Exercise normal precautions when traveling to Uzbekistan.
Read the Safety and Security section on the country information page.
If you decide to travel to Uzbekistan:
Must be valid at time of entry
One page required for entry stamp
Yes
None required. Vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
None
The amount of U.S. dollars or any foreign currency may not exceed the total declared by the traveler upon entry. If it does, the traveler must present bank documents showing the source of the additional currency
3 Moyqorghon Street, 5th block
Yunusobod District, 100093
Tashkent
Uzbekistan
Telephone: +(998) (71) 120-5450
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(998) (71) 120-5450
Fax: +(998) (71) 120-5448
consulartashkent@state.gov
See the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Uzbekistan for additional information on U.S.-Uzbekistan relations.
Uzbek Immigration Law: Uzbek immigration laws and regulations are complex and often enforced in a discretionary, arbitrary manner. In some cases, U.S. citizen travelers have received contradictory guidance from Uzbek officials. The Department of State strives to provide accurate information but has no authority over Uzbek entry and exit controls or visa requirements. For more information, contact the Uzbek Embassy in the United States, the Uzbek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Uzbek Ministry of Interior (page in Russian and Uzbek only).
Visas: All U.S. citizen travelers must possess a valid Uzbek visa in a valid U.S. passport. Visitors may not enter Uzbekistan with a valid Uzbek visa in a canceled or expired U.S. passport, even if they present another valid U.S. passport at the port of entry. Visit the visa information page of the Uzbek Embassy in Washington, D.C., for current visa information.
U.S. citizens should apply for visas well in advance of their travel. Visitors coming from countries in which Uzbekistan does not have diplomatic or consular representation should obtain visas in a third country. A list of Uzbekistan’s consular missions abroad is available on the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Visas cannot be obtained upon arrival at Uzbek airports.
Visitors most often apply for three types of visas:
Tourist Visas (T):
Visitors who will stay at hotels should apply for tourist (T) visas. Such visitors are required to stay at hotels and may not legally stay at private residences. Hotels are responsible for registering guests with T visas with the Office of Migration and Citizenship Issues of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, commonly known as OVIR, and will ask guests to turn over their passports so that hotel staff may perform this task. Tourist visas cannot be extended after arriving in Uzbekistan.
Private Visitor Visas (PV):
Visitors who will stay at private residences (e.g., with friends or family) should apply for private visitor (PV) visas. Official invitation letters are required in order to apply for a PV visa. PV visa holders are responsible for registering at OVIR offices within three days of arrival in country. PV visa holders who stay at multiple residences are responsible for re-registering each time they move to another address and need to plan accordingly to provide for an uninterrupted registration between moves. If PV visa holders decide to stay at hotels, the hotel staff will then complete the guest’s registration with OVIR for the hotel stay.
Business Visas (B):
According to the current system, U.S. citizens may request business visas with validity of up to one year and allowing multiple entries. This should be noted both on the invitation letter and the visa application. That said, the Government of Uzbekistan recently announced that it is planning on “simplifying” the visa process effective July 1, 2018 for citizens of numerous countries, including citizens of the United States. While no indications have been given that invitations and other similar requirements will not be needed, this change may indeed be part of the “simplification” process.
The U.S. Embassy is committed to visa reciprocity for U.S. citizens and welcomes any feedback on the validity of the visas U.S. citizen business travelers are receiving.
Please visit the visa information page of the Uzbek Embassy in Washington, D.C., for details about these visa categories.
Visa Validity and Duration of Stay: Uzbek visas not only indicate the validity of the visa but also the period of time a person is allowed to stay in Uzbekistan on a given trip. A visitor must leave the country before passage of the number of days listed as the authorized duration of stay on the visa. Include precise dates for your planned period of stay on your Uzbek visa application.
Overstay Penalties: Overstaying your visa by any time at all may result in a USD 2,000 fine and a delay of a week or more before the Uzbek authorities allow you to exit the country. Travel agencies and tour companies may also be fined if customers overstay their visas or for visa application errors.
Exit Visa: Tourist visa holders who are unable to depart Uzbekistan by the visa expiration date or end date of their authorized period of stay must apply for an exit visa from the OVIR office at the Tashkent International Airport. The application must be submitted before the anticipated overstay. The service normally costs USD 160, and there is no guarantee OVIR will approve the request. Private visitor visa holders must apply for extensions at the district OVIR office at which they are registered. Again, the application must be filed before any overstay, the cost is normally USD 160, and there is no guarantee of approval.
Registering Your Temporary Residence in Uzbekistan: All travelers present in Uzbekistan for more than three business days must register with OVIR in the district or city in which they are staying. All foreign nationals are required to obtain valid registration by their third day in Uzbekistan (excluding Sundays and national holidays). From the date of the initial registration, travelers are responsible for maintaining uninterrupted registration, and the initial three-day grace period no longer applies for subsequent moves. This means travelers must apply for registration at the new residence in advance of their intended move. The three-day grace period does not apply to tourist visa holders, who must register at a hotel as soon as they arrive in Uzbekistan. Therefore, it is important to apply for this registration as soon as possible to avoid a fine and other penalties. Registration fees vary depending on length of stay, ranging from USD 20 for a one-month stay to USD 200 for a stay of up to a year. Visitors without proper registration are subject to fines and deportation; the fines range from USD 1,000 to USD 12,000.
Border Crossings: Travel within Uzbekistan by rail or land sometimes requires brief entries into neighboring countries. Travelers should obtain multiple-entry Uzbek visas as well as proper visas for the relevant neighboring countries if needed.
Many of Uzbekistan’s land border crossings are restricted to use by Uzbek citizens and nationals of the country sharing that particular border. For more information on bordering countries see the Travel Advisories for Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan. Land crossings by U.S. citizens and other third country nationals are often restricted to specific border posts. U.S. citizen travelers planning an overland border crossing should ensure they will cross at an authorized point.
In certain areas of Fergana Valley, many direct routes are along roads that may temporarily cross poorly demarcated or disputed borders. These so-called transit roads are used daily by locals without incident. U.S. citizens traveling in the region, however, are advised that crossing the border in this manner, even inadvertently, may be considered an immigration violation. Taking photos or filming in border areas is prohibited and doing so may result in detainment and questioning by border guards. Please contact the Uzbek Embassy in Washington, D.C., for the most up-to-date information.
Customs Restrictions: Uzbekistan introduced new rules on import and export of foreign currency cash to the country starting January 1, 2018. Private individuals are no longer required to declare foreign currency cash up to the equivalent of USD2000 when entering and exiting Uzbekistan. Foreigners can take out foreign currency cash in excess of USD2000 only if they declared a higher amount when they entered the country and can prove it with a customs declaration from their original entry. Therefore, it is important to retain the customs declaration form, if it was completed upon entry, until the day of departure from Uzbekistan.
Private individuals who are not importing foreign currency cash exceeding USD2000 and don’t have other items to declare to customs are free to use the newly established “green” line at international airports in Uzbekistan. There is no limit to the amount of foreign currency to be imported into Uzbekistan as long as any foreign currency cash with a value in excess of USD2000 is declared on a customs declaration form. Those who understate the amount of currency on the declaration form upon departure from Uzbekistan face fines and confiscation of their unreported money.
Uzbek customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning the temporary import to or export from Uzbekistan of items such as armaments and ammunition, space technology, encryption devices, X-ray and isotope equipment, nuclear materials, poisons, drugs, precious and semi-precious metals, cancelled securities, pieces of art, and antiques of historical value.
