Uzbekistan

Emergency phone numbers

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes and providing emergency services.

• Dial 101 for fire
• Dial 102 for police
• Dial 103 for emergency services
• Dial 1173 for tourist police

Demonstrations 

Demonstrations are rare and unlikely to occur, particularly inside Tashkent.  However, clashes between police and protesters have resulted in deaths in the past.

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable. Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. 
• Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn violent.
• Past demonstrations have ended in mass arrests.
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.

Crime

Violent crime is rare but can happen in larger cities, especially at night. 

• Pickpocketing is rare but possible in crowded places like tourist spots, train stations, and markets.
• When paying by credit or debit card, some merchants may ask for your PIN or attempt to photograph your card.  Travelers are advised to maintain control of their payment cards and not to share their PINs.
• Using private cars as taxis is common but unsafe, especially for women. Use clearly marked taxis, like those at hotels.
• Women travelers may face extra risks when traveling alone or using unmarked taxis.
• In urban areas, take the same precautions you would in any large U.S. city.
• At night, stay in well-lit areas, travel in groups, and keep a low profile. Avoid showing large amounts of cash.
• Police responses to crime reports can vary. Report incidents to local police and the U.S. embassy for help.

Scams

Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams.

If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help.

While financial scams and internet romance scams are not very common in Uzbekistan, be careful of anyone asking for money, especially those who start a "romantic" relationship online or claim local authorities want money. 

Cybercrimes are becoming more common around the world. Fraudsters use social media sites to impersonate bank or government officials. They aim to get access to personal records, banks, or credit cards.

Common scams globally include:

• Romance and online dating 
• Contracts with promises of large commissions
• Work permits and job offers
• Broken taxi meters 
• Cybercrime

Victims of crime

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. 

• Dial 102 to report crimes to the local police.
• Dial 1173 for tourist police
• Review our information for Victims of Crime.  

The U.S. embassy or consulate can: 

• Replace a stolen or lost passport.
• Help you find medical care.  
• Assist you in how to report a crime to the police. 
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent. 
• Provide general information regarding the criminal justice system.  
• Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys. 
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States. 
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States or limited medical support in cases of need. 
• Help you find accommodation and options to travel home.

Sexual assault and domestic violence

• U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault and domestic violence are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy and local law enforcement for assistance.

Technology use abroad

SIM cards and e-SIM cards can be purchased at the airport upon arrival or downloaded before traveling to Uzbekistan.

Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and damage anywhere in the world. Follow these safe practices:

• Update all software (operating system and apps) before leaving the United States. 
• Use reputable, U.S.-based VPN or VoIP applications.  
• Don’t connect to public Wi-Fi networks. 
• Research the safety of routes recommended by GPS. The fastest route is not always the safest.
• Be cautious using dating apps abroad, as scammers often target U.S. citizens.
• Within 3 days of arrival or purchase, all cell phone users must go to UZIMEI.UZ to register their cell phone IMEI numbers with local authorities.
• The government restricts the importation, selling, and operation of drones. Offenders may face fines and have their drones confiscated. More information can be found from the Uzbekistan's Civil aviation administration.

Tourism safety

The tourism industry is rapidly developing in Uzbekistan. Many international brand hotels are now operating throughout the country. However, hostels or smaller local hotels are not well regulated.

The tourism industry is not well regulated:

• Safety inspections for equipment and facilities are rare. 
• Dangerous areas and activities are not always marked with signs. 
• Staff may not be trained or certified. 
• If you get injured, you will likely need to travel to a major city for medical care. 
• First responders cannot reach remote areas in case of emergencies. 
• U.S. citizens are encouraged to have medical evacuation insurance. 
• Review our information on Travel Insurance.
  

Adventure travel

• Review the CDC tips for Adventure Travel.

Criminal penalties

U.S. citizens must follow local laws. If you break local laws, even by mistake, you could be deported, arrested, or imprisoned. 

