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Uzbekistan
Country Specific Information
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June 30, 2008
COUNTRY DESCRIPTION:
Uzbekistan gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. While the country has undergone significant change since then,
its progress towards democratic and economic reform has been halting and uneven. Corruption is endemic at all levels of society. Much
of the country, particularly areas outside of Tashkent and the major tourist destinations of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva,
is remote and difficult to access. Tourist facilities in these areas are typically below Western standards, and many goods
and services remain difficult to find on a regular basis. Read the Department of State Background Notes on Uzbekistan for additional information.
ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: A passport and visa are required. Although official invitation letters are not required for American citizens applying for
tourist visas, they are required for those planning to visit an individual who resides in Uzbekistan. Tourist visas cannot
be extended in Uzbekistan. Visas are issued by Uzbek embassies and consulates abroad. Visitors coming from countries where
Uzbekistan does not have diplomatic or consular representation should obtain visas in a third country. Visas are not available
upon arrival at Uzbek airports. The Embassy has received a number of reports from American citizens who have had problems
obtaining Uzbek visas or who received Uzbek visas valid for a very limited period, usually for fewer than three months. Americans
seeking visas are encouraged to apply for their visas well in advance of their travel.
It is important to note that Uzbek visas indicate not only the validity of the visa, but also the period of time a person
is allowed to stay in Uzbekistan on a given trip. A visitor will have to leave the country before the number of days indicated
as the duration of stay on the visa expires. Therefore, it is important to indicate your intended period of stay when applying
for your Uzbek visa. American citizens who are affiliated with a non-governmental organization (NGO) that has been closed
in Uzbekistan may be prevented from entering the country, even with a valid visa. All travelers, even those simply transiting
Uzbekistan for fewer than 72 hours, must obtain an Uzbek visa before traveling to Uzbekistan.
The Uzbek Government maintains travel restrictions on large parts of the Surkhandarya province bordering Afghanistan, including
the border city of Termez. The border crossing point at Hayraton between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan, while open, is tightly
controlled. Foreign citizens intending to travel to this province must obtain a special permission card from the Ministry
of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Internal Affairs or Uzbek embassies and consulates abroad. Even with such permission,
however, some American citizens transiting to Afghanistan via Termez have been briefly detained and/or fined for not registering
in Uzbekistan.
Travel within Uzbekistan by rail or land sometimes requires brief exit into neighboring countries. Travelers should have multiple-entry
Uzbek visas and a proper visa for the neighboring country in order to avoid delays in travel.
Registration after entry: All travelers present in Uzbekistan for more than three business days must register with the Office
of Entry, Exit, and Citizenship, commonly known as “OVIR.” Hotel guests are registered automatically, but all other travelers
are responsible for registering themselves. Registration fees vary depending on length of stay. See http://uzbekistan.usembassy.gov/consular for more information. Visitors without proper registration are subject to fines, imprisonment, and deportation. The fines
range from $500 to $4,000. Uzbek law mandates that visitors carry a medical certificate attesting that they are not infected
with HIV, but this requirement is sporadically enforced.
Further visa information is available from the Consular Section of the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan, 1746 Massachusetts
Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036; telephone: (202) 530-7291; fax: (202) 293-9633; web site: http://www.uzbekistan.org, or, from the Consulate General of Uzbekistan in New York City, 866 United Nations Plaza, Suite 327A, New York, NY 10017;
telephone: (212) 754-7403; fax: (212) 838-9812; web site: http://www.uzbekconsulny.org.
Information about dual nationality and the prevention of international parental child abduction can be found on the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs’ web site at http://travel.state.gov. For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information.
SAFETY AND SECURITY: A Travel Warning remains in effect for Uzbekistan, and other parts of Central Asia. The Department of State reminds U.S.
citizens of the potential for terrorist attacks or localized civil disturbances in Uzbekistan. Although there have been no
violent incidents there since May 2005, Americans visiting or living in Uzbekistan are urged to exercise caution. The U.S.
Government continues to receive information that indicates terrorist groups may be planning attacks, possibly against U.S.
interests, in Uzbekistan. Supporters of terrorist groups such as the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, al-Qaida, the Islamic
Jihad Union, and the Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement are active in the region. Members of these groups have expressed anti-U.S.
sentiments and have attacked U.S. Government interests in the past, including the U.S. Embassy in Tashkent, and may attempt
to target U.S. Government or private American interests in Uzbekistan. In the past, these groups have conducted kidnappings,
assassinations, and suicide bombings.