Uzbek customs authorities also strictly control the importation of controlled pharmaceuticals and psychotropic medicine, e.g. antianxiety and antidepressant medicine, for personal use while in or transiting through the territory of Uzbekistan. Customs authorities routinely analyze the length of stay of all visitors and ensure that the amount of controlled narcotics and psychotropic prescription pharmaceuticals does not exceed a quantity which they consider within lawful guidelines. Under Uzbek law, for foreign citizens transiting Uzbekistan, the amount of prescription narcotics may not exceed the dose required for seven days, and the amount of psychotropic substances may not exceed the dose required for a fifteen-day period (please note that Lorazepam-based medicine, regardless of the brand name, is considered a controlled substance by Uzbek law).
All visitors who expect to visit or transit through Uzbekistan with restricted types of prescription medicines should declare their prescription medicines in item 6 of the customs declaration form and present all medicines to a customs official, in addition to a letter from their physician (preferably translated into Russian and/or Uzbek) which declares the diagnosis of the traveler, the name(s) of the prescription(s), dosage, and the duration of consumption and a copy of the actual prescription/script for each medicine.
Finally, travelers are advised that Uzbek customs laws and regulations are complex and often enforced in a discretionary, arbitrary manner. Regardless of compliance with the aforementioned procedures, the importation of any quantity of prescription medication may result in fines, arrest, and/or detention by the Uzbek authorities. Visit the U.S. Embassy's website for specific information and the text of the actual legislation.
HIV/AIDS: Some HIV/AIDS entry restrictions exist for visitors to 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 Uzbek Embassy in Washington, D.C., before you travel.
Dual Nationals: Please note that Uzbekistan does not recognize dual nationality. If the holder of an Uzbek passport enters the country, they must use that passport, regardless of any other citizenships held, including U.S citizenship. Once the holder of an Uzbek passport enters Uzbekistan, their U.S. citizenship will not be recognized by local authorities, which severely limits the assistance permitted by the U.S. Embassy. Holders of Uzbek passports, regardless of other citizenships held, including U.S. citizenship, are subject to all local laws pertaining to exit permits.
Biometric Passport Requirement: Obtaining a biometric Uzbek passport and a new exit permit in that passport takes several months and may significantly delay dual nationals’ departure from Uzbekistan. Please see the website of the Uzbek Embassy in Washington, D.C. for more information.
Travel on a Biometric Passport:
Travel on a Non-Biometric Passport: Uzbek citizens may use their non-biometric Uzbek passport as a travel document solely to re-enter Uzbekistan, and to transit through the territory of third countries, if the validity period specified therein has not expired. This provision is valid until July 1, 2018.
Restrictions on Travel of a Minor of an Uzbek Citizen Parent: Uzbek diplomatic missions will refuse to issue a visa to a U.S. citizen minor if at least one of the minor’s parents is an Uzbek citizen who has registered a permanent residence (“propiska”) in Uzbekistan. In these cases, the Uzbek Embassy in Washington, D.C., or the Consulate General in New York will either issue an Uzbek birth certificate or a certificate for return to Uzbekistan. More information on dual nationality as well as the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our website. U.S. Embassy Tashkent also has a webpage dedicated to issues faced by dual nationals.
The Department of State advises U.S. citizens that the potential for a terrorist attack or localized civil disturbance still exists in Uzbekistan. Supporters of terrorist groups such as the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, al-Qai’da, ISIS, and the Islamic Jihad Union are active in the Central Asian region. Members of these groups have expressed anti-U.S. sentiments and have attacked U.S. government interests in the past. They may attempt to target U.S. government or private U.S. citizen interests in Uzbekistan. In the past, these groups have conducted kidnappings, assassinations, and suicide bombings in the broader region. In recent years, Uzbek nationals abroad have allegedly been linked to terrorist or extremist groups, and more recently, participated in terrorist attacks against the Istanbul airport and a nightclub. An Uzbek national was also arrested as the main suspect in the terrorist attack in New York City on October 31, 2017 that claimed the lives of eight people.
Uzbek authorities maintain a high level of alert and aggressive security measures to thwart terrorist attacks. High security at official facilities may lead terrorists and their sympathizers to seek softer targets. These may include facilities where U.S. citizens and other foreigners congregate or visit such as residential areas, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, hotels, outdoor recreation events, and resorts. U.S. Embassy Tashkent continues to employ heightened security precautions. U.S. citizens should report any unusual activity to local authorities and then inform the Embassy.
Depending upon security conditions, travelers may experience restricted personal movement, including the closing of roads to traffic in addition to frequent document, vehicle, and personal identification checks. The Uzbek government has intermittently restricted travel to certain parts of the country in response to security concerns.
To Stay Connected:
Crime: The rate of violent crime in Uzbekistan, including violent crime against foreigners, has increased in recent years. 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 taxis alone.
Counterfeit Goods: It is recommended that travelers not buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are they illegal in the United States, you may also be breaking local law if you purchase them.
Scams: See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information on scams.
Victims of Crime: Contact the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
We can:
The local equivalent of the 911 emergency line in most areas of Uzbekistan is 01 for fire, 02 for police, 03 for an ambulance, and 050 for the Ministry of Emergency Situations. Please note that in Tashkent city these numbers are 101, 102, 103, and 1050, respectively.
See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas.
Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.
Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the U.S., regardless of 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.
Illicit Narcotics and Alcohol: Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Uzbekistan are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Uzbekistan has a zero-tolerance policy for driving under the influence of alcohol.
Photography: Taking photographs of military or security installations or other locations of strategic significance (ministries, border and other checkpoints, bridges, tunnels, reservoirs, mountain passes, the subway system, etc.) was forbidden up until January 2018. The Government of Uzbekistan’s announcement that these restrictions would be lifted might take time to come into effect, so travelers should be cautious when taking photos of any government officials or structures. Obey all signs restricting photography and remember that the absence of such a sign does not mean you may take a picture.
Financial Transactions: Most transactions are conducted on a cash-only, local-currency (soum) basis. Credit cards are accepted only at the main hotels and a few shops and restaurants, and traveler’s checks can be cashed into dollars at the National Bank of Uzbekistan. The commission fee is two percent. Old U.S. bills (prior to 1997) and/or those in poor condition (with tears, writing, or stamps) will not be accepted.
In September, 2017, the Government of Uzbekistan cancelled the requirement that all foreigners pay hotel charges, airline and train tickets in foreign currency. The mentioned payments are now only accepted in local currency (soum) or by credit cards. Black market currency exchanges are prohibited. In late 2017 Uzbekistan abolished strict limitation of legal foreign currency exchanges and allowed banks to buy foreign currency at a market rate. This reform practically wiped out the black currency exchange market. All banks now have exchange offices most of which work until 10 pm on weekdays. On weekends, major hotels have currency exchange offices operating until late hours. However, local citizens in Uzbekistan still have restrictions on the amount of foreign currency cash they can purchase and this means that a part of the black market for foreign currency still operates to sell foreign currency to the local population. U.S. citizens are advised that the Government of Uzbekistan strictly enforces laws against black market foreign currency trade. U.S. citizens must only use legal bank foreign currency exchange offices for their exchange needs while in Uzbekistan.
Religious Activities: In Uzbekistan, religious congregation is only allowed by registered religious communities. The registration process for religious organizations and groups is strict and complex. Activities such as proselytizing, importing and disseminating religious literature, and offering private religious instruction are subject to criminal penalties and/or deportation.
