalent in larger cities. The majority dispense Uzbekistani sums and don’t accept international cards, but some ATMs provide U.S. dollars. It is common that ATMs run out of cash.

Purchasing money on the black market is illegal and may result in extortion or jail sentences.

 Foreign currency declaration

There are no restrictions on the amount of foreign currency you can import. However, you must declare any foreign currency equivalent to more than 2,000 USD.

Import of foreign currency – State Customs Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan

During summer and winter, heat and cold waves occur, called ''Chilla'', and can last up to 40 days.

Summers are usually hot and dry with temperatures often exceeding 40 C. Winters are cold and the temperature may fall below -30 C in the west.

Earthquakes

Uzbekistan is located in an active seismic zone. Although there have been no incidents in recent years, a tremor can occur at any time.

Earthquakes – What to do?

Rainy season

In Uzbekistan, the rainy season usually extends from November to May. Rain is very rare during summer months.

The number of floods caused by heavy rainfall and the melting of snow and ice has increased in recent years, especially in the following regions:

• Kashkadarya

Mudflows and landslides occur and can cause significant damage to buildings.

Seasonal flooding can affect overland travel and the provision of essential services. Roads may become impassable and bridges damaged.

• Monitor local media for updates, including on road conditions
• Stay away from flooded areas
• Monitor weather reports
• Follow the instructions of local authorities, including evacuation orders

Weather forecast – Center of hydrometeorological service of the Republic of Uzbekistan

Local services

In case of emergency, dial:

• police: 102
• medical assistance: 103
• firefighters: 101

Consular assistance

Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan

For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada to Kazakhstan, in Astana, and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

• Shakhrisabz
• Regions of Uzbekistan
• Sport tourism
• Agro & Ethno tourism
• Youth tourism
• Gastro tourism
• Medical tourism
• Cultural tourism
• MICE tourism
• Pilgrimage tourism
• Literary tourism
• General inforamation
• “Uzbekistan. Safe travel GUARANTEED”
• Attractions
• Calendar-catalogue of holidays and events
• International exhibitions

Safe tourism in Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan canceled a 10-day quarantine for  passengers  of 11 countries

The decision of the Special Republican Commission for the fight against coronavirus in Uzbekistan abolished the requirement for a 10-day compulsory quarantine at home or at the hotel for arrivals from Australia, Austria, Belgium, Great Britain, Germany, Denmark, Egypt, Israel, Italy, the Netherlands and the Czech Republic.

This requirement has been introduced in Uzbekistan since December, 3, 2021 due to the widespread spread of the Omicron coronavirus strain in many countries of Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Uzbekistan is also restoring regular flights (entry, exit and entry into the country by transit flights) with Hong Kong, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Madagascar, Mozambique, Namibia, Eswatini, Tanzania and the Republic of South Africa , which were also canceled in December last year. Now citizens of third countries who have visited these countries in the last 14 days are freely allowed to enter the territory of Uzbekistan.

It is also worth adding that in our country, the quarantine period for citizens who were in contact with a coronavirus patient has been reduced from 14 to 7 days

On June 19, 2020, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed a Decree “On additional measures for the development of the tourism sector with strict observance of the requirements of the enhanced sanitary and epidemiological safety regime”.

This important for the country’s economy document supports the domestic tourism industry and confirms that Uzbekistan is ready to open to the world as the safest tourist destination.

Here are the main measures providing a comfortable and safe stay of tourists in Uzbekistan:

Safe travel is guaranteed

In order to create a safe environment for tourists, Uzbekistan has launched the project “Uzbekistan. Safe travel GUARANTEED” . The project is a new system of sanitary and epidemiological safety for tourists based on the world standards. In other words, you will be able to travel around the country as safely as possible – the unified requirements of sanitary and hygienic standards are introduced at all tourist sites.

According to the new Decree, a whole set of measures for the safe stay of tourists in Uzbekistan is being developed. For example, if a foreign tourist catches COVID-19 while traveling in Uzbekistan, up to $ 3,000 compensation will be allocated for his or her treatment.

The program for the development of medical tourism in Uzbekistan, “Uzbekistan – hope and healing land”, is also being developed. This project will systematize and expand the types of medical services provided to the citizens of foreign countries. The unified list of all health facilities that foreign tourists can receive during the pandemic will be created.

 Learn more about safe travel in Uzbekistan here.

“Open Sky” Regime

From August 1, 2020, “the fifth freedom of the air” will be established at the airports of Andijan, Bukhara and Urgench. All restrictions on the number of flights and destinations are removed. This mode is introduced for 3 years inclusive.

In order to familiarize the foreign tourists with the history of the regions of Uzbekistan, as an example, the international airport of Andijan is named after Zakhiriddin Mukhammad Babur – a prominent political leader, great poet and commander, a descendant of Amir Temur.

The opening of the tourist zones

Nowadays, the work is carried out to improve the infrastructure and readiness to receive new tourists during the pandemic in the free tourist zone “Charvak", zones in the Navoi, Bukhara Jizzakh (in particular in the Zaamin district) regions. The State Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan for Tourism Development will monitor the activities of these zones during the pandemic and conduct studies of nature protection zones, reservoirs and forests.

“Uzbekistan – my second home” 

Uzbekistan is developing a new immigration visa “Uzbekistan – my second home”. The government of the country has been instructed to develop a new type of immigration visa for foreign citizens to stay in Uzbekistan within two months. The visa is granted to persons with high income, high academic knowledge, good life skills and abilities.

Safe zones of Uzbekistan

The territory of the country is divided into 3 zones: red (where the largest number of infected patients is registered), yellow (with a small number of infected patients) and green (completely free of COVID-19).

The operation of hotels and tourist facilities in state

According to the decision of the Republican Commission on fighting COVID-19, hotels and other tourist service points are permitted to operate in the “green” and “yellow” zones, subject to the following sanitary conditions:

- Disinfection of rooms, conference rooms, waiting rooms, staircases, elevators, sanitary points is carried out every 8 hours, and disinfection of common items and appliances every 2 hours;

- Providing antiseptic for public areas (elevators, sanitary and hygienic units, currency exchange offices and catering facilities). There should be warning signs about the need for constant hand disinfection in several languages.

- Regular measuring of body temperature and disinfection of visitors’ hands at the entrance to the hotel, provision of individual means (masks, gloves, antiseptics) for employees and visitors of the hotel.

- No more than two guests can be accommodated in the same room, and no more than three people, if they are the members of one family.

- Constant functioning of the hotel’s medical staff.

The situation in Uzbekistan related to the COVID-19 pandemic is gradually improving day by day, so the information on the site will be constantly updated.

Follow us and always keep up to date with the latest news.

Thanks for your blog Lots of nice words in this article , nice to read , Do not stop.

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Travel tips, bukhara to host the 2nd international festival of gold embroidery and jewelry, youth tourism week launches with discounts and promotions, republican festival "kokand ethnosport challenge - 2022" to be held in kokand.

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Latest update

Exercise a high degree of caution in Uzbekistan overall due to the threat of terrorism and violent crime and the risk of civil unrest.

Higher levels apply in some areas.

Uzbekistan (PDF 284.58 KB)

Asia (PDF 2.21 MB)

Local emergency contacts

Fire and rescue services.

In Tashkent, call 101.

In all other regions, call 01.

Medical emergencies

In Tashkent, call 103.

In all other regions, call 03.

In Tashkent, call 102.

In all other regions, call 02.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Ministry of Emergency Situations - Rescue Services (including for mountain rescue, ground search and rescue, air-water rescue)

In Tashkent, call 1050.

In all other regions, call 050.

Advice levels

Exercise a high degree of caution in Uzbekistan overall.

Do not travel to the border region with Afghanistan.

Do not travel to the border region with Afghanistan due to the volatile security situation.

Reconsider your need to travel to Andijan, eastern region of the Ferghana Valley, other regions bordering Tajikistan and the Kyrgyz Republic.

Reconsider your need to travel to:

• eastern region of the Ferghana Valley
• other regions bordering Tajikistan and the Kyrgyz Republic.

The security situation is volatile due to regional political tension and conflict, and there's a risk of violent protests and unmarked landmines.

• Terrorist attacks have happened in Uzbekistan. Future terrorist attacks could target places popular with foreigners. Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places.
• Security threats are more severe in Uzbekistan's border regions. Landmines are also a risk. If you decide to travel to border regions despite our advice, pay close attention to your personal security. Monitor the media for new risks.
• Demonstrations can turn violent. Violent protests are more common in Andijan and the eastern region of the Ferghana Valley. Avoid large gatherings and protests. Follow the advice of local authorities.
• Pickpocketing and robbery can occur. Thieves target travellers. The risk is higher on trains and in unofficial taxis. More crimes happen at night. Carry only what you need and don't walk alone.
• Some criminals pose as police officers to rob people. There have been reports of harassment, mistreatment and extortion by police and other local officials.

