Uzbekistan

The Land of Silk
and Splendor

Flag of Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan, a country in Central Asia, is renowned for its rich Silk Road heritage, diverse landscapes, and vibrant culture. Home to iconic landmarks like the Registan Square in Samarkand, the ancient city of Bukhara, and the walled city of Khiva, Uzbekistan offers a unique blend of historical wonders and natural beauty. The country's geography ranges from the Kyzylkum desert to the fertile Fergana Valley and the western Tian Shan mountains.

Uzbek culture is deeply rooted in centuries-old traditions, reflected in its colorful festivals, intricate handicrafts, and cuisine featuring dishes like plov (a rice pilaf) and manti (dumplings). Known for its warm hospitality, stunning Islamic architecture, and as a key stop on the ancient Silk Road, Uzbekistan presents a captivating destination that combines well-preserved history with modern developments in cities like Tashkent.

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Driving

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Legal

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Travel Documents

Travel Documents: What You Need to Know

Passport Requirements

  • Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: A valid passport is generally required for entry into Uzbekistan.
  • Passport validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned stay in Uzbekistan (6 months recommended for some visa types).

Visa Requirements

  • Visa-exempt countries: Citizens from over 90 nations (e.g., US, Canada, EU countries, Australia, Japan, Russia) can enter Uzbekistan with a valid passport and stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa (30 days for some, e.g., UK, extendable).
  • Visa-required countries: Travelers from nations not on the visa-exempt list (e.g., Afghanistan, some African countries) must possess a valid passport and obtain a visa prior to entering Uzbekistan through an Uzbek embassy or the e-Visa system.

Special Entry Provisions

  • Holders of valid, multiple-entry Schengen visas (previously used in a Schengen state) do not automatically qualify for visa-free entry; visa requirements depend on nationality, though exemptions cover many Schengen countries.
  • Citizens with valid, multiple-entry US or UK visas (previously used in the issuing country) do not automatically qualify for visa-free entry unless from a visa-exempt country; otherwise, an e-Visa is required.
  • Holders of valid residence permits from Schengen states, the US, or the UK do not qualify for visa-free entry unless from a visa-exempt country; an e-Visa or visa is required.
  • ID Card Entry: No countries are permitted to enter Uzbekistan using only a national ID card; a passport is mandatory for all travelers.

Visa Types

  • Type "C" Visa: Allows entry and stay for 90 days within 180 days (tourist e-Visa). Can be single, double, or multiple entry, with validity up to 5 years; extendable with approval from the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
  • Type "D" Visa: For stays longer than 90 days within 180 days (e.g., work, study). Valid for one year with a 90-day stay period, allowing application for a residence permit with approval from the Ministry of Internal Affairs or sponsor.

Important Links

Additional Considerations

  • Length of stay: Visa-free stays are typically limited to 90 days within a 180-day period (30 days for some, extendable at local OVIR offices).
  • Purpose of visit: Different rules apply for work, study, or long-term stays; work visas require sponsorship from an Uzbek employer. Registration with OVIR (Department of Visas and Registration) is mandatory within 3 days for stays over 3 days if not at a hotel. Travel to border zones (e.g., near Afghanistan) may require a permit.
  • COVID-19 measures: Always check for current health-related entry requirements or restrictions, as Uzbekistan may reintroduce measures like mandatory health declarations or vaccination proof.
Toll

Driving in Uzbekistan

Current Toll Roads

  • As of 2025, there are no formal toll roads in Uzbekistan. Major routes like the Tashkent-Samarkand Highway and Tashkent-Andijan Highway are in use but not tolled; however, occasional checkpoint fees may apply informally.

Toll Rates and Payment

  • Not applicable; no official toll roads exist. Informal checkpoint fees, if encountered, vary (e.g., UZS 10,000-50,000) based on vehicle and route. For updates, visit the Ministry of Transport website when operational: https://mintrans.uz/.
  • Payment Methods:
    • Cash: Uzbek Som (UZS) is accepted for any informal fees.
    • Credit/Debit Cards: Not accepted for road-related payments.
    • Electronic Toll Collection: No ETC system is implemented; infrastructure remains basic.

Driving in Uzbekistan

  • Drive on the right side of the road.
  • Seat belts are mandatory for all vehicle occupants, though enforcement varies outside cities.
  • Speed limits:
    • Urban areas: 40-60 km/h
    • Rural roads: 70-90 km/h
    • Highways: 100-110 km/h (e.g., Tashkent-Samarkand Highway)
  • Road conditions vary; highways like Tashkent-Samarkand are paved and improving, but rural roads (e.g., to Khiva or Nukus) can be potholed, narrow, or affected by dust storms and snow (winter months, December-February).
  • International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended alongside your national driver’s license, valid for up to 1 year. A local license is required for longer stays, obtainable from the Traffic Police Department (GAI).

Important Considerations

  • Vignette System: Uzbekistan is not considering implementing a vignette system for road use; check https://mintrans.uz/ for future updates.
  • Road Safety: Driving can be challenging due to erratic drivers, poor rural road conditions, and frequent police checkpoints. Night driving is risky outside cities due to poor lighting and livestock on roads.
  • GPS and Maps: GPS is reliable in urban areas (e.g., Tashkent); apps like Google Maps work, but keep an updated physical map as a backup for remote regions like the Aral Sea area.
  • Emergency Number: Dial 112 for emergencies (response varies by region).

Useful Links

Uzbekistan Currency

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

Key Information

  • Banknotes: 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 50,000, 100,000, 200,000 UZS
  • Coins: 50, 100, 200, 500 UZS
  • Symbol: сўм (often written as UZS)

Currency Exchange

  • Exchange services are available at banks, airports (e.g., Tashkent International Airport), and authorized money changers in major cities like Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara; USD and EUR are widely accepted for exchange.
  • ATMs are available in urban areas for UZS withdrawals, but less common in rural regions; Visa and Mastercard are accepted at most.

Payment Methods

  • Cash is preferred, especially in rural areas and markets (e.g., Chorsu Bazaar in Tashkent).
  • Credit/debit cards are accepted in cities, hotels, and larger establishments; digital payments are growing in urban centers like Tashkent.

Travel Tips

  • Inform your bank of travel plans to avoid card issues.
  • Carry some cash (small UZS denominations or USD) for small purchases and rural areas, as digital payments are limited outside cities.
  • Check for currency conversion fees when using cards; the UZS fluctuates (e.g., 1 USD ≈ 12,700 UZS as of early 2025).
  • For current exchange rates, visit the Central Bank of Uzbekistan website: https://cbu.uz/
Laws

Legal Essentials for Traveling in Uzbekistan

Understanding local laws and regulations is crucial for a safe and compliant visit. Below are key legal considerations for travellers in Uzbekistan, updated as of 2025.

Local Laws & Restrictions

  • Drugs: Strict penalties for possession or trafficking, including lengthy prison sentences; even small quantities can lead to criminal charges and deportation.
  • Alcohol & Smoking:
    • Public intoxication is frowned upon and can lead to fines, especially in conservative areas.
    • Smoking is banned in indoor public spaces and on public transport; enforcement varies.
  • Cultural Sensitivities: Respect Islamic traditions; dress modestly at religious sites (e.g., Registan in Samarkand). Avoid discussing politics (e.g., government policies, regional tensions).
  • LGBTIQ+ Rights: Same-sex relationships are illegal, with penalties including imprisonment; same-sex marriage is not recognized. Public displays of affection may attract legal or social backlash.
  • Photography: Restricted near military sites, border areas (e.g., near Tajikistan), or critical infrastructure; always ask permission for portraits of locals, especially at cultural sites.