• You may be prosecuted in the United States for crimes committed abroad regardless of the local law. Review the information provided by the U.S. Department of Justice about crimes against minors abroad.
• Before you start a business or a profession in Uzbekistan, seek information from the local authorities about what permits or licenses are required.
• Carefully check your luggage and clothing for any leftover ammunition or items that could be illegal at your destination. Review our information on Firearms.

Common Issues:

• 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 (if applicable), and visa registration. Local police may conduct document inspections. Check your visa and registration validity dates regularly and renew them before they expire.

Arrest notification

• If you are arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the U.S. embassy or consulate immediately.

Counterfeit and pirated goods

Counterfeit and pirated goods are common in many international destinations.

• They may be illegal according to local laws.  
• Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety.  
• You may be subject to fines or must surrender counterfeit and pirated goods to authorities if you bring them back to the United States.  

Learn more about U.S. restrictions on counterfeit and pirated goods: 

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection 
• U.S. Department of Justice 

Faith-based travelers

Faith based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects, and mission work.

Prepare for your travel using these resources:

• Faith-Based Travel
• Volunteering Abroad
• International Religious Freedom Reports

Gay and lesbian travelers

• Same-sex sexual activity is a taboo subject in Uzbekistani society. There are no registered lesbian or gay organizations. Sexual relations between men are against the law and punishable by up to 3 years’ imprisonment. 
• The law does not specifically address same-sex sexual activity between women. 
• Review our information for Gay and Lesbian Travelers.

Travelers with accessibility needs

• The law in Uzbekistan prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities. The law is enforced. 
• Even though there are rules about making buildings accessible, expect accessibility to be limited in most buildings. 
• Cultural norms and general public sentiment around disability are not as common as in the United States.
• Review our information on Accessibility Needs.

Students

• Review our information on Studying Abroad.

Women travelers

There have been reported cases of female U.S. citizens living in Uzbekistan experiencing sexual harassment or assault, or domestic violence. Each region has at least 1 women’s crisis shelter that may help those in need.   

• Review our information for Women Travelers.

Human rights

• Review the Department of State’s Human Rights Report for Uzbekistan prior to traveling.

Health resources

• CDC Uzbekistan Traveler Information provides destination specific information on prevalent diseases and vaccination recommendations.
• CDC Medical Tourism information 
• World Health Organization
• Medicine and Health
• Travel Insurance

Emergency phone numbers

• Dial 103 for emergency medical services
• Dial 1050 for Ministry of Emergency Situations

Ambulance services

Ambulance services are widely available. However, training and response time of emergency responders may be poor.

• Ambulances are not equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment.
• Ambulances may be staffed with trained personnel, but have limited medical equipment.
• Very few English-speaking providers are available. Most will not speak English.
• Private ambulance services may have quicker response times and are available in some major cities.
• 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.

Medical payments and insurance

Make sure you know if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses coverage abroad.  Most U.S. plans do not.

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills.
• U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover expenses or bills abroad.
• Hospitals and doctors abroad do not accept U.S. health insurance.
• Government-run hospitals can provide medical treatment for free. Private hospitals often need payment up front or proof of insurance before providing treatment or admitting a patient.  
• Make sure you know if your health insurance plan provides coverage abroad or reimbursement of payments. The CDC provides more information on types of insurance.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Vaccinations

Stay up to date with the vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• CDC Travelers’ Health
• World Health Organization Travel Advice

Healthcare facilities

• Medical care in Uzbekistan is below U.S. standards with shortages of basic medical supplies.
• Generally, only minimal staff in hospitals are available overnight
• Medical staff may speak little or no English. 
• Patients bear all costs for transferring to or between hospitals.
• Elderly travelers and those with pre-existing health problems may be at particular risk due to inadequate medical facilities.
• Most U.S. citizens residing in Uzbekistan travel to other countries for their medical needs.
• Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in the larger cities. Hospital-based psychological and psychiatric care is only available through government institutions.
• The U.S. embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals. 
• We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