Full travel advice: Safety

• Uzbekistan has strict controls on importing certain medicines, including psychotropic medication. Sleeping tablets or medicines containing codeine may also be restricted. Declare all medication and other restricted items on arrival.

HIV/AIDS is prevalent. Take steps to reduce your risk of exposure to the virus.

• Ticks are active in country areas from spring to autumn. They can spread disease. Regularly check your body for ticks during and after visits to forest areas. Remove ticks from your body as soon as possible.
• Medical facilities are limited and medicines and equipment are often in short supply. You may need to pay cash up-front before receiving treatment.

Full travel advice: Health

• Penalties for drug offences are severe and include long jail terms.
• Always carry your passport and visa. Police often ask for proof of identity.
• It's illegal to have same-sex relations.
• It's illegal to take photos of government or military buildings and public transport sites.
• Uzbekistan doesn't recognise dual citizenship. This may limit the consular help we can provide. Dual nationals need a permit to depart Uzbekistan. Dual nationals may also be required to do national service. Always travel on your Australian passport.

Law enforcement agencies in Uzbekistan cooperate closely with agencies in Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries. If you commit an offence in one of these countries, you may be detained in another (including at the border) and extradited for prosecution.

• Standards of behaviour and dress are conservative. Take care not to offend. If in doubt, ask locals for advice.

Full travel advice: Local laws

• You can enter Uzbekistan once and stay up to 30 days without a visa. You'll need a visa if you're staying longer than 30 days or if you need multiple entries. Check your visa details when you get it. The length of stay on your visa might differ from the length you applied for. Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. You should contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Uzbekistan for the latest details.
• If you stay 3 or more days, you'll need to register with local authorities. Register in each city you stay in. Check if your hotel has done this for you.
• Borders with neighbouring countries can close without notice. Some border crossings may only be open to local residents. Ask local authorities about border conditions before you travel.

The land border with Afghanistan is closed until further notice.

Full travel advice: Travel

Local contacts

• The Consular Services Charter details what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.
• Australia does not have an embassy in Uzbekistan. Contact the Australian Embassy in Russia for consular help.
• To stay up to date with local information, follow the Embassy's social media accounts.

Full travel advice: Local contacts

Full advice

Terrorist attacks have happened in Uzbekistan.

Targets could include places popular with foreigners.

On 6 November 2019, reportedly 17 people were killed in an armed attack on a Tajik security checkpoint on the Tajik/Uzbek border. Local authorities advised that IS was responsible for the attack.

To protect yourself from terrorism:

• be alert to possible threats, especially in public places
• take care near possible targets
• report suspicious activity or items to police
• monitor the media for new threats
• take official warnings seriously
• follow the advice of local authorities

If there's an attack, leave the area as soon as it's safe.

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

Terrorist threats

Civil unrest and political tension

Regional political tensions and conflict add to security threats. Threats are more severe in Uzbekistan's border regions.

Border with Afghanistan

The high threat of terrorist attacks makes Afghanistan very dangerous.

There have been reports of terrorists raiding into Uzbekistan.

Borders with Tajikistan and the Kyrgyz Republic

Security in the regions bordering Tajikistan and the Kyrgyz Republic is volatile.

Occasionally, there is armed conflict in rural areas in the east of Uzbekistan. The conflict is between extremist or criminal groups and government forces.

There have been clashes between Uzbek and Kyrgyz security forces. The clashes are due to tension over recognition of the border between the two countries.

In 2016, Uzbek border guards blocked a section of the border with the Kyrgyz Republic for a short time. This happened in the Ala-Buka district.

There are unmarked landmines in parts of Uzbekistan bordering Afghanistan, Tajikistan and the Kyrgyz Republic.

If you travel to these areas despite our advice, be alert to possible hazards.

Demonstrations and protests

Demonstrations occur throughout the country and can turn violent.

In July 2022, violent protests occurred in Karakalpakstan, leading to injuries and deaths. Uzbekistan introduced a state of emergency, which was lifted on 21 July 2022. The situation is now stable but may deteriorate rapidly. Ensure you have security plans in place.

Violent protests have occurred in Andijan and the eastern region of the Ferghana Valley.

If you travel to these regions despite the risks, monitor developments. Security may worsen without warning. Have other plans ready.

To stay safe during civil unrest:

• avoid large gatherings and protests
• monitor the media for possible unrest

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.

Demonstrations and civil unrest

You could encounter crime in Uzbekistan.

Thieves target foreigners, often with pickpocketing and other petty crimes.

Robberies happen, especially on trains and in unofficial taxis.

Some criminals pose as police officers then rob victims.

Crime levels are higher at night, including on trains.

There have been reports of harassment, mistreatment and extortion by police and other local officials.

To stay safe, be very careful in all parts of Uzbekistan and:

• don't walk alone
• monitor the media for new safety or security risks

Cyber security 

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you’re connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth. 

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions, or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media. 

More information:  

• Cyber security when travelling overseas  

Climate and natural disasters

Uzbekistan is in an active earthquake zone.

If a natural disaster or severe weather  happens:

• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof place
• monitor local media
• monitor other sources such as the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System
• keep in contact with friends and family

Travel insurance

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. 

Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Physical and mental health

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. 

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up   
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your  nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate  to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips  (Healthdirect Australia)

Medications

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

Sleeping tablets or medicines containing codeine are controlled in Uzbekistan.

If you plan to take medication, check if it's legal in Uzbekistan. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.

Carry copies of your prescription and a letter from your doctor, translated into Russian or Uzbek. The letter must state:

• your diagnosis
• the name of the prescription
• the required dosage
• the length of time you need to take it
• that it's for personnel use

Declare all medications on arrival. You could face fines or criminal charges if either:

• you don't declare a medication, or
• the quantity exceeds legal limits

Officials may charge you for undeclared or excessive medicine quantities even if you have a doctor's prescription and letter.

Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Uzbekistan for advice.

• Uzbek Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Uzbek State Customs Committee

Health risks

Insect-borne diseases.

Travel in forested areas may expose you to tick bites. Ticks can carry diseases. Ticks are very common in country areas and are most active from spring to autumn.

To reduce your risk of tick-borne disease:

• regularly check your body for ticks during and after visits to forest areas
• remove ticks from your body as soon as possible

To protect yourself from illness:

• ensure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing
• consider taking medicine to prevent malaria

Seek medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash or severe headache.

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne, parasitic and other infectious diseases are prevalent. These include:

• tuberculosis
• brucellosis

More serious outbreaks occur from time to time.

• in rural areas, drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid ice cubes in rural areas
• avoid raw and undercooked food, such as salads

Seek medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

Infectious diseases

Medical care

Medical facilities.

Medical facilities are limited in Uzbekistan. Medicines and equipment are often in short supply.

You often need to pay in cash up-front before doctors or hospitals will treat you. This includes for emergency care.

If you become seriously ill or injured, you may need to be moved to a place with better facilities. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter . But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Penalties for drug offences are severe. They include long prison sentences served in local jails.

Carrying or using drugs

Police often ask to check your identity. Always carry your passport and visa.

Things that are illegal in Uzbekistan include:

• same-sex relationships
• not declaring medications you're carrying on entry, see Travel .

It's also illegal to take photos of:

• government or military buildings
• public transport infrastructure, including metro stations

LGBTI travellers

Australian laws

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

Staying within the law and respecting customs

Dual citizenship

Uzbekistan doesn't recognise dual nationality.

If you're a dual citizen, this limits the consular services we can give if you're arrested or detained.

Always travel on your Australian passport .

Uzbek citizenship

Under Uzbek law, an Uzbek citizen loses their Uzbek citizenship when they become a citizen of another country.

If you're an Uzbek citizen and you become an Australian citizen, you must notify Uzbek authorities.  Within 30 days, notify either:

• the Uzbek Ministry of Interior
• the nearest Uzbek embassy or consulate
• Embassy or consulate of Uzbekistan

National service

Uzbekistan has national service obligations.

If you keep your Uzbek citizenship and visit Uzbekistan, you may need to do national service.

There are penalties for citizens of Uzbekistan who serve in the military or security forces of another country.

Permit to depart

You'll need a 'permit to depart Uzbekistan' if you're a dual national using your Uzbek passport. You need the permit when you travel in Russia and in neighbouring Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries.

If you don't have the permit or if it has expired, you may face difficulties at border control stations.

Our ability to help you may be very limited in these cases.

Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Uzbekistan to find out how to get or renew this permit. Do this before you enter any of the CIS countries or Russia on an Uzbek passport.