Public Speeches: Foreign citizens should not give public speeches or engage in other public events, regardless of size, unless their participation in the event has been authorized by the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Uzbekistan or its branch that covers the region where the event is being held. The Uzbek government is strict about public events, especially when a foreigner is present.
Earthquakes: Uzbekistan is an earthquake-prone country. General information about natural disaster preparedness is available from the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Visitors to Uzbekistan should evaluate their own emergency preparedness and plan accordingly.
Women Travelers: Please review our travel tips for women travelers.
LGBTI: Sexual relations between men are against Uzbek 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 generally a taboo subject in Uzbek society, and there are no known LGBTI organizations. For further information, see our LGBTI Travel Information page and section six of our Human Rights report.
Students: See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips.
Accessibility: Local public transportation and the majority of buildings in Uzbekistan are not easily accessible for disabled individuals.
Special Circumstances: Travelers to Uzbekistan are subject to frequent document inspections. Therefore, U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to carry their U.S. passports with their Uzbek visas, or certified copies, with them at all times.
Medical Care: Medical care in Uzbekistan is below Western standards, with shortages of basic medical supplies, including disposable needles, anesthetics, and antibiotics. A large percentage of 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 Western Europe for their medical needs. U.S. Embassy Tashkent’s Consular Section maintains a list of medical contacts on the Embassy website.
Avoiding Traveler’s Diarrhea: Drink only boiled or bottled water, peel fruits and vegetables, and avoid undercooked meat. Avoid eating unpasteurized dairy products and most food sold in the street.
Prevalent Diseases:
Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Further Health Information:
Trauma care in Uzbekistan is far below Western trauma care standards, and therefore emergency medical conditions and issues often require medical evacuation. Aeromedical evacuation can take days and is very expensive. Travelers are urged to purchase medical evacuation insurance before traveling to Uzbekistan.
We do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not apply overseas.
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.
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, and particularly those in the Tien Shan Mountains, are in poor condition and may be passable only by four-wheel-drive vehicles. Driving at night can be dangerous because only the main roads in Tashkent and a few other major cities have streetlights; rural roads and highways generally are not lit. Visitors are urged to avoid driving at night outside Tashkent. The fuel supply can be sporadic; therefore, travelers should expect occasional difficulty finding gasoline particularly 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. Pedestrians cross streets unexpectedly and often without looking for oncoming traffic.
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.
Uzbekistan has a zero-tolerance policy for driving under the influence of alcohol.
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.
DISCLAIMER: THE INFORMATION IS PROVIDED FOR GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY AND MAY NOT BE TOTALLY ACCURATE IN A SPECIFIC CASE. QUESTIONS INVOLVING INTERPRETATION OF SPECIFIC FOREIGN LAWS SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO THE APPROPRIATE FOREIGN AUTHORITIES OR FOREIGN COUNSEL.
3 Moyqorghon Street, 5th block
Yunusobod District, 100093
Tashkent
Uzbekistan
Telephone: +(998) (71) 120-5450
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(998) (71) 120-5450
Fax: +(998) (71) 120-5448
consulartashkent@state.gov
3 Moyqorghon Street, 5th block
Yunusobod District, 100093
Tashkent
Uzbekistan
Telephone: +(998) (71) 120-5450
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(998) (71) 120-5450
Fax: +(998) (71) 120-5448
consulartashkent@state.gov
For information concerning travel to Uzbekistan, including information about the location of the U.S. Embassy, the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, entry/exit requirements, safety and security, crime, medical facilities and health information, traffic safety, road conditions and aviation safety, please see country-specific information for Uzbekistan.
The U.S. Department of State reports statistics and compliance information for individual countries in the Annual Report on International Parental Child Abduction (IPCA). The report is located here.
Uzbekistan acceded to the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction (Hague Abduction Convention) on May 31, 1999; however, the United States and Uzbekistan are not yet treaty partners. Until Uzbekistan and the United States establish a treaty relationship per Article 38 of the Convention, parents whose children have been abducted from the United States to Uzbekistan or wrongfully retained in Uzbekistan are unable to invoke the Convention to pursue their children's return or to seek access to them.
Legal systems and laws pertaining to custody, divorce, and parental abduction vary widely from country to country. The government of Uzbekistan maintains information about custody, visitation, and family law on the Internet at www.lex.uz. Parents are encouraged to consult with an attorney who specializes in family law in Uzbekistan and who can provide accurate legal guidance that is specific to their circumstances.
The Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs, Directorate for Overseas Citizens Services, Office of Children's Issues provides assistance in cases of international parental child abduction. For U.S. citizen parents whose children have been wrongfully removed to or retained in countries that are not U.S. partners under the Hague Abduction Convention, the Office of Children's Issues can provide information and resources about country-specific options for pursuing the return of or access to an abducted child. The Office of Children's Issues may also coordinate with appropriate foreign and U.S. government authorities about the welfare of abducted U.S. citizen children. Parents are strongly encouraged to contact the Department of State for assistance.
Contact information:
United States Department of State
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Office of Children's
CA/OCS/CI
SA-17, 9th Floor
Washington, DC 20522-1709
Telephone: 1-888-407-4747
Outside the United States or Canada: 1-202-501-4444
Website
Email: AskCI@state.gov
Parental child abduction is not a crime in Uzbekistan.
Parents may wish to consult with an attorney in the United States and in the country to which the child has been removed or retained to learn more about how filing criminal charges may impact a custody case in the foreign court. Please see Possible Solutions - Pressing Criminal Charges for more information.
Legal systems and laws pertaining to custody, divorce, and parental abduction vary widely from country to country. Parents are encouraged to consult with an attorney who specializes in family law in Uzbekistan and who can provide accurate legal guidance that is specific to their circumstances.
The Office of Children's Issues may be able to assist parents seeking access to children who have been wrongfully removed from or retained outside the United States. Parents who are seeking access to children who were not wrongfully removed from or retained outside the United States should contact the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate in Uzbekistan for information and possible assistance.
Neither the Office of Children’s Issues nor consular officials at the U.S. Embassy or Consulates in Uzbekistan are authorized to provide legal advice.
The U.S. Embassy in Tashkent, Uzbekistan posts a list of attorneys, including those who specialize in family law.
This list is provided as a courtesy service only and does not constitute an endorsement of any individual attorney. The Department of State assumes no responsibility or liability for the professional ability or reputation of, or the quality of services provided by, the persons or firms included in this list. Professional credentials and areas of expertise are provided directly by the lawyers.
We are not aware of any mediation programs in Uzbekistan.
While travelling in a foreign country, you are subject to the laws of that country. It is important for parents to understand that, although a left-behind parent in the United States may have custody or visitation rights pursuant to a U.S. custody order, that order may not be valid and enforceable in the country in which the child is located. For this reason, we strongly encourage you to speak to a local attorney if planning to remove a child from a foreign country without the consent of the other parent. Attempts to remove your child to the United States may:
The U.S. government cannot interfere with another country’s court or law enforcement system.
To understand the legal effect of a U.S. order in a foreign country, a parent should consult with a local attorney in the country in which the child is located.
For information about hiring an attorney abroad, see our section on Retaining a Foreign Attorney.
Although we cannot recommend an attorney to you, most U.S. Embassies have lists of attorneys available online. Please visit the local U.S. Embassy or Consulate website for a full listing.
For more information on consular assistance for U.S. citizens arrested abroad, please see our website.
Country officers are available to speak with you Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. For assistance with an abduction in progress or any emergency situation that occurs after normal business hours, on weekends, or federal holidays, please call toll free at 1-888-407-4747. See all contact information.
