A complete Guide to Travel in Uzbekistan.

Introduction:

Uzbekistan, once an esoteric nation with very restrictive international visa rules, is slowly going to open its borders to display the globe the beauty of what used to be the heart and middle of the ancient Silk Path, a land filled with majestic shrines, mosques, and nicely formed old towns. Uzbekistan is, by far, Central Asia’s best tourist-friendly nation and a must-see destination for sightseeing fans of the region, as this is what Uzbekistan is really all about. This former Soviet Republic, however, has several bureaucratic and historical peculiarities, which you are strongly advised to consider well in preparation. We will have to go through all of them in this Uzbekistan travel guide, so here is a collection of helpful tips for traveling to Uzbekistan city. Uzbekistan, once an esoteric nation with very restrictive international visa rules, is slowly going to open its borders to Uzbekistan, once an esoteric nation with very restrictive international visa rules, is slowly going to open its borders to display the globe the beauty of what used to be the heart and middle of the ancient Silk Path, a land filled with majestic shrines, mosques, and nicely formed old towns. Uzbekistan is, by far, Central Asia’s best tourist-friendly nation and a must-see destination for sightseeing fans of the region, as this is what Uzbekistan is really all about. This former Soviet Republic, however, has several bureaucratic and historical peculiarities, which you are strongly advised to consider well in preparation. We will have to go through all of them in this Uzbekistan travel guide, so here is a collection of helpful tips for traveling to Uzbekistan city.

What are the rules of visas for travel to Uzbekistan?

Free visa on arrival:

Finally, on landing at any airport, the following nations can offer a 30-day free visa:

All people of the European Union, Andorra, Australia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Chile, Iceland, Argentina, Indonesia, Brazil, Israel, Canada, Japan, Norway, Liechtenstein, Malaysia, Monaco, New Zealand, San Marino, Serbia, South Korea, Singapore, and Turkey.

You may also register for an E-visa:

Like people of the United States, India, China, Mexico, Hong Kong, Colombia, Ecuador, and several others who cannot get a visa on arrival, most foreigners may apply for an E-visa. It only charges 20 USD, and Click2visas service fee 10 USD, 2-3 working days are required.

The service is quite recent, however, and some visitors were unable to apply electronically:

The system obviously has problems with some email addresses, the photograph format, and it has closed a few flaws. These are among the most popular problems individuals face, as per a visitor and followers of this Uzbekistan travel blog:

• PNG file is not approved for the photograph, but you require to convert it to PNG,
• It accepts only Visa cards, never MasterCard.
• The payment passes via mostly during business hours (I’m doubtful about this one, but he says that)

Go to the embassy if the E-visa does not function for you:

You will have to submit in a conventional way if you do not achieve. Notice that you will be required to travel through the embassy anyway, even if you carry a passport of any Latin American nation.

An LOI is not required by most Western countries:

This implies you will go to the embassy, show all your documents, and wait 1 week for your visa to be obtained. Typically, only a passport copy, two passport photographs, your hotel booking, and your visa application form (printed and filled out) are required.

How to really get the LOI (if required):

We suggest Top Chan Hostel Tashkent, which would give you one for just 42USD in a few days. At knock-knock@topchan-hostel.com, notify them.

Visa fees range from 55 to 150 USD (such as through embassy):

Costs differ based on your citizenship, the embassy from which you apply, and the duration of your visa. You get a Spanish passport, and then at the embassy in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, You charged 75 USD for a 30-day visa.  

For up to one month, they grant visas:

You may register for a 15 or 30-day visa. Double entry is also probable, albeit within 30 days at most.

Admission & departure dates for Uzbekistan visas:

Once you apply via the embassy, you have to mention the exact days you are going to fly to Uzbekistan, and you can’t adjust them. This indicates you can’t reach before the date of admission or quit after the date of the exit you have mentioned. Once you receive an e-visa, however, the visa is valid for 30 days within such a 90-day duration, beginning from the day you registered for it.

Is it safe to travel to Uzbekistan?

Very rarely is understood about this nation in the West, but many may equate it with negative associations because it stops with-Stan and borders Afghanistan. Uzbekistan, however, has currently been rated one of the 20 safest destinations in the world, as it has one of the smallest crime levels in the globe, in addition to a strong standard of protection, particularly in Tashkent, the capital. You’re going to be absolutely fine, including solo female visitors!  