Dual nationals

Local customs

Standards of dress and behaviour are conservative.

Take care not to offend. If in doubt, dress conservatively and seek local advice.

The Islamic holy month of Ramadan is observed in Uzbekistan. Respect religious and cultural customs and laws.

During Ramadan, eating, drinking and smoking may be illegal in public during the day. If you're not fasting, avoid these activities around people who are. Seek local advice to avoid offence.

Explore our Ramadan page to learn more, including dates for Ramadan.

Visas and border measures

Every country or territory decides who can enter or leave through its borders. For specific information about the evidence you'll need to enter a foreign destination, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering. 

Australians can enter Uzbekistan under a new visa-free arrangement. It covers single-entry stays of up to 30 days.

You'll still need a visa if you're staying for more than 30 days or need multiple entries.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Singapore (accredited to Australia) for details about visas and other travel requirements.

Uzbek visas specify validity, number of entries, and length of stay. Check your visa details when you get it.

The length of stay on your visa may differ from the length you asked for in your application.

Authorities may fine, detain or deport you if you:

• arrive in the country before the visa validity period
• overstay your visa

Border measures

Contact your airline or your nearest embassy or consulate of Uzbekistan to confirm entry requirements.

Other formalities

Declare all medications and other restricted items on arrival. See  Health .

Stays of more than 3 days

If your stay is for 3 or more days, weekend days included, you'll need to register with local authorities.

Register in each city in which you intend to stay. Most hotels do this for their guests, but you're legally responsible.

Confirm with check-in staff that they have registered you.

If you stay in private accommodation or your hotel doesn't offer this service, register either:

• at the local Department of Foreign Travel and Exit Registration Office (OVIR), or
• through the online registration system

Border crossings

Uzbekistan's borders with neighbouring countries can close without notice.

Some border crossings may only be open to local residents.

Check with local authorities which border crossings are open and if they're available for you to pass through. Do this before you travel.

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport .

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service .
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate .

If you get a new passport, make sure you get your Uzbek visa transferred into your new passport. If your visa is in a cancelled or expired passport, you may not be able to exit or enter the country.

• Embassy or consulate of Uzbekistan, if you're outside Uzbekistan
• Your local Uzbek Visa and Registration Office, if you're in Uzbekistan

Passport with 'X' gender identifier 

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can't guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest  embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination  before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers. 

More information:   

• LGBTI travellers  

The currency of Uzbekistan is the Uzbek Som (UZS).

Rules apply to the import and export of foreign currency.

Complete 2 customs declaration forms on arrival. Customs authorities will keep one form. Keep the other form because you'll need to show it when you leave.

Access to money

Banks, hotel exchange offices and the currency exchange office at the new terminal of the Tashkent airport exchange UZS for US dollars.

Uzbekistan is mostly a cash economy. However, some places accept:

• credit cards
• debit cards, mainly Visa
• traveller's cheques

Traveller's cheques in Australian dollars are not accepted.

Ask your bank if your ATM card will work in Uzbekistan. ATMs are often broken or out of cash.

Local travel

Unmarked landmines are a threat in regions bordering Afghanistan, Tajikistan and the Kyrgyz Republic. See Safety

Driving permit

You can drive in Uzbekistan if you have both:

• an Australian driver's licence
• an International Driving Permit (IDP)

You must get your IDP before departing Australia.

Road travel

You're more likely to be killed in a car accident in Uzbekistan as in Australia.

Hazards include:

• poor driving standards
• lack of street lighting
• livestock and animal drawn carts on roads
• pedestrians crossing roads without warning

Rural roads are particularly treacherous, including in the Tian Shan and Fan Mountains.

Drivers must pay a fee to bring cars into Uzbekistan. The size of the fee depends on how long you'll stay. Pay at border crossings.

You need an official permit for any travel to:

• Termez on the Afghan border
• areas of Surkhandarya in the south-east

Security checkpoints are common.

There aren't many service stations in rural areas.

Check you have the right insurance before driving.

If you plan to drive:

• learn local traffic laws and practices
• get local advice on road conditions in rural areas
• avoid travel at night
• be alert to hazards especially at night
• don't drink and drive
• obey police signals to stop, including at checkpoints

Driving to border regions is risky. If you do, check in advance if the borders are open.

Driving or riding

Motorcycles

Check your insurance policy covers you using a motorbike, quad bike or similar vehicle.

Always wear a helmet.

Use only registered taxis and limousines. Arrange them through your hotel if you can.

Public transport

If you plan to take the bus or train, check your itinerary carefully. Some domestic routes transit through bordering countries.

If this is the case, make sure you hold:

• an Uzbek multiple-entry visa
• visas for the transit countries

Rail travel can be unreliable and dangerous due to crime.

Transport and getting around safely

On 11 April 2022, the EU announced that 21 Russian-owned airlines were banned from flying in EU airspace due to safety concerns. 

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths. If you're flying domestically or internationally, you should research your aviation provider.

Check Uzbekistan's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

Emergencies

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider

Consular contacts

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can’t do to help you overseas.

Australia doesn't have an embassy in Uzbekistan. You can get consular help from the Australian Embassy in Russia.

Australian Embassy, Moscow

13 Kropotkinsky  Pereulok Moscow  119034 Russia Phone: (+7 495) 956-6070 Fax: (+7 495) 956-6170 Website:  russia.embassy.gov.au Twitter:  @PosolAustralia

Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia

Travelling to Uzbekistan?

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• Travel Restrictions - Covid-19

Uzbekistan Travel Restrictions - Covid-19

Last updated: June 8, 2022

Uzbekistan and Coronavirus

Uzbekistan lifted the most Covid-related restrictions. Public transport in and between cities is functioning normally, and all establishments are operating normally. Hotels and guesthouses remain open but are subject to special health and safety rules. Wearing a face mask is not mandatory anymore.

Uzbekistan offers AstraZeneca, Moderna, Sputnik V, Pfizer, and a Chinese vaccine to citizens and residents. 

Since June 10, all restrictions related to the coronavirus have been lifted for tourists entering Uzbekistan at all entry points - by road, by air and by rail. You will no longer need a vaccination certificate, a PCR test or an antigen test.

Uzbekistan’s  visa-free policy  has not changed, and nationalities which were previously granted visa-free entry are still allowed to enter without a visa for travel purposes.

When purchasing travel insurance, please ensure that the plan covers COVID-19 treatment expenses.

Uzbekistan Quarantine Rules

Visitors are not currently subject to quarantine or self-isolation restrictions.

Where Can I Get a COVID-19 PCR Test in Uzbekistan?

There are more than 40 laboratories in Uzbekistan which can provide PCR testing for Covid-19, including the following clinics:

Tashkent: Tibbiyot Dunyosi, +998 95 199 5500, +998 71 277 5090 (www.td.uz) Genotexnoligiya, +998 95 198 8303 (www.genetech.uz) Unilab Service, +998 33 070 1133 Shox International Hospital, +998 71 207 0017 (www.shox.hospital) Swiss Lab, +998 71 207 6556, +998 95 145 0006

Samarkand: Samarqand Tibbiy Diagnostika, +998 66 233 9333, +998 66 233 0533 (www.samtibdiag.uz) Gamma Med Clinic, +998 95 507 3330, +998 93 353 2726, www.gammamed.uz Parizoda Medical Service, +998 95 500 1848, +998 91 546 6171 Neo-Vita Medical Center, +998 90 530 1144, +998 95 560 1118

Fergana: Free-Joy Medical Laboratory, +998 91 126 3040 Biotest Medical, +998 90 634 3120, +998 73 244 0033

Kokand: Evromed, +998 91 202 0077

Nukus: Medical Centre, +998 78 770 7777, +998 99 503 0303 Emergency Medical Service +998 61 224 8820, +998 91 373 3108

Bukhara: Emergency Medical Service, +998 65 223 3740

Urgench: Emergency Medical Service, +998 62 228 8281, +998 62 228 8270

Khiva: Shohijahon Diagnostic, +998 99 731 4425, +998 99 347 0997

Please feel free to contact us with any further questions you may have in relation to the latest Uzbekistan travel restrictions related to coronavirus/Covid-19.

PCR Test in Uzbekistan - Tashkent

Last verified: Monday, 29. April 2024 at 08:03 AM

Uzbekistan Travel Advisory

• Central Asia
• Uzbekistan Travel Advice

We advise caution when travelling to Uzbekistan

Local situation: 3.0 / 5.

We advise caution when travelling to Uzbekistan. We detected travel advisories from 4 sources for this specific country.

