Useful information

General Information

Geographical and space location: The Planet Earth, Eurasian continent, Central Asia
Area: 447.4 thousand square km.
Population: 38 million
Nations: more than 134 nations live in the country, but the majority of the population is Uzbek (83.8%)
Regions: 13 regions + Republic of Karakalpakstan
Famous cities: Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, Shakhrisabz, Termez, Kokand, Ferghana, Muynak.
Capital: Tashkent
Language: the official language is Uzbek, and Russian and English are the languages of international communication.
Religion: Uzbekistan is a secular country, most of the population professes Islam. The country is also home to representatives of Christianity, Buddhism and other religions.
Time zone: UTC +5
Internet zone: .uz
International phone code: +998
Monetary unit: sum
Climate: mild winters, hot summers

4 Seasons

Uzbekistan is a sunny country, it is beautiful here at any time of the year.
In spring and autumn - the velvet season, at this time you can enjoy the pristine nature of our region, see the famous sights and walk along the Great Silk road routes.
In winter, you can go to one of the four ski resorts to see the real snow beauty, go to museums and art galleries in the city, visit our amazing ethnic festivals in the spring, and in summer, go to the country or to the mountains and enjoy the cleanest mountain air by hiking in the protected areas of Uzbekistan. And this is only a small part of what you can do at any time of the year in Uzbekistan.
The climate in Uzbekistan is mostly hot and dry, so summers are easily tolerated, and winters are mostly warm.
In the coldest month, the temperature can fall below-6 C, and in the hottest it rises above 32 C.

Chillya in Uzbekistan

Have you heard about chillya in Uzbekistan? Chillya is translated from Uzbek as "40 days". This is what Uzbeks call 40 days of sweltering and windless heat in summer and the coldest period in winter. Summer numbers start after June 20 and end in early August. The winter chillya season begins in mid-December and lasts almost until the end of January. Therefore, at this time, stock up on suncreams, glasses and hats.

Holidays

January 1 - New year
January 14 – National Defenders Day
March 8 - International women's day
March 21-Navruz Holiday
May 9-day of Remembrance and Honors
September 1-Independence Day
October 1-Teacher and Mentor Day
December 8 - Constitution Day
Iyd-al-Fitr (religious holiday) - date varies
sIyd-al-Adha (religious holiday) - date varies

Operating hours of establishments

All state institutions in Uzbekistan operate in an 8 hour working regime.

State institutions (banks, embassies and consulates) - from 9: 00 to 18: 00 or from 8: 00 to 17: 00, lunch from 13: 00 to 14: 00

Special services-Ambulance, pharmacies, emergency services, fire assistance, police, transport companies: airport, railway stations, work around the clock.

Tourist accommodation facilities (hotels, hotels, guest houses, resorts, some tourist recreation areas) - in check-in and check-out mode.

Trade centers (shopping malls, hypermarkets, stores) - from 08:00 to 23:00

Entertainment establishments (amusement parks, cinemas, theaters, concert halls) - from 10:00 to 23:00

Catering points (restaurants, cafes, bars, teahouses) from 10:00 to 23:00

Night establishments (restaurants, bars, night clubs) from 21:00 to 05:00 and, as a rule, until the last customer.

Transport

Transport

You can travel to Uzbekistan by plane, train, international buses, and fans of extreme travel - by car, motorcycle, and even hitchhiking. The main is that you are convenient. There is the right-hand traffic in Uzbekistan.

Planes:

This is by far the fastest way to travel to Uzbekistan. The main airport of the country is located in Tashkent. The modern passenger fleet at I.Karimov International Airport "Tashkent " is represented by modern aircrafts. Modern and comfortable economy and business class lounges, multimedia services, delicious food, friendly flight attendants – all these amenities can be founded on Uzbekistan airlines.
The modern international airport terminals are open for you in every region of Uzbekistan.

The country's main air carrier

"Uzbekistan Airways" JSC transports a huge number of people around the world, providing its passengers with «Safety, stability, comfort».
The company operates the regular flights from more than 50 cities around the world . In addition, the company operates regular flights to the CIS countries and within the country.

