Asia and Oceania

Terrorism

There is a general threat from terrorism in Uzbekistan. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.  You should be particularly vigilant in public places, and pay attention to any security announcements by the Uzbek authorities.  Reports that armed attacks, including a suicide bomb, took place in May 2009 in the towns of Andizhan and Khanabad in the Andizhan region of the Ferghana Valley have been confirmed by the Uzbek authorities.

For more general information see Terrorism Abroad.

Crime

There have been occasional muggings and petty crime against foreigners.  Sometimes policemen, or those pretending to be policemen will seek to impose an on-the-spot fine. If you are any doubt you should ask for ID or pay any fines at the nearest police station.  You should keep valuables out of sight and avoid unlit or remote areas. You should avoid obvious displays of wealth, especially in rural areas. You should avoid walking alone at night.

For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad.

Political Situation

Uzbekistan Country Profile

The political situation in Uzbekistan is stable.

You should monitor local media and avoid any planned demonstrations or public gatherings.  In the past, these have turned violent.

Sporadic unrest occasionally occurs in areas outside Tashkent.  Visitors should not get involved in any demonstrations and should avoid any locations where a demonstration might be occurring.

Local Travel

We advise against all but essential travel to the Andizhan region of the Fergana Valley and to areas bordering Afghanistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, other than via authorised crossing points.  Uzbekistan's borders are potential flashpoints and some are mined.
 

If you wish to travel to Termez and other areas of the Surkhandarya region you will need a permit. You can apply for the permit from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tashkent: they usually take five days to process.

Road Travel

If you drive in Uzbekistan you must ensure that you have all registration papers, including motor insurance.  You should carry your UK/International driving licence at all times, as this must be presented in the event of an accident.

There are security checkpoints at the city limits of Tashkent and other towns throughout the country. You may experience delays in reaching your destination if travelling by car. In Tashkent it is safer to use official taxis rather than unlicensed ones.  Take care if driving, as many roads are poor and badly lit.

 

Uzbeks drive on the right.  You should be aware that vehicles approaching a roundabout have the right of way over vehicles already on the roundabout.

 
The use of seatbelts by drivers and passengers is compulsory. The use of mobile phones while driving is prohibited.

For more general information see Driving Abroad.

 

Rail Travel

Take care when travelling long distances by train. If you have to travel overnight, store valuables in a safe place. Do not leave the compartment unattended, and secure the door from the inside. You need to present your passport when booking train tickets.

Air Travel

Evidence suggests that some airlines serving Uzbekistan do not always comply with international safety standards in respect of maintenance procedures. FCO staff have therefore been advised to avoid flying with non-scheduled or non-international airlines from Uzbekistan if an acceptable means of travel exists.

Uzbekistan Airways operate regular services to a number of European destinations.  In addition, Uzbekistan is served by Turkish Airlines, which is regulated in accordance with current European Union safety standards.  Czech Air began direct flights from Prague in July 2009.