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Reissued after periodic review with no changes.
Exercise normal precautions in Uzbekistan.
Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Uzbekistan.
If you decide to travel to Uzbekistan:
Must be valid for at least three months beyond your allowed period of stay.
One page required for entry stamp.
Yes.
None required. Vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
None.
There is no foreign currency restriction, but the amount of U.S. dollars or any foreign currency in the traveler’s possession upon exiting Uzbekistan may not exceed the total amount declared by the traveler upon entry to Uzbekistan. If it does, the traveler must present documentation showing the source of the additional currency.
3 Moyqorghon Street, 5th block
Yunusobod District, 100093
Tashkent
Uzbekistan
Telephone: +(998) (78) 120-5450
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(998) (78) 120-5450
Fax: +(998) (71) 120-5448
Email: ACSTashkent@state.gov
See the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Uzbekistan for information on U.S.-Uzbekistan relations
Visit the Embassy of Uzbekistan website for the most current visa information.
There are two types of visas that are available for Uzbekistan, "physical” and “e-visa.” For both types of visas:
Physical Visas: Some categories of travelers such as students, investors, and businesspersons require a physical visa. U.S. citizens should apply for physical visas well in advance of their travel and should apply through Uzbekistan’s consular missions abroad, including the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Washington, D.C. A list of Uzbekistan’s consular missions abroad is available on the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
E-Visas: Travelers wishing to enter for Uzbekistan for tourism for 30 days or less may apply for an e-visa. E-visa application processing, including fees and visa validity, can be found by visiting the Embassy of Uzbekistan website. The e-visa application is submitted through the government of Uzbekistan’s e-visa portal.
Tips for entering Uzbekistan on an E-Visa:
Visa-free Entry for U.S. Citizens under 16: U.S. citizens who are under 16 and traveling for tourism are eligible for a visa-free regime. They should present a valid U.S. passport at the point of entry and must be accompanied by their legal guardians. The period of stay generally will correspond with the duration of the visa of the accompanying guardian and will not exceed 90 days. More information is available at the Embassy of Uzbekistan website.
Visa-free Entry for Foreign Citizens over 55: U.S. citizens who are older than 55 and traveling for tourism are eligible for a visa-free regime with a valid passport. The period of stay cannot exceed 30 days. More information is available at the Embassy of Uzbekistan website.
Registration: The government of Uzbekistan requires all foreigners to register with the local authorities within three days of arrival in Uzbekistan. From the date of the initial registration, travelers are responsible for maintaining uninterrupted registration. Visit our Registration in Uzbekistan website for more information.
Border Crossings: Travel within Uzbekistan by rail or land sometimes requires brief entries into neighboring countries. Travelers should obtain a multiple-entry Uzbek visa as well as proper visas for the relevant neighboring countries, if needed.
Airport Screening Procedures: All travelers should anticipate strict airport security screening procedures. Travelers wishing to be screened privately should note secondary screening procedures are more thorough than those conducted at the primary security checkpoint.
HIV/AIDS: Some HIV/AIDS entry restrictions exist for visitors and foreign residents of Uzbekistan. Long-term visitors may be required to submit HIV test results along with their visa application. For more information, contact the Embassy of Uzbekistan before you travel.
Find information on dual nationality, prevention of international child abduction and customs regulations on our websites.
Terrorism: Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad. Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack – including knives, firearms, and vehicles – to more effectively target crowds. Frequently, their aim is unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as:
For more information, see our Terrorism page.
Demonstrations are rare and unlikely to occur, particularly inside Tashkent. However, clashes between police and protesters have resulted in deaths in the past.
Crime: Violent crime against foreign nationals is rare, but can occur, especially in larger cities and primarily during late night hours. In urban areas, travelers are urged to take the same precautions they would take in any large U.S. city. If traveling at night, stay in well-lit areas, travel in groups, maintain a low profile, and do not display large amounts of cash. Beware of pickpockets in public places, such as tourist destinations, train stations, and local markets. Although using private cars as taxis is common in Uzbekistan, U.S. citizens, especially women, should not consider this a safe practice. U.S. citizens are encouraged to use clearly marked taxis, such as those at hotels, and should avoid riding in unmarked taxis.
Scams: See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information on scams.
Victims of Crime: Report crimes to the local police at 102 (Tashkent) or 02 (most of Uzbekistan) and to the U.S. Embassy at + (998) (78) 120-5450.