DISCLAIMER: The information in this flyer is provided for general information only, is not intended to be legal advice, and may change without notice. Questions involving interpretation of law should be addressed to an attorney licensed in the relevant jurisdiction.
Uzbekistan is not party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption(Hague Adoption Convention). Intercountry adoptions of children from non-Hague countries are processed in accordance with 8 Code of Federal Regulations, Section 204.3 as it relates to orphans as defined under the Immigration and Nationality Act, Section 101(b)(1)(F).
Adopting in Uzbekistan is difficult. Although legal changes made in 2007 led to a modest increase in the number of foreign parents seeking to adopt in Uzbekistan, there have been few successfully completed intercountry adoptions.
May 2013
In May 2013, the Government of Uzbekistan issued a decree amending the Civil Procedural Code concerning Courts appointed as adoption authorities to review domestic and intercountry adoptions. The changes will require the judicial system of Uzbekistan to implement certain procedural steps for reviewing adoption cases. Because the details of these changes will not be available until the Cabinet of Ministers releases final procedural orders, prospective adoptive parents may face unexpected delays during the implementation of the new process. Updated information about the new procedural steps will be added as soon as it becomes available.
U.S. IMMIGRATION REQUIREMENTS FOR INTERCOUNTRY ADOPTIONS
To bring an adopted child to the United States from Uzbekistan, you must meet eligibility and suitability requirements. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) determines who can adopt under U.S. immigration law.
Additionally, a child must meet the definition of orphan under U.S. immigration law in order to be eligible to immigrate to the United States on an IR-3 or IR-4 immigrant visa.
In addition to U.S. immigration requirements, you must also meet the following requirements in order to adopt a child from Uzbekistan:
In addition to U.S. immigration requirements, Uzbekistan has specific requirements that a child must meet in order to be eligible for adoption:
Caution: Prospective adoptive parents should be aware that not all children in orphanages or children’s homes are adoptable. In many countries, birth parents place their child(ren) temporarily in an orphanage or children’s home due to financial or other hardship, intending that the child return home when this becomes possible. In such cases, the birth parent(s) have rarely relinquished their parental rights or consented to their child(ren)’s adoption.
Uzbek Adoption Authority
Uzbek Regional and City Courts and the Department for Social Support and Rehabilitation of the Ministry of Public Education (Education Ministry)
The Process
The process for adopting a child from Uzbekistan generally includes the following steps:
1. Choose an adoption service provider
2. Apply to the court
3. Obtain court determination letter
4. Be matched with the child and obtain conclusion letter
5. Adopt (or obtain custody of) the child in Uzbekistan
6. Apply for the child to be found eligible for orphan status
7. Bring your child home
1. Choose an Adoption Service Provider
The recommended first step in adopting a child from Uzbekistan is to decide whether or not to use a licensed adoption service provider in the United States that can help you with your adoption. Adoption service providers must be licensed by the U.S. state in which they operate. The Department of State provides information on selecting an adoption service provider on its website.
2. Apply to the Court
In order to adopt a child from Uzbekistan, you will need to meet the requirements of the Government of Uzbekistan and U.S. immigration law. You must submit an application to the Regional or City courts in the domicile of the adoptee.
To meet U.S. immigration requirements, you may also file an I-600A, Application for Advance Processing of an Orphan Petition with U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to be found eligible and suitable to adopt.
3. Obtain Court Determination letter
During preparation of the case for judicial review, a judge will issue a determination letter obliging guardianship and trusteeship bodies in the domicile of the adoptee to issue a conclusion letter on justification of the adoption and how it will benefit the adoptee. The guardianship and trusteeship body is the Department of Social Support and Rehabilitation of the Ministry of Public Education and its regional and local branches.
4. Obtain Conclusion Letter
If you are eligible to adopt and a child is available for intercountry adoption, the guardianship and trusteeship bodies in Uzbekistan, after reviewing the court determination letter, will conduct a careful review of your family. The list of documents for such review will be required. The conclusion letter on adoption will be provided to the court. Each family must decide for itself whether or not it will be able to meet the needs of and provide a permanent home for a particular child.
The child must be eligible to be adopted according to Uzbekistan’s requirements, as described in the Who Can Be Adopted section. The child must also meet the definition of orphan under U.S. immigration law.
5. Adopt or Obtain Legal Custody of Child in Uzbekistan
The process for finalizing the adoption (or obtain legal custody) in Uzbekistan generally includes the following:
Foreign public documents, such as vital records, notarized documents, etc., must be authenticated with Apostiles For information on authenticating U.S. documents. Uzbek law also requires that both prospective parents appear at court. The application for adoption must be signed by the adoptive parent(s).
Please note: All U.S. public documents must be translated into Uzbek or Russian by a certified translator, and when requested, authenticated with an Apostile
Note: Additional documents may be requested.
6. Apply for the Child to be Found Eligible for Orphan Status
After you finalize the adoption (or gain legal custody) in Uzbekistan, the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services must determine whether the child meets the definition oforphan under U.S. immigration law. You will need to file a Form I-600, Petition to Classify Orphan as an Immediate Relative.
7. Bring Your Child Home
Once your adoption is complete (or you have obtained legal custody of the child), you need to apply for several documents for your child before you can apply for a U.S. immigrant visa to bring your child home to the United States:
Birth Certificate
If you have finalized the adoption in Uzbekistan, you will first need to apply for a new birth certificate for your child. Your name will be added to the new birth certificate.
Following adoption, the Uzbekistan Vital Records Office should provide you with a new birth certificate for the child.
Uzbekistan Passport
Your child is not yet a U.S. citizen, so he/she will need a travel document or passport from Uzbekistan.
Adoptive parents can obtain a new biometric passport and exit permission for the child from the Department of Entry, Exit and Citizenship. You will need to present the court decree on adoption and the child's new birth certificate. There is no residency requirement for prospective parents before they can apply for the child's passport.
U.S. Immigrant Visa
After you obtain the new birth certificate and passport for your child and you have filed Form I-600, Petition to Classify Orphan as an Immediate Relative, you then need to apply for a U.S. immigrant visa for your child from the U.S. Embassy in Tashkent. This immigrant visa allows your child to travel home with you. As part of this process, the Consular Officer must be provided the Panel Physician’s medical report on the child.
You can find instructions for applying for an immigrant visa on the U.S. Embassy in Tashkent’s website.
Child Citizenship Act
For adoptions finalized abroad prior to the child’s entry into the United States: A child will acquire U.S. citizenship upon entry into the United States if the adoption was finalized prior to entry and the child otherwise meets the requirements of the Child Citizenship Act of 2000.
For adoptions finalized after the child’s entry into the United States: An adoption will need to be completed following your child’s entry into the United States for the child to acquire U.S. citizenship.
*Please be aware that if your child did not qualify to become a citizen upon entry to the United States, it is very important that you take the steps necessary so that your child does qualify as soon as possible. Failure to obtain citizenship for your child can impact many areas of his/her life including family travel, eligibility for education and education grants, and voting.
Read more about the Child Citizenship Act of 2000.
Applying for Your U.S. Passport
U.S. citizens are required by law to enter and depart the United States on a valid U.S. passport. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue, or verify U.S. passports.
Getting or renewing a passport is easy. The Passport Application Wizard will help you determine which passport form you need, help you to complete the form online, estimate your payment, and generate the form for you to print—all in one place.
