OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against all travel to the region(s) specified below. (IDW5)
You are advised against all travel to areas bordering Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan, including the city of Andijan, due to the unstable security situation. Incidents of violence have occurred in the mountainous border area where Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan meet. Some areas near the Tajikistan border are mined. Canadians should contact the Consulate of Canada in Tashkent (see Section 7 below) for further information. The border between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan on the road between Tashkent and Samarkand is closed. Before travelling to the Tajikistan border, please contact the Consulate of Canada for up to date information.
Recent reports indicate that terrorists may be planning attacks in Uzbekistan. These attacks could occur at any time and anywhere. Canadians should exercise extreme caution, especially in areas frequented by foreigners.
OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada offers a registration service for Canadians travelling or residing abroad. Canadians who choose to travel to the region(s) specified despite this warning should register with the responsible Canadian government office in this country. Registration can be done on-line or by calling the responsible Canadian government office abroad to request a registration form. Canadians visiting other areas of the country for three months or more should also register. Canadians visiting for less than three months are strongly advised to: (a) leave a detailed travel itinerary and contact information with family or friends in Canada; (b) provide family with the emergency number for Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (1 800 267-6788 or 613-944-6788); and (c) keep the phone number of the responsible Canadian government office on hand (see Section 7 below).
Possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs may result in jail sentences and heavy fines.
Homosexuality is illegal. Convicted offenders may face jail sentences.
Dual nationality is not legally recognized, which may limit the ability of Canadian officials to provide consular services. Canadians should travel using their Canadian passport and present themselves as Canadian to foreign authorities at all times.
Photography of public transportation is prohibited and may result in confiscation of equipment or detention.
Islamic practices and beliefs are closely adhered to, particularly in rural areas. Common sense and discretion should be exercised in dress and behaviour. Respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities.
During the lunar month of Ramadan (the ninth month of the Muslim calendar), visitors should refrain from drinking, eating, and smoking in public between sunrise and sunset. This year, Ramadan is expected to begin on or about September 24, 2006.
The Embassy of Canada in Moscow, Russia, has consular responsibility for Uzbekistan. The address is as follows:
Russia - MOSCOW, Embassy of Canada Address: 23 Starokonyushenny Pereulok, Moscow, 119002 Russia Tel.: 7 (495) 105-6000 Fax: 7 (495) 105-6004 E-mail:mosco@international.gc.ca Internet:http://www.moscow.gc.ca
For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in Moscow, Russia, and follow the instructions. You may also make a collect call to the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.
A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Uzbekistan. Canadians must also be in possession of a visa.
Tourist Visa: Required Business Visa: Required Student Visa: Required
All foreigners in Uzbekistan, regardless of duration of stay, must register with the Office of Visas and Registration (hotel guests are normally registered by their hotel upon check-in).
Canadians planning to travel or reside in Uzbekistan for longer than three months must provide a medical certificate indicating a negative test for infection with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). However, this requirement is not always strictly enforced.
Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.
Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify visa requirements for this and other countries, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.
Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.
Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.
The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.
Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.
The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.
Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.
Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.