Uzbekistan is a treasure trove of Silk Road history, featuring stunning Islamic architecture in UNESCO-listed cities like Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva. With its azure-domed madrassas, bustling bazaars, and warm hospitality, this Central Asian gem offers an authentic cultural experience at remarkably affordable prices.
Uzbekistan is one of Central Asia's safest destinations for international tourists, with low violent crime rates, stable political environment, and welcoming locals. The primary risks are petty theft in crowded bazaars, taxi overcharging, and minor bureaucratic issues with registration requirements.
Current safety advisory
Low
Exercise normal precautions. No elevated travel advisory in effect for main tourist areas. Avoid Fergana Valley border areas near Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan due to occasional tensions. No travel recommended near Afghan border in Surkhandarya Region.
Last updated: 2025-01
Official advisories
Guidance from national travel-advisory services.
Level 1 - Normal Precautions
Exercise normal precautions in Uzbekistan. Some areas have increased caution advisories, including parts of the Fergana Valley near the Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan borders.
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Always carry your passport - required by law and police conduct regular checks
Register with local authorities within 3 days of arrival (most hotels do this automatically)
Use official taxis or ride-sharing apps like Yandex.Taxi; avoid unofficial taxis
Keep valuables secure on trains and in crowded bazaars like Chorsu
Respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting religious sites - cover shoulders and knees
Drink bottled water and be cautious with street food hygiene
Register your currency exchange at official exchange booths and keep receipts
Do not photograph military installations, government buildings, or airports without permission
Be aware of pickpockets in Chorsu Bazaar (Tashkent) and Registan Square (Samarkand)
Contact the US Embassy in Tashkent (+998 71 120-5450) before travel and register via STEP program
Carry copies of your visa, passport photo page, and registration slips at all times
Avoid discussing politics or the government - a sensitive topic that may cause issues
Be cautious of scams involving fake police asking to inspect your wallet or currency
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Taxi overcharging
Unofficial taxis and some drivers attempt to charge tourists 3-10x the normal rate, especially from airports and tourist monuments. Agreeing on price beforehand still sometimes results in demands for more on arrival.
How to avoid: Always use Yandex.Taxi app which shows the fare in advance; never negotiate with unofficial taxis at airports or tourist sites
Fake police/currency check
Scammers dressed as plain-clothes police approach tourists claiming to need to check their currency or passport. After showing the money they disappear with some of it.
How to avoid: Real police wear uniforms; insist on going to the nearest police station if anyone in civilian clothing demands document or currency inspection
Bazaar pickpocketing
Chorsu Bazaar in Tashkent and Siab Bazaar in Samarkand see occasional pickpocketing in crowded sections, especially the underground spice and produce areas.
How to avoid: Use a money belt; keep small amounts of cash accessible; carry phone in a zipped pocket; be aware of distraction techniques
Money exchange black market
Street money changers offer slightly better rates but the difference is minimal since 2017 currency liberalization; they sometimes shortchange tourists through sleight of hand.
How to avoid: Use official exchange bureaus (obmennik) or hotel exchange desks; the rate difference no longer justifies the risk
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
- Vaccinations
- Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, etc.), Hepatitis A, Typhoid. Hepatitis B for longer stays. Rabies for rural/adventure travelers.
- Water
- Not safe to drink. Use bottled water for drinking and brushing teeth. Widely available and cheap ($0.30-0.50 per liter).
- Food
- Traveler's diarrhea - avoid street food initially, wash hands frequently. Sun exposure - bring sunscreen and hat. Altitude sickness - if visiting mountains.
- Facilities
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Solo travellers
Uzbekistan is very safe for solo travelers including young women. Locals are curious and welcoming, making solo travel a rich social experience. Register accommodation with authorities (hotels do this automatically), use Yandex.Taxi app, and carry copies of all documents. Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara are all comfortable to explore alone after dark in central areas.
Female travellers
Uzbekistan is generally safe for solo female travelers with standard precautions. Dress modestly (covered shoulders and knees) especially outside Tashkent to avoid unwanted attention. Uzbek men are generally respectful; persistent attention from vendors is the most common issue. Stick to main streets and well-lit areas after dark. The metro and public transport are safe.
Families
Excellent family destination—Uzbekistan is very child-friendly with locals who adore children. Facilities are adequate in main cities; bring medications and familiar snacks as specific children's products may be hard to find. Strollers work in Tashkent but old town cobblestones require a carrier. Summer heat can be extreme; plan indoor breaks during midday with young children.
LGBTQ+ travellers
Same-sex relationships between men are illegal in Uzbekistan under Article 120 of the criminal code, with penalties up to 2 years imprisonment. Female same-sex relationships are not explicitly criminalized but cultural acceptance is very low. LGBTQ+ travelers are advised to be discreet and avoid public displays of affection. No public LGBTQ+ venues or community exist. Exercise caution.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Police
- 102
- Medical
- 103
- Embassy
- Tourist Police