Central Asia & Caucasus
Uzbekistan
Silk Road cities (Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva) joined by fast trains, very low street crime and generous hospitality. Russian or Uzbek helps; summers are scorching and cash still matters.
- US travel advisoryLevel 1Exercise normal precautionsDetails
- Visa93 of 198passports can visit visa-freeDetails
- CurrencyUZSUS$1 ≈ so'm11,813.00Details
- Price level29%of US prices (World Bank PPP)Details
- English2/5LimitedDetails
- PlugsType C, F220 V, 50 HzDetails
- Emergency112Police 102 · Ambulance 103 · Fire 101 · All emergencies 112
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled or filtered water everywhere; bottled water is cheap and sold in every shop.Details
- LGBTQ+CriminalizedSocially very conservative; police harassment and entrapment via dating apps are reported.Details
- Internet94 MbpsMedian fixed broadband · mobile 61 MbpsDetails
- DrivingOn the rightCarry an IDP with your home licence; self-drive rental is limited, so most visitors hire a car with driver.
Where to go in Uzbekistan
4 places with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
When to visit Uzbekistan
April–May and September–October. July–August often tops 40°C in Bukhara and Khiva; winters are cold but quiet and cheap.
Good to know
Entry
- Many nationalities are visa-free; others use the official e-visa at e-visa.gov.uz, applying at least three days ahead.
- You must be registered within 3 days of arrival: hotels and hostels do it automatically; private stays register online (e-mehmon).
- Keep hotel registration slips or e-receipts; unregistered nights can lead to fines.
Laws visitors break by accident
- Drones are banned without prior permission and get confiscated at customs.
- Bring prescriptions for medicines with codeine or psychotropics; customs checks are strict.
Etiquette
- Remove shoes in homes; hosts pour tea half-full as a courtesy.
- Never put bread (non) upside down or on the floor.
- Cover shoulders and knees at mosques and madrasas.
Tipping
Restaurants often add a 10–15% service charge; check the bill. Otherwise rounding up is enough.
Neighbouring countries
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Uzbekistan e-Visa (official)
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan
- E-Mehmon tourist registration
- Uzbekistan Railways
- Uzbekistan Travel (national tourism board)
- World Bank open data
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.