Buy a ticket

Trains

Nowadays this type of the public transport in Uzbekistan is as popular as the air travel. If you want to enjoy the beauty of the cities of Uzbekistan or drive from Tashkent to Samarkand, and then reach Bukhara or even Khiva, it will be more convenient to travel by train. One of the most popular and high-speed train is “Afrosiyob”, which runs daily 2 times a day.
“Afrosiyob” is convenience and comfort, quality food and first-class service.
Railway stations of Uzbekistan
Tourist trains
Book or to purchase tickets

Tashkent metro

If you travel to the capital of Uzbekistan, you can visit one of the main sightseeing of the city –Tashkent underground. It has a small network, so it is easy to navigate there. Nevertheless, the each station for residents is just a place to wait for trains, but for tourists it is a unique art gallery.
Metro services are available daily from 06:00 to 00:00.

Other transport:

Intercity buses

In our country, the intercity and the international buses run daily and hourly, connecting all cities of Uzbekistan and neighboring countries.
If you want, for example, to go from Tashkent to Samarkand or, for example, to Bukhara, and from there directly to Khiva, it is better to take the high-speed train to Bukhara, and then the intercity bus to Khiva. This is the standard route for the traveler. This is both economical and informative.

Buy a ticket for intercity buses

City buses

One of the most convenient and economical options for moving around the city is an urban transport.
Nowadays the city buses are equipped with modern media technologies, the air conditioning, Wi-fi, and even there are the facilities for the disabled. The cost of a ticket for one trip is 1700 sums. You can buy the tickets from the ticket inspectors on the bus itself.

Minibus taxis

The minibus taxi in Uzbekistan is mainly used to move around the city over long distances, most often to get from one end of the city to another. If the taxi is expensive, people choose minibuses; it is fast, economical and convenient. You can use the taxi services around the city, to reach the airport and the railway station, or, for example, to take a day trip to interesting places, to go outside of the city or to travel with friends to the other cities of our vast country.

Taxi

In Tashkent and Samarkand, you can order a taxi via Yandex Taxi and MyTaxi mobile apps.
Rent a car
If you prefer to drive around the city, then the best option for you is to rent a car. There are many companies in Tashkent that rent the cars of different classes. You just need the passport and the driver's license. And, if you are in Uzbekistan recently, you can find a city map at any city stall.

Emergency service numbers

Emergency services:
Fire emergency - 101;
Police-102;
Ambulance-103;
Emergency gas service-104;
Reference – 109

Diplomatic missions

Uzbekistan has diplomatic relations with almost all the countries around the world and this reflects the role and place of the country among world community.

Nowadays, Uzbekistan has its diplomatic missions in more than 59 countries and more than 60 countries have their representative offices here in our country.

Find out more

Frequently used phrases

The Uzbek language is quite complex, but if you know a couple of phrases that are most used in this sunny country, you will not get lost. Moreover, Uzbek people are really friendly and responsive and ready to help you at any time. It is not a secret that Uzbek hospitality is known all over the world.
Most popular keywords
Salom! Hi!
Yahshimisiz? – How are you?"
Khair! - Goodbye!
Salomat buling! - Be healthy!
Rahmat! - Thank you!

Before the trip

Visa

Do you want to get a visa to Uzbekistan? Now it's much easier. All you need is an Internet connection and a passport.
You can apply for an electronic tourist visa to Uzbekistan through the web-site e-visa.gov.uz. And, if your country is listed among 86 visa-free nations, then just buy tickets, pack your bags and Welcome to Uzbekistan!

Visa-free regime
Apply for an E-Visa

Traveling with children

The most inspiring, but at the same time tedious option of travel is a family vacation with children.
We give some useful life hacks for those who want to relax for the benefit of themselves and children, without getting tired of the constant hustle and bustle, to get the most positive emotions and impressions for the whole year.

Upon entering the country

Customs regulations

Uzbekistan has approved a single form of customs Declaration (T-6). The sample of the declaration is available at all customs points and the airports of the Republic.

What goods can be imported to Uzbekistan

If you enter Uzbekistan through the international airports, you can import goods without duties up to 2000 US dollars, through the railway and the river checkpoints - up to 1000 US dollars, through roadway (pedestrian) checkpoints – up to 300 US dollars. In this case, you do not need to specify them in the Customs declaration and can go through the "Green" corridor.

However, there are some restrictions on the import of certain goods without duties. In particular, you can import alcohol, including beer, up to 2 liters, tobacco products of various types – up to 10 boxes, cologne and liquids containing alcohol in their composition – up to 3 pieces, precious metal and jewelry, made of precious stones – up to 65 grams.

What goods can be exported from Uzbekistan

If you depart from the Republic of Uzbekistan, you can export goods worth up to 3,000 us dollars freely. You do not need to specify them in the customs Declaration.

