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.
Uzbekistan's public healthcare system is underfunded and lacks modern equipment. Private clinics in Tashkent offer better standards. Rural facilities are very basic.
Serious issues usually mean private hospitals in Tashkent, such as the German-Uzbek Clinic or the Republican Specialized Scientific-Practical Medical Center. Payment is often expected upfront, even in emergencies.
Pharmacies are common in cities and stock many medications. Prescription drugs might need a local doctor's note. Over-the-counter pain relievers are widely available.
Travel insurance is not legally required. It is highly recommended. Medical costs add up quickly. Evacuation for serious conditions might be necessary.
- ✓ Bring ample prescription medications. Include a doctor's note. Finding specific brands in Uzbekistan can be difficult.
- ✓ Consider insurance with medical evacuation coverage. Local healthcare has limitations outside major urban centers.
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing and bag-snatching happen. Crowded bazaars and public transport are prime spots. This tells you where to be extra cautious.
Road safety standards fall below Western levels. Driving is chaotic. Some vehicles are poorly maintained.
Traveler's diarrhea can strike from contaminated food or water. It's less frequent in tourist-oriented establishments.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Airport and train station drivers might quote inflated prices to tourists. They may refuse meters, claiming fixed rates well above local norms.
Fake police might stop tourists to check documents, then demand fines or bribes for minor or invented infractions.
Some money changers shortchange tourists or use outdated rates, in informal settings outside banks.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
- • Carry photocopies of passport and visa. Leave originals in your hotel safe. Keep valuables there too.
- • Use ATMs inside banks or secure locations. Skimming devices are occasionally reported in urban areas.
- • For long-distance travel, try reputable train services. The high-speed Afrosiyob between Tashkent and Samarkand is reliable and safe.
- • If renting a car, know that road conditions deteriorate quickly outside cities. Local driving habits can be aggressive.
- • Dress modestly, at religious sites. Cover shoulders and knees. This is appreciated and helps avoid unwanted attention.
- • Always ask before photographing people. Some locals, in rural areas, may be uncomfortable with it.
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women traveling alone usually leave smiling. Stares happen, mostly in villages where men rarely see foreign faces.
- → Loose trousers. Long sleeves. Problem solved.
- → Using pre-booked taxis or ride-hailing apps at night is a sensible precaution.
- → Book where other women have already slept well.
Article 120 still outlaws male same-sex relations. Up to three years inside. The courts apply it.
- → Keep affection private. Keep stories vague.
- → Two beds raise fewer eyebrows at reception.
Travel Insurance
Protect yourself before you travel.
Hospitals vary. Evacuation costs soar. Buy solid cover.
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