Central Asia & Caucasus
Is Uzbekistan safe?
L1Exercise normal precautions
Is Uzbekistan safe?
One of the safest countries in the region for travelers; violent crime is rare. Watch for taxi overcharging, petty theft in bazaars and bad driving.
Key facts
- US travel advisory: Level 1: Exercise normal precautions, updated 2026-01-21.
- Homicide rate: 1.4 per 100,000 people (2021, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths: 11.7 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 102 · Ambulance 103 · Fire 101 · All emergencies 112.
- Solo women: Generally safe; expect curiosity and some unwanted attention. Dress modestly, especially in the Fergana Valley and at religious sites.
Risks, scams and laws
Main risks
- Reckless driving and poorly lit roads at night
- Extreme summer heat in Bukhara and Khiva
- Pickpockets in crowded bazaars such as Chorsu
Common scams
- Unofficial taxis quoting tourist prices; use Yandex Go instead
- Cafés without price lists charging foreigners more; ask first
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.
Safety by place in Uzbekistan
Quick answers
Is Uzbekistan safe for tourists?
One of the safest countries in the region for travelers; violent crime is rare. Watch for taxi overcharging, petty theft in bazaars and bad driving.
Is Uzbekistan safe for solo female travelers?
Generally safe; expect curiosity and some unwanted attention. Dress modestly, especially in the Fergana Valley and at religious sites.
What is the emergency number in Uzbekistan?
Police 102 · Ambulance 103 · Fire 101 · All emergencies 112.
Safety by place
Sources
- World Bank: intentional homicides
- 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
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