Uzbekistan Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Uzbekistan.
Healthcare System
Uzbekistan has a mix of public and private healthcare. Public facilities are often under-resourced and rarely meet Western standards. Private clinics in major cities (Tashkent, Samarkand) offer better care and English-speaking doctors.
Hospitals
For tourists, private international clinics in Tashkent (like 'German Medical Center' or 'SUN Clinic') are the best option. Avoid public hospitals except for the most minor issues.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies ("dorixona") are widespread. Many common medications are available without prescription, but brand names differ. Bring an adequate supply of any prescription medications you need, in their original containers.
Insurance
Travel medical insurance with coverage for medical evacuation is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED and often required by tour operators. Ensure it covers treatment at private clinics.
Healthcare Tips
- Carry a basic first-aid kit including anti-diarrheal medication, rehydration salts, and any personal prescriptions.
- Drink only bottled or purified water. Avoid ice in drinks and unpeeled raw fruits/vegetables to prevent traveler's diarrhea.
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
The most common issue for tourists, occurring in crowded bazaars, markets, public transport, and tourist sites.
Road discipline is poor. Driving is aggressive, and pedestrian crossings are often ignored. Road conditions can be hazardous, at night.
Individuals at historical sites may offer guide services or sell tickets at inflated prices.
Police have the right to check your identification (passport and visa/registration) at any time. This is routine but can be intimidating.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
A person posing as a plainclothes officer demands to see your documents, then claims there is a problem with your visa or registration and insists on an on-the-spot cash 'fine'.
Taxis without meters or agreed-upon fares will charge exorbitant rates at the end of the journey, from airports or train stations.
Money changers in unofficial markets may use sleight of hand to give you less cash than agreed, or give outdated/out-of-circulation notes.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
General & Theft Prevention
- Register your stay: If staying in a private rental (not a hotel) for more than 3 days, you must obtain a registration slip from the local OVIR office. Hotels do this automatically.
- Dress modestly: when visiting mosques and religious sites. Cover shoulders and knees.
- Photography: Avoid photographing military installations, airports, bridges, and police. Always ask permission before photographing people.
Transport & Getting Around
- Use Yandex Go for taxis. It's safe, reliable, and eliminates price negotiation.
- Be cautious on marshrutkas (minibuses): They are cheap but can be crowded and are hotspots for pickpockets.
- For long-distance travel, the high-speed Afrosiyob train between Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara is safe, comfortable, and efficient.
Money & Valuables
- Carry small denominations of Uzbek Som for daily expenses as change can be scarce.
- Use ATMs inside banks or shopping centers during daylight hours. Notify your bank of your travel plans.
- Leave unnecessary valuables and a second credit card in your hotel safe.
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Uzbekistan is generally safe for solo women travelers. Unwanted attention is relatively rare compared to some other destinations, but conservative dress and demeanor are respected and can minimize hassle.
- Dress conservatively (covering shoulders, chest, and knees) to blend in and avoid unwanted attention, outside Tashkent.
- It is uncommon for women to be approached or harassed by strange men in public. If you are, a firm "No" ("Yo'q" in Uzbek) is usually effective.
- Avoid walking alone in deserted areas at night. Use the Yandex Go app for reliable taxi transport.
- Women may be asked personal questions (marital status, children) out of cultural curiosity, not malice.
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is decriminalized but same-sex relationships are not legally recognized. There are no laws protecting against discrimination. 'Propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations' is banned, mirroring Russian law, and can be used against public displays or advocacy.
- Exercise extreme discretion. Avoid public displays of affection.
- Be cautious when discussing personal life with strangers, guides, or hotel staff.
- Same-sex couples may wish to book twin beds and refer to each other as 'friends' to avoid uncomfortable questions.
- Dating apps should be used with great caution.
Travel Insurance
Essential due to the potential need for private healthcare and, most critically, medical evacuation in case of serious illness or accident, as local facilities are not equipped for complex care.
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