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's healthcare system is a mix of Soviet-era state facilities and newer private clinics. Public healthcare is theoretically free for citizens but often requires informal payments. Private facilities cater to foreigners and wealthy locals with significantly better standards.
Hospitals
International clinics in Tashkent include Tashkent International Medical Clinic and Korean Hospital. These are the best options for tourists requiring medical care. For serious medical emergencies, medical evacuation to Turkey, Dubai, or Europe may be necessary and is why comprehensive insurance is critical.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies (apteka) are widely available in cities. Many medications available in the West can be found, though quality and authenticity can be questionable. Bring prescription medications from home with documentation. Common medications like antibiotics are often available without prescription.
Insurance
Travel insurance is not legally required but is absolutely essential. Ensure coverage includes medical evacuation, as serious conditions cannot be adequately treated locally.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring a comprehensive first-aid kit and any prescription medications you might need for your entire trip
- Carry copies of prescriptions and a letter from your doctor explaining any medications, especially controlled substances
- Only use bottled or purified water, even for brushing teeth
- Avoid ice in drinks and raw vegetables unless you can peel them yourself
- Ensure your travel insurance includes medical evacuation coverage of at least $100,000
- Keep contact information for your country's embassy and your insurance provider readily accessible
- Private clinics require cash payment upfront; keep emergency funds available
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur, particularly in crowded tourist areas, bazaars, and on public transportation. Incidents are more common in Tashkent than in other cities but remain relatively infrequent.
Police may stop foreigners for document checks, particularly in Tashkent. While registration requirements have been relaxed, police may still request to see passports, visas, and registration documents. Most checks are routine, but some officers may seek bribes.
Road safety is a significant concern. Driving standards are poor, traffic rules are often ignored, pedestrian crossings are not respected, and road conditions can be hazardous. Accidents involving pedestrians are common.
Traveler's diarrhea and other gastrointestinal issues are common due to different bacteria, food handling practices, and water quality. Tap water is not safe to drink.
Some areas of Uzbekistan, particularly mountain regions and high-altitude destinations, can cause altitude sickness in susceptible individuals.
Summer temperatures regularly exceed 40°C (104°F), particularly in desert regions. Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are real risks for unprepared travelers.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Unofficial taxis and even some official ones may significantly overcharge tourists, especially at airports and train stations. Drivers may claim the meter is broken or quote inflated prices.
While less common since currency reforms, some black market money changers may use sleight of hand to short-change tourists, offer counterfeit notes, or quote attractive rates then switch to worse rates during the transaction.
Individuals posing as police officers may approach tourists claiming to need to check documents or search for counterfeit money, then steal cash or demand bribes.
Some establishments may add extra items to bills, charge for services not rendered, or apply tourist surcharges not mentioned in menus.
Some guides receive commissions from shops, restaurants, or hotels and may pressure tourists to visit these establishments or make purchases, often at inflated prices.
