Uzbekistan: A Rich Tapestry of Culture, History, and Adventure
Uzbekistan is Central Asia’s most populous destination and, besides Liechtenstein, the only country in the world surrounded entirely by other landlocked states, namely Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan. It also borders the Aral Sea, which it shares with Kazakhstan.
Having declared its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, Uzbekistan has sought to increase awareness of its tourism potential, as it boasts historical, archaeological, architectural and natural treasures. Tourist activities range from outdoor pursuits in the beautiful mountainous regions to exploring the country’s rich history. Oasis towns such as Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva were once main points of trade on the Silk Road linking Eastern and Western civilisations and are among the oldest towns in the world. Today, ancient mosques, grandiose madrasas (Islamic clergy academies) and palaces, citadels, minarets, colourful bazaars, highly adorned mausoleums, and age-old traditions are their legacy. Uzbekistan’s capital, Tashkent, is the main point of entry and exit into and out of the country, and although also formerly part of the Silk Road, it is usually overlooked as a site of interest in favour of the historically richer tourism centres such as Samarkand. The 5th century BC World Heritage city was the greatest in Central Asia in its time, and boasts one of the most impressive sights in the region, Registan Square.
In recent years, Uzbekistan has cooled its relations with the West, having closed the US airbase that was used for operations in Afghanistan after 9/11, and favouring closer relations with China, India and Russia following Western calls for investigation into the bloody massacre at Andijan in 2005. Uzbek hospitality is nevertheless unequivocal, and visitors to the country will be overwhelmed with offers of tea or vodka, and treated to a feast of architectural splendour in this most historically intriguing of the Central Asian republics.
Key Facts
- Language:
- Uzbek is the official state language, but Russian is used in much day-to-day official and international communication.
- Passport/Visa:
Passports of all visitors should be valid for the period of intended stay. All visitors staying longer than three days are required to register with the local police on arrival, which should be entered on their visa; this will be checked on departure from the country. It is highly recommended that travellers’ passports have at least six months’ validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
- Currency:
The official currency is the soum (UZS), which is divided into 100 tiyins. Credit cards are not widely accepted beyond Tashkent and the main tourist areas of Samarkand and Bukhara, and there are very few ATMs, so visitors should bring enough cash for the duration of their stay. US dollars are the most widely accepted foreign currency. Travellers should only change money through official exchange booths, as harsh penalties will be imposed on those caught changing money on the black market. Damaged or marked bank notes will not be accepted at official exchange locations.
- Electricity:
- The electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Round, two-pin plugs, as well as oblique flat-blade plugs with ground are in use.
Climate in Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan’s continental climate brings long, hot and dry summers, and cold winters with snow. The south of the country is generally warmer than the north, with July temperatures that can reach in excess of 113F (45C) against 77F (25C) in the north. Winter temperatures can drop to 32F (0C) in the south and 18F (-8C) in the northern parts of the country. Spring and autumn are the most pleasant times to travel to Uzbekistan, as the weather is mild.
Health Notes when travelling to Uzbekistan
No vaccinations are required by visitors to Uzbekistan. However, outbreaks of Hepatitis A, Hepatitus B and Tetanus are possible, and there is a risk of malaria in the south. Visitors should only drink bottled water. Hospitals offer adequate basic medical care, but serious cases will usually be treated outside of the country. Visitors should ensure that they have comprehensive medical insurance.
Safety Notes when travelling to Uzbekistan
Travel to Uzbekistan is generally problem-free, but foreigners should avoid unnecessary displays of wealth and walking alone after dark, as occasional muggings do occur. A general threat of terrorism exists, particularly in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. Planned demonstrations should be avoided as they have become violent in the past.
Customs in Uzbekistan
Elderly people are greatly respected and should be treated with deference by foreigners. Most Uzbek people are Muslim, so visitors should dress modestly and be sensitive to religious customs, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan, when eating, drinking and smoking in public is forbidden by the Muslim culture. Homosexuality is illegal and public displays of affection are frowned upon. Police will often ask to see proof of identity, and foreigners are recommended to carry a photocopy of their passport with them at all times.
Duty Free in Uzbekistan
Travellers to Uzbekhistan 16 years and older can bring in goods to the value of US$1,000 without incurring customs duty. They are also entitled to import 200 cigarettes; 2 litres of beer and 2 litres of other alcohol beverages, plus 2 bottles of perfume. The export of antiques or antiquities requires a special permit. It is forbidden to import narcotics, pornography, explosives and any materials that incite violence or direct hatred toward the country, or any religion practiced within it.
Doing Business in Uzbekistan
Office hours are generally Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm. Men greet each other with handshakes. Women are not traditionally involved in business.
Communication in Uzbekistan
The international dialling code for Uzbekistan is +998. Travellers can purchase local prepaid SIM cards for unlocked phones; hotels and restaurants offer WiFi in the bigger cities.
Tipping in Uzbekistan
Tipping is common in restaurants and bars, and is usually 5 to 10 percent. Some tourist hotels and restaurants, and upmarket institutions will usually include service charge in the bill.
Passport/Visa Note
Passports of all visitors should be valid for the period of intended stay. All visitors staying longer than three days are required to register with the local police on arrival, which should be entered on their visa; this will be checked on departure from the country. It is highly recommended that travellers’ passports have at least six months’ validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
US nationals require a visa and a passport valid for duration of stay for entry to Uzbekistan.
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadians do not require a visa for up to 30 days. They require a passport valid for the duration of their stay to enter Uzbekistan.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
UK nationals do not require a visa for up to 30 days. They require a passport that is valid for at least three months after they enter Uzbekistan.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
Australians do not require a visa for up to 30 days. They require a passport valid for the duration of their stay to enter Uzbekistan.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish nationals do not require a visa for up to 30 days. They require a passport valid for the duration of their stay to enter Uzbekistan.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
New Zealand nationals do not require a visa for up to 30 days. They require a passport valid for the duration of their stay to enter Uzbekistan.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
South Africans require a visa and a passport valid for duration of stay for entry to Uzbekistan.
Tourist Offices
Tourism Information, Tashkent: +998 (71) 133 5414
Uzbekistan Embassies
- In the United States:
Uzbekistan Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 887 5300.
- In the United Kingdom:
Uzbekistan Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7229 7679.
Foreign Embassies in Uzbekistan
- American Embassy
United States Embassy, Tashkent: +998 (71) 120 5450.
- Canadian Embassy
Canadian Consulate, Tashkent: temporarily closed. Please contact [email protected] for further assistance.
- British Embassy
British Embassy, Tashkent: +998 (71) 120 1500.
- Australian Embassy
Australian Embassy, Moscow, Russia (also responsible for Uzbekistan): +7 (495) 956 6070.
- Irish Embassy
Irish Embassy, Moscow, Russia (also responsible for Uzbekistan): +7 (495) 937 5911.
- New Zealand Embassy
New Zealand Embassy, Moscow, Russia (also responsible for Uzbekistan): +7 (495) 956 3579.
- South African Embassy
South African Honorary Consulate, Tashkent: +998 (71) 137 0170.
Public Holidays Around the World
Planning your year? Knowing public holidays in different countries can help you plan trips, schedule events, or understand global schedules. Below, find a comprehensive list of public holidays sorted by country.
