Do I need a visa to travel to Uzbekistan
UZBEKISTAN VISA
All travellers to Uzbekistan require a visa.
A Letter of Invitation (LOI) is also required before you can apply for the visa. LOIs must state the location where you will apply for your visa – this cannot be changed after it is issued. Please follow the instructions below to have your LOI issued so you can apply for your visa. Please note if you are a US or UK citizen you can obtain a Uzbekistan Visa without an LOI by direct application to the consulate in London, New York, and Washington DC.
VISA ON ARRIVAL
Visa on Arrival is only available at Tashkent International Airport, with the LOI stating this as your place of application. If you have a Uzbekistan Consulate in your home country must get the visa before arrival. If you don’t have a Consulate in your home country you can get a Visa on Arrival. The visa will cost approx 100 USD. You must have USD cash to pay for this.
VISA IN ADVANCE
If you are crossing into Uzbekistan overland at a border crossing, you will need to get your Uzbekistan visa in advance. Please ensure you allow enough processing time to get your LOI and send away your passport, especially if this will involve sending your passport overseas. You may be able to obtain an Uzbekistan visa in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan if travelling there before entering Uzbekistan. You would need to be in Bishkek for a minimum of 1 week to allow for making an appointment at the consulate and for processing. We are unable to guarantee that you will be able to obtain your Uzbekistan visa in Bishkek.
REGISTRATION IN UZBEKISTAN
All visitors to the country must register with the local department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs within 3 working days after arrival. When staying at a hotel, you will be registered automatically. Please ensure you keep any registration documents issued by the hotel until you exit the country.
CUSTOMS
Some medications available over the counter or by prescription in other countries, such as sleeping tablets, may be illegal or restricted in Uzbekistan. You should declare all prescription medications and other restricted items on arrival in the country, and carry a copy of the prescription with you.
Is tipping customary in Uzbekistan?
Tipping isn’t generally expected in our country but is considered polite, particularly when considering the low wages earned by service workers. Leaving 5% extra for guides, porters, restaurant workers and taxi drivers is a good idea, but not mandatory.
What is internet access like in Uzbekistan?
Travellers should be able to use the internet in the cyber cafes and hotels, restaurants, and cafes of the country’s big cities. Rural areas will have little to no access so be prepared to disconnect from the net when travelling in remote areas.
Can I use my mobile/cell phone while in Uzbekistan?
Depending on where you are from and what handset you’re using, your phone may or may not work while in our country. Coverage is generally good in the cities but is less reliable in remote and mountainous areas. Ensure that global roaming is activated before leaving home but be aware that you may not be able to access texts and calls when in Uzbekistan.
What are the toilets like in Uzbekistan?
Uzbekistan has a mix of Western and squat toilets, with Western-style toilets usually found in city hotels, cafes and tourist areas, and more basic toilets found in rural areas. Be prepared by carrying your toilet paper, hand sanitiser and/or soap as these aren’t always provided.
What will it cost for a…?
Bottle of beer 0.5 l = 4832 UZS
SIM card = 40,000 USZ
Lunch or market snack =10,000-20,000 USZ
Simple lunch at a cafe (budget restaurant) = 91,770 UZS
Dinner at a mid-range restaurant (for two people) = 301,875 UZS
Can I drink the water in Uzbekistan?
Drinking water from the tap isn’t recommended in the country. Tea is served with most meals and we recommended you ask your leader where filtered water can be found instead of relying on bottled water.
Are credit cards accepted widely in Uzbekistan?
Foreign credit cards aren’t widely accepted so be sure to carry other modes of payment when travelling in Uzbekistan.
What is ATM access like in Uzbekistan?
Relying on ATM access isn’t wise when travelling in Uzbekistan. Be sure to carry enough cash for the trip, as operational ATMs that accept foreign cards are hard to come by. Refer to your trip notes for more information on money.
Do I need to purchase travel insurance before travelling to Uzbekistan?
Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential part of every journey.