How much money can I import

When you arrive to Uzbekistan, you can import foreign currency in cash without any limit, but it has to be specified in T-6 Declaration form. At the request of the visitor, cash foreign currency can be accepted for storage by TC-21 receipt without any tax charges.

How much money can I export

The citizens of Uzbekistan can export no more than 5000 US dollars without obtaining a special permit. The amount more than 5,000 US dollars can be exported just with the permission of the Central Bank of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The foreign citizens can export funds within the amount previously imported and declared in the customs Declaration, when entering Uzbekistan. If you are going to export funds over the amount shown in your T-6 Declaration form or TC-28 certificate, you must have the bank permit. When exporting traveler's checks, be sure to specify their numbers in the customs Declaration T-6.

It is forbidden to import into the territory of Uzbekistan:

- press, manuscripts, cliches, drawings, photo tapes, negatives, film, video and audio products, recordings, sound materials aimed at undermining the state and social order, violating territorial integrity, political independence and state sovereignty, propagating war, terrorism, violence, national exclusivity and religious hatred, racism and its variety (anti-Semitism, fascism), as well as pornographic content;
- narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors without the permission of the Ministry of health of the Republic of Uzbekistan;
- jewelry, made of precious metals and gemstones for commercial purposes without a license issued by the Ministry of Foreign Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan (the limit of jewelry from precious metals and stones imported by physical entity and not subjected to customs duties, is 5 pieces with a total weight of no more than 30 grams);
- medicines and medical equipment without the permission of the Ministry of health of the Republic of Uzbekistan (Download the list);
- radio-electronic equipment from high-frequency devices without the permission of the Ministry for Development of Information Technologies and Communications of the Republic of Uzbekistan;
- products of plant and animal origin without the permission of the sanitary and epidemiological service;

It is forbidden to export outside Uzbekistan:

- wheat, rye, barley, oats, rice, corn, buckwheat; bakery products (except flour confectionery, cakes, cookies of their own production);
flour, cereals, livestock, poultry, meat and edible offal, sugar, vegetable oils (the maximum export rates for individuals of these goods are determined by the legislation of the Republic of Uzbekistan);
- ethyl alcohol, leather raw materials (including non-standard), fur and fur raw materials, including Karakul (including non-standard); scrap and waste of non-ferrous metals; silkworm cocoons suitable for unwinding, raw silk (uncoiled), silk waste (including cocoons unsuitable for unwinding, cocoon thread waste and loosened waste); rare and endangered species of animals and plants of the Republic of Uzbekistan listed in the Red book.

Border and passport control

Border and passport control
When passing through the customs points of the State border of the Republic of Uzbekistan, airports, make sure that all the necessary documents are available and safe: ticket, passport with visa, T-6 Declaration, permits for the transportation of animals, plants, medicines and money.

Upon departure, each passenger must pass through passport and customs control points after handing over their main baggage at the airport.

Rules for transporting animals

So, you have planned the trip to Uzbekistan, but you want to take your pet or favorite flowers with you. In this case, you have to prepare the special documents and get acquainted with the rules of the veterinary and phytosanitary control. When transporting pets and decorative birds, you must have a pet passport and a veterinary certificate, confirming its health. You can get this document from any veterinary service at your place of residence.

When transporting and exporting animals and plants listed in the Red book, you need to get permission from the State Committee for protection of nature of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

Therefore, make all the documents for your animals in time, do all the necessary veterinary procedures and travel with pleasure.

Stay in the country

Registration

You have already arrived to Uzbekistan and, if you plan to stay here for more than 1 day, you have to make a temporary registration within 3 days.

If you arrive to Uzbekistan on your own, without an invitation from an individual or legal entity, the administration of your accommodation facility (hotel, hostel or guest house) must issue you the temporary registration.

If you were sent the invitation, then the inviting person registers you at their place of residence or at your living place.

However, we live in the XXI century and the remote registration of foreign citizens has been operating here for a long time.

A single form of registration of foreign citizens through the “E-mehmon” system has been launched in Uzbekistan in 2018.

Registration of independent tourists in hotels

If you have already registered at the accommodation facility and have already paid the tourist fee, but do not live there, “E-mehmon” system has a special section for the independent tourists. You just need to fill in all the fields, specifying the number of days of your stay, the system will calculate the payment amount, which can be paid by cash or by card upon your arrival. Please note that the administration of any accommodation facility on the territory of Uzbekistan must independently register foreign citizens upon request.