Obtaining a Visa to Travel to Uzbekistan
In addition to a U.S. passport, you may also need to obtain a visa. A visa is an official document issued by a foreign country that formally allows you to visit. Where required, visas are affixed to your passport and allow you to enter a foreign nation. To find information about obtaining a visa for Uzbekistan, see the Department of State’s Country Specific Information.
Staying Safe on Your Trip
Before you travel, it is always a good practice to investigate the local conditions, laws, political landscape, and culture of the country. The Department of State provides Country Specific Information for every country of the world about various issues, including the health conditions, crime, unusual currency or entry requirements, and any areas of instability.
Staying in Touch on Your Trip
When traveling during the adoption process, we encourage you to enroll with the Department of State. Enrollment makes it possible to contact you if necessary. Whether there is a family emergency in the United States or a crisis in Uzbekistan, enrollment assists the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in reaching you.
Enrollment is free and can be done online via the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
Uzbek law requires that adoptive parents submit annual reports to the Ministry of Public Education until the adopted child reaches age 16. Parents should contact their adoption service providers in the United States for more information on post-adoption requirements.
We strongly urge you to comply with Uzbekistan’s post-adoption requirements in a timely manner. Your adoption agency may be able to help you with this process. Your cooperation will contribute to that country’s positive experiences with U.S. citizen parents.
Post-Adoption Resources
Many adoptive parents find it important to find support after the adoption. There are many public and private nonprofit post-adoption services available for children and their families. There are also numerous adoptive family support groups and adoptee organizations active in the United States that provide a network of options for adoptees who seek out other adoptees from the same country of origin. Take advantage of all the resources available to your family, whether it is another adoptive family, a support group, an advocacy organization, or your religious or community services.
Here are some places to start your support group search:
CONTACT INFORMATION
U.S. Embassy in Uzbekistan
U.S. Embassy, Tashkent
Moyqorghon street, 5thBlock,
Yunusobod District
Tashkent-700093
Uzbekistan
Phone:(998)(71)120-5450
Fax:(998)(71)120-5448
internet: https://uz.usembassy.gov/embassy/tashkent/
Immigrant Visa Unit E-mail: TashkentIV@state.gov
Ministry of Justice
5, Sayilgoh Street, Yunusabad District,
Tashkent, Uzbekistan, 100047
Phone: +998-71-233-13-05
Uzbekistan's Guardianship and Trusteeship Body
Ministry of Public Education
Department of Social Support and Rehabilitation
5, Independence Square
Tashkent, Uzbekistan 100021
Phone: +99871-239-1735
Fax: +99871-239-4214
Embassy of Uzbekistan
Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan
1746 MassachusettsAve., NW
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 202-887-5300
Fax: 202--293-6804
Email: info@uzbekistan.org
internet: uzbekistan.org/
Office of Children’s Issues
U.S. Department of State
CA/OCS/CI
SA-17, 9th Floor
Washington, DC 20522-1709
Tel: 1-888-407-4747
Email: AskCI@state.gov
Internet: adoption.state.gov
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
For questions about immigration procedures:
National Customer Service Center (NCSC)
Tel: 1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833)
Internet: uscis.gov
For questions about filing a Form I-600A or I-600 petition:
National Benefits Center
Tel: 1-877-424-8374 (toll free); 1-816-251-2770 (local)
Email: NBC.Adoptions@DHS.gov
Note: Inclusion of non-U.S. government links does not imply endorsement of contents.
Select a visa category below to find the visa issuance fee, number of entries, and validity period for visas issued to applicants from this country*/area of authority.
Visa Classification: The type of nonimmigrant visa you are applying for.
Fee: The reciprocity fee, also known as the visa issuance fee, you must pay. This fee is in addition to the nonimmigrant visa application fee (MRV fee).
Number of Entries: The number of times you may seek entry into the United States with that visa. "M" means multiple times. If there is a number, such as "One", you may apply for entry one time with that visa.
Validity Period: This generally means the visa is valid, or can be used, from the date it is issued until the date it expires, for travel with that visa. If your Validity Period is 60 months, your visa will be valid for 60 months from the date it is issued.
| Visa Classification |
Fee | Number of Entries |
Validity Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| A-1 | None | Multiple A | 24 Months A |
| A-2 | None | Multiple A | 24 Months A |
| A-3 1 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| B-1 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| B-2 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| B-1/B-2 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| C-1 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| C-1/D | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| C-2 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| C-3 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| CW-1 11 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| CW-2 11 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| D | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| E-1 2 | No Treaty | N/A | N/A |
| E-2 2 | No Treaty | N/A | N/A |
| E-2C 12 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| F-1 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| F-2 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| G-1 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| G-2 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| G-3 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| G-4 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| G-5 1 | None | Multiple | 24 Months |
| H-1B | None | Multiple | 12 Months 3 |
| H-1C | None | Multiple | 12 Months 3 |
| H-2A | None | N/A | N/A 3 |
| H-2B | None | N/A | N/A 3 |
| H-2R | None | Multiple | 12 Months 3 |
| H-3 | None | Multiple | 12 Months 3 |
| H-4 | None | Multiple | 12 Months 3 |
| I | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| J-1 4 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| J-2 4 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| K-1 | None | One | 6 Months |
| K-2 | None | One | 6 Months |
| K-3 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| K-4 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| L-1 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| L-2 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| M-1 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| M-2 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| N-8 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| N-9 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| NATO 1-7 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| O-1 | None | Multiple | 12 Months 3 |
| O-2 | None | Multiple | 12 Months 3 |
| O-3 | None | Multiple | 12 Months 3 |
| P-1 | None | Multiple | 12 Months 3 |
| P-2 | None | Multiple | 12 Months 3 |
| P-3 | None | Multiple | 12 Months 3 |
| P-4 | None | Multiple | 12 Months 3 |
| Q-1 6 | None | Multiple | 12 Months 3 |
| R-1 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| R-2 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| S-5 7 | None | One | 1 Month |
| S-6 7 | None | One | 1 Month |
| S-7 7 | None | One | 1 Month |
| T-1 9 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| T-2 | None | One | 6 Months |
| T-3 | None | One | 6 Months |
| T-4 | None | One | 6 Months |
| T-5 | None | One | 6 Months |
| T-6 | None | One | 6 Months |
| TD 5 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| U-1 | None | Multiple | 48 Months |
| U-2 | None | Multiple | 48 Months |
| U-3 | None | Multiple | 48 Months |
| U-4 | None | Multiple | 48 Months |
| U-5 | None | Multiple | 48 Months |
| V-1 | None | Multiple | 12 Months |
| V-2 | None | Multiple | 12 Months 8 |
| V-3 | None | Multiple | 12 Months 8 |
| Visa Classification |
Fee | Number of Applications |
Validity Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| A-1 [TDY] | None | One | 3 Months |
| A-2 [TDY] | None | One | 3 Months |
Although care has been taken to ensure the accuracy, completeness and reliability of the information provided, please contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you plan to apply if you believe this information is in error or if you have further questions.
The validity of A-3, G-5, and NATO 7 visas may not exceed the validity of the visa issued to the person who is employing the applicant. The "employer" would have one of the following visa classifications:
An E-1 and E-2 visa may be issued only to a principal alien who is a national of a country having a treaty, or its equivalent, with the United States. E-1 and E-2 visas may not be issued to a principal alien if he/she is a stateless resident. The spouse and children of an E-1 or E-2 principal alien are accorded derivative E-1 or E-2 status following the reciprocity schedule, including any reciprocity fees, of the principle alien’s country of nationality.
