Go, but pay attention.
No major changes since yesterday.
Governments, one trip
What they're telling their own citizens about Uzbekistan
The real score
The breakdown
See it from your perspective
Go, but pay attention.
The general Sketch Score, unweighted for any specific traveler.
Don't fall for it
Scams to know
Found cash scheme
A stranger claims to have found cash and asks you to split it after you contribute your own money. Decline immediately and walk away.
Shortchanging
Vendors or strangers may attempt to return incorrect change or rush transactions. Count your money before and after every exchange.
Marshrutka bill splitting
Strangers may offer to split a fare, using your large note while providing smaller notes that do not cover their share. Insist on paying individually.
Nightlife solicitation
Unknown locals may offer to show you the nightlife. Do not accept these offers.
Suave approach
In Tashkent, be suspicious of suave locals who approach you, as this is often a precursor to a scam.
Don't do this
Laws that jail tourists
Political participation
Do not get involved in local politics, including demonstrations.
Staying healthy
What to watch out for, health-wise
Active notices
- • Global Measles
Tap water safe to drink: No — bottled/filtered only
Vaccines
Required: Yellow Fever
Recommended: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Measles, Rabies, Typhoid
Source: CDC Travelers' Health →Getting in
What you'll need at the border
Visitors to Uzbekistan must obtain a visa from one of the Uzbekistan diplomatic missions or online unless they come from one of the visa exempt countries.
Source: Wikipedia →Real, not invented
Terrorism
Terrorist attacks in Uzbekistan cannot be ruled out. Attacks could be indiscriminate and happen anywhere. They could affect western interests and places visited by foreigners. Previous attacks include: in 2022, rockets were fired from Afghanistan into southern Uzbekistan. Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) claimed responsibility in 2019, it was reported that 17 people were killed in an armed attack on a Tajik security checkpoint on the Uzbekistan-Tajikistan border. Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) claimed responsibility If you are travelling in areas where attacks have previously occurred, stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.
Source: UK FCDO →Real, not invented
Cultural & legal notes
LGBT+ travellers
Same-sex relationships are illegal, not recognised and still frowned upon socially. You should refrain from showing affection in public. Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers .
Source: UK FCDO →Right now
In the news the last few days
- Shared Rivers , Shared Responsibilities : The Case for Water Treaties2026-09-04
- PM Modi Uzbekistan visit lays firm groundwork for future cooperation , ties enter new level : Envoy Rustambaev2026-09-04
- Russian Airports Face Second Night of Drone Disruptions2026-09-04
- Afghanistan becomes more dangerous than it was before September 2001 , warns reports2026-09-04
Real talk
What travelers actually say
Travelers report that Uzbekistan is generally safe and the people are friendly, though tourists remain a novelty in Karakalpakstan. Safety concerns are primarily logistical rather than criminal. Road travel involves rough conditions, such as potholes on the road to Moynaq, and drivers may require passengers to exit vehicles during refueling for safety reasons. Traffic presents its own hazards, as rear seatbelts are frequently missing in taxis and city planning relies heavily on frequent U-turns. While market vendors are described as chill compared to other regions, travelers should be prepared for basic infrastructure issues and ensure they have cash for specific activities like climbing minarets or visiting hamams.
“Safety: Rear seatbelts are often missing. Also, U-turns are a major part of city planning; you'll get used to them eventually.
— r/travel
“If your driver asks you to get out while they refuel, don’t panic it's normal. It relates to the type of fuel used and safety risks if a car isn't perfectly maintained.
— r/travel
“Uzbekistan is incredible and the people generally friendly. Tourists do still seem a bit more of a novelty in karalpakstan
— r/travel
Pack this, know this
The little things that trip people up
Plug & voltage
C / E / F · 220V
Driving side
right
Emergency
police: 102 / ambulance: 103 / fire: 101
Cash vs. Card
The currency of the country is the Uzbekistani so‘m, denoted in Cyrillic as "сўм" (ISO code: UZS).
Zoom in
One Uzbekistan city on SKETCH.WORLD
Real, resident-submitted Numbeo crime data at the city level — the same national picture above, with crime swapped for what people who actually live there report.
Show the receipts (8 sources)
- us-state — observed 2026-09-09
- uk-fcdo — observed 2026-09-09
- ca-gac — observed 2026-09-09
- worldbank-political — observed 2026-09-09
- worldbank-policeTrust — observed 2026-09-09
- cdc-health — observed 2026-09-09
- reddit — observed 2026-09-09
- lgbtq-legal-wikipedia — observed 2026-09-09