Risk level

Safety and security

Borders areas

Armed clashes have occurred in the mountainous area bordering Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. The situation could escalate without notice.

Afghanistan

The land border between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan has been closed since the Taliban takeover in 2021.

The area is heavily guarded and the Uzbek military established several checkpoints to deter smuggling, illegal crossings and other illegal activities.

In 2022, shelling from Afghanistan was reported in the Uzbek city of Termez, causing damage to several buildings.

Tajikistan

In 2020, Uzbekistan announced the completion of a demining operation along its border with Tajikistan.

Although no incidents have been reported since, landmines still pose a threat to your safety.

Kyrgyzstan

Land disputes and tensions between Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan have occurred since the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991. However, in early 2023, Uzbek and Kyrgyz authorities announced that they finally reached an agreement on the delimitation of their shared borders.

Kyrgyz authorities may restrict access to border crossings with Uzbekistan without warning.

You should confirm with local authorities if border posts are open for travel before heading to Kyrgyzstan.

Landmines

Despite landmines clearing efforts, marked and unmarked minefields may still be present in areas bordering the following countries, especially in uncontrolled areas:

• Tajikistan
• Kyrgyzstan

If you are travelling to any of these areas despite the advisory in effect:

• stay on main roads and paved surfaces
• avoid roadside ditches, shoulders and unmarked trails
• cross only at official border crossings
• strictly observe warning signs indicating the possible presence of landmines

Terrorism

There is a threat of terrorism. Local security forces conduct operations to counter terrorist threats, which can lead to sporadic violence.

Terrorist attacks could occur at any time.

Targets could include:

• government buildings and military installations
• schools
• places of worship
• airports and other transportation hubs and networks
• public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners

Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places.

Be particularly vigilant during:

• sporting events
• religious holidays
• public celebrations
• major political events, such as elections

Terrorists may use such occasions to mount attacks.

Crime

Petty crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, is common and home break-ins and burglaries occur. Thefts occur in crowded places, such as:

• public transportation
• public markets and bazaars
• restaurants
• bars and nightclubs

Incidents of petty crime are more frequent at night and in the following regions:

• Tashkent
• Bukhara
• Samarkand
• Ferghana

There are reports of foreigners being robbed by individuals posing as police officers.

If you’re approached:

• ask to see police credentials
• offer to go to the police station
• remain vigilant

During your stay:

• keep your car and home doors locked and windows closed at all times
• don’t leave personal items and documents in plain sight in a vehicle
• make sure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents are secure at all times
• don’t show signs of affluence
• avoid travelling alone in isolated and poorly-lit areas

Fraud

Credit card and ATM fraud occurs, especially outside reputable establishments and banks.

When using debit or credit cards:

• pay careful attention when your cards are being handled by others
• use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or a store
• avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
• cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN

Overseas fraud

Demonstrations

Planned and unplanned demonstrations are rare and security forces tightly control crowds to prevent escalation and violence.

In 2022, the authorities intervened in large-scale demonstrations in the Karakalpakstan region over constitutional reforms. They have led to vandalism and violent clashes between demonstrators and security forces. The situation could escalate without notice.

Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Women’s safety

Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse.

Advice for women travellers

Adventure tourism

Adventure tourism, such as zip-lining, rock climbing or trekking, can be dangerous, especially if they are not well-organized. Trails are not always marked and weather conditions can change rapidly.

Tour operators may not meet international standards.

If you are participating in adventure tourism, such as zip-lining, rock climbing, trekking, hiking, parasailing:

• never do so alone, and do not part with your tour companions  
• consider hiring an experienced guide from a reputable company 
• obtain detailed information on your activity and on the environment in which you will be setting out  
• buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation   
• ensure that your physical condition is good enough to tackle the challenges of your activity  
• avoid venturing off marked trails  
• refrain from using equipment if you have doubts on their safety  
• Make sure you always have access to an emergency kit

Power outages

Power outages, referred to as planned outages, occur regularly throughout the year and last for several hours due to the lack of natural gas supply. During winter months, the heating of buildings is difficult and the supply of drinking water is limited due to freezing temperatures.

They usually lead to long lines at grocery stores, gas stations and pharmacies.

• Plan accordingly
• Keep a supply of water, food and fuel on hand

Road safety

Road conditions

Roads are generally in good condition in Tashkent, but in rural areas, particularly in the Tian Shan and Fan mountains, they are poorly maintained and dangerous due to:

• large potholes
• malfunctioning or absence of traffic lights
• insufficient lighting
• uneven surface
• bad road markings and signage

Gas stations are limited and the quality of fuel is poor in rural areas.

Driving habits

Drivers often disregard traffic laws, including:

• sudden lane changes without signaling
• driving on the opposite side of the road and astride lanes
• stopping abruptly

Vehicles entering roundabouts have priority over those already in them.

