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Before you go to Uzbekistan: what to know

Must know

  • Registration is mandatory: hotels register you automatically; in private flats your host must register you via E-mehmon (FCDO: within 3 days of arrival). Missing registration means fines or deportation.
  • Fill in the customs declaration in two copies on entry and keep the stamped copy — you can't leave with more foreign cash than you declared on arrival.
  • Drones are effectively banned without an import licence; codeine and some other medicines are restricted — check before you fly.
  • Russian-issued Mir, Visa and Mastercard cards don't work; bring USD/EUR cash or a non-Russian card.
  • US citizens have been visa-free for 30 days since 1 Jan 2026; British and EU citizens also 30 days. Get an entry stamp — overstays are fined.

Entry and visas

CIS citizens (Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Ukraine) need no visa. EU, UK, Turkey, UAE, China and (since 1 Jan 2026) US citizens get 30 days visa-free. Indians: 30 days visa-free only with a valid multiple-entry US, UK, Schengen, Canada, Australia, Japan, NZ or Korea visa (from Sept 2026), otherwise e-Visa. A tourist tax applies per night and is usually collected by hotels.

Online arrival forms and permits

  • Uzbekistan e-Visa ↗ optional
    At least 3 working days before travel · Fee: USD 20 · Eligible nationalities that are not visa-free
  • E-mehmon registration ↗ required
    On arrival (hotels do it; private hosts register you) · All foreign visitors

Passport validity: At least 3 months beyond arrival.

At the border you may be asked for

  • Complete two copies of the customs declaration; keep the stamped one for exit.
  • Check you get an entry stamp.
  • Ask hotels for registration slips (or keep the E-mehmon confirmation).

Customs

  • Declare cash over USD 10,000 and precious metals/gems over 65 g.
  • You can't export more foreign currency than declared on entry.
  • Check the list of restricted medicines; carry prescriptions and declare medicines.
  • Drones need an import licence and permission in advance.

Checked October 29, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗, e-visa.gov.uz ↗, esquireindia.co.in ↗, t-j.ru ↗

Money

Cash and cards are both common. Cards are accepted mainly in cities and tourist areas.

Payment networks: Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay

Apple Pay — works in some places · Google Pay — works in some places

Where to exchange money

  • Banks and official exchange booths (e.g. in bank branches, hotels) — rates are close to the official one
  • ATMs in Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara for UZS (some dispense USD)

Where not to exchange

  • Street money changers (illegal, risk of fake notes)
  • Dynamic currency conversion

ATMs: ATMs accept foreign Visa/Mastercard in big cities; some fail — have a backup card and cash. Carry plenty of cash outside major cities.

Tipping: Many restaurants add 10–15% service; otherwise rounding up is enough.

  • Russian cards (Mir, Visa, Mastercard) don't work; some Russian UnionPay cards reportedly do. QR payments via some Russian bank apps work at connected merchants.
  • Local payment apps (Click, Payme) need an Uzbek card.

Checked October 29, 2026 · Sources: cbu.uz ↗, t-j.ru ↗, avo.cards ↗

Rules and bans

Prohibited

  • Drones without permits
  • Any drugs; some prescription medicines (e.g. codeine) restricted
  • Photographing military sites, airports, border areas and some metro/government buildings
  • Unofficial currency exchange

Laws visitors break unknowingly

  • Register each stay as required; keep registration slips.
  • Same-sex relations between men are criminalised.
  • Carry your passport for police checks.

Checked October 29, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗, gov.uk ↗

Culture and clothing

Religion: Mostly Sunni Muslim, secular state; alcohol is available.

Clothing: Modest: cover shoulders and knees, especially in mosques, madrasas and the Fergana Valley. Women should bring a scarf for mosques.

Etiquette

  • Bread (non) is sacred — never put it upside down or throw it away.
  • Accept tea with the right hand; hosts pour small amounts as a sign of hospitality.
  • Remove shoes in homes.
  • Bargain in bazaars.

Checked October 29, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗

Climate

Sharply continental and dry: very hot summers (Bukhara/Khiva 40°C+), cold winters near or below freezing, short pleasant springs and autumns.

Month by month
  • January: Jan: cold, Tashkent ~-3–6°C
  • February: Feb: cold, occasional snow
  • March: Mar: mild; Navruz (21 Mar)
  • April: Apr: pleasant, ~12–24°C, ideal
  • May: May: warm, ideal
  • June: Jun: hot, 30–35°C
  • July: Jul: very hot, 40°C+ in the desert
  • August: Aug: very hot and dry
  • September: Sep: warm, pleasant, harvest
  • October: Oct: mild, ideal
  • November: Nov: cool
  • December: Dec: cold

Best season: April–May and September–October.

Checked October 29, 2026 · Sources: en.wikipedia.org ↗

What to pack

  • Cash in clean USD/EUR
  • Scarf and long clothing for mosques
  • Sun hat, sunscreen
  • Prescriptions for medicines
  • Copies of passport and registration slips

Do not bring / prohibited to import

  • Drones
  • Codeine painkillers without checking rules
  • Relying on Russian bank cards

Practical

Plugs: Type C/F, 220 V, 50 Hz

Water: Don't drink tap water; use bottled.

Traffic: drives on the right

Mobile and eSIM: SIMs from Beeline, Ucell, Mobiuz, Uzmobile with a passport; eSIMs available.

Apps: Yandex Go, Yandex Maps, Uzbekistan Railways (UZ Railways), Google Maps

Health: No compulsory vaccinations; hepatitis A and typhoid advised. Food hygiene can be poor in summer.

Insurance: Not required for entry; travel medical insurance recommended.

Emergency: 112 — unified; 101 fire, 102 police, 103 ambulance

Checked October 29, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗, travelhealthpro.org.uk ↗

Entry rules change. Before your trip, check the website of the embassy or immigration service of the country.