Uzbekistan
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Latest updates: The Health tab was updated - travel health notices (Public Health Agency of Canada).
Risk level(s)
Risk level(s)
Uzbekistan - Exercise a high degree of caution
There is no nationwide advisory in effect for Uzbekistan. However, you should exercise a high degree of caution due to crime and the threat of terrorism.
Areas bordering Afghanistan, the Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan - Avoid non-essential travel
Global Affairs Canada advises against non-essential travel to to areas bordering Afghanistan, the Kyrgyz Republic, and Tajikistan, including the city of Andijan, due to the unstable security situation.
See Safety and security for more information.
Safety and security
Safety and security
Areas bordering Afghanistan, the Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan (see Advisory)
Incidents of violence have occurred in the mountainous border area where the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan meet.
Some areas near the Tajikistan border are mined.
The border between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan on the road between Tashkent and Samarkand is closed.
Terrorism
There is a threat of terrorism throughout Uzbekistan.
Targets could include tourist areas, commercial establishments (e.g. hotels, clubs, restaurants, bars), schools, places of worship, outdoor recreation events, and sites frequented by foreigners. Maintain a high level of vigilance at all times.
Crime
Foreigners may be targets of violent crimes, and have been robbed by individuals posing as police officers. If approached, ask to see police credentials or offer to go to the police station.
Street crime is more frequent after dark in urban centres. Do not travel alone after dark and do not show signs of affluence.
Road safety
Many roads outside Tashkent are in poor condition, particularly in the Tian Shan and Fan mountains. Driving standards are poor, and driving at night is dangerous. Rural roads and highways are not lit.
Police frequently stop drivers for minor infractions or to verify their identification. Foreigners may face harassment, including demands for money.
Public transportation
Only use officially marked taxis. Do not share taxis with strangers.
Exercise caution when travelling by train, especially overnight. Store valuables in a safe place and do not leave the compartment unattended. Ensure that the door is secured from the inside.
When travelling by rail or road in Uzbekistan, it is sometimes necessary to cross into neighbouring countries. See Entry/exit requirements for more information.
Air travel
The Government of Canada does not assess foreign domestic airlines’ compliance with international aviation safety standards. See Foreign domestic airlines for more information.
General safety information
Carry identification at all times. Carry a photocopy of your passport and leave one with a relative or a friend at home.
Ensure that personal belongings and your passports and other travel documents are secure at all times.
Tourist facilities are limited.
Entry/exit requirements
Entry/exit requirements
It is the sole prerogative of every country or territory to determine who is allowed to enter or exit. Canadian consular officials cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet entry or exit requirements. The following information has been obtained from the Uzbek authorities and is subject to change at any time. The country- or territory-specific entry/exit requirements are provided on this page for information purposes only. While every effort is made to provide accurate information, information contained here is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, express or implied. The Government of Canada assumes no responsibility, and shall not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided. It is your responsibility to check with the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan for up-to-date information.
Official (special and diplomatic) passport holders must consult the Official Travel page, as they may be subject to different entry requirements.
Passport
Canadians must present a passport to visit Uzbekistan, which must valid for the length of your stay.
Temporary passport holders may be subject to different entry requirements. Check with diplomatic representatives for up-to-date information.
Visas
Canadians must be in possession of a visa to visit Uzbekistan.
Tourist visa: Required
Business visa: Required
Student visa: Required
Transit visa: Required
Each type of visa has different application requirements. Obtain your visa prior to departure. Consult the Consular Section of the Embassy of Uzbekistan for additional information.
When travelling by rail or road in Uzbekistan, it is sometimes necessary to cross into neighbouring countries. To avoid complications, ensure you have the appropriate multi-entry visa for Uzbekistan and proper visas for other countries entered.
Registration
You must register with the Office of Visas and Registration if you intend to stay for more than three days. Hotel guests are normally registered by hotel staff upon check-in.
Surxondaryo Province
Travel to certain parts of Surxondaryo Province requires special permission from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Internal Affairs or an Uzbek embassy or consulate abroad.
Health entry requirements
You must provide a medical certificate indicating a negative test for infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) if you intend to travel or reside in Uzbekistan for longer than three months.
Yellow fever
See Health to obtain information on this country’s vaccination requirements.
Children and travel
Children need special documentation to visit certain countries. See Children for more information.
Health
Health
- Polio : vaccine advice - July 5, 2017 00:00 EDT
- Measles: Global Update - May 2, 2017 00:00 EDT
Vaccines
Routine Vaccines
Be sure that your routine vaccines are up-to-date regardless of your travel destination.
Vaccines to Consider
You may be at risk for these vaccine-preventable diseases while travelling in this country. Talk to your travel health provider about which ones are right for you.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a disease of the liver spread through contaminated food and water or contact with an infected person. All those travelling to regions with a risk of hepatitis A infection should get vaccinated.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a disease of the liver spread through blood or other bodily fluids. Travellers who may be exposed (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) should get vaccinated.