What about travel insurance for Uzbekistan?

While being a secure nation, you should still be completely compensated with adequate insurance. We suggest World Nomads for journeying to Uzbekistan, as it is the only travel policy that offers you limitless medical benefits.

When planning to travel to Uzbekistan, what do you want to learn about money?

The Uzbek SUM is the authorized currency:

With an incredibly poor Uzbek currency rate of 1 USD = 10,475 UZS.

There are tons of ATMs all across:

Just allowing you to withdraw quite limited sums of cash before the very few ATMs that approved international cards, but this has improved and that you can just utilize them usually.

Even so, you could only redeem USD, which you want to swap at the bank, via an international card. They will bill you to commission twice in this manner, and by the by, once you withdraw, the compensation is 1%.

Carry a spare bag for the Uzbekistan money:

Often, what-ever amount you adjust, they will offer you all the money in 1,000-UZS notes, implying that you will hold 3 kilograms of currency. It’s really uncomfortable.

You can change money in banks now:

The authorized bank rate was almost 100 per cent lower than on the black market before, so nobody wanted to exchange cash in a bank. This has improved, and the official exchange rate has gradually gone up to its real worth. This implies you can exchange money in the bank now, which could be conveniently identified in the cities. The greatest feature is that you are issued larger notes by certain banks, so there is no reason to bring ten packs of money.

You could always collect cash on the illegal market:

But we do not suggest it because they are the people that always send you smaller notes, and you always find that one or two notes are lacking when you calculate them.

It is safer to carry all your money in cash:

You can only transact by card at premium hotels and expensive restaurants, particularly in Tashkent, while visiting Uzbekistan. It could be a little difficult outside of the capital. Cash is easier to carry.

ATMs are not very efficient:

Far outside Tashkent, ATMs could be low on cash or just not working, so do not depend on that, also if you were in the capital.

Cost of living in Uzbekistan:

A Trip to Uzbekistan is not as inexpensive as journeying in Kyrgyzstan or Tajikistan, but it is also very economical. Usually:

• Budget lodging: between 8 and 12 USD
• Mid-range accommodation: from USD 30 to USD 40.
• Food in tourist diners: 5 USD
• A meal at a local cafe: 2-3 USD
• 0Taxis inside towns: approx. 2 USD maximum.
• Multi-hour train trips: an average of USD 10 or USD15

Many restaurants charge for treatment:

Based on the restaurant, charges varied from 10 to 20 per cent.

When riding in Uzbekistan, what are the border crossings as well as other bureaucratic laws?

Scale, consistency, context, facial presence, location, voice, glasses, lighting, and framing regulations are in place.

Uzbekistan shares its border with five nations:

There are Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan, with several boundaries for most of them.

Most Uzbekistan borders are open to overland travelers:

You may enter or leave Uzbekistan from any nation as long as you get a visa, but just keep in mind that certain borders are only open to citizens, while others may shut temporarily. All nations, however, will still have one or two points of entry available, at least. For the newly updated border law detail, visit our site.

All of your things will go through them:

• Particularly for laptops, mobile, and cameras.
• Latest update-The guards do not really get into your stuff anymore with the exponential tourism rise.

Don’t carry any sensitive content to travel in Uzbekistan:

It means pornography or any politically contentious images, like government offices or military items, by sensitive.

At certain border checkpoints, however, it’s not as terrible as people think:

We heard bad things about Uzbekistan checkpoints, but When one of our applicants passed from Tajikistan to just the Fergana Valley, they only verified his DSLR camera images, and it appeared they were rather looking at his photos for enjoyment than searching for serious photos, as the representative grinned and called some of his subordinates to test them out.

They are also searching for narcotics:

Anything containing codeine, in particular. They’re probably going to go through all your medications, and, apparently, even though you have codeine-containing prescription pills, they’re not going to permit you to reach with them and you might get in big trouble – the drug regulations published by the Uzbek Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

You may have to report all your currency, both entering and leaving:

• You need to fill out a form when you reach, specifying how much you are vacationing with. You’re intended to hold this form because they’ll equate it to how much cash you have remaining when you exit.
• They’ll presume that you are employed there if you appear to have the same amount of cash or even more, so you could get into some issues. In certain regions, however, this law does not apply, such as if you passed through Kazakhstan and they won’t ask.

Alcohol is permitted:

One of our applicants had one liter of Tajik wine when he reached the border, which they noticed and just placed back in his luggage.

