Safety and security

Unrest

Care should be taken when travelling to areas bordering Afghanistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan other than via authorised crossing points. Security incidents have been reported from border areas and some areas are mined. Particular care should be taken if you are travelling in the Fergana Valley. 

Demonstrations

Avoid demonstrations and large public gatherings. Always keep yourself informed of what’s going on by monitoring local media and staying in contact with your hotel or tour organiser.

Terrorism

Terrorist attacks in Uzbekistan cannot be ruled out. You should be particularly vigilant in public places and pay attention to any security announcements by the Uzbek authorities. The Uzbek government has occasionally restricted travel to certain parts of the country in response to security concerns.

Crime

Crime is not a serious problem in Uzbekistan. However, there have been occasional muggings and petty crime against foreigners so you should take sensible precautions: 

• Don’t carry your credit card, travel tickets and money together - leave spare cash and valuables in a safe place
• Avoid obvious displays of wealth, especially in rural areas
• You should carry your passport with you at all times as this is a legal requirement in Uzbekistan. The police often carry out checks.
• Avoid travelling in unofficial taxis, particularly at night and alone, or if there is another passenger already in the car

Police officers

There have been allegations of crimes by off-duty policemen or those pretending to be policemen. Genuine police officials should always present their own credentials when asking someone for proof of their identity. If you’re in doubt, go to the nearest police station.

Lost or stolen passports

If you lose your passport, report it immediately to the police and get confirmation of the loss in writing. You’ll need this when applying for an emergency passport from the Irish Embassy in Moscow.  The Embassy can accept applications for new passports, which may take between four and six weeks to be processed in Dublin, but new full passports cannot be issued in Moscow.

Reporting crime

If you’re a victim of a crime while in Uzbekistan, report it to the local police immediately. And you can contact us at the Irish Embassy in Moscow if you need help.

Driving

If you’re planning to drive in Uzbekistan, take care – many roads are poor and badly lit. 

If you want to drive:

• Bring your full Irish driving licence and your  international driving permit and make sure you have adequate and appropriate insurance
• There is a zero tolerance policy towards those driving under the influence of alcohol
• You drive on the right in Uzbekistan and vehicles approaching a roundabout have a right of way over those already on it

Road safety

There are security checkpoints at the city limits of Tashkent and other towns throughout the country so you may experience delays if you travel by car. 

Hiring a vehicle

If you’re hiring a vehicle, we advise you not to hand over your passport as a form of security. If you’re allowing your passport to be photocopied, keep it in your sight at all times.

Check that you have adequate insurance and read the small print of the vehicle hire contract (particularly any waiver that will come into effect if the vehicle is damaged).

Public transport

In Tashkent it is safer to use official taxis and to travel in modern vehicles. We don’t encourage the hiring of private unlicensed hackney cabs instead of licensed taxis.

Many buses and taxis run on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and safety regulations are not always followed. Where possible, you should choose modern vehicles when travelling by bus or taxi.

Air safety

If you intend to travel to, from or within Uzbekistan, avoid flying on airlines listed under the EU operating ban. It is not known if maintenance regulations are properly observed with aircraft used for internal flights. Where possible, use a direct flight originating from outside Eastern Europe and Central Asia.

Local laws and customs

Remember, the local laws apply to you as a visitor and it is your responsibility to follow them. Be sensitive to local customs, traditions and practices as your behaviour may be seen as improper, hostile or may even be illegal.

Personal identification

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

Illegal drugs

The possession of certain drugs is illegal and prison sentences can be lengthy.

Prescribed medication

Bring a doctor’s prescription with you if you intend to travel with prescription medicine and declare the items on your Customs Declaration Form. If you don’t declare these items or if you’re carrying more than the legal limit, you could face administrative or even criminal proceedings, even if you have a doctor’s prescription. Information on prohibited medicines and the legal quantities of medicines that are allowed to be imported can be found on the website of the State Customs Committee of Uzbekistan. 

Homosexuality

Homosexuality is illegal under Uzbek law. Caution and discretion are advised at all times.

Photography

While photography in public places is generally permitted, you should check before using a camera, especially near airports, military barracks and police stations.

Natural disasters and climate

Earthquakes

Uzbekistan is located in an active seismic zone and earth tremors do occur. In 2011, an earthquake measuring 6.2 on the Richter scale struck the Batken region of southwestern Kyrgystan and tremors were felt in Tashkent. A number of deaths and injuries were reported.

Additional information

Entry requirements (visa/passport)

If you are unsure about the entry requirements for Uzbekistan, including visa and other immigration information, ask your travel agent or contact the Embassy of Uzbekistan in London.  

You can also check with them how long your passport must be valid for.

If you want to travel to Termez and other parts of the Surkhandarya region, you’ll need to apply for a permit from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tashkent.

Passports

You should carry your passport with you at all times as this is a legal requirement in Uzbekistan. The police often carry out checks. Make sure you fill in the next of kin details in the back pages.

Customs

Foreigners must complete a Customs Declaration in duplicate on entering Uzbekistan. Customs officials will review and stamp both copies. One will be retained by the Customs Authority, you keep the other and present it when you leave the country.

Health

Check with your doctor well in advance of travelling to see what vaccinations you need for Uzbekistan.

Medical facilities

The quality of medical care is generally poor and you should avoid all but basic treatment or essential treatment in the event of an emergency. Comprehensive medical insurance, including evacuation by air ambulance, is essential.

Malaria

Before travelling, get up-to-date medical advice as to whether you will need anti-malarial medication. When you arrive, avoid being bitten by mosquitoes by using bed nets and repellents, and wearing closed shoes, long sleeves and trousers.

Other illnesses

Outbreaks of hepatitis A, meningitis and diphtheria have occurred in Uzbekistan. Cases of polio have been reported in border areas and tuberculosis is also a concern.

Food hygiene

Peel fruit and vegetables, avoid undercooked meat, unpasteurised dairy products and most of the food sold on the streets.

Water

We recommend that you drink only boiled or bottled water during your stay, and avoid ice in drinks.

Money

Bring enough money for the duration of your stay and only change money through official exchange booths. 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 arrived with. ATMs are uncommon in Uzbekistan and the use of credit cards is rare outside of high-end restaurants and hotels in Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara.

More travel advice

Because we don’t have an Embassy or Consulate in Uzbekistan, we can’t give you up-to-date travel advice. But you can visit these foreign ministries for more detailed information:  

• Canada: Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
• UK: Foreign and Commonwealth Office
• New Zealand: Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
• Australia: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
• USA: Department of State