Regional Situation: 3.2 / 5

Uzbekistan shares a land border with 5 neighbouring states. For this region of countries (including Uzbekistan), the Advisory Index is 3.2 (average value over all countries). All countries have some reported advisories: Afghanistan (5), Kazakhstan (3), Tajikistan (3), Turkmenistan with 2.6 and Kyrgyzstan with 2.3 (of 5).

Current informationen on Covid-19 in Uzbekistan

There are currently no officially reported cases of infections with SARS-CoV-2 (or Coronavirus) in Uzbekistan. As reported by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control this morning (~8:30am CET).

There are currently no officially reported deaths related to this disease in Uzbekistan.

Source: www.ecdc.europa.eu

Advice scoring history for Uzbekistan

Chart of the risk level over that last 200 days. This is the daily calculated travel risk for Uzbekistan.

Chart of the number of sources over that last 200 days. This is the daily number of advisory sources (of any rating) that have been active on that day.

Note: Changes happening on the 28th/29th of July 2019 are related to a change in the software and number of sources processed.

Rating Details (single travel warnings)

These are the individual advisories published by other countries about the destination Uzbekistan from a travellers perspective. The scoring of all messages combined is the foundation for the current rating 3.0 out of 5.0 .

This is the general advisory usually covering the country as a whole.

Advisory issued by: Canada

Source: https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/uzbekistan

Advisory issued by: New Zealand

Exercise increased caution elsewhere in Uzbekistan due to the threat from terrorism and violent crime (level 2 of 4).

Source: https://www.safetravel.govt.nz/uzbekistan

This is a regional information covering specific areas of Uzbekistan.

Issued by: New Zealand government

Info: If you are planning international travel at this time, please read our COVID-19 related travel advice here, alongside our destination specific travel advice below.

Info: Avoid non-essential travel to the areas bordering Afghanistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan (including the city of Andijan and the eastern region of the Ferghana Valley) due to the uncertain security situation and landmines (level 3 of 4).

Advisory issued by: United States

Reissued with updates to health information. Exercise normal precautions in Uzbekistan.  Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Uzbekistan.

Source: http://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/uzbekistan-travel-advisory.html

Advisory issued by: Finland

Iaktta normal försiktighet - Undvik i synnerhet resor till gränszonerna mot Afghanistan, Kirgizistan och Tadzjikistan och Karalpakstanområdet. Var försiktig om du reser till Ferganadalen.

Source: https://um.fi/resemeddelande/-/c/UZ

Individual rating changes for Uzbekistan

This is the recent history of individual changes of travel advices that affected the total asessment of Uzbekistan. Most recent events first.

Changes from August 7th 2020

The total rating for Uzbekistan changed from 3.0 to 3.5 . Here are the influencing details:

The United States government increased their existing warning for Uzbekistan to 4.0 (of 5.0) from the previous rating of 1.0 (by +3.0).

Changes from March 22nd 2020

The total rating for Uzbekistan changed from 2.7 to 3.0 . Here are the influencing details:

The Canadian government increased their existing warning for Uzbekistan to 4.0 (of 5.0) from the previous rating of 2.0 (by +2.0).

Changes from March 18th 2020

The total rating for Uzbekistan changed from 2.5 to 2.7 . Here are the influencing details:

The Australian government increased their existing warning for Uzbekistan to 5.0 (of 5.0) from the previous rating of 4.0 (by +1.0).

Changes from March 17th 2020

The total rating for Uzbekistan changed from 2.3 to 2.5 . Here are the influencing details:

The Irish government increased their existing warning for Uzbekistan to 4.0 (of 5.0) from the previous rating of 3.0 (by +1.0).

Changes from March 16th 2020

The total rating for Uzbekistan changed from 2.0 to 2.3 . Here are the influencing details:

The Australian government issued a new warning for Uzbekistan with a rating of 4.0.

Changes from September 25th 2019

The total rating for Uzbekistan changed from 0.0 to 0.0 . Here are the influencing details:

The United States government issued a new warning for Uzbekistan with a rating of 1.0.

The Canadian government issued a new warning for Uzbekistan with a rating of 2.0.

The New Zealand government issued a new warning for Uzbekistan with a rating of 2.0.

The Irish government issued a new warning for Uzbekistan with a rating of 3.0.

The Finnish government issued a new warning for Uzbekistan with a rating of 2.0.

About Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan with its capital Tashkent is a country in Asia (Central Asia), slightly larger than California (447,400 km²). The country is located Central Asia, north of Turkmenistan, south of Kazakhstan. The climate can be described as mostly midlatitude desert, long, hot summers, mild winters; semiarid grassland in east. The landscape is mostly flat-to-rolling sandy desert with dunes; broad, flat intensely irrigated river valleys along course of Amu Darya, Syr Darya (Sirdaryo), and Zarafshon; Fergana Valley in east surrounded by mountainous Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan; shrinking Aral Sea in west. With a population of about 28.27 million citizens.

Uzbekistani flag

Introduction Video

Basic Statistics and Facts

Environmental problems and natural hazzards.

These are problems Uzbekistan is facing. Environmental issues refer to damages of the nature due to industry and society. Natural hazzards refer to potential dangers originating in nature.

Environmental problems

• including DDT
• increasing soil salination
• shrinkage of the Aral Sea has resulted in growing concentrations of chemical pesticides and natural salts
• soil contamination from buried nuclear processing and agricultural chemicals
• these substances are then blown from the increasingly exposed lake bed and contribute to desertification and respiratory health problems
• water pollution from industrial wastes and the heavy use of fertilizers and pesticides is the cause of many human health disorders

Natural hazzards

• earthquakes
• landslides or mudslides

Top Industries and Agricultural Products

These are the main product industries and agricultural products of Uzbekistan. This list indicates what this country is good at producing.

• food processing
• hydrocarbon extraction
• machine building

Agriculture products

Uzbekistani Imports and Exports

These are the main product categories of imports and exports to and from Uzbekistan.

Export products

• automobiles
• energy products
• mineral fertilizers
• nonferrous metals

Import products

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current travel advisory for uzbekistan.

Uzbekistan is currently rated at 3,0 out of a possible 5.0. Collected from 4 official sources. We advise caution when travelling to Uzbekistan.

Is it safe to travel Uzbekistan in 2024?

Visiting the country Uzbekistan is usually fine. The score is at 3,0 Just keep an eye open, obey local rules and you'll most likely be fine.

How many travel advisories do you know for Uzbekistan?

We currently evaluate 11 official sources each morning. Today, we know of active advisories from 4 individual sources for Uzbekistan.

What is the current Corona virus situation in Uzbekistan?

There are currently no officially reported cases of infections with SARS-CoV-2 (or Coronavirus) in Uzbekistan. As reported by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control this morning (~8:30am CET). There are currently no officially reported deaths related to this disease in Uzbekistan.

What is the size of Uzbekistan?

Uzbekistan has a size of 447,400 km² or 172,742 mi² which is slightly larger than California.

Common Frequently Asked Questions

For non-country specific questions, please check our global F.A.Q.

Travel safety map for Uzbekistan and bordering countries.

If you want to embed Uzbekistan travel warning information into your website or application, check out these tools.

• Is Uzbekistan safe to travel?
• What's the safety situation in Uzbekistan?
• Are there security warnings for Uzbekistan?

2020-03-10: Integrated data from European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (COVID-19/ SARS-CoV-2/ Coronavirus).

2019-09-01: Added timeline charts for risk level and number of advisories.

2019-07-29: Added two more sources (Finland and Denmark). Affects country ratings.

2019-07-15: South-Sudan was missing and was added today.

2019-05-18: Performance improvements for API users.

2019-03-23: Introduced professional API with more data.

2019-02-13: Added three more sources (Cyprus, Ireland and Malta). Affects country ratings.

Travel Advice for Uzbekistan

Going to Uzbekistan and need to know about the latest government travel advice for Uzbekistan? Find the updated travel advice and travel warnings for Uzbekistan from governments around the world, here.

General Travel Advice and Warnings for Uzbekistan

The decision to go to Uzbekistan is your choice and you are in charge of your personal welfare whilst in Uzbekistan.

The web content on this web page is given information only and pulled together from travel advice and warnings for Uzbekistan by authorities all over the world to their citizens.

While we make every effort to give you appropriate travel advice info, it is given on an “as is” basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied.

This operators of this site does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information given.

General Cautions Travellers Need to Remember When Travelling in Uzbekistan

Crime – Petty criminal offenses such as pick pocketing in a crowded surrounding to sexual assault and muggings do happen in larger cities of Uzbekistan. Ensure that all your personal items, such as passports and other traveling documents, are secure at all times.

Terrorism – Always be aware of your surroundings whenever in public places. Be particularly watchful if going to sporting events and throughout religious holidays and various other public events, as terrorists frequently make use of such events to mount attacks.

