Usbekistan

You must carry your passport with you at all times. This is a legal requirement in Uzbekistan, and the police often carry out checks. You can be fined or arrested for failing to do so.

Possession of drugs is illegal. You can get a long prison sentence if convicted. While prison conditions have reportedly improved, reports of widespread hepatitis and tuberculosis as well as allegations of mistreatment of some prisoners by officials remain a concern.

It is illegal to sell alcohol and tobacco to someone aged 20 or under.    

Any form of photography can upset the authorities, particularly photographs of government buildings. This includes the Palace of Forums in Tashkent and sometimes local bazaars not normally visited by tourists. While restrictions have been relaxed recently, you should check before taking photos, especially near airports, border checkpoints, military barracks, bridges, police stations and metro stations.

It is prohibited to bring material into Uzbekistan that could be considered as undermining the state. This includes material which promotes war, terrorism, religious hatred or racism and pornographic content.

Be careful when posting images of your visit on social media, particularly in relation to images or comments about public buildings, the Uzbek flag, national food or customs. Disrespectful content, including criticism of the government, could result in fines or detention.

Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims. The dates vary by year and country. Cafés and restaurants may amend their menus and be busy around fast-breaking (‘Iftar’). Areas around mosques are also likely to be busy around prayer times. Take particular care not to offend religious sensitivities at this time.

Same-sex relationships are illegal, not recognised and still frowned upon socially. You should refrain from showing affection in public.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

The currency in Uzbekistan is the Uzbek so’m (or soum/som – UZS), and is not available in currency exchanges outside Uzbekistan.  

There are very few ATMs which accept international bank cards outside of the main cities. Bring enough cash for your entire stay, or withdraw cash from an ATM in a main city ahead of any planned travel to the regions. US dollars are the most easily exchanged foreign currency. Only change money through official exchange booths. It is illegal to change money on the black market, and there are harsh penalties. Official exchange booths will not accept damaged or marked bank notes, nor will they accept US dollars issued before 2013.  

Internationally issued credit cards are not widely accepted outside Tashkent and the main cities. Travellers cheques are not normally accepted.

Uzbekistan is in an active seismic zone. There are regular tremors.

The US Federal Emergency Management Agency has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake.