International travel and COVID-19
Before travelling:
- be sure to get vaccinated, and complete any additional recommended doses, at least 14 days before your departure
- review the travel health notice for COVID-19 and International Travel
If you have not completed a COVID-19 vaccine series, you should continue to avoid non-essential travel to all destinations.
Useful links
Uzbekistan travel advice
Latest updates: The Health section was updated - travel health information (Public Health Agency of Canada)
Last updated: ET
On this page
- Risk level
- Safety and security
- Entry and exit requirements
- Health
- Laws and culture
- Natural disasters and climate
- Need help?
Risk level
Uzbekistan - Exercise a high degree of caution
Exercise a high degree of caution in Uzbekistan due to crime and the threat of terrorism.
Areas bordering Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan - Avoid non-essential travel
Avoid non-essential travel to areas bordering Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, including the city of Andijan, due to the unstable security situation.
Safety and security
COVID-19 - Preventative measures and restrictions
COVID-19 preventative measures and restrictions are still in effect in some destinations.
These could include:
- curfews, movement restrictions, or lockdowns
- mandatory mask use
- required proof of vaccination or a COVID-19 test result to access public and private services and spaces
Before travelling, verify if specific restrictions or requirements are still in effect.
Areas bordering Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan (see Advisory)
The land border between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan is closed until further notice.
Violent incidents have occurred in the mountainous border area where Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan meet.
Some areas near the Tajikistan border are mined.
Terrorism
There is a threat of terrorism. This threat is amplified by Daesh fighters returning from the Middle East. Local security forces occasionally conduct operations to counter these threats, leading to sporadic violence.
Terrorist attacks could occur at any time.
Targets could include:
- government buildings, including schools
- places of worship
- outdoor recreation events
- airports and other transportation hubs and networks
- public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners
Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places.
Crime
Foreigners may be targets of violent crime and have been robbed by individuals posing as police officers. If approached, ask to see police credentials or offer to go to the police station.
Street crime is more frequent after dark in urban centres. Don’t travel alone after dark and don’t show signs of affluence. Ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times.
Road safety
Many roads outside Tashkent are in poor condition, particularly in the Tian Shan and Fan mountains. Driving standards are poor, and driving at night is dangerous. Rural roads and highways are not lit.
Police frequently stop drivers for minor infractions or to verify their identification. Foreigners may face harassment, including demands for money.
Public transportation
Only use officially marked taxis. Don’t share taxis with strangers.
Exercise caution when travelling by train, especially overnight. Store valuables in a safe place and don’t leave the compartment unattended. Ensure that the door is secured from the inside.
When travelling by rail or road in Uzbekistan, it is sometimes necessary to cross into neighbouring countries.
More information about Entry and exit requirements
Air travel
We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.
General information about foreign domestic airlines
General safety information
Tourist facilities are limited.
Entry and exit requirements
COVID-19 - Entry, exit and transit restrictions and requirements
Most governments have implemented special entry and exit restrictions and requirements for their territory due to COVID-19. These measures can be imposed suddenly and may include:
- entry or exit bans
- quarantine
- mandatory proof of vaccination or COVID-19 testing
- suspensions or reductions of international transportation options
Foreign authorities might not recognize or accept proof of vaccination issued by Canadian provinces and territories. You may need to obtain a translation, a notarization, an authentication, or the legalization of the document.
Before travelling:
- verify if the local authorities of both your current location and destinations have implemented any restrictions or requirements related to this situation
- consider even your transit points, as there are transit rules in place in many destinations
- monitor the media for the latest information
- reconfirm the requirements with your airline or tour operator
The situation could disrupt your travel plans. You should not depend on the Government of Canada for assistance to change your travel plans.
Useful links
- Travel restrictions and health requirements - United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and International Air Transport Association (IATA)
- Foreign Representatives in Canada
Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.
We have obtained the information on this page from the Uzbek authorities. It can, however, change at any time.
Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.
Passport
Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.
Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.
Regular Canadian passport
Your passport must be valid for the length of your stay.
Passport for official travel
Different entry rules may apply.
Passport with “X” gender identifier
While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.
Other travel documents
Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.
Useful links
Visas
You must obtain a visa before arriving in Uzbekistan for stays longer than 30 days.
Tourist visa: Not required (for stays of up to 30 days)
Business visa: Not required (for stays of up to 30 days)
Student visa: Not required (for stays of up to 30 days)
Each type of visa has different application requirements.
Overland travel
When travelling by rail or road in Uzbekistan, it is sometimes necessary to cross into neighbouring countries. To avoid complications, ensure you have a multi-entry visa for Uzbekistan and any visa required for entry into these countries.
Registration
You must register with the Office of Visas and Registration if you intend to stay for more than 3 days. Hotel staff normally registers guests when they check-in.
Surxondaryo Province
Travel to certain parts of Surxondaryo Province requires special permission from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Internal Affairs or an Uzbek embassy or consulate abroad.
Health entry requirements
You must provide a medical certificate indicating a negative test for infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) if you intend to travel or reside in Uzbekistan for longer than 3 months.
Yellow fever
Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).
Children and travel
Learn about travel with children.
Health
Relevant Travel Health Notices
- Global Measles Notice - 8 September, 2022
- COVID-19 and International Travel - 23 September, 2022
Routine Vaccines
Be sure that your routine vaccines, as per your province or territory, are up-to-date regardless of your travel destination.
Some of these vaccines include: measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.
Pre-travel vaccines and medications
You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines are right for you.
Yellow Fever - Country Entry Requirements
Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.
Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.
Risk
- There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.
Country Entry Requirement*
- Proof of vaccination is not required to enter this country.
Recommendation
- Vaccination is not recommended.
* It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a disease of the liver spread through contaminated food and water or contact with an infected person. All those travelling to regions with a risk of hepatitis A infection should get vaccinated.
Rabies
Rabies is a deadly illness spread to humans through a bite, scratch or lick from an infected animal. Vaccination should be considered for travellers going to areas where rabies exists and who have a high risk of exposure (e.g., are children, have an occupational risk, or in close contact with animals, including free roaming dogs in communities).
Measles
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air..
Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.
Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a disease of the liver spread through blood or other bodily fluids. Travellers who may be exposed (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) should get vaccinated.
COVID-19
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.
It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.
For destination entry and exit requirements, including for COVID-19 vaccination requirements, please check the Entry/exit requirements section.
Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.
Influenza
Seasonal influenza occurs worldwide. The flu season usually runs from November to April in the northern hemisphere, between April and October in the southern hemisphere and year round in the tropics. Influenza (flu) is caused by a virus spread from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Get the flu shot.
Food and Water-borne Diseases
Travellers to any destination in the world can develop travellers' diarrhea from consuming contaminated water or food.
In some areas in Central Asia, food and water can also carry diseases like hepatitis A and typhoid. Practise safe food and water precautions while travelling in Central Asia. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
Travellers' diarrhea
Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.
Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.
The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.
Typhoid
Typhoid is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.
Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.
Insects and Illness
In some areas in Central Asia, certain insects carry and spread diseases like Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, leishmaniasis, Lyme disease, malaria, and tick-borne encephalitis.
Travellers are advised to take precautions against bites.
Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever
Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever is a viral disease that can cause fever, pain and bleeding under the skin. In some cases, it can be fatal. It spreads to humans through contact with infected animal blood or tissues, or from the bite of an infected tick. Risk is generally low for most travellers. Protect yourself from tick bites and avoid animals, particularly livestock. There is no vaccine available for Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever.
Animals and Illness
Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats. Certain infections found in Central Asia, like rabies, can be shared between humans and animals.