Demonstrations and Protests – Demonstrations may occur. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation. It is in your interest of safety and security to keep away from locations where demonstrations and big events are taking place and comply with the instructions of local authorities. Monitor local media in Uzbekistan for details on on-going demonstrations in Uzbekistan.

Scams – Take care in popular tourist areas in Uzbekistan, where scammers target foreigners. If you have actually been scammed in Uzbekistan, reach a safe location right away; make note, as soon as possible of the name and address of the facility where you were held; inform the police in Uzbekistan and obtain a report and if your credit card is used by the scammer call your credit card company to inform the fraud; they will likely ask for a copy of the police report to cancel the transaction.

Spiked Food and Beverages – Never leave food or beverages unattended or in the care of strangers when taking a trip in Uzbekistan or anywhere else. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances. These items may contain drugs that could put you in danger of sexual assault and robbery.

What is the entry/exit conditions for Uzbekistan?

Every nation or territory determines who can enter or exit through its borders, likewise Uzbekistan decides who enter its territories. The Government of your home country cannot interfere on your behalf if you do not meet your Uzbekistan’s entry or exit requirements.

To read more concerning the entry/exit requirement for Uzbekistan see visa requirements for Uzbekistan or get the current info with the visa office at the Uzbek embassy in your home country.

Travel insurance coverage for Uzbekistan

Travel health cover is just one of the major reasons visitors get travel insurance. It will not prevent you getting ill or injured, though it can avoid you suffering financially. Medical assistance overseas can be very expensive.

You must pay for all healthcare you get overseas. You can’t expect to get free or subsidised care through your Uzbekistan’s public health system, like you would in your home country.

If you can not pay, local authorities might apprehend you. The government from your home country can’t pay you health care expense for you, loan you cash or get you out of jail.

You require travel insurance coverage for travelling to Uzbekistan . You also need to make sure you pick a plan that is right for you.

Read through the fine print of your travel insurance policy.

Declare all pre-existing conditions to your travel insurance company upfront. If you do not, you may void your travel insurance coverage.

Inform your travel insurance company the activities you plan to do, before you go. Many common activities like skiing are omitted in basic policies. You may require to pay extra.

Check if you have free credit card travel insurance policy. Some cards include travel insurance policy cover. Nonetheless, they typically have various conditions than paid plans. Understand the differences.

If you’re visiting Uzbekistan from a country that has a reciprocatory healthcare agreement, you still require travel medical insurance. Agreements are limited in what they’ll will cover.

If you have a terminal disease, you might not have the ability to get basic travel insurance. However you may have the ability to get a specialised insurance firm that covers you for health, mishaps or property issues unassociated to your ailment. Talk with your insurance firm to find out.

Learn more about obtaining worldwide travel insurance policy for Uzbekistan before you go.

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Tips on Uzbekistan Warnings or Danger – Stay Safe!

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Uzbekistan Warnings and Dangers

Uzbekistan is a fascinating Central Asia destination, rich in architecture and history. But like many exotic locales, there are dangers to avoid and warnings to heed.  Some tips:

Be Careful What You Eat

Uzbekistan can present a challenge to delicate Western constitutions. Some basics: don’t drink the water; peel fruit and vegetables, or ensure they’ve been washed in safe water; don’t use ice; avoid food that’s not fresh. Mayonnaise can be dodgy so be careful, especially when combined with the ‘no unpeeled veg’ rule.  Just be mindful, because there’s plenty of good eats to be had. Pack the Imodium !

Tick Territory

Rural Uzbekistan is home to ticks, and tick-borne disease is no fun. Prevent tick bites by wearing comfortable walking shoes, wearing long sleeves, hats and sunscreen, and covering your legs. Pale colors are better than dark ones because you can clearly see the ticks!

Bring  DEET-based insect repellent and apply it to your exposed skin; avoid eyes, mouth and exposed wounds. Pack tweezers and bring some permethrin and check your body for ticks after time spent in forests or rural areas. Should you discover a tick, remove it by grasping its head with the tweezers, and remove it all. Dab some cream every few minutes, and then leave it on for 24 hours: it should drop off or then be gently removed.

Make sure you are fully vaccinated before your trip to Uzbekistan, including the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot. Plus, ask your doctor about vaccines to combat Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Hepatitis B, and rabies.

Editor’s note:  The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about warnings and dangers in Uzbekistan.

We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

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• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad
• Foreign travel advice

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Dial 103 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance company promptly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccinations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip check:

• the latest information on vaccinations and health risks in TravelHealthPro’s Uzbekistan guide
• where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Uzbekistan. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro .  

Air quality

Air quality in the Karakalpakstan and Khorezm regions has deteriorated because of storms over the Aral Sea bringing salt, dust and pollutants into the air. You should minimise your exposure to outside air by staying in an air-conditioned indoor place as much as possible, with windows and doors closed and well sealed. Wash all fruit, vegetables and other foods, which might have been exposed. Regularly damp-dust all indoor surfaces, washing your hands afterwards. It is unclear when the air quality will improve. Monitor local reports and weather forecasts for the latest information and advice.

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries. See Customs rules .

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro .

The NHS has information on whether you can take your medicine abroad .

Healthcare facilities in Uzbekistan

The quality of medical care in Uzbekistan is generally poor. Most hospitals are badly equipped and unhygienic, with a limited supply of drugs. There is no guarantee that equipment will have been properly sterilised, especially in rural hospitals. You should avoid all but basic or essential treatment in the event of an emergency. Medical insurance companies usually refer complaints of a more serious nature to hospitals in Europe or New Delhi.

There is no reciprocal healthcare agreement between the UK and Uzbekistan.

FCDO has a list of English-speaking doctors in Uzbekistan .

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health . There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro .

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Tips and how to travel to Uzbekistan (2024)

By Joan Torres 39 Comments Last updated on April 12, 2024

Once a hermetic country with very strict visa policies for foreigners, Uzbekistan has opened its borders to show the world the majesty of what used to be the core and center of the ancient Silk Road, a country filled with impressive shrines, mosques and perfectly shaped old cities.

Uzbekistan is, by far, the most tourist-friendly country in Central Asia and an unmissable destination for sightseeing city lovers.

However, this ex-Soviet Republic has many bureaucratic and cultural peculiarities, which you are highly recommended to know well in advance.

In this Uzbekistan travel guide, we will go through all of them, so here is a list of useful tips for traveling to Uzbekistan .

In this Uzbekistan travel guide you will find:

Table of Contents

• Travel Insurance
• Useful books
• A Silk Road country
• Money in Uzbekistan
• Border crossings
• Cultural facts
• Accommodation
• Transportation
• More resources

eSIM card for browsing when traveling in Uzbekistan

With Holafly , you can now get an electronic SIM card for Uzbekistan from home with just 2 clicks.

5% discount with the following code:

AGAINSTTHECOMPASS

🪪 Visa for traveling to Uzbekistan

Free visa on arrival for uzbekistan.

In 2019, requirements for traveling to Uzbekistan were eased, when they finally offered a 30-day free visa on arrival for most nationalities.

This VOA is valid in both airports and land borders and it applies to all Western nationalities, EXCEPT for the USA. Here you can see the updated list .

e-visa for Uzbekistan

Those nationalities which can’t get a VOA – and that includes nationals from the USA and India – can apply for an e-visa.

It’s a very easy process which only costs 20USD, takes 2-3 working days and this is the official website .

By default, you will get a 30-day visa, but it is also possible to apply for a multiple-entry visa. Unlike some years ago, the entry date is not fixed but you can enter any day you like within a 90-day period.

How to apply for an Uzbek e-visa

Apparently, the system has issues with some email domains, the photo format and, basically, it has quite a few bugs. Nowadays, however, most travelers do apply successfully, and all common issues and tips are well-explained here .

Visa for Uzbekistan via embassy

In the unlikely case the e-visa doesn’t work for you, you will have to go to the embassy, so I recommend starting to apply well-in-advance.

Typically, it would be a 1-week process in which you would need a passport copy, 2 passport photos, your hotel reservation, and your visa application form (printed and filled out).

By the way, one relevant difference vs the e-visa is that, with an embassy visa, the entry and exit dates are fixed, so you need to state the specific days you will be traveling in Uzbekistan and you can’t modify them. This means that you can’t enter before the entry date or leave after the exit date you specified.