Pedestrians often cross in the middle of the road and drivers don’t always give pedestrians the right of way.

Police frequently stop drivers for minor infractions or to verify their identification. Foreigners may face harassment, including bribes.

If you’re driving in Uzbekistan:

• always drive defensively
• avoid driving at night
• use main roads and highways as much as possible
• always carry a cellphone and a charger

Public transportation

Taxis

You should avoid taking taxis in Uzbekistan. Licensed and unlicensed taxis operate in Uzbekistan, but it’s difficult to differentiate them.

Vehicles don’t always have roof-mounted taxi signs and are not always equipped with safety features like seatbelts.

Drivers are often distracted and don’t always take the shortest itinerary. Unlicensed taxis may pick up additional passengers, which poses a risk to your safety.

In major cities, there are ridesharing applications on which you can order a taxi with safer vehicles and fixed fares.

If you choose to take taxis during your stay:

• order it at the reception if you are staying at a hotel
• don’t use unmarked taxis
• never share a taxi with strangers
• confirm the fare in advance
• have small bills available for payment

Trains

The rail network is extensive and trains are generally modern and safe.

When travelling by rail in Uzbekistan, it is sometimes necessary to cross into neighbouring countries.

• Make sure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times
• Make sure that you have the required travel documents to cross into neighboring countries
• Don’t leave your compartment unattended
• Keep the door locked from the inside

Bus

Buses operate in and between major cities. They are generally crowded and have no air conditioning. Some buses are in poor condition.

Pickpockets are common on buses.

Minibuses called "Damas vans" often lack security features like seatbelts.

• Always carry your valuables and identification with you
• Avoid storing bags in the overhead compartment or under your seat
• Don't take buses that look overloaded or in poor condition

Air travel

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Entry and exit requirements

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Uzbek authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid at least 6 months before entering Uzbekistan.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Visas

Tourist visa: not required for stays of up to 30 days
Business visa: not required for stays of up to 30 days
Student visa: not required for stays of up to 30 days

If you require a visa, you must obtain it before arriving in Uzbekistan

Useful links

• Official Electronic Visa Portal – Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan
• Visa of the Republic of Uzbekistan – Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan

Overland travel

When travelling by rail or road in Uzbekistan, it is sometimes necessary to cross into neighbouring countries. To avoid complications, make sure you have a multi-entry visa for Uzbekistan and any visa required for entry into these countries.

Registration

You must register with the local authorities if you intend to stay for more than 3 days. Hotel staff normally registers guests when they check-in. The registration slip may be requested upon leaving Uzbekistan.

Online registration - Ministry of internal Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan

Tourist areas

Travel to certain tourist areas, including in the Surkhandarya region, requires special permission from the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

You should contact the nearest Uzbek diplomatic representation or an Uzbek travel agency for more information on whether you need to request an authorization prior to travelling to certain areas.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Contact information – Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan
• Contact information – National Tourist Information Center of the Republic of Uzbekistan

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children.

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Health

Routine Vaccines

Be sure that your routine vaccines, as per your province or territory, are up-to-date regardless of your travel destination.

Some of these vaccines include: measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines are right for you.

Food and Water-borne Diseases

Travellers to any destination in the world can develop travellers' diarrhea from consuming contaminated water or food.

In some areas in Central Asia, food and water can also carry diseases like hepatitis A and typhoid. Practise safe food and water precautions while travelling in Central Asia. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!

Insects and Illness

In some areas in Central Asia, certain insects carry and spread diseases like Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, leishmaniasis, Lyme disease, malaria, and tick-borne encephalitis.

Travellers are advised to take precautions against bites.

Animals and Illness

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats. Certain infections found in Central Asia, like rabies, can be shared between humans and animals.

Person-to-Person Infections

Crowded conditions can increase your risk of certain illnesses. Remember to wash your hands often and practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette to avoid colds, the flu and other illnesses.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV are spread through blood and bodily fluids; practise safer sex.

Medication

Some prescription medication may not be available in Uzbekistan.

Pharmacies operate with little oversight and may disregard international standards and recommendations. They sell several medications without requiring a prescription from a doctor, including narcotics.

Counterfeit and expired medicines are prevalent in Uzbekistan.

If you take prescription medication, you’re responsible for determining their legality in the country.

• Bring sufficient quantities of your medication with you
• Always keep your medication in the original container
• Pack your medication in your carry-on luggage
• Carry a copy of your prescriptions

Medical services and facilities

Medical services and facilities are below Canadian standards and medical personnel is often not properly trained. The equipment is not adequate for serious medical procedures and often lack basic supplies, especially in rural areas.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Health and safety outside Canada

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

Laws and culture

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.

