For those preparing to travel to Uzbekistan for the first time, here are some essential points to know for your Uzbekistan trip, including basic precautions and tips on how to stay healthy and manage meals while on-site.
Please make use of this information as part of your pre-travel preparations.
Regarding Registration Certificate, Visa, and Customs Declaration
Stay registration certificate issued at hotels within Uzbekistan
In Uzbekistan, a stay registration certificate called “Registratsiya” is issued during hotel stays.
While gradually becoming electronic and less required during departure immigration checks, some staff at the counter may still ask for the presentation of stay registration certificates for the entire duration.
Due to its small size paper, there have been cases of misplacement leading to complications, so it’s advisable to keep all stay registration certificates safe until departure.
Visa for Uzbekistan Travel
When traveling to Uzbekistan, the remaining validity of your passport should be the stay duration in Uzbekistan plus three months.
The need for a visa varies by country. Please confirm the visa requirements with the embassy yourself.
Entry and Exit Cards, Customs Declaration Form
Entry and exit cards, customs declaration forms, which were once required, are no longer necessary.
However, if you bring in currency equivalent to or exceeding $2000 USD upon entering Uzbekistan, a customs declaration form is required. Also, when leaving Uzbekistan, you cannot carry more than the amount declared upon entry.
About Photography
In recent years, Uzbekistan has gained attention as a picturesque destination, especially for its Islamic architecture. While photography is generally welcomed by Uzbekistan’s tourism authorities, some locations have restrictions.
Military facilities, tunnels, bridges, and subway entrances and elevators prohibit photography
Due to security concerns such as terrorism, Uzbekistan prohibits photography at military facilities, tunnels, bridges, subway entrances, and subway elevators.
Please refrain from taking photos of tunnels and bridges, especially when traveling by car from Tashkent to the Ferghana region.
While photography on subway platforms is permitted and even appreciated for its artistic value, it appears that photography at elevator and subway entrances is still prohibited.
People’s photography
People’s photography, especially capturing individuals in ethnic costumes or lively market scenes, is of interest to many travelers. However, with the rise of social media, locals have become concerned about unauthorized photography. When taking pictures, it’s advisable to ask for permission.
Photography at sacred Islamic sites (such as mosques and mausoleums)
Photography at sacred Islamic sites such as mosques and mausoleums is subject to certain considerations.
Most of Uzbekistan’s tourist attractions consist of Islamic architecture, with places like the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis in Samarkand drawing worldwide attention for its beautiful blue structures that are perfect for photography.
However, mosques and sites like Shah-i-Zinda are also places where many Muslims come to pray. In Islam, consuming alcohol and exposing women’s skin are strictly prohibited, especially in places of prayer. Remember to respect the sanctity of these locations and refrain from such actions when entering.
Please note that entry may be denied, especially if one appears intoxicated. Additionally, it’s advisable to refrain from taking photos of people engaged in prayer without permission.
Dining and Drinking
One of the highlights of traveling to Uzbekistan is Uzbek cuisine and its abundant fruits.
However, in the hot climate, coupled with unfamiliar food and tight schedules, some travelers may experience health issues.
Therefore, please read about the unique ways of eating and drinking water in Uzbekistan before your trip.
Drink Mineral Water and Avoid Gulping Down Water
The water in Uzbekistan is hard water, and tap water is not suitable for drinking, so it’s advisable to purchase mineral water. You can buy it at hotels, bazaars, supermarkets, and small roadside stalls.
Moreover, in the dry climate, while sightseeing, it’s common to feel the urge to gulp down water. However, gulping water down can upset your stomach, so drink water in small quantities.
Warm Tea After Meals
Due to Uzbekistan’s dry climate, dishes often contain a lot of oil. The types of oil used, such as sunflower oil and cottonseed oil, may be unfamiliar to some.
Consuming unfamiliar oils in large quantities and drinking cold water after meals can upset your stomach. During meals, try to drink warm tea whenever possible.
Even in hot weather, locals often drink warm tea during meals, which is believed to help digestion.
Don’t Drink Water After Eating Fruits
In Uzbekistan, it’s said that drinking water after eating fruits can upset your stomach.
While there’s no specific reason for this belief, many have reported stomach issues after drinking water following fruit consumption.
Particularly, Uzbekistan’s melons and watermelons seem to have an unfavorable compatibility with water.
There might be some rationale behind the advice given by locals. After eating fruits, it’s best to refrain from drinking water and opt for warm tea instead.
Toilet Facilities
Although the toilet facilities in Uzbekistan have improved, public toilets are still relatively scarce.
At bazaars and tourist spots, there are public toilets available, but they usually require payment, ranging from 1000 to 2000 so’m at the entrance.
Moreover, to prevent paper jams, do not flush toilet paper; dispose of it in the provided trash bin.
Some toilets may not have toilet paper, so it’s advisable to always carry tissues with you.