Prescription medications

• Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. 
• Travelers entering Uzbekistan must declare prescription medications upon arrival.  Failure to declare prescription medications may violate local laws.
• U.S citizens should avoid bringing any cannabis-related items into Uzbekistan, including gummies, vapes, etc. 
• Counterfeit medications are common and may not work, have the wrong strength, or have dangerous ingredients. You should buy medication with the help of a medical professional and from trusted places.
• Some medications sold in local pharmacies are known to be counterfeit.
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have rules for bringing medication back into the United States.  If you buy medications abroad, the medications must meet CBP’s and the FDA’s requirements to bring them back legally. 
• The medications must also be for personal use and approved for use in the United States. 

For more information:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection 
• Food and Drug Administration

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and surrogacy

• Surrogacy is illegal for foreigners in Uzbekistan.

Water quality and food safety

• Tap water is not safe to drink throughout the country. 
• Many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested. 
• You may want to ask for no ice in your drinks since it may be made using tap water.
•  Food handling and storage practices do not consistently meet U.S. standards, and many travelers experience foodborne illness. Choosing freshly prepared, fully cooked, hot food items is generally safest and unwashed, uncooked vegetables are potentially contaminated.

Air quality

Winter air quality in Tashkent can cause serious health problems. It often ranks as one of the world’s most polluted. You may wish to wear a mask to help reduce exposure to Tashkent’s poor winter air quality.

• Check NASA’s Air Quality Forecast. It uses Artificial Intelligence (AI), historical data, and global pollution modeling to generate a 3-day forecast of expected air quality.
•  For information about common air pollutants, check the CDC’s Air Quality page.
• For information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance, check out the EPA’s AirNow.
• Review our information on Medicine and Health.

Road conditions and safety

Road conditions differ significantly from those in the United States.

• Major highways are often well-maintained.
• Secondary and rural roads can be bumpy and in poor condition. 
• Use caution when driving at night. Rural roads and highways are generally not lit, and only major cities have streetlights.
• The fuel supply can be sporadic. You may face challenges 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.
• 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. They frequently stop drivers for minor infractions or simple document checks. 
• There have been reports of traffic police harassing drivers and asking them for bribes.
• 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.

Taxis and ride-shares

• U.S. citizens should only use officially marked taxis. Rideshare apps are also available.  
• Avoid using unmarked taxis or entering a cab that already has passengers.
• Most taxis lack working seatbelts in the back seat.

Public and commercial transportation

• Buses and shuttle buses (marshrutkas), especially in residential areas, lack necessary route maps and information. Driver schedules may be unpredictable.
• Review our information on Driving and Transportation Safety Abroad.

Aviation safety oversight

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has found that Uzbekistan’s Civil Aviation Authority meets international standards for aviation safety oversight.

• FAA's website includes more information on its assessment program.

Weather conditions

Extreme summer heat

• Temperatures in the summer can reach as high as 120 degrees throughout the country.  
• High demand on Tashkent’s and other cities’ electrical systems often leads to temporary power outages. These outages can cause air conditioning units to stop working, sometimes for long periods of time.  
• Winter air quality in Tashkent can cause serious health problems. It often ranks among the world’s most polluted.  You may want to wear a mask to help reduce exposure to Tashkent’s poor winter air quality.  

Earthquakes

• Earthquakes can occur at any time.
• Uzbekistan is in a seismically active region, particularly in the eastern areas near Tashkent and the Fergana Valley.

Helpful resources

• Department of Meteorology provides weather forecasts, flood warnings, and earthquake alerts.

Living abroad resources 

If you live outside the United States for a long time, you or your family may experience various life events, wish to exercise U.S. citizenship rights, or need to meet U.S. legal obligations while abroad.

• Learn how to prepare for voting in U.S. elections, the birth of a child, or getting married.
• Ensure you have a plan for healthcare and medical insurance abroad.
• Even abroad, you still have certain obligations such as paying your U.S. taxes or registering for military selective service.
• Review information on federal benefits, such as Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits.