23 March 2021
There's a ban on overseas travel from Australia. You can’t leave Australia unless you have an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs, or are travelling to a destination that is exempt from the ban.
Our global travel advice remains at 'Do not travel' due to the health risks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant disruptions to global travel. Some destinations were already set at Do Not Travel prior to COVID-19 due to the extreme risk to your safety.
If you’re overseas and wish to return to Australia, be prepared for delays and read our advice on trying to get home.
When you arrive in Australia you must quarantine for 14 days at designated facilities in your port of arrival, unless you have an exemption or are travelling on a quarantine-free flight from a green zone destination. At this time, vaccination against COVID-19 does not change this quarantine requirement. You may be required to pay for the costs of your quarantine. View State and Territory Government COVID-19 information for information about quarantine and domestic borders.
If you're staying overseas, make plans to stay for an extended period. Follow the advice of local authorities and minimise your risk of exposure to COVID-19. Stay in touch with family and friends so they know you're safe.
Our network of embassies and consular posts around the world will provide you with up-to-date local advice and support throughout this difficult period. Be aware consular services may be limited due to local measures.
For the latest information, read and subscribe to our news and travel advice. Also see our COVID-19 information pages.
In Tashkent, call 101.
In all other regions, call 01.
In Tashkent, call 103.
In all other regions, call 03.
In Tashkent, call 102.
In all other regions, call 02.
Always get a police report when you report a crime.
Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.
In Tashkent, call 1050.
In all other regions, call 050.
Do not travel to Uzbekistan.
Do not travel overseas due to the health risks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant disruptions to global travel.
Full travel advice: Safety
Full travel advice: Health
Full travel advice: Local laws
Full travel advice: Travel
Full travel advice: Local contacts
Terrorist attacks have happened in Uzbekistan.
Targets could include places popular with foreigners.
On 6 November 2019, reportedly 17 people were killed in an armed attack on a Tajik security check-point on the Tajik/Uzbek border. Local authorities advised that IS was responsible for the attack.
To protect yourself from terrorism:
If there's an attack, leave the area as soon as it's safe.
Terrorism is a threat worldwide.
More information:
Regional political tensions and conflict add to security threats. Threats are more severe in Uzbekistan's border regions.
Ongoing conflict makes Afghanistan very dangerous.
There have been reports of terrorists raiding into Uzbekistan.
Security in the regions bordering Tajikistan and the Kyrgyz Republic is volatile.
Now and then there's armed conflict in rural areas in the east of Uzbekistan. The conflict is between extremist or criminal groups and government forces.
There have been clashes between Uzbek and Kyrgyz security forces. The clashes are due to tension over recognition of the border between the two countries.
In 2016, Uzbek border guards blocked a section of the border with the Kyrgyz Republic for a short time. This happened in the Ala-Buka district.
There are unmarked landmines in parts of Uzbekistan bordering Afghanistan, Tajikistan and the Kyrgyz Republic.
If you travel to these areas despite our advice, be alert to possible hazards, especially at night.
Demonstrations occur throughout the country and can turn violent.
Violent protests particularly happen in Andijan and the eastern region of the Ferghana Valley.
If you travel to these regions despite the risks, monitor developments. Security may worsen without warning. Have other plans ready.
To stay safe during civil unrest:
Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.
More information:
You could encounter crime in Uzbekistan.
Thieves target foreigners, often with pickpocketing and other petty crimes.
Robberies happen, especially on trains and in unofficial taxis.
Some criminals pose as police officers then rob victims.
Crime levels are higher at night, including on trains.
There have been reports of harassment, mistreatment and extortion by police and other local officials.
To stay safe, be very careful in all parts of Uzbekistan and:
Uzbekistan is in an active earthquake zone.
If a natural disaster or severe weather happens:
Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. A ban on overseas travel from Australia remains in place. You can’t leave Australia unless you get an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs.
Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.
If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.