How to arrive in Uzbekistan?

Bringing in by flight:

Uzbekistan has the most costly planes in all of Central Asia, and the cause for this is that airport taxes are huge. Evidently, the government is preparing to change the visa policy, along with a more progressive one, in order to promote more tourism.

A cheaper option to flying to Uzbekistan:

When you are on a budget and having sufficient time, you could fly to Almaty, Bishkek, or Dushanbe and then reach Uzbekistan overland, a cheaper option to flying to Uzbekistan. Planes are fairly inexpensive from Europe, particularly to Bishkek. For example, suppose you began in Kyrgyzstan with a two-month itinerary, traveled via the Pamir Highway and the Wakhan Valley in Tajikistan, and reached Uzbekistan via the Fergana Valley.

If you are in Iran:

There are quite budget airlines from Tehran to Aktau, a location in western Kazakhstan, very near to the Uzbek frontier, if you are traveling towards Iran.

If you are in Azerbaijan:

You could even catch a ferry to Aktau or flight there, which is much faster and much affordable if you are traveling through Azerbaijan.

What about Uzbekistan people and Uzbekistan culture?

Uzbekistan is the Former Soviet Republic:

Uzbekistan, after the breakup of the USSR, gained its independence in 1991.

Most residents are Uzbeks:

But you also notice more than enough individuals from their neighboring nations, such Russians, Kyrgyz, Kazakhs, and Tajiks, as in all of Central Asia. Citizens are so racially mixed in Uzbekistan, but I would assume that Uzbeks are something between, while Kyrgyz and Kazakh peoples have greater Mongolian characteristics, and Tajiks and Turkmens appear more Persian.

What language do they speak in Uzbekistan?

Uzbek is the authorized language. It is a Turkic language, but most locals still talk Russian as a second language.

Learn some Russian:

They are using the Cyrillic alphabet and virtually no one ever communicates English, other than in the tourist areas. Any basic words can find it immensely helpful to get somewhere.

They’re Sunni Muslims, but they actually are not:

Most individuals are formally recognized Sunni Muslims, with the Russian people being Christian Orthodox (ten percent). Although, like all former soviet nations, religion is not a huge deal, and Islam is really not practiced by most residents. We would tell that religion in Uzbekistan is followed as much as in Kyrgyzstan or Kazakhstan, and less than in Tajikistan, if we were to equate it to the remainder of Central Asia.

Uzbekistan dress code for females:

A number of Uzbek females are covered, but it’s more for cultural instead of religious purposes. Women may go as they like, within some common-sense limits, of course, except in certain areas of the Fergana Valley.

Is it partly prohibited by Islam?

In Uzbekistan, the Fergana Valley is host to Central Asia’s most militant Islamic party, an organization that even worked under the Taliban in Afghanistan. The Uzbek government has been trying difficult to eradicate this community and has imposed some restrictions on the way that people follow Islam, from what we learned. For instance, you will not hear the mosque’s speakers during the prayer period. This is one of the governmental initiatives, we are instructed.

This is a dictatorship:

Uzbekistan’s first President controlled from independence in 1991 until 2016 when he passed away. Under an oppressive government, he governed and did not forge many strong foreign ties. However, the current President is seeking to change this, as one of the many new initiatives is the rise of tourism in Uzbekistan.

But Uzbekistani people don’t really care for politics:

The Uzbeks informed that inflation is really the only issue that they worry about, and no one is passionate about politics. The right to free speech doesn’t exist, and there is nothing negative you can claim about the president or any governmental agency. They are OK about it, but a revolution won’t happen any time soon, as per them.

The crisis with cotton:

Cotton production is the major economic center of Uzbekistan, and you can see so many cotton fields all over the nation. Being so reliant on cotton has led to many crises and issues, with the collapse of the Aral Sea in Uzbekistan being one of the most significant ones. In Nukus, we found a delegate from the European Union in Uzbekistan who informed us that they were working hard to strengthen the economy with the current Leader.

What about Uzbekistan tourism for foreigners?

The heart of the Silk Road is Uzbekistan:

Uzbekistan is associated with the Silk Road, a nation that is host to Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva, the three very famous Silk Road cities. In each and every city in Uzbekistan, immutable mosques and heritage landmarks define a distinctive skyline. While exchanging commodities, thoughts, and information, Uzbekistan has been the major stop for numerous civilizations visiting east and west. It’s like journeying back to the past to fly through Uzbekistan and walk down its street markets and old towns.

The most glorious sanctuaries and buildings you have seen yet:

Uzbekistan is the ideal choice for tourists interested in beautiful Islamic architecture, from the formidable Registan to the sweet, old city of Khiva.

Tourist for Surprise:

Who would assume that the roads of Uzbekistan’s ancient Silk Road towns were packed with plenty of tourist traps, selling items from traditional souvenirs to local traditional arts and crafts, much unheard of in Central Asia?

Profile of Tourism:

Although a young backpacker is the best place in Kyrgyzstan, the primary tourist in Uzbekistan is a 50-80-year-old individual who journeys in a tour group. In reality, there are tens of teams all across the cities during the peak season.

There was no one, however, from outside the three major cities:

We hardly saw any visitors in locations like Tashkent, Moynaq, the Aral Sea, and the Fergana Valley, and the local experiences were far more satisfying.

Ripping-offs:

It’s normal to see locals attempting to pull off tourists in the major tourist cities. Keep in mind that Uzbekistan is really cheap, so if you’re trying to sell a cab ride or a kilo of oranges at a price comparable to Southern Europe, just say no. For example, our applicant once saw one storekeeper charging some visitors about 4USD for just a few fruits and, very stupidly, they charged. Rip-offs are not popular outside of touristic areas.

When journeying in Uzbekistan, food and alcohol are good?

Plov, plov and plov:

Welcome to the real world capital of plov, a food made from fried rice in lamb fat, meat, and various vegetables from Central Asia. There are several forms of plov, and it varies according to the area. Uzbek people notice it a true delicacy, and they enjoy it so much that they even get a Central Asian Plov Hub in the capital of Tashkent, a huge building that only serves Plov.

But there’s also standard Central Asian food provided:

Laghman (noodle soup), manti (dumplings), shashlik (kebab) are common dishes that can be eaten in Kyrgyzstan or Tajikistan while visiting.

More choices for good restaurants than in neighboring nations:

You also notice a wider range of choices, particularly serving international cuisine, because it’s more touristic. That was a clear advantage for me, particularly after traveling for such a long period of time in Central Asia.

Alcohol is consumed commonly: 

Vodka, beer, anything that you need are available.

And regional wine, likewise:

Uzbekistan is Central Asia’s biggest manufacturer of wine, and its wine is really not that poor.

You’re screwed if you’re a vegetarian:

Well, not screwed, but mainly local cuisine contains beef, and often chicken is also difficult to find. However, as I said, there are many choices in tourist areas, and there are icon vegetarian choices for visitors on most menus. Moreover, the local stores will be your best choice, where you will get all kinds of vegetables, and also Korean salads.

Fruit loads: 

In the Fergana Valley, many of the fruit is cultivated, it is perfectly tasty, and there is a lot of choices. You are traveling in October, the period for grapes and melons.

What types of accommodations is available for the trip to Uzbekistan?

Guest quarters and hostels:

In several cities in Uzbekistan, there is a large array of inexpensive hostels and guest houses. Most of them are really excellent quality and the ideal place for other visitors to meet.

In hotels: 

In all the major cities in Uzbekistan, also there are countless mid-range and premium choices.

You must pay a cost of 2 USD for registration:

You always charge an additional 2 USD at any hotel every night you spend. For budget tourists, this is a little irritating, as 2 USD can be almost 30 per cent of a dorm-bed cost often.

You could still pay in domestic currency for hotels: 

Every resort or guesthouse would only consider USD prior to that, which was pretty irritating.

Keep your payroll registration:

All hotels will provide you with a payslip registration, which implies that you have spent there. When leaving the nation, you are probably to be questioned for all of your payslips. Practically, when you exit the country, they’re incredibly suspicious and really need evidence of your real schedule, which you’ll show once. Usually, with every other day or two days, they actually need a payslip. This means you’d have to stay in the hotel every two days, at least, whether you’re camping or staying in people’s locations.

Supposedly, Couchsurfing is unlawful: 

You can find several accounts with ratings, however, because natives don’t really worry.

What about traveling in Uzbekistan?

In Uzbekistan trip, trains are the mode of transport: 

The majority of cities are linked by train, run very frequently, and are very convenient.

Guidelines for obtaining a ticket by train:

Booking your train passes in ahead, particularly for long-range trains, is suggested. At the railway station themselves, you can reserve them and please remember to carry your passport.

