September 26, 2018 · 4 min read
Uzbekistan is among the most tourist-friendly country in Central Asia which is less bureaucratic than the rest of the “Stans.” Because of that Uzbekistan tourism is on the rise. It is a worth experiencing destination for sightseeing city lovers, because this is what the country is mainly about.
This is a complete Uzbekistan travel guide complied with all the information you’ll ever require for Uzbekistan destination and things to do in Uzbekistan. We’ve broken it down into section for an easy read
Tourists coming in from the country of Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Singapore, Israel, Malaysia don’t need to obtain a visa and can avail a 30-day visa on arrival.
Uzbekistan introduced a new E-visa for most western nationalities which includes European countries, USA, Australia, Canada etc. Citizens can get their visa online without have to go the embassy. The issuance requires 2-3 days and costs around $20. You can visit the official website
Site visitors reported issues with email domain, required photo formats, and few other bugs associated with the website. So it is recommended to check well before in advance.
If you’re not a citizen of any aforementioned western country and e-visa doesn’t work out for you, going physically to Uzbekistan embassy at your country and applying for a visa will be the only option left.
LOI which stands for Letter of Invitation is a letter issued by a local tour operator in Uzbekistan. Citizens of the western countries mentioned above don’t need to obtain a LOI to visit Uzbekistan.
LOI can be obtained through any tour operator physically based in Uzbekistan at a nominal fee. Contact Minzifa Travels for getting LOI and assistance on visa.
The cost for obtaining a visa varies from country to country. It is also influenced by the length of your visa.
Other variants include 15 or 30 day visa which is inclusive of a double entry.
You have to audibly indicate the entry and exit dates while applying your visa whether at embassy or online within which period you can enter and exit Uzbekistan.
You have to immediately contact either your tour operator or foreign affairs office in the country you’re in (in this case, Uzbekistan) before the police contacts you and ask for your Visa.
Even though very little is known about the country especially in the west (hence, the hesitation), Uzbekistan is as safe as any other country you can think of. The lower crime rates and political stability makes Uzbekistan one of the safest destinations.
As mentioned above, Uzbekistan enjoys one of the lowest crime rates. But the government of Uzbekistan does not release official crime statistics, hence there are no particular figures. Scams do happen in Uzbekistan, but not at proliferating rate.
Uzbekistan has adopted its own laws which both locals and tourists are bound to follow. Visit the official site to get a complete list of Uzbek laws that are in effect.
Uzbekistan is a Muslim dominated country, and hence conservative than almost all westernized nations. Thus sex, intimacy, PDA, short dresses are still considered inappropriate in public. Always ask for permission before clicking photographs.
Even though not mandatory, a travel insurance package covering most of the activities and places in Uzbekistan is highly recommended. This will cover your medical expenses in case of emergency and if you’re short on cash.
Even though Uzbekistan is generally safe even at nighttimes, driving or strolling around after midnight especially in remote areas is not recommended. If possible, travel in groups or with your tour operator.
Uzbekistan has a "zero tolerance" policy for drivers found driving under the influence of alcohol or beverages of such sort. Fines and taking vehicle under police custody are in place for such scenarios.
All the major buildings, public monuments, and tourist places are patrolled by armed police for security reasons. Taking pictures for long time may attract the attention of this personnel. So it is advised to refrain from taking pictures of such important buildings (tourist places exception).
SOM or So’m is the official currency in Uzbekistan that’s been in circulation since 1993. Everyday transactions are conducted in Uzbek So’m only and US Dollars is used in only big places.
Most of the transactions conducted in Uzbekistan is through So’m, so have ample amount of cash in your pocket.
While not necessary, it’s wise to bring a spare backpack to put your cash in. This is considered safer than carrying it in your main backpack.
As part of developing the tourism infrastructure, now tourists can exchange USD or selected currencies to Uzbek So’m in banks at better rates.
The black market where currency exchange takes place are still in operation. When banks are closed for any reason, you can go to the black market and get local notes. However, this is not recommended as it is part illegal and rates are comparatively higher.
To both save time at currency exchange offices and remittance charges, it is advised to bring money in cash in USD preferably.
One thing to note is that the ATMs present in Uzbekistan are not uptime at all hours. Sometimes they have technical errors, at other times, they’re just out of money.
There is no single answer for it. People have travelled the country with $1,000 while others spend $10,000 at a single location. It depends on accommodation types, season, tour package, number of travellers etc. Check our “tour packages” section to learn more about packages.
Note that Uzbekistan borders with five different neighbouring “Stans,” namely, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, and Kyrgyzstan.
People on a multi-country tour can easily move from one country to another via land. Border crossing is open for both locals and tourists in possession of valid documentation.
While crossing border sounds like a fun activity, you should be prepared to unpack and then pack your bags. The authorities will thoroughly go through your entire luggage before passing you on.
Sensitive materials include specific drugs, alcohol, prohibited imageries relating to the political or religious matter, excessive jewellery etc. These types of materials will be seized at the airport and may lead to further interrogation.
Specific drugs like Temazepam, Valium, Xanax, Morphine are prohibited to bring into Uzbekistan without the proper prescription.
At the airport, you’ll have to submit a form detailing all of your belongings. Expect to do the same while leaving.
While the above few points may have created a negative perception of border crossing, but these are rare circumstances. The guy/girl at the immigration center will greet you with smile and apologize for any inconvenience caused to you during the process. It is always a smooth process.
Aeroplanes are the preferred method for entering Uzbekistan. Major cities like Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara, all have international airports.
If you happen to be countries around Uzbekistan, then getting by crossing the border is a cheaper alternative.
Uzbekistan for almost 65years was under Soviet Rule and was called Uzbek SSR up until 1991 when it got independence.
Uzbeks are an ethnic group who descendants of Turkic and Persian group of people who inhabited the territory of Uzbekistan for long time.
Uzbek is the language spoken in the country which is also derived from Turkic language. Although Russian and English is widely understood.
Uzbekistan has its own particular etiquette which tourists should know and follow. Get in touch with us for a whole list.
As mentioned above, Russian is widely understood in Uzbekistan and surrounding “Stans.” Thus learning some basic Russian will help you beyond Uzbekistan as well.
Uzbeks are regarded as the most devout and traditional Muslims in Central Asia and majority of them fall under Sunni Muslim while only 1% are regarded as Shia Muslim. But they also have Russian and European influence which is evident in their lifestyle.
Like other Muslim dominated countries, there is no particular dress code for women, neither men. However, they’re expected to cover their body entirely.
Uzbeks are generally very family oriented and are connected to each other emotionally and strongly.
Nope, none of such. There is no religious oppression of any form in Uzbekistan.
Uzbekistan for long was shackled with dictatorship under the rule of Islam Karimov as president. But that’s no longer the case. It’s quite stable and democratized.
But in contrast, citizens are least involved in politics and generally shy away from the topic altogether.
Military presence is extreme in the country, even in the tourist places. This is because of some unsettlement and difference with the neighbouring state, but this is normal and nothing to be worried about.
The territory of Uzbekistan is centrally located in Central Asia, and is thus considered as the core of Silk Road. Main routes of the Silk Road passed through Uzbekistan touching cities like Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva etc.
Samarkand at its pinnacle enjoyed the status that of Rome and Babylon. It was the capital of Tamerlane and is currently the second largest city of Uzbekistan.
Bukhara is home to more than 140 architectural monuments and hence is nicknamed as a city museum. It has been inhabited for over five millennia.
Khiva is an ancient city which was previously a giant fort which gives the impression of a city within a city. It was also home to many caravanserais.
If the prominent cities are about historical heritages, Charvak and Chimgan are about mountains and ski resorts. These are part of the Fergana mountain range and are popular mountaineering spots.
Uzbekistan was home to multiple cultures, faith, and religious leaders. Thus you can find shrines, cultural buildings, and cultic structuresscattered all around the country.
Even though Uzbekistan and Central Asia as a whole is relatively lesser known, but the crowd at major tourist sites may surprise and impress you.
Besides the major cities like Tashkent, Bukhara, and Khiva, other tourist places like Muynak, Urgench, and Kokand are eerily empty with little to no tourists.
All form of tourists ranging from backpackers to honeymoon couples to family travellers can come to Uzbekistan for an enjoyable holiday experience.
In dual country tour packages, you’ll get to visit two countries in one package. You can choose any of the bordering five countries along with Uzbekistan.
Plov is the main dish of Uzbekistan which is a mixture of rice, meat, vegetable, broth, and sometimes nuts, dry fruits etc. It is available throughout the country and is touted as the national dish.
But you should try other Central Asian foods too like Kebab, Manti, Lagman which are available at most restaurants in Uzbekistan.
Cities like Tashkent, Bukhara, Samarkand are filled with restaurants and bars, and are generally present in higher number than the neighbouring “Stans.”
