Frequently asked questions about Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan has a visa regime, but citizens of many countries can make short-term and business trips without a visa. These countries include Germany and the rest of the European Union. It is recommended that you check in advance for information on visa requirements specific to your country.

The period of visa-free stay in Uzbekistan depends on citizenship. For most countries this period is up to 30 days. Before traveling, make sure you are familiar with the specific conditions for your country, as the rules may change.

Registration in Uzbekistan is the process of notifying the authorities of your stay in the country. It is mandatory for all travelers staying in Uzbekistan for more than 3 days. Registration helps to control the stay of foreign citizens and ensures security.

Although health insurance is not compulsory, it is highly recommended. It will help cover possible medical expenses in case of illness or accident during your trip.

A visa is required for citizens of countries that are not on the list of countries with visa-free entry. A visa may also be required for those who plan to stay or work in Uzbekistan for a long period of time. It is recommended to check visa requirements for your country and specific purpose of travel in advance.

There are no compulsory vaccinations for entry into Uzbekistan. The only vaccination you should pay attention to is vaccination against yellow fever. But the certificate will only be required if you are traveling from a country where this virus is prevalent.

Travelers are advised to have up-to-date vaccinations according to the standard vaccination schedule in your country. This may include:

• Hepatitis A and B vaccinations.
• Typhoid vaccination.
• Rabies vaccination (if you plan to be outdoors or if you may come into contact with wild animals).

Registration in Uzbekistan is mandatory for foreign citizens staying in the country for more than 3 days. You can register in several ways:

• At the hotel: if you are staying at a hotel, the hotel staff will do the registration for you and notify the Migration Service.
• At the Migration Service Office: if you are not staying at a hotel, you will need to go to your local Migration Service or police station. You will need to fill out a special form and provide documents such as your passport and visa (if required).

Uzbekistan is considered a safe country for traveling. Crime rates in tourist areas are low and locals are friendly and helpful. However, as in any other country, basic precautions are recommended: keep an eye on your personal belongings and exercise caution when using public transportation. To avoid problems with the authorities, follow local laws and customs.

The best time to travel to Uzbekistan is in spring (April-May) and fall (September-October). During these months, temperatures are more comfortable, ranging from 15 to 30°C, making traveling more enjoyable. The summer months (June-August) can be very hot, especially in desert regions where temperatures can exceed 40°C. In winter (December-February), temperatures can drop to 0°C and below, especially in the northern and mountainous regions.

In Uzbekistan, it is important to respect local customs and traditions. Here are some key rules of behavior:

• You should dress modestly when visiting mosques and historical sites. Women are advised to wear long skirts or dresses and cover their shoulders, and men should avoid shorts and T-shirts.
• Uzbekistan has a rich cultural and religious history and it is important to respect local traditions, especially during religious holidays.
• It is best to ask permission before photographing people, especially women and local folk customs. Some areas, such as military installations and institutions, may have restrictions on photography.
• It is important to communicate politely and respectfully. Discussing politics, religion and social issues can be a sensitive topic.

Uzbekistan is famous for its historical and architectural monuments. We recommend visiting the following sights in the cities of Uzbekistan:

• Samarkand: Registan Square, Shahi-Zinda, Bibi-khanim Mosque.
• Bukhara: Ark Fortress, Ismail Samani Mausoleum, Kukeldash Madrasah.
• Khiva: Ichan-Kala Old Town, Pahlavan Mahmud Mausoleum.
• Tashkent: Independence Square, Hazrat Imam Mosque, Tashkent Metro.

The official language in Uzbekistan is Uzbek. Russian is also widely used, especially in cities and among the older generation. As for English, knowledge of it has become increasingly common in recent years, especially among young people, students and in the tourism sector. In major cities such as Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara, many workers in hotels, restaurants and tourist organizations can safely speak English.

The main religion in Uzbekistan is Islam. About 90% of the population is Sunni Islam. There is freedom of religion in the country, but some restrictions are placed on religious activities. When traveling in Uzbekistan, it is important to respect local traditions and follow established laws related to religion.

The official currency of Uzbekistan is the Uzbek Soum (UZS). Payments are mostly made in cash. Credit cards such as Visa and MasterCard are also accepted in major cities and tourist areas, but for smaller stores and markets it is better to have cash.

Various modes of transportation are available in Uzbekistan:

• Buses and marshrutkas are widely available in the cities.
• Cabs in cities are also available, but it is better to use cab booking apps such as Yandex Taxi and Uber.
• Trains - Uzbekistan has a well-developed railroad network, especially between major cities.
• Buses for tourists - sightseeing tours and transfers by comfortable buses are available for visitors and tourists.

In Uzbekistan you can enjoy different types of recreation:

• Cultural tourism: visiting historical cities and monuments.
• Ecotourism: traveling through nature reserves and mountains.
• Gastronomic tours: tasting local dishes and participating in culinary master classes.
• Nature tourism: outdoor activities in national parks or in the mountains.

As souvenirs you can choose locally made products, which can be easily found in markets, stores and souvenir stores:

• National fabrics and clothing: Uzbek silk and satin.
• Ceramics: Samarkand and Bukhara ceramics.
• Sweets: Uzbek sweets such as halva and nougat.
• Spices: A variety of spices and spices used in local cuisine.

The local cuisine offers many of the traditional dishes that Uzbekistan is known for:

• Plov - a national dish consisting of rice, meat and carrots.
• Samsa - baked patties with meat or vegetables.
• Lagman - noodles with meat and vegetables.
• Manty - steamed dumplings with meat stuffing.
• Uch-pech - a traditional dish made of rice, meat and lentils.

The country has no direct access to the ocean, but there are several bodies of water on its territory. Some places for beach vacations in Uzbekistan:

• Lake Aidarkul. One of the most famous and popular lakes in the country. The beach area is not much developed in infrastructural terms, but sandy shores in many places are suitable for comfortable bathing and picnics.
• Charvak Reservoir. The sandy beach at “Charvak Oromgohi” is well-maintained and equipped with sun beds and umbrellas, there is a water scooter and catamaran rental.
• Tudakul Reservoir. On the territory of the reservoir there are two popular beach areas. The infrastructure at both places is good, but the Navoi zone is cleaner and more pleasant due to a small entrance fee.
• The city of Nukus. It is located near the Aral Sea. There are several resort zones in Nukus, where you can relax and enjoy the sea breeze. Beaches here are usually clean and well-groomed, and the water is clear and refreshing.
• Khiva City. It is located in the western part of Uzbekistan. Here you can relax on the sandy beaches of the Amu Darya and enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding nature.

Drinking tap water in Uzbekistan is not recommended, especially in rural areas and small towns. In large cities such as Tashkent, water quality may vary and for safety reasons it is better to refrain from drinking from the tap. We recommend using bottled water or pre-boiling it.