Example: John Doe is a national of the country of Z that has an E-1/E-2 treaty with the U.S. His wife and child are nationals of the country of Y which has no treaty with the U.S. The wife and child would, therefore, be entitled to derivative status and receive the same reciprocity as Mr. Doe, the principal visa holder.
The validity of H-1 through H-3, O-1 and O-2, P-1 through P-3, and Q visas may not exceed the period of validity of the approved petition or the number of months shown, whichever is less.
Under 8 CFR §214.2, H-2A and H-2B petitions may generally only be approved for nationals of countries that the Secretary of Homeland Security has designated as participating countries. The current list of eligible countries is available on USCIS's website for both H-2A and H-2B visas. Nationals of countries not on this list may be the beneficiary of an approved H-2A or H2-B petition in limited circumstances at the discretion of the Department of Homeland Security if specifically named on the petition.
Derivative H-4, L-2, O-3, and P-4 visas, issued to accompanying or following-to-join spouses and children, may not exceed the validity of the visa issued to the principal alien.
There is no reciprocity fee for the issuance of a J visa if the alien is a United States Government grantee or a participant in an exchange program sponsored by the United States Government.
Also, there is no reciprocity fee for visa issuance to an accompanying or following-to-join spouse or child (J-2) of an exchange visitor grantee or participant.
In addition, an applicant is eligible for an exemption from the MRV fee if he or she is participating in a State Department, USAID, or other federally funded educational and cultural exchange program (program serial numbers G-1, G-2, G-3 and G-7).
However, all other applicants with U.S. Government sponsorships, including other J-visa applicants, are subject to the MRV processing fee.
Under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), Canadian and Mexican nationals coming to engage in certain types of professional employment in the United States may be admitted in a special nonimmigrant category known as the "trade NAFTA" or "TN" category. Their dependents (spouse and children) accompanying or following to join them may be admitted in the "trade dependent" or "TD" category whether or not they possess Canadian or Mexican nationality. Except as noted below, the number of entries, fees and validity for non-Canadian or non-Mexican family members of a TN status holder seeking TD visas should be based on the reciprocity schedule of the TN principal alien.
Since Canadian nationals generally are exempt from visa requirement, a Canadian "TN' or "TD" alien does not require a visa to enter the United States. However, the non-Canadian national dependent of a Canadian "TN", unless otherwise exempt from the visa requirement, must obtain a "TD" visa before attempting to enter the United States. The standard reciprocity fee and validity period for all non-Canadian "TD"s is no fee, issued for multiple entries for a period of 36 months, or for the duration of the principal alien's visa and/or authorized period of stay, whichever is less. See 'NOTE' under Canadian reciprocity schedule regarding applicants of Iranian, Iraqi or Libyan nationality.
Mexican nationals are not visa-exempt. Therefore, all Mexican "TN"s and both Mexican and non-Mexican national "TD"s accompanying or following to join them who are not otherwise exempt from the visa requirement (e.g., the Canadian spouse of a Mexican national "TN") must obtain nonimmigrant visas.
Applicants of Iranian, Iraqi or Libyan nationality, who have a permanent resident or refugee status in Canada/Mexico, may not be accorded Canadian/Mexican reciprocity, even when applying in Canada/Mexico. The reciprocity fee and period for "TD" applicants from Libya is $10.00 for one entry over a period of 3 months. The Iranian and Iraqi "TD" is no fee with one entry over a period of 3 months.
Q-2 (principal) and Q-3 (dependent) visa categories are in existence as a result of the 'Irish Peace Process Cultural and Training Program Act of 1998'. However, because the Department anticipates that virtually all applicants for this special program will be either Irish or U.K. nationals, the Q-2 and Q-3 categories have been placed only in the reciprocity schedules for those two countries. Q-2 and Q-3 visas are available only at the Embassy in Dublin and the Consulate General in Belfast.
No S visa may be issued without first obtaining the Department's authorization.
V-2 and V-3 status is limited to persons who have not yet attained their 21st birthday. Accordingly, the period of validity of a V-2 or V-3 visa must be limited to expire on or before the applicant's twenty-first birthday.
Posts may not issue a T-1 visa. A T-1 applicant must be physically present in the United States, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands or a U.S. port of entry, where he/she will apply for an adjustment of status to that of a T-1. The following dependents of a T-1 visa holder, however, may be issued a T visa at a U.S. consular office abroad:
The validity of NATO-5 visas may not exceed the period of validity of the employment contract or 12 months, whichever is less.
The validity of CW-1 and CW-2 visas shall not exceed the maximum initial period of admission allowed by DHS (12 months) or the duration of the transition period ending December 31, 2014, whichever is shortest.
The validity of E-2C visas shall not exceed the maximum initial period of admission allowed by DHS (24 months) or the duration of the transition period ending December 31, 2014, whichever is shortest.
General Document Information:
Civil documents from Uzbekistan are generally made available to the person to whom the record pertains. He or she must submit a request through the appropriate Vital Records Office (“ZAGS”- rus, “FXDYO”- uzb) or through an Embassy or Consulate of Uzbekistan. The U.S. Embassy cannot assist in obtaining civil documents or verifying the accuracy of civil records in Uzbekistan.
Documents can be requested through the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Washington, DC or the Consulate in New York by submitting an application requesting the document. The embassy or the consulate will send a document search request to the MFA's Legal Assistance Department, which will initiate the search. This process can take several months to complete.
Uzbekistan is a signatory to the Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalization for Foreign Public Documents. Copies of the documents obtained directly from the ZAGS archives should be authenticated at the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Uzbekistan with an Apostille. The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Uzbekistan cannot authenticate documents issued in Uzbekistan.
Birth Certificates
Available
Fees: Fees are subject to change. Consult a government portal for current rates.
Document Name: Birth Certificate
Issuing Authority: Vital Records Offices at the district and city levels; in villages- citizens’ unions (“skhod grajdan”- rus, “fuqarolar yig’ini”- uzb) depending on where the child was born or where the domicile of parents or one of the parents is
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: The birth certificate booklet has a dark green color with the coat of arms and name of the document in golden print in Uzbek (Latin) and Russian (Cyrillic) languages. Currently issued documents are in Uzbek and Russian languages and should always have a wet seal of the issuing authority and signature of the authorized personnel.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: In the cities and districts by the Chiefs of the Vital Records Offices and, in the villages, chairmen of citizens’ unions
Registration Criteria: Registration of birth is mandatory in the Vital Records Offices in the district/city where the child was born, or where one of the parents resides within one month from the date of child’s birth.
Procedure for Obtaining: At least one of the parents, and in rare circumstances, close relatives, neighbors, or third parties, authorized by at least one of the parents, as well as by officials of medical facilities, internal affairs departments or of the custody and guardianship bodies may submit a written request to the Vital Records Office at the district or city levels. In cases when a birth has not been registered within a one-month term, Vital Records Offices requires additional documents confirming the fact of child birth. The following documents must be filed to the Vital Records Offices in order to obtain a birth certificate: medical certification of birth, passports of parents, parents’ marriage certificate or application to establish paternity or an application of a single mother
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are not available.
Alternate Documents: Duplicates of birth certificates are available.
Exceptions: Duplicates of birth certificates are not available for deceased people. Instead, a reference of death (ma’lumotnoma) is available.
Comments: If the child’s parents are not in a legal marriage, the father’s information shall be written based on the mother’s statement, certified by a notary public or a medical facility.