Increased security at official U.S. facilities over the past year may lead terrorists and their sympathizers to seek softer
targets. These may include facilities where Americans and other foreigners congregate or visit, such as residential areas,
clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, hotels, outdoor recreation events, and resorts. The U.S. Embassy in Tashkent
continues to employ heightened security precautions. U.S. citizens should report any unusual activity to local authorities
and then inform the Embassy.
Uzbekistan experienced a wave of terrorist violence in 2004. In July 2004 there were three suicide bombings in Tashkent, including
one outside the U.S. Embassy. The Islamic Jihad Union (IJU) claimed responsibility for the attacks. The IJU also used suicide
bombers in multiple attacks targeting police and Uzbek private and commercial facilities in Tashkent and Bukhara in late March
and early April 2004. In May 2005, armed militants stormed a prison in Andijon, released its prisoners, and then took control
of the regional administration and other government buildings in Andijon Province. Fighting broke out between government forces
and the militants, and reports indicated that several hundred civilians died in the ensuing violence. While there were no
reports of U.S. citizens being affected by the fighting, U.S. citizens and other foreigners in Uzbekistan frequently have
experienced harassment from authorities and local residents in the wake of the events of 2005.
Depending upon security conditions, travelers can expect and anticipate restricted personal movement, including the closing
of roads to traffic in addition to frequent document, vehicle, and personal identification checks. The Uzbek Government has
intermittently restricted travel to certain parts of the country in response to security concerns.
For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State, Bureau of
Consular Affairs’ web site at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts, including the Travel Warning for Uzbekistan, and the Worldwide Caution, can be found.
Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S. and Canada
or, for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00
a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
The Department of State urges American citizens to take responsibility for their own personal security while traveling overseas. For
general information about appropriate measures travelers can take to protect themselves in an overseas environment, see the
Department of State’s pamphlet A Safe Trip Abroad.
CRIME: Uzbekistan’s rate of violent crime, including against foreigners, has increased slightly in recent years. In urban areas,
travelers are urged to take the same precautions against crime that they would take in a large American city. If you are traveling
at night, please travel in groups, maintain a low profile, and do not display large amounts of cash. Beware of pickpockets
in public places, such as tourist destinations and local markets.
Although using private cars as taxicabs is a common practice in Uzbekistan, Americans, especially women, should not consider
this a safe practice. Americans are encouraged to use clearly marked taxicabs, such as those at hotels. Also, Americans should
avoid riding in taxis alone.
In many countries around the world, counterfeit and pirated goods are widely available. Transactions involving such products
may be illegal under local law. In addition, bringing them back to the United States may result in forfeitures and/or fines. More
information on this serious problem is available at http://www.cybercrime.gov/18usc2320.htm.
INFORMATION FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME: The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy
or Consulate. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting the crime to local police, please
contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to
find appropriate medical care, contact family members or friends and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the
investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you
to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.
The local equivalents to the “911” emergency lines in Uzbekistan are: 01 for fire; 02 for police; 03 for an ambulance; and
050 for the Ministry of Emergency Situations.
See our information on Victims of Crime.
MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: Medical care in Uzbekistan is below Western standards, with severe shortages of basic medical supplies, including disposable
needles, anesthetics, and antibiotics. A large percentage of medication sold in local pharmacies is known to be counterfeit. Elderly
travelers and those with pre-existing health problems may be at particular risk due to inadequate medical facilities. Most
resident Americans travel to North America or Western Europe for their medical needs.
Travelers are advised to drink only boiled water, peel all fruits and vegetables, and avoid undercooked meat. Due to inadequate
sanitation conditions, travelers should avoid eating unpasteurized dairy products and most food sold in the streets.
Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection,
may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP
(1-877-394-8747) or via the CDC’s web site at http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/default.aspx. Tuberculosis is an increasingly serious health concern in Uzbekistan. For further information, please consult the CDC's
Travel Notice on TB at http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/yellowBookCh4-TB.aspx. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization’s (WHO) web site at
http://www.who.int/en. Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith/en.
MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. Please see our information on medical insurance overseas.
TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United
States. The information below concerning Uzbekistan is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate
in a particular location or circumstance.