There are various train types:

A standard, new train and a high-speed one are available. They are designed by a Spanish organization, so the AVE, as well as other Spanish trains, have several connections. In addition, there is a Russian train, which is an old theme from the Soviet Union period.

You must, at minimum once, attempt the Soviet train:

Large duration travel on a Russian train is an activity in itself – for example, you taking it from Samarkand on a 32-hour ride all the far west to Kazakhstan. Most definitely, you are the only outsider on board, and everyone with you is pretty nice.

Shared cabs are also popular and very inexpensive: 

It is normal to ride between cities in shared cabs, which charge much less than a train.

There is a metro only within Tashkent:

The metro in Tashkent was influenced by the one in Moscow or Saint Petersburg, and it is a lovely creation.

What are the best books for traveling in Uzbekistan?

You have the most usual choices here, but if you’d like to get further, I suggest checking this list, which contains unique Uzbekistan books:

Uzbekistan Travel Guide by Bradt:

The most detailed Uzbekistan guide. As they offer more local knowledge and personal insight than any other guide, very useful for travlers for Bradt’s Guide.

Central Asia Travel Guide by Lonely Planet:

In order to save a little-cash, you may want to purchase a generic guide if you are visiting other nations in Central Asia.

Murder in Samarkand by Craig Murray:

If you want to hear from the past president about all the violations of human rights during the dictatorship, this is the best writing.

Is it easy to use the internet and getting a SIM card?

The Internet is just OK:

Not as good as Kyrgyzstan or Kazakhstan, but it’s certainly better than Tajikistan. Most accommodations will have good Wi-Fi, and the national 3G runs beautifully well.

SIM Card:

Get Beeline, for which you can get all of the data, and calls for a couple of USD. Purchasing a SIM card is really simple and all you require is your passport.

What is the best time to visit Uzbekistan?

• Unlike the remaining portion of the Stans, where the hills are the focus, for Uzbekistan city outdoor activities, one travels to Uzbekistan, which implies it can become a year-round destination.
• Keep in mind. However, the summers are absolutely hot, particularly in Khiva, and temperatures can quickly go under 0oC in winter.
• You’re going from mid-October to mid-November, and the days were very mild, and the nights were quite cold, around 5oC. And they were also camping in Moynaq, in the Aral Sea, and the temperature fell to -5oC.
• We say, however, that it was a very good season to fly, as there were few visitors and the weather was just fine during the day. Therefore, the perfect times to travel should be autumn and spring.

What are the guidelines of Fergana Valley in Uzbekistan?

• The Fergana Valley was perhaps the most intense, and it didn’t matter to the Soviet Union that the Kyrgyz, Tajik and Uzbek citizens all shared the same bit of land in the valley.
• Stalin, as he wished, split the valley, leaving much of Fergana on the Uzbek hand, as well as a complicated number of enclaves, which are part of a nation within the first nation. Nuts. Mad.
• As a result, Fergana has become Central Asia’s most unstable zone. Don’t even imagine that next year’s Fergana Valley is your favorite place, where you’ll walk around stunning monuments and street markets on the Silk Path.
• Keep in mind that you will not see the glory here that you will discover in Bukhara, Khiva, and Samarkand.
• The Fergana Valley is a location only perfect for the most voracious and sincere tourists who tend to tour historical sites rather than chill out with residents.
• At the various local cafés, Fergana is best experienced, strolling through the fancy gardens while you are stopped by tens of interested locals, full of humanity because the Fergana Valley is also host to Uzbekistan’s nicest citizens.
• You would like to go to Andijan in the Fergana area to see where the world-acclaimed massacre took place and see the Namangan Wahhabi Mosque because that was the location where one of the main radical Islamic sects was ever founded.
• Fergana has to do with symbolism.
• Although it is entirely true that connections between nations are still strained, over the last few years, the region has enjoyed a certain degree of stability.
• Foreign people are really welcome, and We have never known of someone falling into any problems.

Conclusion:

The Silk Road, and the historical-cities along its spidering tributaries, traversed by merchants selling silks and spices for centuries, shared the precious gifts of art, architecture and inspiration from the curious East to the captivated West. In the very heart of Central Asian, Uzbekistan is at its crossroads a nation slowly transformed by the influence of every individual culture that flourished. This article is a complete guide to travel in Uzbekistan.