Available
Fees: Fees are subject to change. Consult a government portal for current rates.
Document Name: Death Certificate
Issuing Authority: Vital Records Offices at the district or city level, or village citizen’s unions, depending on where the deceased person resided prior to death or where the death took place. Registration of death of Uzbek citizens who died abroad is done by consular officers of the Republic of Uzbekistan where the deceased person has last resided or where death took place.
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: The Death Certificate is a two-page booklet in light purple color and has an alphanumeric serial number with three letters followed by seven digits. The document shall always have a signature of the chief of the issuing authority and a round wet seal with the name of the issuing authority. The document is in Russian (Cyrillic) and Uzbek (Latin alphabet) languages.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Chief of the Vital Records Office at the district or city levels; chairman of the village citizen’s unions; consular officer of the Republic of Uzbekistan
Registration Criteria: Application about death must be filed on the day death took place or no later than three days from the day deceased person was discovered. Burial is prohibited without registration of death in Vital Records Offices.
Procedure for Obtaining: Application to register a death must be filed within three days from the issuance of a medical certification of death. This application can be filed by next of kin, relatives as well as medical facilities, who submit medical certification of death and documents confirming the identity of the deceased.
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are not available.
Alternate Documents: Duplicate death certificates are available.
Exceptions: A Death Certificate is not available by default for stillborn children as well as for children who died within the first week of life. When requested, such certificates can be issued to the parents. Only a reference death statement (“spravka o smerti”) is issued by default.
Comments: None
Available
Fees: Fees are subject to change. Consult a government portal for current rates.
Document Name: Marriage Certificate
Issuing Authority: Vital Records Offices at the district or city level, or village citizen’s unions, in the place of domicile of one of the parties to a marriage
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: The marriage certificate booklet has a dark burgundy color with the coat of arms and name of the document in golden print in Uzbek (Latin) and Russian (Cyrillic) languages. The currently issued documents are in Uzbek and Russian languages and should always have a wet seal of the issuing authority and signature of the authorized personnel.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Chief of the Vital Records Office at the district or city level, or chairman of a citizen’s union
Registration Criteria: The Marriage Certificate is issued one month after an application for marriage is filed by parties to a marriage. In special circumstances a one month term can be shortened at the request of the applicants. Special circumstances must be supported by documentary evidence, such as the birth certificates of children, a medical certification of the bride’s pregnancy, and a statement from the employer about a planned business trip. A person who had a prior marriage must submit a document confirming termination of a prior marriage (divorce certificate, judicial divorce decree, death certificate of a spouse, or a court decree invalidating the marriage).
Procedure for Obtaining: By written application to the Vital Records Office at the district or city at least one month prior to marriage
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are not available.
Alternate Documents: In cases of loss, a duplicate of a marriage certificate can be issued at the request of the parties within one day. Also, a reference of marriage registration (spravka o zaklyuchenii braka) is available.
Exceptions: None
Comments: Once a Vital Records Office issues a Marriage Certificate, a stamp is put on the parties’ passports, indicating the date of marriage registration and the name of a spouse.
Available
Fees: Fees are subject to change. Consult a government portal for current rates.
Document Name: Divorce Certificate
Issuing Authority: Vital Records Offices at the district or city level, or citizen’s unions, in the place of domicile of one of the parties to a marriage
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: The divorce certificate booklet has a pale yellow color with the name of the document in black print in Uzbek (Latin) and Russian (Cyrillic) languages. The currently issued documents are in Uzbek and Russian languages and should always have a wet seal of the issuing authority and signature of the authorized personnel. The divorce certificate booklet has an alphanumeric serial number, printed in the right bottom side of the document.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Chief of the Vital Records Office at the district or city level, or chairman of a citizen’s union, in the place of domicile of one of the parties to a marriage
Registration Criteria: In cases when parties to a marriage have minor children and/or property disputes, their marriage shall be terminated by a court. For that divorce decree to become final, parties must submit their court decree to the Vital Records Office and obtain a divorce certificate.
A Divorce Certificate can also be issued at the request of one of the spouses in the following cases:
- if one of the parties is announced missing by court;
- if one of the parties is announced mentally disabled by court; or,
- if one of the parties is convicted and sentenced to no less than three years in prison.
Procedure for Obtaining: A Divorce Certificate is issued by the Vital Records Office at the district or city level, three months after the filing.
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are not available.
Alternate Documents: In cases of loss, duplicate divorce certificates can be issued. Also, a reference of marriage dissolution (spravka o rastorjenii braka) can be issued.
Exceptions: A husband cannot initiate divorce proceedings during his wife’s pregnancy and up to his child’s 1st birthday.
Comments: Once a Vital Records Office issues a Divorce Certificate, a stamp is put on the parties’ passports, indicating the date of marriage termination.
Available
Fees: Application to courts on adoption cases costs ten percent of a minimal wage. As of February 7, 2018 minimal wage is 172,240 soum (approximately 21 U.S. dollars)
Document Name: Adoption Decree
Issuing Authority: Supreme Court of the Republic of Karakalpakstan on civil cases, regional or Tashkent city court on civil cases in the area of child’s domicile.
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Judicial decrees are printed on plain A4 format paper with no security features. They do, however, have a wet seal of the issuing court and presiding judge’s signature.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Chairman of Supreme Court of the Republic of Karakalpakstan on civil cases, regional or Tashkent city court on civil cases
Registration Criteria: All judicial cases are registered in the court system.
Procedure for Obtaining: An application for adoption by Uzbek citizens is filed to the inter-district or city court on civil cases in the area of perspective adoptees domicile. Foreign nationals file their application for adoption to the Supreme Court of the Republic of Karakalpakstan on civil cases, regional or Tashkent city court on civil cases in the area of child’s domicile.
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies of adoption decrees are available upon request.
Alternate Documents: In cases of loss, duplicate or a certified copy of the adoption decree can be issued. Fees for such alternate documents shall be 0.5 percent of a minimal wage.
Exceptions: None
Comments: None
Unavailable.
Available
Fees: Fees are subject to change. Consult a government portal for current rates.
Document Name: Police Certificate
Issuing Authority: For Uzbek citizens it is the Information Center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Uzbekistan. For Non-Uzbek citizens it is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan through the Embassy of that person’s country of nationality. For applicants, both Uzbek and non-Uzbek citizens, residing outside Uzbekistan it is through the Uzbek Mission in the country of residence.
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Police certificates are issued on a plain A4 paper, with no security features. The certificate is signed by the Chief or Deputy Chief of the Information Center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Uzbekistan and stamped by a wet seal of the Information Center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Uzbekistan.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: For Uzbek citizens it is the Chief or Deputy Chief of the Information Center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Uzbekistan
Registration Criteria: Police certificates are treated as any other outgoing correspondence and, as such, are given an outgoing registration number of the issuing authority.
Procedure for Obtaining: Uzbek citizens should apply to the Information Center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Uzbekistan. Non-Uzbek citizens should apply at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan through the Embassy of that person’s country of nationality. Applicants, both Uzbek and non-Uzbek citizens, residing outside Uzbekistan may submit the request through the Uzbek Mission in the country of residence. It takes 7-15 days to obtain the police certificate from the date of application. The request for a police certificate can be filed in person or electronically via the Uzbek government portal.
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are not available.
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents.
Exceptions: None
Comments: Police Certificates from the Regional Departments of Internal Affairs shall not be accepted in lieu of Police Certificates issued by the Information Center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Available
Fees: There are no fees.