Uzbekistan has a developed but inconsistently maintained traffic infrastructure. Although main roads in central Tashkent are
relatively well maintained, many secondary roads inside and outside Tashkent, and particularly those in the Tien Shan and
Fan Mountains, are in poor condition and may be passable only by four-wheel-drive vehicles. Driving at night can be quite
dangerous because only the main roads in Tashkent and a few other major cities have streetlights; rural roads and highways
generally are not lit. Visitors are strongly urged to avoid driving at night outside Tashkent. The gasoline supply can be
sporadic; therefore, travelers should expect occasional difficulty finding gasoline, particularly outside of Tashkent.
Livestock, as well as farm equipment and carts drawn by animals that lack lights or reflectors, are found on both urban and
rural roads at any hour. Local drivers are not familiar with safe driving techniques. Pedestrians in cities and rural areas
cross streets unexpectedly and often without looking for oncoming traffic. Uzbekistan has a large road police force, which
frequently stops drivers for minor infractions or simple document checks. There have been reports of harassment of foreign
drivers by the road police, with reported minor police corruption in the form of solicitation of bribes.
Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information. Visit the website of Uzbekistan’s national tourist office and national authority responsible for
road safety at http://www.uzbektourism.uz
AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Uzbekistan’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Uzbekistan’s air carrier operations. For more information, travelers may visit the FAA’s web site at http://www.faa.gov/safety/programs_initiatives/oversight/iasa.
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Travelers to Uzbekistan are subject to frequent document inspections. Therefore, U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to carry a certified copy of their U.S. passport and their Uzbek visa with them at all times so that, if questioned by local officials, proof of identity and U.S. citizenship are readily available. In accordance with the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations and certain bilateral agreements, local authorities must grant a United States Consular Officer access to any U.S. citizen who is arrested. U.S. citizens who are arrested or detained should ask to contact the U.S. Embassy immediately.
Uzbek customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary import to or export from Uzbekistan of items
such as armaments and ammunition, space technology, encryption devices, X-ray and isotope equipment, nuclear materials, poisons,
drugs, precious and semi-precious metals, nullified securities, pieces of art, and antiques of historical value. Contact the
Embassy of Uzbekistan in Washington, D.C. or the Consulate of Uzbekistan in New York for specific information regarding customs
requirements.
Most transactions are conducted on a cash-only, local currency (soum) basis. Many merchants will accept dollars for larger
tourist handicraft purchases. Credit cards are accepted only at the main hotels and a few shops and restaurants; travelers’
checks can be cashed into dollars at the National Bank of Uzbekistan. The commission fee is two percent. Importation of currency
exceeding $10,000 (US) is subject to a one-percent duty. Foreigners must complete a customs declaration upon entering Uzbekistan. The
amount of cash taken out of Uzbekistan should not exceed the amount indicated on the customs declaration. In order to export
more cash than was imported, one must have special permission from the National Bank of Uzbekistan. Those who understate the
amount of currency on their declaration form upon departure from Uzbekistan face fines and confiscation of their unreported
money. Old U.S. dollar bills (prior to 1990) and/or those in poor condition (with tears, writing or stamps) are not acceptable
forms of currency in Uzbekistan. Although payment in U.S. dollars is required for certain hotel charges, airline tickets,
and visa fees, other dollar transactions, as well as black market currency exchanges, are prohibited. Please see our Customs Information.
Uzbekistan is an earthquake-prone country. General information about natural disaster preparedness is available via the Internet
from the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at http://www.fema.gov/.
CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Uzbek laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Uzbekistan are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime, prosecutable in the United States. Please see our information on Criminal Penalties.
CHILDREN'S ISSUES: For information see our Office of Children’s Issues web pages on intercountry adoption and international parental child abduction.
REGISTRATION / EMBASSY LOCATION: Americans living or traveling in Uzbekistan are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through
the State Department’s travel registration web site so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security within Uzbekistan. Americans without Internet access may
register directly with the U.S. Embassy in Tashkent. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact
them in case of emergency. The U.S. Embassy is located at # 3, Moyqorghon Street, 5th Block, Yunusobod District, Tashkent
-700093, Uzbekistan. The main Embassy telephone number, which can also be reached after hours, is (998 71) 120-5450, fax: (998
71) 120-6335; Consular fax: (998 71) 120-54-48; e-mail address: ConsularTashkent@state.gov; web site: http://uzbekistan.usembassy.gov.
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This replaces the Country Specific Information for Uzbekistan dated November 2, 2007,, to update the sections on Entry/Exit Requirements, Safety and Security, Crime, Information for Victims of Crime, Medical Facilities and Health Information, Traffic Safety and Road Conditions, and Special Circumstances..