Duty-Free Limits

  • Alcohol: 1L spirits.
  • Tobacco: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars.
  • Cash: Declare amounts over USD 5,000 (or equivalent).

Prohibited Items

  • Narcotics, weapons, materials deemed anti-government or religiously offensive (e.g., extremist literature).
  • Counterfeit goods may face fines or confiscation.

Luggage Issues

  • Report lost/damaged luggage within 21 days via a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) at the airport (e.g., Tashkent International Airport).

Complaints

  • Submit grievances to the Uzbekistan Tourism Agency or local police.

Beach Access

  • Uzbekistan is landlocked with no beaches; public access to lakes (e.g., Lake Charvak) must allow free access within 2.5 meters of the shoreline. Wheelchair access is legally mandated but rarely implemented due to infrastructure limits.

Key Resources

Uzbekistan Travel Safety

Uzbekistan is generally safe for travellers, with low crime rates in tourist areas and a reputation for hospitality, though remote regions and border areas require caution. Below is a concise guide to staying safe and healthy in Uzbekistan.

Safety Overview

  • Crime: Petty theft (e.g., pickpocketing) is rare but possible in crowded areas like markets (e.g., Siyob Bazaar in Samarkand) or transport hubs. Violent crime against tourists is extremely uncommon in cities but higher near borders.
  • Solo/Female Travelers: Uzbekistan is considered safe, with locals often welcoming. Female travelers should dress modestly outside tourist zones and avoid isolated areas at night, though risks are low.
  • Road Safety:
    • Driving can be challenging due to erratic drivers, poor rural road conditions, and winter hazards (e.g., snow in Tashkent region, December-February).
    • Avoid night driving in rural areas (e.g., Fergana Valley) due to poor lighting and road quality; checkpoints are common.
    • Seat belts and helmets (for motorbikes) are mandatory but enforcement varies.

Health Risks

  • Food/Water Safety:
    • Avoid tap water; drink bottled or boiled water.
    • Practice safe eating habits to prevent travellers’ diarrhea; street food (e.g., plov, samsa) is safe if freshly prepared.
  • Vaccinations:
    • Recommended: Hepatitis A, typhoid, tetanus, COVID-19, and rabies (for rural travel).
    • Yellow Fever: Required only if arriving from a risk country.
  • Insect-Borne Diseases: Use insect repellent to guard against rare cases of malaria or leishmaniasis in rural areas (e.g., near Amu Darya River).
  • Altitude Sickness: Risk exists in areas above 2,500 meters (e.g., Chatkal Mountains at 4,500m). Ascend gradually and stay hydrated if hiking in high-altitude areas.

Medical Facilities

  • Hospitals: Private facilities like Tashkent International Medical Clinic offer decent care; rural areas (e.g., Nukus) lack advanced facilities, often requiring evacuation to Tashkent or abroad.
  • Pharmacies: Available in cities but stock may be limited; carry essentials for remote regions like the Kyzylkum Desert.
  • Insurance: Ensure coverage includes medical evacuation due to limited rural care and seasonal road closures.

Emergency Contacts

  • General Emergency: 112 (works for police, ambulance, fire).
  • Ambulance: 103 | Fire: 101 | Police: 102.
  • Tourist Police (Tashkent): +998 71-120-5555 (limited capacity).

Travel Tips

  • Roads: Rent a 4x4 for rural/mountainous areas (e.g., Ugam-Chatkal National Park); check insurance coverage and travel with a guide for remote routes.
  • Hiking: Use local guides for trails (e.g., Nuratau Mountains); border areas (e.g., near Turkmenistan) may have unexploded ordnance risks.
  • Cultural Sensitivity: Respect Islamic customs; avoid pointing soles of feet at people or religious objects. Dress modestly at sites like Shah-i-Zinda.
  • Air Quality: Pollution can be moderate in Tashkent during winter; monitor via the World Air Quality Index.

Key Links

Flying to Uzbekistan

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