We can:
See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas.
Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy for assistance.
Tourism: The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities. First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities and to provide urgent medical treatment. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage.
Criminal Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the foreign countries they visit. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.
Furthermore, certain acts of U.S. citizens overseas are prosecutable as crimes in the United States even if they are not illegal under the local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.
Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our webpage for further information.
Counterfeit and Pirated Goods: Counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries and they may be illegal according to the local laws. You may be subject to fines and/or have to give up the counterfeit and pirated goods if you bring them back to the United States. See the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website and the U.S. Department of Justice website for more information.
Faith-Based Travelers: See the following webpages for details:
International Volunteers
LGBTQI+ Travelers: Sexual relations between men are against the law and punishable by up to three years’ imprisonment. The law does not specifically address same-sex sexual activity between women. Same-sex sexual activity is a taboo subject in Uzbekistani society, and there are no registered LGBTQI+ organizations. See our LGBTQI+ Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details.
Travelers with Disabilities: The law in Uzbekistan prohibits discrimination against persons with physical, sensory, intellectual, or mental disabilities, and the law is enforced. Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public is not as prevalent as in the United States. Buildings, public transportation, and social infrastructure facilities, such as clinics and schools, are rarely adapted for use by persons with disabilities.
Students: See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips.
Women Travelers: See our travel tips for Women Travelers.
Medical care in Uzbekistan is below U.S. standards with shortages of basic medical supplies, including disposable needles, anesthetics, and antibiotics. Some medication sold in local pharmacies is known to be counterfeit. Elderly travelers and those with pre-existing health problems may be at particular risk due to inadequate medical facilities. Most resident U.S. citizens travel to North America or Europe for their medical needs.
Generally, in hospitals only minimal staff is available overnight, and medical staff may speak little or no English. Patients bear all costs for transfer to or between hospitals. Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in the larger cities, with hospital-based care only available through government institutions.
For emergency services in Uzbekistan, dial 103 (Tashkent) or 03 (most of Uzbekistan).
Other provider numbers are:
Ambulance services are:
The Department of State, U.S. embassies, and U.S. consulates do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.
Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas. We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.
Pharmaceuticals:
Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Further health information:
Water Quality: In many areas of Uzbekistan, tap water is not potable. Bottled water and beverages are generally safe. Be aware that ice for drinks may be made using tap water.
Air Quality: Visit AirNow Department of State for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates. Air pollution is a significant problem in major cities in Uzbekistan. Consider the impact seasonal smog and heavy particulate pollution may have on you and consult your doctor before traveling if necessary.
Adventure Travel: Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about Adventure Travel.
U.S. Embassy Tashkent’s Consular Section maintains a list of medical contacts
Road Conditions and Safety: Uzbekistan has a developed but inconsistently maintained traffic infrastructure. Although main roads in central Tashkent are relatively well maintained, many secondary roads inside and outside Tashkent are in poor condition. Exercise caution on rural or mountainous roads.
Driving at night can be dangerous. Rural roads and highways are generally not lit, and only major cities have streetlights. The fuel supply can be sporadic, and travelers may encounter occasional difficulty finding gasoline outside Tashkent.
Livestock, as well as farm equipment and animal-drawn carts that lack lights or reflectors, are found on both urban and rural roads at any hour. Local drivers are unfamiliar with safe driving techniques. Drivers often disregard traffic signals, ignore lane markings, and move erratically and at high speeds. Pedestrians cross streets unexpectedly and often without looking for oncoming traffic.
Passersby and drivers generally respond quickly to automobile accidents and notify relevant authorities; however, police may not arrive at the scene right away. There are private roadside assistance services available in Uzbekistan that can assist with towing, fuel refill, tire replacement, etc.
Traffic Laws: Uzbekistan has a large traffic police force, which frequently stops drivers for minor infractions or simple document checks. There have been reports of traffic police harassing foreign drivers and asking them for bribes.
Public Transportation: Public transportation in the city is often overcrowded and not always safe. Avoid using unmarked taxis or entering a cab that already has passengers. Most taxis lack working seatbelts in the back seat. Buses and shuttle buses (marshrutkas), especially in residential areas, lack necessary route maps and information, and driver schedules may be unpredictable.
See our Road Safety page for more information.
Aviation Safety Oversight: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Uzbekistan’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Uzbekistan’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.
Make two copies of all of your travel documents in case of emergency, and leave one with a trusted friend or relative.
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