If you're not insured, you may have to pay many 1000s of dollars up-front for medical care.
Confirm:
Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. Consider whether you may be in a vulnerable category for COVID-19.
See your doctor or travel clinic to:
Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.
More information:
Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.
Sleeping tablets or medicines containing codeine are controlled in Uzbekistan.
If you plan to take medication, check if it's legal in Uzbekistan. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.
Carry copies of your prescription and a letter from your doctor, translated into Russian or Uzbek. The letter must state:
Declare all medications on arrival. You could face fines or criminal charges if either:
Officials may charge you for undeclared or excessive medicine quantities even if you have a doctor's prescription and letter.
Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Uzbekistan for advice.
More information:
COVID-19 remains a risk in Uzbekistan. Monitor the media for latest developments and follow the advice of local authorities. See the COVID-19 in Uzbekistan website for further information.
You should consult your local health professional for advice on vaccine options, including assistance that may be available locally. The Australian Government cannot provide advice on the safety, quality and efficacy of vaccines that have been approved for use outside of Australia's regulatory process.
More information
HIV/AIDS is prevalent. Take steps to reduce your risk of exposure to the virus.
Malaria occurs in Uzunskiy, Sariassiskiy and Shurchinskiy districts in Surkhandarya and Kashkadarya provinces.
Travel in forested areas may expose you to tick bites. Ticks can carry diseases. Ticks are very common in country areas and are most active from spring to autumn.
To reduce your risk of tick-borne disease:
To protect yourself from illness:
Seek medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash or severe headache.
Waterborne, foodborne, parasitic and other infectious diseases are prevalent. These include:
More serious outbreaks occur from time to time.
To protect yourself from illness:
Seek medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.
More information:
Medical facilities are limited in Uzbekistan. Medicines and equipment are often in short supply.
You often need to pay in cash up-front before doctors or hospitals will treat you. This includes for emergency care.
If you become seriously ill or injured, you may need to be moved to a place with better facilities. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.
You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.
If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.
Penalties for drug offences are severe. They include long prison sentences served in local jails.
More information:
Police often ask to check your identity. Always carry your passport and visa.
Things that are illegal in Uzbekistan include:
It's also illegal to take photos of:
More information:
Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.
More information:
Uzbekistan doesn't recognise dual nationality.
If you're a dual citizen, this limits the consular services we can give if you're arrested or detained.
Always travel on your Australian passport.
Under Uzbek law, an Uzbek citizen loses their Uzbek citizenship when they become a citizen of another country.
If you're an Uzbek citizen and you become an Australian citizen, you must notify Uzbek authorities. Within 30 days, notify either:
More information:
Uzbekistan has national service obligations.
If you keep your Uzbek citizenship and visit Uzbekistan, you may need to do national service.
There are penalties for citizens of Uzbekistan who serve in the military or security forces of another country.
You'll need a 'permit to depart Uzbekistan' if you're a dual national using your Uzbek passport. You need the permit when you travel in Russia and in neighbouring Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries.
If you don't have the permit or if it has expired, you may face difficulties at border control stations.
Our ability to help you may be very limited in these cases.
Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Uzbekistan to find out how to get or renew this permit. Do this before you enter any of the CIS countries or Russia on an Uzbek passport.
More information:
Standards of dress and behaviour are conservative.
Take care not to offend. If in doubt, dress conservatively and seek local advice.
The Islamic holy month of Ramadan is observed in Uzbekistan. Respect religious and cultural customs and laws at this time.
During Ramadan, eating, drinking and smoking may be illegal in public during the day. If you're not fasting, avoid these activities around people who are. Seek local advice to avoid offence.
Explore our Ramadan page to learn more, including dates for Ramadan.
Australians can enter Uzbekistan under a new visa-free arrangement. It covers single-entry stays of up to 30 days.
You'll still need a visa if you're staying for more than 30 days or need multiple entries.
