Travel Report for Uzbekistan

Country Profile for
Uzbekistan

TRAVEL REPORTS:

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TRAVEL REPORT

Last Updated: September 29, 2006 10:46 EDT
Still Valid: December 8, 2006 21:49 EST

Uzbekistan

1.	INTRODUCTION
2.	ATTENTION
3.	SAFETY AND SECURITY
4.	LOCAL TRAVEL
5.	NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE
6.	LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
7.	ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD
8.	ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS
9.	MONEY

10.	GENERAL INFORMATION
11.	TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM
12.	ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION
13.	RETURNING TO CANADA
14.	INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS
15.	TRAVEL TIPS
16.	HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE
17.	FOR MORE INFORMATION
18.	ANNEX

1. INTRODUCTION

The level of Travel Warning in this report has not changed. Sections 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 have been updated.

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2. ATTENTION

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).

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

On May 13, 2005, at least 187 people were killed and many more wounded during a massive uprising in the eastern city of Andijan, near the border with Kyrgyzstan. Unconfirmed accounts of the incident put the death toll in the hundreds. There are reports that shots were fired by soldiers during the demonstrations and that armed gangs occupied the mayor's office and attacked a prison, releasing inmates, including political prisoners. This state of unrest has reportedly spread into other communities in the area bordering Kyrgyzstan, resulting in numerous casualties. On the same day, in an apparently unrelated incident, a suspected suicide bomber was shot to death at the Embassy of Israel in Tashkent. A series of attacks occurred in the months of March and April of 2004, where more than 40 people died. Explosions occurred near the United States and Israeli embassies and the Prosecutor's office in Tashkent.

As these attacks demonstrate, security incidents can occur without warning. Canadians should maintain a high level of personal security awareness at all times, monitor local news reports, and avoid crowds and demonstrations. Exercise caution, particularly in tourist areas and commercial and public establishments (hotels, clubs, restaurants, bars, schools, places of worship, outdoor recreation events) and tourist sites frequented by foreigners.

Violent crime against foreigners has occurred. Street crime has increased, especially after dark in urban centres. Foreigners have been robbed by individuals posing as police officers. If approached, ask to see police credentials or offer to go to the police station. Do not travel alone after dark. Police frequently stop drivers for minor infractions or simple document checks. Foreigners may face harassment, including demands for money. Use officially marked taxis only and do not share them with strangers.

For emergency assistance, call 01 for police, 03 for ambulance, or 02 for fire.

Exercise caution when travelling by train, especially overnight. Store valuables in a safe place and do not leave the compartment unattended. Ensure that the door is secured from the inside.

Travel to certain parts of the Surxondaryo Province requires special permission from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, or an Uzbek embassy or consulate abroad.

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4. LOCAL TRAVEL

Driving standards in Uzbekistan are poor. Many roads outside Tashkent are in poor condition, particularly in the Tian Shan and Fan Mountains. Driving at night is dangerous. Rural roads and highways are not lit.

Tashkent airport is serviced by a variety of international carriers. The smaller airports at Samarkand and Bukhara handle domestic flights only. Frequent delays and cancellations occur. Travellers should not use domestic carriers due to the uncertainty regarding maintenance and safety standards.

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5. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

Uzbekistan is located in an active seismic zone. Canadians should know the address and telephone number of the Consulate of Canada in Tashkent (see Section 7 below) in the event of an emergency.

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6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail or death sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 7 below. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The Department publishes A Guide for Canadians Imprisoned Abroad, specifically targeted at incarcerated Canadians. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian detainees, their families, and friends about available assistance and advice.

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.

The Department publishes a booklet entitled Dual Citizenship: What Travellers Should Know, specifically targeted at Canadians with dual nationality.

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.

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7. ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD

You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following address:

Uzbekistan - TASHKENT, Consulate of Canada
Address: 56, U. Nasir Street, Apt. 39-40, 100100, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Tel.: 998 (71) 362-9205
Fax: 998 (71) 120-7270
E-mail: antal@rol.uz

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.

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8. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Uzbek authorities and, to the best of our knowledge, was valid on September 18, 2006. However, entry and exit requirements are subject to change.

It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the country or countries to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada’s Office of Protocol provides contact details for the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan, where you can obtain further information on entry and exit requirements.

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.

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9. MONEY

The currency is the Uzbek sum (UZS). Most transactions are conducted in local currency. U.S. dollars can also be used. Carry crisp bills, as well-worn or used U.S. banknotes may not be accepted. Credit cards are accepted only at major hotels and a few shops and restaurants. Traveller's cheques can be cashed only at the National Bank of Uzbekistan. Purchasing money on the black market is illegal and may result in extortion or incarceration. Importation of currency exceeding US$10,000 is subject to additional fees.

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10. GENERAL INFORMATION

The Republic of Uzbekistan (capital: Tashkent) is located in central Asia, bordered by Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, and Turkmenistan. The official language is Uzbek. Russian is spoken in urban centres. Tourist facilities are limited.

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11. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Medicine Program Web site.

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.

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12. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Medical care is below Western standards. Shortages of basic medical supplies are common.

Do not drink tap water. Travellers should drink only boiled water, peel all fruits and vegetables, and avoid undercooked meat, dairy products, and food sold in the streets.

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13. RETURNING TO CANADA

Please consult the Current Issue on returning to Canada.

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14. INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS

Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child from another country, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

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15. TRAVEL TIPS

Please consult our Traveller's Checklist.

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16. HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE

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.

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17. FOR MORE INFORMATION

N/A

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18. ANNEX

N/A

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