Genvisec advises that all business and leisure travel should continue to Uzbekistan avoiding areas bordering Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Afghanistan. Uzbekistan’s borders are potential flashpoints and there is a risk that uncontrolled border areas may be land-mined.

 

Crime

 

There have been occasional incidents of mugging and petty crime against foreigners. Policemen, or sometimes those pretending to be policemen, may seek to impose an on-the-spot fine. If you are any doubt you should ask for an ID or pay any fines at the nearest police station. Keep valuables out of sight and avoid unlit or remote areas. Avoid obvious displays of wealth, especially in rural areas. Avoid walking alone at night.

 

There have been reports of raids on local establishments, including restaurants. The perpetrators do not identify themselves and bear no visible means of identification. Foreigners have not been targeted, but the use of violence against restaurant guests and staff has been reported. If you are inadvertently caught up in a situation like this, keep calm, follow any instructions given and leave the area as soon as permitted and safe to do so.

 

Dual Nationality

 

Dual nationality is not recognised in Uzbekistan. If you enter Uzbekistan on an Uzbek passport and also hold another nationality your Embassy can only provide very limited consular assistance. In cases of arrest or detention consular access is unlikely to be granted.

 

Local travel

 

Land borders between Uzbekistan and neighbouring states, particularly Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, are often closed at short notice. Check in advance which border posts are open.

 

You should take care in areas bordering Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Afghanistan. Uzbekistan’s borders are potential flashpoints and there is a risk that uncontrolled border areas may be land-mined.

 

Tensions exist over recognition of the Uzbek/Kyrgyz border. There have been a number of security incidents in this region including several gunfire exchanges. Security incidents have also been reported along the Uzbek/Tajik border.

 

Road travel

 

If you drive in Uzbekistan, make sure you have all registration papers, including motor insurance. You must carry your EU Driving Licence or an International Driving Permit at all times.

 

Take care as many roads are poorly-surfaced and badly-lit.

 

Driving is on the right in Uzbekistan. Vehicles approaching a roundabout have the right of way over vehicles already on the roundabout.

 

Seatbelts for drivers and passengers are compulsory and the use of mobile phones while driving is prohibited.

 

There are security checkpoints at the city limits of Tashkent and other towns.

 

A new regulation has been introduced allowing only licensed taxis (with certain colour and signs and card payment equipment) to operate in Uzbekistan. However, unlicensed taxis continue to operate. You should use official taxis where possible.

 

Many buses and taxis in Uzbekistan run on Compressed Natural Gas and safety regulations are often not followed. Where possible you should opt for modern vehicles when travelling by bus or taxi.

 

Rail travel

 

Take care when travelling long distances by train. If you have to travel overnight, keep valuables in a safe place. Don’t leave your belongings in the compartment unattended. Lock the door from the inside. You will need to present your passport with valid visa when booking train tickets.

 

Air travel

 

Uzbekistan Airways operate regular services to a number of European destinations. Uzbekistan is also served by Turkish Airlines.

 

We can’t offer advice on the safety of individual airlines. However, the International Air Transport Association publishes a list of registered airlines that have been audited and found to meet a number of operational safety standards and recommended practices. This list is not exhaustive and the absence of an airline from this list does not necessarily mean that it is unsafe.

 

In 2008 the International Civil Aviation Organisation carried out an audit of the level of implementation of the critical elements of safety oversight in Uzbekistan.

 

A list of incidents and accidents in Uzbekistan can be found on the website of the Aviation Safety Network.

 

Political situation

 

The political situation in Uzbekistan is stable.

 

You should avoid any demonstrations or large gatherings of people

 

Local laws and customs

Uzbekistan has a secular constitution. Most Uzbek people are Muslims. You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend other cultures or religious beliefs, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas.

 

In 2015, the holy month of Ramadan is expected to start on 18 June and finish on 18 July. 

 

You should carry your passport with you at all times as this is a legal requirement in Uzbekistan. The police often carry out checks.

 

Possession of drugs is illegal. There is a ban on the sale of alcohol and tobacco to those under 20. Prison sentences can be lengthy. While prison conditions have reportedly improved, reports of widespread hepatitis and tuberculosis and allegations of mistreatment of some prisoners by officials remain a concern.

 

Homosexuality is illegal under Uzbek law and is still very much frowned upon socially. You should take care over public displays of affection.