For more information and details, read this post:  Getting a visa for Uzbekistan

🚑 Travel Insurance Uzbekistan

For Uzbekistan, get IATI Travel Insurance :

• So many different plans for all budgets, including specific plans for backpackers
• Coverage for up to 1-year trips, perfect for overlanding around the Stans
• Readers of this blog can get a 5% exclusive discount

📚 Books for traveling in Uzbekistan

Here you have the most typical options, but if you want to get deeper, I recommend you check this list, containing the 28 best books on the Silk Road and the Stans , with specific books on Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan travel guide by Bradt

The most complete guide to Uzbekistan. I am a heavy consumer of Bradt Guides, as they give more local insights and personal experience than any other book.

Central Asia travel guide by Lonely Planet

If you are traveling to other countries in Central Asia, you may want to buy the generic guide in order to save some money. It contains a full chapter dedicated to Uzbekistan.

Murder in Samarkand by Craig Murray

If you want to know about all the human rights abuse during the regime from the previous president, this is the best book.

Tourism in Uzbekistan, a Silk Road country

Uzbekistan is the core of the silk road.

Uzbekistan is synonymous with the Silk Road, a country which is home to the three most important Silk Road cities, Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva. Timeless mosques and historical buildings define a characteristic skyline in every city, Uzbekistan has been the main stopover for countless civilizations traveling east and west, while exchanging goods, ideas, and knowledge. Traveling in Uzbekistan and strolling downs its bazaars and old cities is like going back to the past. 

The most majestic shrines and buildings I have ever seen

From the imposing Registan to the cute, old city of Khiva, Uzbekistan is the perfect destination for travelers interested in stunning Islamic architecture.

It’s surprisingly touristic

Who would guess that the streets of the ancient Silk Road cities of Uzbekistan were filled with plenty of touristic shops, selling things from typical souvenirs to traditional local handicrafts, something unseen in Central Asia.

Tourist profile

While the most common tourist in Kyrgyzstan is a young backpacker, the main tourist in Uzbekistan is a 50-80-year old person who travels in a tour group. Actually, during high season, there are tens of groups all over the cities.

However, outside of the three main cities, there is nobody

In places like Tashkent , Moynaq and the Aral Sea and the Fergana Valley , we barely saw any tourist and the local interactions were much more rewarding.

💻 Internet and connectivity in Uzbekistan

Esim for browsing, calling and traveling in uzbekistan.

Basically, an eSIM is a regular SIM card with a digital format that works like a normal physical SIM card, with the added benefit that you can buy it from home before the beginning of your trip, hence avoiding the hassle of buying it at your destination. 

With Holafly , you can get a SIM Card for a wide range of destinations, including Uzbekistan . 

Moreover, you can benefit from a 5% discount with the following code:  AGAINSTTHECOMPASS

The Internet is just OK

Internet is not as good as in Kyrgyzstan or Kazakhstan but it’s definitely better than Tajikistan. Most hotels will have decent Wi-Fi and 3G works perfectly well throughout the country.

How to get a SIM Card

Get Beeline, with which, for a couple of USD, you will get plenty of data and calls. It is very easy to buy a SIM Card and all you need is your passport. 

Get a VPN for traveling in Uzbekistan

You should always use a VPN when you travel, especially when you connect to public Wi-Fi networks.

Your connection will be much safer. 

Moreover, you will be able to access content which is typically censored in Uzbekistan. 

I recommend ExpressVPN – Extremely easy to use, fast and cheap. 

If you want to learn more about VPN, check: Why you need a VPN for traveling .

💰 About MONEY: What you need to know when traveling in Uzbekistan

In Uzbekistan, they use the Uzbek SUM (UZS) . The currency value is extremely low and approximately:

1 USD = 11,314 UZS

Cash and ATMs in Uzbekistan

Some years ago, ATMs in Uzbekistan didn’t accept foreign cards but that has drastically changed now. There are loads of ATMs that you can use absolutely everywhere, even in markets.

Bear in mind, however, that with an international card, in some ATMs you can only withdraw USD, which you need to exchange at the bank. This way, they can charge you commission twice and by the way, when you withdraw, the commission is 1%. In practice nevertheless, this is not being the case anymore and today, more and more ATMs do give Uzbek SUM.

By the way, bring a spare backpack for the cash Sometimes, whatever quantity you change, they will give you all the money in 1,000UZS notes, meaning that you will be carrying 3 kilograms of cash. It’s very inconvenient.

Exchanging money in Uzbekistan

You can change money in most banks – Some years ago, the official bank rate was almost 100% lower than on the black market, so nobody wanted to exchange money in banks. This changed and, finally, the official rate has gone up to its actual value.

This means that you can now exchange money in banks, which can easily be found all over the cities. The best part is that some banks give you bigger notes, so there is no need to carry ten packs of cash.

You can still get money in the black market – However, I don’t recommend it, as they are the ones who always give you smaller notes and, when you count them, you always notice that there are one or two notes missing.

How much does it cost traveling to Uzbekistan?

Traveling in Uzbekistan is not as cheap as in Kyrgyzstan or Tajikistan but, still, it’s very affordable. Typically:

• Budget accommodation: from 8 to 12USD
• Mid-range hotels: from 30 or 40USD.
• A meal in touristic restaurants: 5USD
• A meal in local eateries: 2-3USD 
• Taxis within cities:  a maximum of 2USD
• Several-hour train journeys: a maximum of 10 or 15USD

Most restaurants charge for service , which ranges from 10 to 20%, depending on the restaurant.

🛫 How to get to Uzbekistan

Travel insurance for Uzbekistan Get IATI Insurance : 5% discount + long-term plans to travel around the Stans Get your discount when buying through this link

Traveling to Uzbekistan by plane

Uzbekistan has the most expensive flights in all Central Asia and the reason is that the airport taxes are extremely high. Apparently, along with a more liberal visa regime, the Government is planning to reverse it in order to encourage more tourism.

If you are on a budget and have enough time, you could fly to Almaty, Bishkek or Dushanbe and then enter Uzbekistan overland . From Europe, flights there are surprisingly cheap, especially to Bishkek.

If you are traveling in Iran , there are very cheap flights from Tehran to Aktau, a city in western Kazakhstan, very close to the Uzbek border.

If you are traveling in Azerbaijan , you can even take a ferry to Aktau or fly there, which is much quicker and even cheaper.

Personally, I started with a 2-month itinerary in Kyrgyzstan , traveled in Tajikistan through the Pamir Highway and the Wakhan Valley , and entered Uzbekistan through the  Fergana Valley .

Traveling to Uzbekistan via a land border

Uzbekistan shares a border with:

• Turkmenistan
• Afghanistan – It’s important, however, to check the latest security update. Read my Afghanistan safety guide

All borders are easy to cross, as long as you have a valid visa, especially for Turkmenistan and Afghanistan.

Border crossing and other bureaucratic rules when traveling in Uzbekistan

Most borders are open to overland travelers – As long as you have the visa, you can enter or exit Uzbekistan from any country, but just bear in mind that some borders are only open to nationals, while others may close temporarily.

However, all countries will have, at least, one or two entry points always open. For the latest updated information on border policy, check the  Caravanistan website.

They will go through all your stuff – Especially laptops, phones, and cameras.

With the exponential tourism increase, the guards don’t really go through your stuff anymore. 

Don’t bring any sensitive material – By sensitive I mean porn or any politically sensitive photos, including Governmental buildings or military stuff. If you happen to have some, upload them to the cloud or hide them very well in your computer.

However, at some border crossings, it’s not as bad as people say – I heard horror stories about Uzbek customs but, when I crossed from Tajikistan to the Fergana Valley , they just checked the photos of my DSLR camera and it seemed they were more looking at my pictures for fun than looking for sensitive photos, as the official was smiling and calling some of his colleagues to check them out.

They are also looking for drugs – And especially anything containing codeine. They will definitely, go through all your meds and, apparently, even if you have prescription pills containing codeine, they won’t allow you to enter with them and you may get in real trouble.

You will have to declare all your money, both entering and exiting – When you enter, you need to fill in a form, stating how much are you traveling with. You are supposed to keep this form because, when you leave, they will compare it with how much money you have left.

If you happen to have the same amount of money or more, they will assume that you worked there, so you might get into some problems. However, this rule may not apply in some borders because I left through Kazakhstan.

Uzbekistan 10 facts: the country, its people and their culture

1 – Uzbekistan is an ex-Soviet Republic – Which got its independence in 1991, after the USSR dissolution.

2 – Most people are Uzbeks – But, as in the whole Central Asia, you also find plenty of people from their neighboring countries, including Russians, Kyrgyz, Kazakhs, and Tajiks. People in Uzbekistan are so ethnically mixed but, whereas Kyrgyz and Kazakh people have stronger Mongolian features, and Tajiks and Turkmens more of a Persian look, I would say that Uzbeks are something in between.

3 – The official language is Uzbek – Which is a Turkic language, but most people also speak Russian as a second language.