Modern accommodation facilities

So, you have registered and now you have a choice where to stay. There is a huge number of different accommodation facilities in Uzbekistan: from the fashionable hotel chains and the modern hotels to the guest houses in the national style and Yurt camps. All you need for your stay at the hotels in Uzbekistan is a passport, a booking coupon (if available) and timely payment at the current exchange rate.
All accommodation facilities have a check-in and check-out system.

Accommodation types:

Hotels
Hostels
Guest houses
Camping
Yurt camps

Food and Kitchen

In contrast to the Roman saying “In vino veritas”, we say: "The truth is still in the food."

In Uzbekistan, people like to eat delicious food.

1. The most delicious bread is in Uzbekistan.

2. Many Uzbek dishes are prepared on an open fire (hearth).

3. In Uzbekistan people get used to eat fat and high-calorie food.

4. After the meal, Uzbeks drink hot tea.

5. Uzbeks eat lamb, beef and horse meat (horse sausage - kazy).

6. In Uzbekistan guests are greeted with the fragrant tea and the hot flatbread, and farewell with delicious pilaf.

7. Special tea ceremony (before to pass tea to the guest, a bowl of tea is poured into the teapot three times, and tea is served to the guest on the fourth).

In Uzbekistan every guest always leaves well-fed and happy and with gifts.

Thus, Welcome to tasty Uzbekistan!

Shopping and souvenirs

To get acquainted with the culture and life of Uzbek people, it is better to go to the local Bazaar. The Bazaar is a special separate world, where people of all the colors gather. Here you can enjoy not only an abundance of various goods: souvenirs, fruits, vegetables, spices, bread, food, but also communication with people and a special, soulful atmosphere that you will not find in any shopping center or local hypermarket. If you want to buy souvenirs and gifts, be sure to visit Chorsu Bazaar in Tashkent, Siab Bazaar in Samarkand or Toki-Zargaron in Bukhara. You can also visit the workshops of Rishtan artisans or Margilan factory of silk production "Yodgorlik"– the real treasures of Uzbekistan.

Safety

According to the US Gallup Institute, in 2018 Uzbekistan was included in the top five safest countries in the world. If you follow the basic precautions, travel to Uzbekistan will be safe and comfortable. If you still need help on your journey, there are police stations in any public place, where you will receive first aid, or you can contact the police by calling 102. There is a tourist police in Uzbekistan as well, which is responsible for your safety in our country.

Hygiene

Since childhood we were taught to wash our hands before eating – the most important rule of personal hygiene. During your stay in Uzbekistan, you should follow the simplest hygiene rules: wash your hands before eating, use wet wipes or hand sanitizers, use the shower more often in hot weather, do not drink raw water, especially from open reservoirs, do not consume untested food and drinks, especially in exotic places.

Remember, people in Uzbekistan eat fat and high-calorie food since childhood, and if you did not get used to eat such food, it can be heavy for your stomach. Eat moderately and do not mix unsuitable foods.

As summer in Uzbekistan is very hot, during the summer Chillya, follow the appropriate precautions: do not walk around the city at hot noon, wear hats and light and comfortable clothing and shoes, consume as much water as possible to avoid dehydration.

Customs and rules

Uzbekistan is a secular country, but Islam is the main religion in the country. If you visit any local mosque, you should follow some rules. Restraint and respect are required when visiting the mosque. It is better to visit it, when there is no worship. The clothing is also very important: short pants, t-shirts and skirts are definitely not welcome here, and women should cover their heads before entering the mosque.

Many mosques do not prohibit shooting, but this is a taboo during the prayer. Usually the parishioners during the prayer do not pay attention to the visitors in order not to interrupt it.

If you have decided to photograph people on the street, first of all you should ask their permission, for ethical reasons. You will never be refused, but it is more comfortable and calmer, when they smile in the frame.

In Uzbekistan it is forbidden to drink alcohol in the public places and while driving a car. You will be fined 1/3 of the minimum wage for the smoking in the offices, health care facilities, educational and sports facilities, fire-prone areas, including gas stations, streets, stadiums, squares, parks, all types of public transport and other public places. Smoking is allowed only in special designated areas.

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Travel tips

Useful information

Chillya in Uzbekistan

Before the trip

Upon entering the country

Stay in the country

Types of tourism

Sport tourism

Agro & Ethno tourism

Youth tourism