Uzbekistan

U.S. Embassy Tashkent

3 Moyqorghon Street, 5th block
Yunusobod District, 100093
Tashkent
Uzbekistan
Telephone: +(998) (78) 120-5450
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(998) (78) 120-5450
Fax: +(998) (71) 120-5448
Email: ACSTashkent@state.gov

Please visit the Embassy's COVID-19 page for more information on COVID-19 in Uzbekistan. 

Visit the Embassy of Uzbekistan website for the most current visa information.

Visas: U.S. citizens should apply for visas well in advance of their travel. 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 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.

Electronic Visas: For information on applying for an e-visa, please visit the Embassy of Uzbekistan website.  Please note that while an e-visa may be valid for 90 days from the date of issuance, the allowed period of stay in Uzbekistan is only 30 days from the date of arrival. E-visas cannot be extended in Uzbekistan. Travelers seeking a longer period of stay may apply for a regular physical tourist visa through Uzbekistan’s consular missions abroad.

Visa-free Entry for Foreign Citizens under 16: U.S. citizens, who are under 16 and traveling for tourism, are eligible for a visa-free regime. They should provide a valid U.S. passport and must be accompanied by their legal guardians. The period of stay will correspond with the duration of the visa of the accompanying guardian but not more than 90 days. More information is available at the Embassy of Uzbekistan website.

Visa-free Entry for Foreign Citizens over 55: U.S. citizens, who are older than 55 and traveling for tourism, are eligible for a visa-free regime with a valid passport. The period of stay cannot exceed 30 days. More information is available at the Embassy of Uzbekistan website.

Registration: The government of Uzbekistan requires all foreigners to register with the local authorities within three days of arrival in Uzbekistan.  From the date of the initial registration, travelers are responsible for maintaining uninterrupted registration. Visit our Registration in Uzbekistan website for more information.

Border Crossings: Travel within Uzbekistan by rail or land sometimes requires brief entries into neighboring countries. Travelers should obtain a multiple-entry Uzbek visa as well as proper visas for the relevant neighboring countries, if needed.

HIV/AIDS: Some HIV/AIDS entry restrictions exist for visitors 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 Embassy of Uzbekistan before you travel.

Find information on dual nationality, prevention of international child abduction and customs regulations on our websites.

Terrorism:  Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad.  Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack – including knives, firearms, and vehicles – to more effectively target crowds.  Frequently, their aim is unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as:

• High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
• Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists
• Places of worship
• Schools
• Parks
• Shopping malls and markets
• Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights)

For more information, see our Terrorism page.

Demonstrations are rare, but may occur.  They may take place in response to political or economic issues and can be accompanied by clashes between police and protesters. In the past, some clashes have resulted in deaths.

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable, avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. 
• Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence.
• Past demonstrations have ended in mass arrests.
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.

Crime: Violent crime against foreign nationals is rare, but can occur, especially in larger cities, primarily during late night hours.  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 unmarked taxis.

Scams: See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information on scams.

Victims of Crime: Report crimes to the local police at 102 (Tashkent) or 02 (most of Uzbekistan) and to the U.S. Embassy at + (998) (78) 120-5450.

We can:

• Help you find appropriate medical care.
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police.
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent.
• Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during and after the local investigation.
• Provide a list of local attorneys.
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution.
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home.
• Replace a stolen or lost passport.

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas.

Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy for assistance.

Tourism: The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities. First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities and to provide urgent medical treatment. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage.

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws.  If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.  Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, 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.

• Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs are severe. Expect long jail sentences and heavy fines if you are convicted. 
• It is illegal to take pictures of certain buildings. Ask before taking photographs of anything of possible military or security interest. 
• Always carry a copy of your U.S. passport, visa, and visa registration, since local police may conduct document inspections. Check your visa and registration validity dates regularly, and renew them before they expire.

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods: Although counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries, they may still be illegal according to local laws. You may also pay fines or have to give them up if you bring them back to the United States. See the U.S. Department of Justice website for more information.