Vendors may sell modern items as genuine antiques or handmade carpets at inflated prices, claiming they are authentic when they are mass-produced reproductions.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Documentation
- Always carry a copy of your passport, visa, and registration documents; police checks are common
- Keep digital copies of all important documents in cloud storage
- Register with your embassy upon arrival for longer stays
- Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure
- Keep hotel registration slips; you may need to show them at checkpoints
Money and Valuables
- Uzbekistan is increasingly cashless in cities, but carry cash for rural areas and small vendors
- Use hotel safes for passports and excess cash
- Divide money between different locations on your person
- ATMs are widely available in cities but may be scarce in rural areas; plan accordingly
- Notify your bank of travel plans to avoid card blocks
- Keep emergency cash in USD or EUR as backup
Communication
- Learn basic Russian or Uzbek phrases; English is not widely spoken outside tourist hotels
- Purchase a local SIM card for reliable communication; major providers include Ucell, Beeline, and UMS
- Download offline maps before traveling to remote areas
- Keep your hotel's business card with you to show taxi drivers
- Have important addresses written in Cyrillic script
Cultural Sensitivity
- Dress modestly, especially when visiting mosques and religious sites; shoulders and knees should be covered
- Remove shoes when entering homes and some traditional restaurants
- Ask permission before photographing people, especially women
- Avoid public displays of affection
- Do not photograph government buildings, military installations, or airports
- Respect Ramadan customs if visiting during this period; avoid eating in public during daylight hours
- The elderly are highly respected; offer your seat on public transport
Transportation
- Use registered taxis or ride-hailing apps; avoid unmarked vehicles
- Train travel is generally safe and reliable for intercity journeys
- If renting a car, hire a local driver rather than driving yourself
- Shared taxis are common but can be cramped; negotiate space for luggage
- Avoid traveling between cities after dark when possible
- Metro in Tashkent is efficient but photography is prohibited in stations
Food and Water
- Only drink bottled water; check seals are intact
- Avoid salads and raw vegetables unless you can peel them
- Choose busy restaurants where food turnover is high
- Be cautious with street food; ensure it's freshly cooked and hot
- Dairy products may not be pasteurized; exercise caution
- Wash hands frequently or use hand sanitizer before eating
Accommodation
- Book accommodation in advance, especially during peak season (April-May, September-October)
- Ensure your hotel or guesthouse provides registration; this is legally required
- Keep your room locked and use the safe if available
- Check reviews from recent travelers on multiple platforms
- Homestays are popular and generally safe, offering authentic cultural experiences
Border Areas
- Avoid areas near the Afghan border; they require special permits and can be dangerous
- Some areas near Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan borders have disputed territories; check current situation
- Border crossings can be slow and bureaucratic; allow extra time
- Do not attempt to cross borders at unofficial points
- Carry all documentation when traveling near border regions
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Uzbekistan is generally safe for women travelers, including solo female travelers. The country has lower rates of harassment compared to some neighboring countries, and locals are generally respectful and helpful. However, Uzbekistan is a conservative, patriarchal society, and women should take sensible precautions and be aware of cultural norms.
- Dress modestly; cover shoulders and knees, especially outside major tourist areas and when visiting religious sites
- Avoid walking alone late at night in unlit areas; use taxis after dark
- On public transportation, sit near other women if possible
- Be prepared for curious questions about marital status and children; this is normal cultural conversation
- Unwanted attention is generally limited to stares; firm but polite refusals are usually respected
- Consider wearing a wedding ring (real or fake) to deflect some unwanted attention
- Book accommodation in reputable hotels or well-reviewed guesthouses
- Trust your instincts; locals, especially women, are often helpful if you feel uncomfortable
- Join group tours or hire guides for remote areas
- Be aware that some traditional restaurants and chaikhanas are male-dominated spaces
- Carry a scarf to cover your head when visiting active mosques
- Solo female travelers are increasingly common and generally well-received in tourist areas
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Male homosexuality is illegal in Uzbekistan, punishable by up to three years in prison, though prosecutions are rare. Female homosexuality is not explicitly illegal but faces social stigma. There are no legal protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
- Exercise extreme discretion; avoid any public displays of affection
- Do not discuss sexual orientation or gender identity with strangers or in public
- Be very cautious about using dating apps; they may be monitored and could lead to extortion or police attention
- Book separate beds in accommodations if traveling as a couple
- Research LGBTQ+-friendly resources through international organizations before traveling
- Be aware that hotel staff may question same-sex couples sharing rooms
- Consider the risks carefully before traveling; some LGBTQ+ travelers may prefer to choose more accepting destinations
- Contact your embassy for support if you encounter legal issues
- Avoid any LGBTQ+ activism or advocacy; this could result in arrest
- Be prepared to deflect personal questions about relationships with vague or conventional answers
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is absolutely essential for Uzbekistan. Medical facilities are limited, and serious conditions require expensive medical evacuation. Insurance is not legally required but is critical for financial protection. Many private medical facilities require proof of insurance or cash payment upfront. Emergency evacuation can cost $50,000-$100,000 or more.
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