Uzbekistan Safety Guide 2025
Stay safe during your Uzbekistan trip with essential safety information.
Safety Overview
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.
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.
Current Advisory
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
Travel Advisories
Official warnings and recommendations from government sources.
US State Department
Exercise normal precautions in Uzbekistan. Some areas have increased caution advisories, including parts of the Fergana Valley near the Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan borders.
Official Advisory Sources
- 🇺🇸 US: travel.state.gov
- 🇬🇧 UK: gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
- 🇨🇦 Canada: travel.gc.ca
- 🇦🇺 Australia: smartraveller.gov.au
Safety Checklist & Emergency Card
Download our printable safety checklist and emergency contact card.
Common Scams to Avoid
Be aware of these common tourist 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.
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.
Bazaar pickpocketing
Chorsu Bazaar in Tashkent and Siab Bazaar in Samarkand see occasional pickpocketing in crowded sections, especially the underground spice and produce areas.
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.
Essential Safety Tips
Practical advice for staying safe during your trip.
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
Safety by Traveler Type
Solo Travelers
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 Travelers
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+ Travelers
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.
Health & Medical
Stay healthy during your trip.
Vaccinations
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, etc.), Hepatitis A, Typhoid. Hepatitis B for longer stays. Rabies for rural/adventure travelers.
Water Safety
Not safe to drink. Use bottled water for drinking and brushing teeth. Widely available and cheap ($0.30-0.50 per liter).
Food Safety
Traveler's diarrhea - avoid street food initially, wash hands frequently. Sun exposure - bring sunscreen and hat. Altitude sickness - if visiting mountains.
Medical Facilities
Medication Tips
- Bring enough prescription medication for your entire trip plus extra
- Keep medications in original containers with pharmacy labels
- Carry a letter from your doctor explaining your medications
- Some medications may be restricted - research before traveling
- Pack basic medications: pain relievers, anti-diarrheal, antihistamines
Emergency Contacts
Important numbers to have on hand.
Emergency Services
Police, Fire, Ambulance
Medical Emergency
Hospitals and clinics
Your Embassy
Consular assistance
Tourist Police
Tourist assistance
Before You Go
- Register with your embassy's travel notification program
- Save emergency numbers in your phone
- Note your hotel's address in local language
- Share your itinerary with family/friends
- Know your travel insurance emergency hotline
Travel Confidently in Uzbekistan
Get our complete safety guide with emergency card, insurance recommendations, and area-by-area safety ratings.
Download Safety Guide