Document Name: Reference letters addressed to the record holder (Ma’lumotnoma) or an abstract from a court decree
Issuing Authority: District, city or regional courts on criminal cases; or district, city or regional departments of internal affairs
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Reference letters are issued on the letterheads of issuing authorities, with no security features. These letters are signed by the judges or chiefs of internal affairs departments.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Judges, Chiefs or Deputy Chiefs of the Internal Affairs departments
Registration Criteria: Reference letters are treated as any other outgoing correspondence and as such, are given an outgoing registration number of the issuing authority.
Procedure for Obtaining: Uzbek citizens should file a written request (ariza) to a court or to an internal affairs department.
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are not available.
Alternate Documents: Police Certificate
Exceptions: None
Comments: Reference letters with court/prison records shall not be accepted in lieu of Police Certificates issued by the Information Center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Available
Fees: Free. However, as per Article 236 of the Uzbek Code of Administrative Liability, intentional damage/mutilation or careless storage of military registration documents which led to their loss shall result in the imposition of a fine in the amount of one tenth to half of the minimal wage. As of February 7, 2018 minimal wage is 172,240 soum (approximately 21 U.S. dollars)
Document Name: Military Certificate. There are two kinds of military registration documents: Military Certificate (voennoe udostoverenie) and Conscription Certificate (pripisnoe svidetelstvo). The latter is issued to the citizens yet to join the military service and registered with the district or city conscription committees, while the military certificate is issued to the citizens who are registered in the reserves pool of the Armed Forces.
Issuing Authority: District or city branches of the Department of Defense
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: The Military Certificate is a booklet (77x10mm) of 28 pages, with a dark green color cover. The certificates have an alphanumeric format, starting with a QK series followed by seven digits. The pages have octahedron watermarks. The first page of the certificate with bio data and a holder’s photograph is laminated. The Conscription Certificate is a two-page booklet with the photo of its holder and brief biographic information as well as data of his conscription to the military service.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Chief of the District or City branch of the Department of Defense
Registration Criteria: Military certificate (voenniy bilet ) is issued to Uzbek citizens in the following circumstances:
- call-up for military service;
- admission to a military educational institution;
- enlistment in the reserve of the Armed Forces of Uzbekistan;
- exclusion from the military registration for health reasons.
Military certificate does not expire and is valid for the entire period of time in urgent military service and in the reserve of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
Conscription certificate is issued to male citizens during the period from April-June following their 16th birthday.
Procedure for Obtaining: Below are the basis for applying for a military certificate (voenniy bilet):
Certified Copies Available: Certified copies are not available.
Alternate Documents: Duplicate military certificate can be issued to replace a lost or mutilated document based on a personal application of a citizen.
Exceptions: None
Comments: None
Types Available: Regular, Diplomatic, Travel Document for Stateless People
Fees: Fees are subject to change. Consult a government portal at my.gov.uz.
Document Name: Passport, Diplomatic Passport, Travel Document for Stateless Residents
Issuing Government Authority: Diplomatic passports are issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and regular passports as well as stateless person’s travel documents are issued by the district or city departments of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: All three types of Uzbek passport books have thirty-six pages. Diplomatic passports have a dark blue cover, regular citizen’s passports have a dark green cover and stateless person’s travel document has a dark gray cover. The second page in all three types of passports contains bio data and a digital photograph and the page has a security film, instead of a laminate. The photo is a digital image printed onto the security film. All pages have an octahedron and UZB watermarks.
Issuing Authority Personnel Title: Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan or Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Registration Criteria:
Procedure for Obtaining: Citizen’s biometric passports are issued within 10 days after filing. List of required documents for submission varies depending upon the reason for applying for a new passport and can sometimes be complemented by additional unlisted documents by the local authorities.
Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents.
Exceptions: None
Comments: Uzbekistan law does not recognize dual citizenship. According to the decree of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan, effective July 1, 2014, all citizens of Uzbekistan, as well as individuals without citizenship resident in Uzbekistan, must use the biometric passports (biometric travel documents for stateless persons) in order to depart Uzbekistan. These old-style passports can be used for travel outside of Uzbekistan to all countries (given that the bearer had departed Uzbekistan before July 1, 2014) and these passports will remain valid until December 31, 2015.
Foreigners who have stayed in Uzbekistan for more than one year and who plan to stay longer may apply for a residency permit (vid na zhitel'stvo dyla inostrantsa). It is a dark blue, machine readable, biometric-type booklet, which is issued at the city EE&C (Entry, Exit & Citizenship) office for a period of five years, but not exceeding the validity period of the foreigner's passport. This document then allows the bearer to travel to and from Uzbekistan without an Uzbek visa.
Uzbekistan plans to terminate the exit visa provision and replace it with a separate “travel passport” which will be issued in addition to the current “citizen’s” passport. This replacement is expected to start in 2019.
Other Documents Available: There are no other documents available.
There are several types of documents with which a person may reside in Uzbekistan. The Uzbek passport is a machine-readable, biometric style passport with a green cover. It has identifying information about the bearer and specifies a residential address. As an option, the passport may also contain information about the bearer's children and the bearer's blood type. This joint internal-external passport can be issued at any age. Minors up to two years old obtain a passport with a validity of maximum two years. After the child turns two, the minor's passport is issued with a validity period of five years. Citizens of Uzbekistan 16 years of age and older obtain biometric passports with a ten-year validity.
Note: According to the decree of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan, effective July 1, 2014, all citizens of Uzbekistan, as well as individuals without citizenship resident in Uzbekistan, must use the biometric passports (biometric travel documents for stateless persons) in order to depart Uzbekistan. The old-style, non-biometric passports are still valid for travel if the bearer has left Uzbekistan before July 1, 2014. These old-style passports can be used for travel outside of Uzbekistan to all countries (given that the bearer had departed Uzbekistan before July 1, 2014) and these passports will remain valid until December 31, 2015.
Foreigners who have stayed in Uzbekistan for more than one year and who plan to stay longer may apply for a residency permit (vid na zhitel'stvo dyla inostrantsa). It is a dark blue, machine readable, biometric-type booklet, which is issued at the city EE&C (Entry, Exit & Citizenship) office for a period of five years, but not exceeding the validity period of the foreigner's passport.
Uzbekistan also issues a residence permit for stateless persons (vid na zhitel'stvo dyla litsa bez grazhdanstva, or in Uzbek, Fuqaroligi yo'q shakhs uchun Uzbekiston Respublikasida yashah guvohnomasi). It is a brown, biometric, machine readable-type booklet with the bio page at the end. It is issued for a period of five years for stateless individuals at the city EE&C office.
Post Title: Tashkent, Republic of Uzbekistan (Embassy)
Address: #3, Moygorghon Street, 5th Block, Yunusobod District,
Tashkent- 100093, Republic of Uzbekistan
Phone Numbers: ACS unit- 998-71-120-5450
NIV unit- 998-71-140-2215/16
IV unit- 998-71-140-2217
Fax Numbers:
998-71-120-6335
Email Address: TashkentIV@state.gov
Visa Services: All visa categories for all of Uzbekistan.
Comments / Additional Information: None
All visa categories for all of Uzbekistan.
Washington, DC (202) 887-5300 (202) 293-9633
New York. NY (212) 754-7403, ext. 100, 107, 108 or 109 (212) 754-6178 ext. 100, 107, 108 or 109 (212) 838-9812
Although care has been taken to ensure the accuracy, completeness and reliability of the information provided, please contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you plan to apply if you believe this information is in error or if you have further questions.
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