Influenza
Seasonal influenza occurs worldwide. The flu season usually runs from November to April in the northern hemisphere, between April and October in the southern hemisphere and year round in the tropics. Influenza (flu) is caused by a virus spread from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Get the flu shot.
Measles
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease and is common in most parts of the world. Be sure your measles vaccination is up-to-date regardless of your travel destination.
Polio
There is a risk of polio in this country.
Recommendations:
- Be sure that your vaccination against polio is up to date. Polio is part of the routine vaccine schedule for children in Canada.
- One booster dose of the polio vaccine is recommended as an adult.
Rabies
Rabies is a deadly illness spread to humans through a bite, scratch or lick from an infected animal. Vaccination should be considered for travellers going to areas where rabies exists and who have a high risk of exposure (i.e., close contact with animals, occupational risk, and children).
Yellow Fever - Country Entry Requirements
Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.
Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.
Risk
- There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.
Country Entry Requirement*
- Proof of vaccination is not required to enter this country.
Recommendation
- Vaccination is not recommended.
* It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.
Food/Water
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!
Travellers' diarrhea
- Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.
- Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.
- The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.
Typhoid
Typhoid is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher for children, travellers going to rural areas, visiting friends and relatives or travelling for a long period of time. Travellers visiting regions with typhoid risk, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation should speak to a health care provider about vaccination.
Insects
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.
Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever
Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever is a viral disease that typically causes fever, bleeding under the skin, and pain. Risk is generally low for most travellers. It is spread to humans though contact with infected animal blood or bodily fluids, or from a tick bite. Protect yourself from tick bites and avoid animals. There is no vaccine available for Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever.
Malaria
Malaria
There is no risk of malaria in this country.
Animals
Animals and Illness
Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats. Certain infections found in Central Asia, like rabies, can be shared between humans and animals.
Person-to-Person
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.
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis is an infection caused by bacteria and usually affects the lungs.
For most travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low.
Travellers who may be at high risk while travelling in regions with risk of tuberculosis should discuss pre- and post-travel options with a health care provider.
High-risk travellers include those visiting or working in prisons, refugee camps, homeless shelters, or hospitals, or travellers visiting friends and relatives.
Medical services and facilities
Medical services and facilities are substandard. Shortages of basic medical supplies are common.
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
Laws & culture
You are subject to local laws. See Arrest and detention for more information.
Driving
An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Illegal or restricted activities
Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.
Religious proselytizing is illegal. It is punishable by penalties and/or imprisonment for up to 15 days and could lead to deportation.
Photography of public transportation is prohibited and may result in confiscation of equipment or detention.
LGBTQ2 travellers
The laws of Uzbekistan prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. LGBTQ2 travellers should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Uzbekistan.
See Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and two-spirit Canadians abroad for more information.
Dual citizenship
Dual citizenship is not legally recognized in Uzbekistan. If local authorities consider you an Uzbek citizen, they may refuse to grant you access to Canadian consular services, thereby preventing Canadian consular officials from providing you with those services. You should always travel using your valid Canadian passport and present yourself as Canadian to foreign authorities at all times to minimize this risk. You may also need to carry and present an Uzbek passport for legal reasons, for example to enter and exit the country (see Entry/exit requirements to determine passport requirements). Citizenship is determined solely by national laws, and the decision to recognize dual citizenship rests completely with the country in which you are located when seeking consular assistance. See Travelling as a dual citizen for more information.
Canadians with Uzbek citizenship may be subject to national obligations, such as taxes. Check your Uzbek status with the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Washington, D.C., prior to departure.
Religion
Islamic practices and beliefs are closely adhered to, particularly in rural areas. Dress conservatively, behave discreetly and respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities.
During the lunar month of Ramadan (the ninth month of the Muslim calendar), use discretion when drinking, eating, and smoking in public between sunrise and sunset. In 2018, Ramadan is expected to begin on or around May 15.
Money
The currency is the Uzbek sum (UZS), which is used for most transactions. U.S. dollars (USD) can also be used. Carry bills in pristine condition, as well-worn or used U.S. banknotes may not be accepted. Only a few major hotels accept credit cards. Traveller’s cheques can only be cashed at the National Bank of Uzbekistan. Purchasing money on the black market is illegal and may result in extortion or jail sentences.
There are few automated banking machines (ABMs), and they only accept credit cards. Some ABMs provide U.S. dollars.
Natural disasters and climate
Natural disasters & climate
Uzbekistan is located in an active seismic zone.
Assistance
Assistance
Local services
Emergency services
In case of emergency, dial:
- police: 02
- medical assistance: 03
- firefighters: 01
Consular assistance
Moscow - Embassy of Canada
For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada to Russia in Moscow and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.
The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. The Government of Canada takes the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provides credible and timely information in its Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad. In the event of a large-scale emergency, every effort will be made to provide assistance. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.
See Large-scale emergencies abroad for more information.