More information:
Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Singapore (accredited to Australia) for details about visas and other travel requirements.
Uzbek visas specify validity, number of entries, and length of stay. Check your visa details when you get it.
The length of stay on your visa may differ from the length you asked for in your application.
Authorities may fine, detain or deport you if you:
COVID-19
If you're entering Uzbekistan you must provide a certificate with a negative COVID-19 (PCR) test result taken in the 72 hours before arrival. The test can be in English or Russian.
Airports are open but international flights are very limited. For more information see the Uzbekistan travel website.
Other Formalities
Declare all medications and other restricted items on arrival. See Health
Contact your airline or your nearest embassy or consulate of Uzbekistan to confirm visa and entry requirements.
If your stay is for 3 or more days, weekend days included, you'll need to register with local authorities.
Register in each city in which you intend to stay. Most hotels do this for their guests, but you're legally responsible.
Confirm with check-in staff that they have registered you.
If you stay in private accommodation or your hotel doesn't offer this service, register either:
Uzbekistan's borders with neighbouring countries can close without notice.
Some border crossings may only be open to local residents.
Check with local authorities which border crossings are open and if they're available for you to pass through. Do this before you travel.
Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.
Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.
You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.
The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.
Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.
Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.
If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:
If you get a new passport, make sure you get your Uzbek visa transferred into your new passport. If your visa is in a cancelled or expired passport, you may not be able to exit or enter the country.
More information:
The currency of Uzbekistan is the Uzbek Som (UZS).
Rules apply to the import and export of foreign currency.
Complete 2 customs declaration forms on arrival. Customs authorities will keep 1 form. Keep the other form because you'll need to show it when you leave.
More information:
Banks, hotel exchange offices and the currency exchange office at the new terminal of the Tashkent airport exchange UZS for US dollars.
Uzbekistan is mostly a cash economy. However, some places accept:
Traveller's cheques in Australian dollars are not accepted.
Ask your bank if your ATM card will work in Uzbekistan. ATMs are often broken or out of cash.
Unmarked landmines are a threat in regions bordering Afghanistan, Tajikistan and the Kyrgyz Republic. See Safety
You can drive in Uzbekistan if you have both:
You must get your IDP before departing Australia.
You're 2 times as likely to be killed in a car accident in Uzbekistan as in Australia.
Hazards include:
Rural roads are particularly treacherous, including in the Tian Shan and Fan Mountains.
Drivers must pay a fee to bring cars into Uzbekistan. The size of the fee depends on how long you'll stay. Pay at border crossings.
You need an official permit for any travel to:
Security checkpoints are common.
There aren't many service stations in rural areas.
Check you have the right insurance before driving.
If you plan to drive:
Driving to border regions is risky. If you do, check in advance if the borders are open.
More information:
Check your insurance policy covers you using a motorbike, quad bike or similar vehicle.
Always wear a helmet.
Use only registered taxis and limousines. Arrange them through your hotel if you can.
If you plan to take the bus or train, check your itinerary carefully. Some domestic routes transit through bordering countries.
If this is the case, make sure you hold:
Rail travel can be unreliable and dangerous due to crime.
More information:
DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.
Check Uzbekistan's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.
More information:
Depending on what you need, contact your:
In Tashkent, call 101.
In all other regions, call 01.
In Tashkent, call 103.
In all other regions, call 03.
In Tashkent, call 102.
In all other regions, call 02.
Always get a police report when you report a crime.
Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.
In Tashkent, call 1050.
In all other regions, call 050.
Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.
Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can’t do to help you overseas.
Australia doesn't have an embassy in Uzbekistan. You can get consular help from the Australian Embassy in Russia.
Podkolokolny Pereulok 10a/2,
Moscow, Russia
Phone: +7 495 956 6070
Fax: +7 495 956 6170
Website: russia.embassy.gov.au
Twitter: @PosolAustralia
Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.
In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:
Be the first to know official government advice when travelling.