Person-to-Person Infections
Crowded conditions can increase your risk of certain illnesses. Remember to wash your hands often and practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette to avoid colds, the flu and other illnesses.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV are spread through blood and bodily fluids; practise safer sex.
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis is an infection caused by bacteria and usually affects the lungs.
For most travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low.
Travellers who may be at high risk while travelling in regions with risk of tuberculosis should discuss pre- and post-travel options with a health care professional.
High-risk travellers include those visiting or working in prisons, refugee camps, homeless shelters, or hospitals, or travellers visiting friends and relatives.
Medical services and facilities
COVID-19 - Testing
Contact local health authorities, or the nearest Government of Canada office abroad to find out where you can get a COVID-19 test.
Medical services and facilities are substandard. Shortages of basic medical supplies are common.
Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.
Keep in Mind...
The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.
Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.
Laws and culture
You must abide by local laws.
Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.
Identification
You must carry photo identification at all times, such as a passport. Keep a photocopy of your passport in a safe place, in case it is lost or confiscated.
LGBTQ2 travellers
The laws of Uzbekistan prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. LGBTQ2 travellers should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Uzbekistan.
Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics
Drugs
Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.
Dual citizenship
Dual citizenship is not legally recognized in Uzbekistan.
If local authorities consider you a citizen of Uzbekistan, they may refuse to grant you access to Canadian consular services. This will prevent us from providing you with those services.
General information for travellers with dual citizenship
International Child Abduction
The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. The convention applies between Canada and Uzbekistan.
If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Uzbekistan, and if the applicable conditions are met, you may apply for the return of your child to the Uzbek court.
If you are in this situation:
- act as quickly as you can
- contact the Central Authority for your province or territory of residence for information on starting an application under The Hague Convention
- consult a lawyer in Canada and in Uzbekistan to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
- report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre
If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.
Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.
Useful links
- List of Canadian Central Authorities for the Hague Convention
- International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
- Travelling with children
- The Hague Convention - Hague Conference on Private International Law
- Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
- Emergency Watch and Response Centre
Driving
You should carry an international driving permit.
More about the International Driving Permit
Religion
Religious proselytizing is illegal. It is punishable by penalties and/or imprisonment for up to 15 days, and could lead to deportation.
Islamic practices and beliefs are closely adhered to, particularly in rural areas.
To avoid offending local sensitivities:
- dress conservatively
- behave discreetly
- respect religious and social traditions
In 2023, the lunar month of Ramadan is expected to begin on or around March 22.
In public, between sunrise and sunset, be discreet when :
- drinking
- eating
- smoking
Money
The currency in Uzbekistan is the Uzbek sum (UZS), which is used for most transactions. You may also be able to use U.S. dollars. Carry bills that are in good shape, as worn U.S. bills may not be accepted. Most major hotels accept credit cards. You can only cash traveller’s cheques at the National Bank of Uzbekistan and at major 4- or 5-star hotels located in the centre of Tashkent.
In September 2017, the Central Bank of Uzbekistan fixed the official exchange. Currency conversions take place at this rate without additional fees. You can exchange money at any bank or major hotel. Purchasing money on the black market is illegal and may result in extortion or jail sentences.
There are some ATMs, located at banks and a few major hotels in Tashkent. They only accept credit cards. Some ATMs provide U.S. dollars.
Natural disasters and climate
Uzbekistan is located in an active seismic zone.
Need help?
Local services
Emergency services
In case of emergency, dial:
- police: 102
- medical assistance: 103
- firefighters: 101
Consular assistance
Tashkent - Consulate of Canada
Moscow - Embassy of Canada
Russia, Uzbekistan
For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada to Russia in Moscow and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.
Disclaimer
The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.
The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.
If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.
Learn more about consular services.
Risk Levels
Take normal security precautions
Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.
Exercise a high degree of caution
There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.
IMPORTANT:The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.
Avoid non-essential travel
Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.
Avoid all travel
You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.