Faith-Based Travelers:  See the following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports
• Human Rights Report – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad  

LGBTQI+ Travelers:  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 registered LGBTQI+ organizations.  See our LGBTQI+ Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details.

Travelers with Disabilities:  The law in Uzbekistan prohibits discrimination against persons with physical, sensory, intellectual, or mental disabilities, and the law is enforced.  Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public is not as prevalent as in the United States.  Buildings, public transportation, and social infrastructure facilities, such as clinics and schools, are rarely adapted for use by persons with disabilities. 

Students:  See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips.

Women Travelers:  See our travel tips for Women Travelers.

Please visit the Embassy's COVID-19 page for more information on COVID-19 in Uzbekistan. 

Medical care in Uzbekistan is below U.S. standards with shortages of basic medical supplies, including disposable needles, anesthetics, and antibiotics. Some 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 Europe for their medical needs.

Generally, in hospitals only minimal staff is available overnight, and medical staff may speak little or no English.  Patients bear all costs for transfer to or between hospitals.  Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in the larger cities, with hospital-based care only available through government institutions.

For emergency services in Uzbekistan, dial 103 (Tashkent) or 03 (most of Uzbekistan). Other provider numbers are:

• Fire: 101 (Tashkent), 01 (most of Uzbekistan)
• Police: 102 (Tashkent), 02 (most of Uzbekistan)
• Ministry of Emergency Situations: 1050 (Tashkent), 050 (most of Uzbekistan)

Ambulance services are:

• widely available but training and availability of emergency responders may be below U.S. standards.
• not equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment.
• staffed with trained physicians and paramedics with limited medical equipment.
• private ambulance services may have quicker response times and are available in some major cities.
• very few English speaking providers are available.
• injured or seriously ill travelers may prefer to take a taxi or private vehicle to the nearest major hospital rather than wait for an ambulance.

We do not pay medical bills.  Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas.  Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

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.  Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas. We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Pharmaceuticals:

• Exercise caution when purchasing medication overseas.  Pharmaceuticals, both over the counter and requiring prescription in the United States, are often readily available for purchase with little controls.  Counterfeit medication is common and may prove to be ineffective, the wrong strength, or contain dangerous ingredients.  Medication should be purchased in consultation with a medical professional and from reputable establishments.
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration are responsible for rules governing the transport of medication back to the United States.  Medication purchased abroad must meet their requirements to be legally brought back into the United States.  Medication should be for personal use and must be approved for usage in the United States.  Please visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration websites for more information.
• Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.  Check with Uzbekistan’s laws and legislation to ensure the medication is legal in Uzbekistan

Vaccinations:  Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Water Quality: In many areas, tap water is not potable. Bottled water and beverages are generally safe.  Be aware that ice for drinks may be made using tap water.

Air Quality: Visit AirNow Department of State for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates. Air pollution is a significant problem in major cities in Uzbekistan.  Consider the impact seasonal smog and heavy particulate pollution may have on you and consult your doctor before traveling if necessary.

Adventure Travel:  Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about Adventure Travel.

U.S. Embassy Tashkent’s Consular Section maintains a list of medical contacts.

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 are in poor condition.  Exercise caution on rural or mountainous roads.

Driving at night can be dangerous.  Rural roads and highways are generally not lit, and only major cities have streetlights.  The fuel supply can be sporadic, and travelers may encounter occasional difficulty finding gasoline 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. Drivers often disregard traffic signals, ignore lane markings, and move erratically and at high speeds.  Pedestrians cross streets unexpectedly and often without looking for oncoming traffic.

Passersby and drivers generally respond quickly to automobile accidents and notify relevant authorities; however, police may not arrive at the scene right away.  There are private roadside assistance services available in Uzbekistan that can assist with towing, fuel refill, tire replacement, etc.

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.

Public Transportation:  

Public transportation in the city is often overcrowded and not always safe. Avoid using unmarked taxis or entering a cab that already has passengers. Buses and shuttle buses (marshrutkas), especially in residential areas, lack necessary route maps and information, and driver schedules may be unpredictable.

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.