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3,251 mi away
£1 UZS 16,446.10
Today
11:11 am
+5h from you
Weather & climate
Weather in Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan
22°
Light drizzle
Mon
14°
22°
Tue
12°
24°
Wed
14°
27°
Thu
15°
31°
Fri
16°
34°
Sat
21°
34°
Sun
22°
34°
SPF level in Uzbekistan
Recommended: SPF 50
Spring
SPF 30
Summer
SPF 50
Autumn
SPF 30
Winter
SPF 15
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Before you go
Entry requirements for Uzbekistan
What British travellers need to know
Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after the date you arrive in Uzbekistan.
You can visit Uzbekistan for tourism without a visa for up to 30 days.
You must register with the local authorities within 3 days of your arrival, which your hotel will typically handle.
If staying in private accommodation, your host must register you with the local authorities or online via the Emehmon system.
When entering the country, ensure a border official stamps your passport to avoid issues when you leave.
Good to know:
If you bring in significant money, such as over 10,000 US dollars, you must declare it on a customs form.
Check if your medication is on the prohibited list and carry a prescription, as some common UK medicines like codeine can cause problems.
Safety in Uzbekistan
Tips when travelling
Uzbekistan is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
You must carry your passport with you at all times as police often carry out checks and you can be fined or arrested for not having it.
Pickpocketing and bag-snatching are common in crowded places like bazaars and on public transport, so keep sight of your belongings.
Be careful when taking photographs as it can upset the authorities, especially near government buildings, airports, or bridges.
It is illegal to sell alcohol and tobacco to anyone under the age of 20.
Do not change money on the black market as it is illegal and carries harsh penalties; only use official exchange booths.
Bonus tips:
Bring enough cash for your entire trip as ATMs accepting international cards are rare outside main cities and credit cards are not widely accepted.
Be aware that posting images on social media about public buildings or criticising the government could result in fines or detention.
Stay connected on your trip
More information
Driving in Uzbekistan
A UK driving license is valid for tourists for a limited period, but an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended, especially for longer stays.
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
100 km/h
Urban speed limit
70 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.0‰
Remember: Uzbekistan drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Health in Uzbekistan
As a British tourist, ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including repatriation, before travelling to Uzbekistan. While Uzbekistan doesn't have reciprocal healthcare agreements with the UK, your travel insurance will provide necessary coverage. Check the policy details carefully to ensure it covers all planned activities.
No vaccinations required
Consult your doctor or a travel clinic well in advance of your trip to discuss necessary vaccinations and health precautions for Uzbekistan. Ensure you are up-to-date on routine vaccinations. Drink bottled water and be cautious about food hygiene to avoid traveller's diarrhea. The risk of malaria is low, and usually only relevant if visiting the south of the country.
Cards & payments
Card acceptance is growing, but still limited outside major hotels, restaurants, and tourist shops in large cities like Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara. Always ask if cards are accepted before making a purchase. Cash is still king.
Visa
Medium
Mastercard
Medium
American Express
Low
Lost card? Call Visa: +1-303-967-1096
Tipping in Uzbekistan
Tipping is becoming more common in Uzbekistan, especially in tourist areas, but is not always expected. It is a way to show appreciation for good service.
Restaurant
5-10% for good service, or rounding up the bill.
Bar/Café
Rounding up the bill or a small tip for good service.
Taxi
Rounding up the fare is appreciated.
Hotel Porter
10,000-20,000 UZS per bag (~£0.8 - £1.6).
Hotel Housekeeper
10,000-20,000 UZS per day (~£0.8 - £1.6), left at the end of your stay.
Tour Guide
5-10% of the tour price for a good guide.
Mobile & roaming
Roaming charges can be high in Uzbekistan. Check with your UK mobile provider about international roaming packages before you travel to avoid unexpected costs. EU roaming regulations do not apply in Uzbekistan post-Brexit.
Local SIM
10 GB for 100,000 UZS (~£8)
Network coverage
4G, 3G, 2G
Electrical in Uzbekistan
Voltage
220V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type C, Type F
UK adapter needed
WiFi & internet
Wi-Fi is available in larger hotels, cafes, and restaurants in major cities like Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara, but it's less common in rural areas. Speeds can be variable.
Average speed
20 Mbps
While internet access is improving, it is not as widespread or reliable as in Western countries. Purchase a local SIM card for more consistent access.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
101
Police
102
Ambulance
103
Save 101 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Uzbekistan
Country code
+998
To call a Tashkent number (e.g., 123 4567) from the UK, you would dial 00 998 71 123 4567.
The country code for Uzbekistan is 998. When calling from abroad, you need to dial the exit code of your country, followed by 998, and then the local number. Mobile numbers usually start with 90, 91, 93, 94, 95, 97, 99, 33.
Languages in Uzbekistan
UK Embassy
British Embassy Tashkent
67, Gulyamov Str., Mirabad district, Tashkent, 100047, Uzbekistan
Phone
Website
Recent updates
Airports in Uzbekistan
Beaches in Uzbekistan
Frequently asked questions
British citizens can visit Uzbekistan without a visa for tourism purposes for up to 30 days. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay. If you plan to stay longer than 30 days, you will need to obtain a visa from the Uzbekistan embassy before you travel.
Uzbekistan is generally considered a safe country for tourists. However, like any travel destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against petty crime, such as pickpocketing, particularly in crowded areas and tourist hotspots. Avoid unlit areas at night.
The best time to visit Uzbekistan is during the spring (April-May) or autumn (September-October). During these months, the weather is mild and pleasant, making it ideal for exploring the historical sites and enjoying outdoor activities. Summers can be extremely hot, especially in desert regions, while winters can be cold and snowy.
The official currency of Uzbekistan is the Uzbek So'm (UZS). It's best to bring US dollars or Euros and exchange them for So'm upon arrival at official exchange offices or banks. Credit cards are accepted in major hotels and some restaurants in larger cities, but cash is essential for smaller establishments and bazaars.
When visiting religious sites such as mosques and mausoleums in Uzbekistan, it's important to dress respectfully. Women should cover their heads with a scarf, and both men and women should wear clothing that covers their shoulders and knees. Remove your shoes before entering mosques.
It's generally not recommended to drink tap water in Uzbekistan. Stick to bottled water, which is readily available in shops and hotels. Be cautious of ice in drinks and ensure that fruits and vegetables are properly washed before consumption to avoid any stomach issues.
Be aware of taxi drivers overcharging tourists, especially at airports and train stations; agree on a fare beforehand or use a ride-hailing app. Also, be cautious of unofficial currency exchangers offering rates that seem too good to be true, as they may be fraudulent. Keep your belongings secure to avoid pickpocketing.
Respect for elders is deeply ingrained in Uzbek culture. When interacting with older individuals, be polite and offer them deference. It's customary to shake hands with both men and women, but wait for a woman to extend her hand first. Hospitality is highly valued, and you may be invited for tea or a meal; accepting the invitation is considered polite.
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.