Drugs

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Medication

Uzbekistan's customs authorities strictly control the import of medicines and pharmaceutical products and quotas are imposed.

You must declare to customs if you have narcotics or psychotropic substances in your possession.

The law also requires you to present a letter from your doctor declaring:

• your diagnosis
• your prescription’s name
• the dosage
• how long you must take the medication for

You must also present the original prescription to customs officers.

If you fail to declare the drugs in your possession at customs, you could face:

• heavy fines
• confiscation of your medication
• detention

Import of medicines into Uzbekistan – State Customs Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan

Identification

You should carry photo identification at all times, such as a passport, but keep a photocopy in a safe place, in case it is lost or confiscated.

2SLGBTQI+ persons

The laws of Uzbekistan prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex.

2SLGBTQI+ persons should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Uzbekistan.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is not legally recognized in Uzbekistan.

If local authorities consider you a citizen of Uzbekistan, they may refuse to grant you access to Canadian consular services. This will prevent us from providing you with those services.

Dual citizens

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. The convention applies between Canada and Uzbekistan.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Uzbekistan, and if the applicable conditions are met, you may apply for the return of your child to the Uzbek court.

If you are in this situation:

• act as quickly as you can
• contact the Central Authority for your province or territory of residence for information on starting an application under The Hague Convention
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Uzbekistan to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children's Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.

Useful links

• List of Canadian Central Authorities for the Hague Convention
• International Child Abductions: A guide for affected parents
• Children and travel
• The Hague Convention – Hague Conference on Private International Law
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Request emergency assistance

Driving

You must be at least 18 years old to drive a car in Uzbekistan, but certain car rental agencies impose the minimal age at 21 years old.

Using a cell phone while driving is prohibited.

Police officers rarely speak English.

Numerous roadside cameras have been installed to help enforce traffic regulations. You could receive heavy fines if you drive above the speed limit or don’t comply with the Highway Code.

A Canadian driver’s licence alone is not acceptable to drive in Uzbekistan. You must carry an international driving permit.

International Driving Permit

Religious proselytism

Religious proselytizing and certain religious activities are illegal in Uzbekistan, including:

• importing, producing and distributing religious content without prior approval from the government
• practicing private religious education without registration
• wearing religious attire in public

If you engage in illegal religious activities, you could face:

• heavy fines
• lengthy jail sentences
• deportation

Dress and behaviour

Islamic practices and beliefs are closely adhered to, particularly in rural areas.

To avoid offending local sensitivities:

• dress conservatively
• behave discreetly
• respect religious and social traditions

Ramadan

In 2025, the lunar month of Ramadan is expected to begin on or around February 28.

In public, between sunrise and sunset, be discreet when:

• drinking
• eating
• smoking

Money

The currency of Uzbekistan is the Uzbekistani sum (UZS), which is used for most transactions. 

You may also be able to use U.S. dollars. Carry bills that are in good shape, as worn U.S. bills may not be accepted by stores and banks. 

Credit cards are not widely accepted, except in larger hotels, restaurants and cafés in major cities.

You can exchange money at official exchange counters at international airports or at any bank and major hotel, but Canadian dollars cannot be exchanged in Uzbekistan. 

There are ATMs throughout Uzbekistan, but they are more prevalent in larger cities. The majority dispense Uzbekistani sums and don’t accept international cards, but some ATMs provide U.S. dollars. It is common that ATMs run out of cash.

Purchasing money on the black market is illegal and may result in extortion or jail sentences.

 Foreign currency declaration

There are no restrictions on the amount of foreign currency you can import. However, you must declare any foreign currency equivalent to more than 2,000 USD.

Import of foreign currency – State Customs Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan

Natural disasters and climate

During summer and winter, heat and cold waves occur, called ''Chilla'', and can last up to 40 days.

Summers are usually hot and dry with temperatures often exceeding 40 C. Winters are cold and the temperature may fall below -30 C in the west.

Earthquakes

Uzbekistan is located in an active seismic zone. Although there have been no incidents in recent years, a tremor can occur at any time.

Earthquakes – What to do?

Rainy season

In Uzbekistan, the rainy season usually extends from November to May. Rain is very rare during summer months.

The number of floods caused by heavy rainfall and the melting of snow and ice has increased in recent years, especially in the following regions:

• Samarkand
• Jizzakh
• Navoi
• Kashkadarya

Mudflows and landslides occur and can cause significant damage to buildings.

Seasonal flooding can affect overland travel and the provision of essential services. Roads may become impassable and bridges damaged.

• Monitor local media for updates, including on road conditions
• Stay away from flooded areas
• Monitor weather reports
• Follow the instructions of local authorities, including evacuation orders

Weather forecast – Center of hydrometeorological service of the Republic of Uzbekistan