Destination Guides
Uzbekistan

 
assport/Visa
 
Passport/Visa

Yes Yes No
Yes Yes No
Yes Yes No
Yes Yes/1 No
Yes Yes No
Yes Yes No

 
Passports

Passport valid for six months after departure date required by all.

 
Visas

Required by all except the following:
(a) nationals of the CIS (except nationals of Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan who do require a visa);
(b) transit passengers continuing their journey within 24 hours by the same or first connecting aircraft provided holding valid onward or return documentation and not leaving the transit area.

 
Types of visa and cost

Tourist and Business. Single-entry: US$40 (seven days); US$50 (15 days); US$60 (30 days); US$80 (three months); US$120 (six months); US$160 (one year). Multiple-entry: US$60 (one month); US$150 (six months); US$250 (one year). Group: US$15 per person (15 days); US$25 per person (30 days). Transit: US$20 (24 hours); US$25 (48 hours); US$30 (72 hours); US$40 (double-entry).
Note: (a) 1. US nationals can obtain multiple-entry business or tourist visas issued for up to four years for a cost of US$100 and transit visas for a cost of US$25. (b) Visa applications are subject to a US$20 service charge (US$10 for transit visas). (c) Visa regulations within the CIS are liable to change at short notice.

 
Validity

Tourist visas are normally single-entry/exit and are valid for the duration of the tour. Business visas are multiple-entry, valid for six months in the first instance and extendable. Nationals of Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, Switzerland and the UK can obtain a multiple-entry visa for touristic/business stays of up to one month; nationals of the USA can obtain such visas for stays of up to four years. Visas should be used within one month of date of issue.

 
Application to

Uzbek Embassies where they exist.

 
Application requirements

(a) Valid passport valid for entire period of stay with at least one blank page to affix the visa. (b) Two completed and signed application forms. (c) Two passport-size photos. (d) Fee, payable by cheque in Pounds Sterling on collection of visa. (e) Pre-paid, stamped, self-addressed envelope, if applying by post. Tourist: (a)-(e) and, (f) Letter of invitation from inviting partners in Uzbekistan. Applications are usually made through a travel agent. Business: (a)-(e) and, (f) Business invitation from Uzbekistan giving details of activities to be undertaken and length of stay in Uzbekistan. This letter can be sent directly to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Uzbekistan, who will then contact the Embassy directly, giving permission for the stay. Private visits: (a)-(e) and, (f) Letter of invitation from friends/relatives endorsed by the immigration department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs in Uzbekistan. Transit: (a)-(e) and, (f) Air ticket to onward destination.

 
Note

(a) Tourists (other than nationals of Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, Switzerland and USA, who also do not need to submit letters of invitation as part of their visa application requirement) will normally have their visa application completed by their travel agent. (b) A personal interview may be required before a visa can be issued. (c) Visitors staying longer than three days must register with the Ministry of Internal Affairs within three working days. However, most hotels will automatically do this on behalf of the visitor. (d) Before applying by post, applicants should first contact the Consular section of the Embassy (except for nationals of Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, Switzerland and USA).

 
Working days required

10. For nationals of Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, Switzerland, the UK and USA, allow two days.

 
Temporary residence

It is possible to apply for temporary residence. The government of Uzbekistan officially requires visitors to carry a medical certificate proving they are free of HIV, but this is rarely enforced.

 
Passport/Visa Information

Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in the UK
41 Holland Park, London W11 3RP, UK
Tel: (020) 7229 7679.
Website: www.uzbekembassy.org
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1800; Mon-Wed and Fri 1000-1300 (consular section).

Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in the USA
1746 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20036-1903, USA
Tel: (202) 887 5300.
Website: www.uzbekistan.org

Consulate General of the Republic of Uzbekistan in the USA
801 2nd Avenue, 20th Floor, New York, NY 10017, USA
Tel: (212) 754 7403/4718.
Opening Hours: Mon-Wed 1000-1300; Thurs (collection of documents only).

 
 
 
ontact Addresses
 
Uzbektourism

47 Horezmskaya Street, 7000 Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Tel: (71) 133 5414.
Website: www.uzbektourism.uz

 
Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in the UK

41 Holland Park, London W11 3RP, UK
Tel: (020) 7229 7679.
Website: www.uzbekembassy.org
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1800; Mon-Wed and Fri 1000-1300 (consular section).

 
Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in the USA

1746 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20036-1903, USA
Tel: (202) 887 5300.
Website: www.uzbekistan.org

 
Consulate General of the Republic of Uzbekistan in the USA

801 2nd Avenue, 20th Floor, New York, NY 10017, USA
Tel: (212) 754 7403/4718.
Opening Hours: Mon-Wed 1000-1300; Thurs (collection of documents only).

 
 
 
ealth
 
Health

No No
Yes 1
2 N/A
No/3 N/A

 
1

Following WHO guidelines issued in 1973, a cholera vaccination certificate is not a condition of entry to Uzbekistan. However, cholera is a serious risk in this country and precautions are essential. Up-to-date advice should be sought before deciding whether these precautions should include vaccination, as medical opinion is divided over its effectiveness; see the Health appendix for more information.

 
2

Vaccination against typhoid is advised.

 
3

Although malaria is not considered a problem, there have been sporadic cases reported in the Uzunskiy, Sariassiskiy and Shurchinskiy districts (Surkhanda-Rinskaya region). It is recommended that travellers take chloroquine as their anti malarial drug.

 
Food & drink

All water, particularly outside main centres, should be regarded as being a potential health risk. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Pork, salad and mayonnaise may carry increased risk. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.

 
Other risks

Immunisation against hepatitis A and meningococcal meningitis is advised. Hepatitis B and E occur. Trachoma is quite common. Tickborne encephalitis and diphtheria also occur.
Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay. For more information, consult the Health appendix.

 
Health care

Emergency health care is available free of charge for visitors although, as in most parts of the former Soviet Union, medical care in Uzbekistan is inadequate and there are extreme financial problems. Doctors and hospitals often expect cash payment for health services. There is a severe shortage of basic medical supplies, including disposable needles, anaesthetics, antibiotics and vaccines. Travellers are therefore advised to take a well-equipped first-aid kit with them containing basic medicines and any prescriptions that they may need. For minor difficulties, visitors are advised to ask the management at their hotel for help. In case of emergency, travellers should get a referral from either the Tashkent International Medical Clinic or from the appropriate Embassy, since foreigners are strongly advised not to approach local health care facilities without somebody who knows local conditions and the language. For major problems, visitors are well advised to seek help outside the country. Travel insurance is essential.

 
 
 
ublic Holidays
 
Public Holidays

Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2006-June 2007 period.

Jan 1 2006 New Year’s Day. Jan 10 Kurban Khait (Feast of the Sacrifice). Mar 8 International Women’s Day. Mar 21 Navrus. Apr 11 Prophet’s Birthday. May 1 Labour Day. May 9 Day of Memory and Respect. Sep 1 Independence Day. Oct 24 Ramadan Khait (End of Ramadan). Nov 18 Flag Day. Dec 8 Constitution Day. Dec 31 Kurban Khait (Feast of the Sacrifice).
Jan 1 2007 New Year’s Day. Mar 8 International Women’s Day. Mar 21 Navrus. Mar 31 Prophet's Birthday. May 1 Labour Day. May 9 Day of Memory and Respect.

 
Note

Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates given above are approximations. For further information, consult the World of Islam appendix.