Alcohol consumption is not prohibited in Uzbekistan and is available in selected pubs and restaurants. These range from beer, wine, champagne, whiskey, vodka etc.
The legal drinking age in Uzbekistan is 18 for both boys and girls.
There’s not general tipping model in Uzbekistan. Some restaurants and service places expect it while others don’t. But you should tip as per your experience and satisfaction.
Uzbek tea and Kumis which is prepared from horse milk is something you should try. Green tea is the national hot beverage taken throughout the day. Teahouses (locally known as chaikhanas) are of cultural importance.
Uzbekistan has its own winemaking process and there are specialized wine tasting tours offered in the country. Contact us if you need to go on one.
If you’re a meat lover, you’re going to love Uzbek cuisine and the dishes. Because of the nomadic history and culture, Uzbek dishes developed over the same nomadic foundation.
Fresh fruit is also something found in abundance in Uzbekistan. Grapes, watermelons, apples, pears are found throughout the year.
Uzbekistan is generally marked as a safe destination free from any particular widespread disease. However, outsiders coming into the country are always at a risk of falling because of the changing conditions. So undertake proper measures and consult with your family doctor or tour operator before visiting Uzbekistan.
Uzbekistan isn’t heavily industrialized. Places around Fergana are located at higher altitudes and are considered to be healing and free from air pollution. So you wouldn’t experience any pollution-related problems in Uzbekistan.
According to UNAIDS, Uzbekistan has 0.3% of its population within the age bracket of 15 to 49 living with HIV AIDS. To be on the safe side, avoid unprotected copulation, contaminated injections, and syringes.
Youth hostels, guest houses, and Bread-and-breakfasts are present throughout the country apart from star-rated hotels and motels.
From September 2017 onwards, every or most hotels in Uzbekistan accept local Uzbek So’m.
Every accommodation type in Uzbekistan will provide you with payslips. Be absolutely sure to keep them in custody as authorities at airport will ask for them.
If you’re a fan of couch surfing and use it for every holiday you make, you’ll be disappointed in Uzbekistan as it is banned by the law.
Campsites are present in selected places. Contact us for more information on camping in Uzbekistan.
Yurt which is a traditional camp setting is the perfect place to get a nomadic staying experience. People living in mountainous areas of Uzbekistan still live in yurts. It is a perfect example of ecotourism.
If you need a reliable, faster, and cost-effective mode of transportation in Uzbekistan, you should prefer the rails over anything else.
Tickets can be booked either at the station or with a reputed tour agency. Online booking is not available in Uzbekistan but may start soon.
In Uzbekistan, you have the luxury of choosing from different types of train based on your preference. There are ___ train types, namely, The Afrosiyob, Sharq, Ozbekiston, Registon, and Sleeper Coach.
Soviet trains have an exquisite build and feel to them. When travelling in Uzbekistan or to other soviet countries, you should try going via Soviet trains.
For short distance travelling, you can opt for the shared taxis which run through the cities. These are both cheap and comfortable.
Tashkent is now one of the only, and for a long time the only, metro cities in Central Asia. You should definitely travel in one while you’re in Tashkent.
There are a number of books which are in there in the market, however based on our experience running Minzifa, the following books are recommended by us. These help as Uzbekistan travel guides.
The history of Uzbek cinema can be divided into two periods: the cinema of Soviet Uzbekistan (1924–1991) and the cinema of independent Uzbekistan (1991–present). Films of the Soviet period were shot either in Russian or Uzbek. There are many film studios in Uzbekistan. Uzbek film established in 1925, is the largest and oldest film studio in Uzbekistan. Very few Uzbek movies that were made after Uzbekistan became independent have achieved international notability.
Don’t expect lightning fast internet broadband or Wi-Fi, but it’s just over “okay” to stay in touch with the world.
You can purchase local SIM cards through your tour agency. Major telecom operators in Uzbekistan are Beeline Uzbekistan, Perfectum Mobile, Ucell, UzMobile, and UMS.
If you’re curious to learn more about Uzbekistan, here are some fun facts we’ve curetted for you:
Uzbekistan Holidays promise and deliver on a lot of fun, thrill, and awe-inspiring sights. You’re guaranteed of a warm hospitality and an overall excellent holiday travel experience. We, Minzifa Travel, are a local Uzbekistan tour operator helping tourists travel through our country in a better way. Contact us today for receiving competitive and customized tour packages!
