Asia and Oceania

• Travel Summary
• Safety and security
• Local laws and customs
• Entry requirements

• Health
• Natural disasters
• General
 

Local laws and customs

Uzbekistan has a secular constitution. Most Uzbek people are Muslims.  For more general information see Travelling During Ramadan.

We recommend that you carry a photocopy of your passport at all times.  Requests to produce proof of identity, for example by the police, are frequent.

You should be aware that any form of photography can upset the authorities.  You should check before using a camera, especially near airports, border checkpoints, military barracks and police stations.

Possession of drugs is illegal.  Prison sentences can be lengthy and conditions are very basic.  There are regular reports of severe abuse, overcrowding, and shortages of food and medicine.  Although access to prisons in Uzbekistan is very restricted, tuberculosis (TB) and hepatitis are reported to be endemic.

Homosexuality is illegal under Uzbek law and is still very much frowned upon socially. You should take care over public displays of affection.

For more general information for different types of travellers see Your Trip.