4 – Learn some Russian – They use the Cyrillic alphabet and practically nobody speaks English, except in the touristic parts. Some basic words to get around will prove immensely useful.

5 – They are Sunni Muslims but not really – Officially, most people are Sunni Muslims, the Russian population (10%) being Christian Orthodox. However, like all ex-Soviet countries, religion is not a big deal and most people don’t really follow Islam. If I had to compare it to the rest of Central Asia, I would say that religion in Uzbekistan is practiced more than in Kyrgyzstan or Kazakhstan but less than in Tajikistan.

6 – No real dress code for women – Many Uzbek women are veiled but it’s mostly for cultural reasons, rather than religious. Except in some parts of the Fergana Valley, women can go as they please, within certain common-sense limitations, of course.

7 – Is Islam partially forbidden? – The Fergana Valley in Uzbekistan is home to the most radical Islamic group in Central Asia, an organization which even operated in Afghanistan under the Taliban. The Uzbek Government has tried hard to eradicate this group and, from what I heard, it has put some limitations on the way people practice Islam. For example, during prayer time, you will never hear the mosque’s speakers. I was told that this is one of several governmental measures.

8 – It’s a dictatorship – The first President of Uzbekistan ruled from its independence, in 1991, to 2016, when he died. He ruled under an authoritarian regime and didn’t forge many good international relationships. The new President is trying to change this though, the growth of tourism being one of the many new policies.

9 – But people don’t really care about politics – Uzbeks told me that the only thing they care about is inflation and nobody is interested in politics. There is no freedom of speech and you can’t say anything bad about the president or any governmental organization. They are OK with it so, according to them, a revolution will not happen any time soon. 

10 – The cotton crisis – Uzbekistan’s main economical pillar is the cotton industry and you will see plenty of cotton fields all over the country. Being so dependant on cotton has led to several crises and problems, the most dramatic one being the destruction of the Aral Sea in Uzbekistan . In Nukus, I met the European Union delegate in Uzbekistan, who told me that, with the new President, they are strongly trying to diversify the economy. 

🍲 Food and alcohol when traveling in Uzbekistan

Plov, plov, plov – Welcome to the world capital of plov , a Central Asian dish consisting of fried rice in lamb fat, meat and different vegetables. There are many kinds of plov and it varies by region. Uzbek people find it a real delicacy and they love it so much that, in the capital Tashkent , they even have a Central Asian Plov Center, a massive building serving only plov . After more than 5 months in Central Asia, I really hated plov .

But typical Central Asian food is also available – Laghman (noodles soup), manti (dumplings), shashlik (kebab) are popular dishes which you can eat when traveling in Kyrgyzstan or Tajikistan.

More good restaurant options than in neighboring countries – Since it’s more touristic, you also find a wider range of options, especially serving international cuisine. For me, that was really an edge, especially after traveling in Central Asia for such a long time.

Alcohol is widely available – Vodka, beer and everything you want!

And local wine, as well! – Uzbekistan is the largest wine producer in Central Asia and its wine is not that bad, actually!

If you are a vegetarian, you are fucked – Well, not fucked but local cuisine mostly consists of meat and sometimes it’s even hard to find chicken. However, like I said, in the touristic places there are several options and, on most menus there are vegetarian options made ad-hoc for tourists. Additionally, your best bet will be the local markets, where you can find all sorts of vegetables, as well as Korean salads.

Loads of fruit! – Most of the fruit is grown in the Fergana Valley , it’s absolutely delicious and there is a lot of variety. When I was there in October, it was grapes and melons season!

🏨 Accommodation: where to stay in Uzbekistan

Budget hostels and guest houses.

There is a wide range of budget hostels and guest houses in most cities in Uzbekistan. Most of them are very good value and the perfect place to meet other travelers alike.

Hotels in Uzbekistan

There are also endless mid-range and luxury options in all main cities in Uzbekistan.

You always pay a 2USD registration fee – At any hotel, you always pay an extra 2USD per night you stay. This is a bit annoying for budget backpackers, as 2USD can sometimes be almost 30% of a dorm-bed price.

Keep your registration payslips

All hotels will give you a registration payslip that proves that you stayed there. You are likely to be asked for all your payslips when leaving the country. Basically, they are extremely paranoid and need proof of your actual itinerary, which you will show once, when you are leaving the country. Typically, they just require a payslip for every other day or two days. This means that, if you are camping or stay at people’s places, you would need to stay in a hotel every two days, at least.

Couchsurfing is supposedly illegal

However, you can find many profiles with reviews, so locals don’t really care about it.

🛺 How to move around Uzbekistan: transportation

Traveling around uzbekistan by train.

Trains are the way to travel in Uzbekistan. Most cities are connected by train, they run very regularly and are very comfortable.

It’s recommended to book your train tickets in advance – Especially for long-distance trains. You can book them at the train station itself and always remember to bring your passport.

There are different kinds of train – There is a regular, modern train and the high-speed one. They are built by a Spanish company, so they have many similarities to the AVE and other Spanish trains. Furthermore, there is the Russian train, which is the classic old one from the Soviet Union times.

You must try the Soviet train at least once – Traveling long distance on a Russian train is an experience by itself. I took it from Samarkand, all the way west to Kazakhstan, on a 32-hour journey. You are most likely to be the only foreigner on board and everybody is super friendly with you.

Traveling around Uzbekistan by shared taxi

Also common and really cheap. Between cities, it’s common to travel in shared taxis, which cost even less than a train.

Only in Tashkent, there is metro and it was inspired by the one in Moscow or Saint Petersburg and it’s a delightful masterpiece. For more information, read: Places to visit in Tashkent .

❗ More information for traveling to Uzbekistan

📢 In my Travel Resources Page you can find the list of all the sites and services I use to book hotels, tours, travel insurance and more.

All guides and articles for traveling in Uzbekistan destination

• Travel Guide to Fergana Valley
• Travel Guide to Moynaq
• Tashkent Travel Guide
• Tajikistan-Uzbekistan border crossing
• Uzbekistan Itinerary

Travel guides to other countries in Central Asia

• Tajikistan Travel Guide
• Kyrgyzstan Travel Guide
• Travel Guide to Kazakhstan
• Pakistan Travel Guide
• Afghanistan Travel Guide

39 comments

Excelente información, gracias por compartirla.Aunque mi viaje no sea centrado en trekking la información me ha servido muchísimo, sobre todo en cuanto a cruce de fronteras, distancias y donde vale la pena quedarse. Muchos saludos y buenos viajes!

Un saludo Álvaro, disfruta Uzbekistán!

An excellent, detailed post. Thanks. I’d just like to contrast your vegetarianism comment with my own experience, though, and put others at ease: I was there in 2016 and ate some of the best food I’ve had internationally (the carrot and beetroot side dishes in Bukhara were to die for!) never once needing to resort to markets or special requests from a chef for a meal. We mostly ate in budget restaurants.

Kyrgyzstan, however, was a different beast altogether in that regard.

Thanks for the clarification! Good to know that, as a vegetarian, Uzbekistan is an easier choice. And yes, Kyrgyzstan is for sure more difficult. I remember meeting other travelers who, in the mountains of Kyrgyzstan, they were forced to eat meat (or food cooked with meat) because that was the only available choice besides bread & jam!

Very well written and very informative! For sure I’ll read more of your various articles on Uzbekistan. I’ll travel to Uzbekistan in 3 days and am already quite excited. You asked for feedback on the e-visa application: It took me HOURS to apply! You have to upload your photo and a photo of the data page in your passport. It took me hours to upload these 2 photos. I managed to get my photo uploaded after numerous tries but didn’t know why. The passport photo was rejected again and again and…. What finally did the trick: I changed the ending of the file from …PNG to …png. After that I got the email with the confirmation and payment link within minutes. You have to pay with a credit card and they only accept a Visa Card which I don’t have. I asked around and found a friend with a Visa Card. It is no problem to pay with the Card of someone else. Nevertheless payment didn’t work, as I found out probably because it was after working hours in Uzbekistan. I tried again the next morning, was able to complete payment at first try and got the confirmation via email within minutes. I recieved the Visa the next day, quite speedy.

Hey, thank you so much for the visa feedback! Sounds like a nightmare 😀 !

It was! Thanks to advice I found on different websites I managed, without internet research it would have been impossible for me. I entered the country yesterday. Apparently it is no longer required to declare foreign currency (as long as you travel with less than 2000$, I think, or the equivalent).

Superb, excellent, detailed and tempted post. Really felt like to travel. Regards

Hi, thanks for the wealth of tips here. I’d like to know what is involved when “they go through all your stuff” especially things like digital equipment. Do they take out batteries, turn it on, dismantle?

They just may check your photos, nothing more.

Hey, where are the better rates in black market or banks? And is it not good for solo back packers? I don’t want this trip to end up being alone all the time or surrounded by people from group tours! And when is the high season in Uzbekistan? Is August a good time to visit?

Hey, your answers: – The rate is pretty much the same but it will all depend on which bank / person. You will see when you are there – I saw some backpackers – You can go in August, but it will be very hot. Other seasons are better

Great guide inspiring me in every travel manners to Uzbekistan.

Hey Joan, thanks for putting this guide and the update regarding ATMs. I am planning to visit Uzbekistan in September, but I am afraid that the country is becoming very touristic nowadays, so not sure if I would choose Uzbekistan over other Central Asian destinations. I don’t really like crowded places filled with souvenirs shops and with the tourism booming, it seems that Uzbekistan is moving in this same direction. Thank you and keep up the great work 🙂

Hey man, whereas it is true that some parts of Uzbekistan are literally becoming mass tourism destinations, the fact is that 99% of tourists will only visit Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, which are just 3 cities in a massive country. The rest of Uzbekistan is pretty unspoiled, especially Karakalpakstan and Fergana regions, as well as other areas which I didn’t visit. Even Tashkent seems pretty local, so I recommend you spend a few days in each of those 3 cities and then go discover the rest of the country.

I am a native citizen of Uzbekistan. Was just curious to read about my own country from perpectives of foreign tourist. Marcus, If you happen to visit in Tashkent, you may let me know, I can show some interesting places over here and give you more detailed guide for your further travel. And I will do it with no other intention than as a friendly host. +99899 3686220 you can find me by whatsApp and Telegram.

Bobur, am visiting your country soon, this very 2021…. And indeed, I wish we could link up…. my email is: [email protected] my number: 00233 209096062

Hi, I am planning to travel in May. Is it a good time to come to Uzbekistan? Can you please confirm your number as I could not find it in Telegram. Hope to speak. Thanks, Sona

Hi there, thanks for info, We are traveling tomorrow to Tashkent, me and my husband Kazakhstan citizens, but our two daughters has American citizens, so in website says children under 16 yrs old don’t need a visa, so I hope it’s still works and there is no required visa!

I am just curious where you got your statistic about Uzbekistan being one of the top 20 safest countries in the world because I can’t seem to find that specific information. I am trying to convince somebody to go, so a resource and reference on that number would be helpful to me. Thank you.

Hey Danielle, I think I saw it in the Bradt Guide of Uzbekistan 🙂

Your tips are all so helpful and I love your blog!

I’m going to Uzbekistan in September. As much as I am excited about it, I’m also concerned about diseases and stuff. Did you get vaccination before you went?

Hi Jade, basically, I am vaccinated of absolutely everything, so I didn’t get any particular vaccine for Uzbekistan but in any case, I don’t really recall anyone getting a special vaccine for Central Asia

Gracias por tus consejos generales pero creo que te equivocas sobre los temas de visado. Según información recopilada en 5 Páginas web, la lista de países a los que tú dices que dan visa on arrival Son las lista de países que no necesitan ningún visado, Son países “visa exemption” en los cuales está Argentina, Brasil y Chile y luego tú dices que los viajeros de paises latinoamericanos “deben” sacar Su visado en una embajada. Es bastante confuso y contradictorio. Te sugiero que reveas la información publicada.

Hola Alberto, Brasil no es un país hispano-hablante y por ésto jamás lo incluyo en mis artículos en español. Los países de habla hispana que tienen visado gratis son Chile, Argentina y España, tal y como dice en el artículo.

Por otro lado, yo no sé dónde has leído donde digo que los latinoamericanos tengan que sacarlo en la embajada. Lo que digo es: ”lo más seguro es que NO tengas que ir por este proceso, pero si el sistema de visado electrónico no te funciona, tendrás que ir a la embajada” – El resto de países hispano-hablantes tienen que conseguir el visado vía internet, pero el sistema alguna vez de cada muchas suele fallar, por lo que en este caso, pues deberían de hacerlo vía embajada.

Bien. Lo entendi muy bien al leerlo en primera instante. Gracias hermano. Creo q’ Alberto de leerlo todo de nuevo. Un abrazo desde Ghana. Africa.

Hello. An interesting article you wrote. As a person who was born and raised in Uzbekistan, I really recommend you to visit as well more not-touristic places. For example, there are streets on Darkhan (Hamid Olimjon subway station) where you can find beautiful spots that were not touched by modern architecture and are still in the old style. So, try to find places that are not so popular among tourists. Because you will see the real country/city if, of course, that’s what you want. Because I personally am more into naturalness. September is the perfect time period to visit it here because the weather’s nice, not so hot and not so cold yet as well as Spring is a perfect time. Also, you’ll get into a season of fruits, vegetables that are so delicious. Welcome!

Hi everyone, I would like to share a piece of information which would be, I guess, interesting and beneficial for travellers wishing and planning to visit Uzbekistan. The issue I want to bring up is the problem with buying train tickets online. Because when foreigners want to buy tickets at a place they, more often than not, are sold out. Foreigners usually have trouble buying tickets online if they attempt to do this with their Visa cards due to some technical imperfections on the website . Therefore, I want to give a solution by offering the assistance of local people who will make a purchase instead of travellers. Unlike travel agencies, they do not charge much. The fee varies from 5 to 10 dollars per person, no matter how many tickets the one is going to buy. Isn’t it a solution? The only thing needed is a copy of the passport. The same can be done with airplane tickets. There is no place for hesitation about their reliability as such kind of services can be found on respectable travelling and guiding platforms. I dont know whether I can refer to any of them here. But if you need I can write more.. Any questions are welcome.

Great suggestions herein. Please put your email so that, one can reach you via inbox with some more questions

Hi! I was wondering how airtight the comments about Uzbekistan officials not being stringent on enforcing quarantine is. I have some big travel plans that require my transit through the country next month from the UK, and I just want to check to see how solid the idea that the quarantine rule isn’t enforced before I actually book my flights, as if I’m forced to quarantine I will be wasting thousands of £s.

Hi Owen, So far, there are no travel reports from travelers who were forced into quarantine. Nevertheless, you should know that in these countries, anything can happen

Great postings. However I have been trying to get e visa fo Uzbekistan for past one week, without success, even after getting the validation link the payment gateway did not accept my Visa debit card, it is really frustrating. Has anyone faced this problem?

Pandu India

HI, This a great blog. I am also going to visit Uzbekistan in june. I just wanted to ask that will it be okay if i dont stay in hotel and stay at friend’s apartment. I am pretty nervous about it. i am planning to go for nine days. if you could help me with the answer that would be great.

Uzbekistan is getting more and more touristic every day, so you should be fine 🙂

We (me and my wife and small child) are landing in Bukhara and ending in Tashkent. We have 11 days (including travel to and from UK).

We really want to visit Khiva, but we arrive in Bukhara at 12pm midday after a long overnight flight, so it would be very difficult to jump straight on a train to Khiva from Bukhara after landing.

Alteratively, we could spend two days in Bukhara on landing, then go to Khiva for a couple of days, but it would then be a very long train back to Samarkand, which would be our next stop.

Do you have any advice for us? Thanks!

Hello, it seems you don’t have any other alternative… Trains are pretty good in Uzbekistan so taking a longer one won’t be much of an issue.

I take prescribed drugs as to will be 70 and take Tramadol regularly. Alright it’s not codeine but close enough. I would not travel without it, and I noticed how Muslim countries are obsessed with drugs, even though it’s a packaged med made by drug companies. If bringing in Tramadol is an issue, even with a letter from a doctor, should I skip any plans to go there? Thanks! I don’t want issues with the immigration police or have it confiscated!

Hi Michel, this is a very hard question to answer, and I am afraid I can’t give you an accurate answer…

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The Kyrgyz Republic Travel Advisory

Travel advisory march 8, 2024, kyrgyzstan - level 1: exercise normal precautions.

Reissued after periodic review with edits to the area of higher risks in the border region with Tajikistan.

Exercise normal precautions in the Kyrgyz Republic. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Reconsider Travel to:

• The border region with Tajikistan due to the potential for  violent border clashes .

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to the Kyrgyz Republic.

If you decide to travel to the Kyrgyz Republic:

• Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans.
• Keep travel documents up to date and easily accessible.
• Have evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter .
• Review the Crime and Safety Report for the Kyrgyz Republic.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist .
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

Border Region with Tajikistan – Level 3: Reconsider Travel

Reconsider travel to areas within approximately 30 kilometers of the border with Tajikistan due to intermittent cross-border tensions and violent clashes. Armed violence may occur with little or no warning. Travelers are at heightened risk of injury or death when visiting or transiting that region. 

Travel Advisory Levels

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