 

Any form of photography can upset the authorities, particularly photographs of government buildings including the Palace of Forums in Tashkent and sometimes in local bazaars not normally visited by tourists. You should check before using a camera, especially near airports, border checkpoints, military barracks, bridges, police stations and metro stations.

 

Money

Bring enough cash for the duration of your stay. Travellers’ cheques are not normally accepted. There are very few cash dispensers. US dollars are the most widely accepted foreign currency. Only change money through official exchange booths. It is illegal to change money on the black market, and harsh penalties will be imposed on those caught doing so. Damaged or marked bank notes will not be accepted at official exchange locations. You will need to complete a foreign currency declaration form when you arrive, and keep a copy yourself. You cannot leave with more foreign currency than you arrive with.

 

Terrorism

There is an underlying threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. You should be particularly vigilant in public places, and pay attention to any security announcements by the Uzbek authorities. Terrorist incidents have occurred in Uzbekistan.

 

Health

The quality of medical care in Uzbekistan is generally poor. Most hospitals are badly-equipped and unhygienic, with a limited supply of drugs. There is no guarantee that equipment will have been properly sterilised, especially in rural hospitals. You should avoid all but basic treatment or essential treatment in the event of an emergency. Medical insurance companies usually refer complaints of a more serious nature to hospitals in Europe or New Delhi.

 

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 03 (non-English speaking) and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

 

Natural disasters

Uzbekistan is located in an active seismic zone. There are regular tremors, but the last significant earthquake to cause major damage in Uzbekistan was in 1966.

 

Visas

 

Foreign nationals need a visa to enter Uzbekistan, which you should get before you arrive. If the purpose of your visit is tourism, no invitation letter is required to apply for a visa. However, if you intend to visit for any other reasons (eg to visit friends / family or as a business visitor), you will need to submit a letter of invitation with your application. Business visitors must get a letter from an Uzbek business partner.

 

Check your Uzbek visa once issued and carefully note the date of expiry and the number of entries permitted.

 

Don’t overstay your visa. Any traveller found to have overstayed will face a large fine and possibly deportation. It is not always easy or possible to extend your visa if you wish to remain in the country for longer than you had originally intended. If you are travelling overland, make sure you arrive at your intended border crossing in good time before your visa expires.

 

For further information contact the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in your home country.

 

Registration

 

You must register within three days of arrival. Saturdays and Sundays count as part of the three day period. If you are staying in a hotel, you will be asked for your passport at check-in and it will be retained for a short period. Hotel staff will complete the registration paperwork and return your passport to you.

 

If staying in a private house, your host should register you with their local district OVIR (Department of Foreign Travel & Exit (they also deal with the registration of Foreign Citizens)). If you travel to another city and plan to stay for longer than three days, you will need to register again. You must follow this procedure, as a full record of your whereabouts whilst in Uzbekistan is required upon departure. Visitors who are unable to account for their whereabouts could be fined and possibly deported.

 

Passport validity

 

Your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay. No additional period of validity beyond this is required.

 

The authorities in Uzbekistan have confirmed they will accept British passports extended by 12 months by British Embassies and Consulates under additional measures put in place in mid-2014.

 

Dual Nationality

 

Dual nationality is not recognised in Uzbekistan.

 

Emergency Travel Document

 

Emergency Travel Documents are accepted for entry (with a valid Uzbek visa), direct airside transit and exit from Uzbekistan. If your ETD has been issued in Tashkent, you’ll need an exit visa from the OVIR (Department of Foreign Travel & Exit) before you can travel out of Uzbekistan. This process can take at least 5 working days.

 

Customs declarations

 

You should fill out two copies of the customs declaration form on arrival. Make sure that both copies are signed and stamped by Customs officials. You will need to present one to the customs authorities as you enter the country and produce the other on departure. Any currency or valuables found in your possession and not declared on your customs declaration form may be confiscated.

 

Travelling with medicines

 

You should carry a doctor’s prescription if you intend to travel with prescription medicine and declare the items on your Customs Declaration Form. Possession of such items, even with a doctor’s prescription could, if not declared, or if the quantity held exceeds legal limits, lead to administrative or even criminal proceedings. Check legal quantities of medicines before you travel with the Uzbek Embassy in your home country.