Uzbekistan

Pay close attention to your personal security. Monitor the media about new risks.

Terrorist attacks have happened in Uzbekistan.

Targets could include places popular with foreigners.

To protect yourself from terrorism:

• be alert to possible threats, especially in public places

• take care near possible targets

• report suspicious activity or items to police

• monitor the media for new threats

• take official warnings seriously

• follow the advice of local authorities

If there's an attack, leave the area as soon as it's safe.

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

• Terrorist threats

Regional political tensions and conflict add to security threats. Threats are more severe in Uzbekistan's border regions.

Border with Afghanistan

Ongoing conflict makes Afghanistan very dangerous.

There have been reports of terrorists raiding into Uzbekistan.

Borders with Tajikistan and the Kyrgyz Republic

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.

Landmines

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 and protests

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:

• avoid large gatherings and protests

• monitor the media for possible unrest

• follow the advice of local authorities

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

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:

• don't walk alone

• monitor the media for new safety or security risks

Uzbekistan is in an active earthquake zone.

If a natural disaster or severe weather happens:

• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof place

• monitor local media

• monitor other sources such as the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System

• follow the advice of local authorities

• keep in contact with friends and family

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. 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:

• what activities and care your policy covers

• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up   

• ask if your travel plans may affect your health

• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

More information:

• General health advice

• International travel and health

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:

• your diagnosis

• the name of the prescription

• the dosage

• the length of time you need to take it

Declare all medications on arrival. You could face fines or criminal charges if either:

• you don't declare a medication, or

• the quantity exceeds legal limits

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:

• Medicine

• Uzbek Ministry of Foreign Affairs

• Uzbek State Customs Committee

HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS is prevalent. Take steps to reduce your risk of exposure to the virus.

Insect-borne diseases

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:

• regularly check your body for ticks during and after visits to forest areas

• remove ticks from your body as soon as possible

To protect yourself from illness:

• ensure your accommodation is insect-proof

• use insect repellent

• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing

• consider taking medicine to prevent malaria

Seek medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash or severe headache.

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne, parasitic and other infectious diseases are prevalent. These include:

• tuberculosis

• typhoid

• brucellosis

• hepatitis

• rabies

More serious outbreaks occur from time to time.

To protect yourself from illness:

• in rural areas, drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids

• avoid ice cubes in rural areas

• avoid raw and undercooked food, such as salads

Seek medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

More information:

• Infectious diseases

Medical facilities

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.

Drugs

Penalties for drug offences are severe. They include long prison sentences served in local jails.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Other laws

Police often ask to check your identity. Always carry your passport and visa.

Things that are illegal in Uzbekistan include:

• sex outside of marriage

• same-sex relationships

• not declaring medications you're carrying on entry, see Travel

It's also illegal to take photos of:

• government or military buildings

• public transport infrastructure, including metro stations

More information:

• LGBTI travellers

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

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.

Uzbek citizenship

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:

• the Uzbek Ministry of Interior

• the nearest Uzbek embassy or consulate

More information:

• Embassy or consulate of Uzbekistan

National service

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.

Permit to depart

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:

• Dual nationals

Standards of dress and behaviour are conservative.

Take care not to offend. If in doubt, dress conservatively and seek local advice.

The Islamic holiday month of Ramadan will be from late April to late May in 2020. Respect religious and cultural customs and laws at this time.

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders.

Make sure you meet all entry and exit conditions. If you don't, the Australian Government can't help you.

Visitor visas

From 1 February 2019, 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:

• Uzbek Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Visa rules

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:

• arrive in the country before the visa validity period

• overstay your visa

Declare all medications and other restricted items on arrival. See Health

Stays of more than 3 days

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:

• at the local Department of Foreign Travel and Exit Registration Office (OVIR), or

• through the online registration system

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.

Validity

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.

Lost or stolen 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:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.

• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

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:

• Embassy or consulate of Uzbekistan, if you're outside Uzbekistan

• Your local Uzbek Visa and Registration Office, if you're in Uzbekistan

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:

• Uzbek Ministry of Foreign Affairs

• Uzbek State Customs Committee

• Embassy or consulate of Uzbekistan

Access to money

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:

• credit cards

• debit cards, mainly Visa

• traveller's cheques

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.

Landmines

Unmarked landmines are a threat in regions bordering Afghanistan, Tajikistan and the Kyrgyz Republic. See Safety

Driving permit

You can drive in Uzbekistan if you have both:

• an Australian driver's licence

• an International Driving Permit (IDP)

You must get your IDP before departing Australia.

Road travel

You're 2 times as likely to be killed in a car accident in Uzbekistan as in Australia.

Hazards include:

• poor roads

• poor driving standards

• lack of street lighting

• livestock and animal drawn carts on roads

• pedestrians crossing roads without warning

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:

• Termez on the Afghan border

• areas of Surkhandarya in the south-east

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:

• learn local traffic laws and practices

• get local advice on road conditions in rural areas

• avoid travel at night

• be alert to hazards especially at night

• don't drink and drive

• obey police signals to stop, including at checkpoints

Driving to border regions is risky. If you do, check in advance if the borders are open.

More information:

• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

Check your insurance policy covers you using a motorbike, quad bike or similar vehicle.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis

Use only registered taxis and limousines. Arrange them through your hotel if you can.

Public transport

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:

• an Uzbek multiple-entry visa

• visas for the transit countries

Rail travel can be unreliable and dangerous due to crime.

More information:

• Transport and getting around safely

Air travel

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:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends

• travel agent

• insurance provider

• employer

• airline

Fire and rescue services

In Tashkent, call 101.

In all other regions, call 01.

Medical emergencies

In Tashkent, call 103.

In all other regions, call 03.

Police

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.

Ministry of Emergency Situations - Rescue Services (including for mountain rescue, ground search and rescue, air-water rescue)

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.

Australian Embassy, Moscow

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.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas

• 1300 555 135 in Australia