Uzbekistan

Recommended Vaccinations For Uzbekistan

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) Vaccine

BCG vaccine is recommended for those at increased risk from coming in close contact with infected persons or for unvaccinated, children under 16 years of age, who are going to live in Uzbekistan for more than 3 months.

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for all travellers over 6 months of age.

Rabies Vaccine

Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) and who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.

Typhoid Fever Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities or rural areas, where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Recommended Medications For Uzbekistan

There are no recommendations for Uzbekistan at this time.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Uzbekistan

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis A

There is a risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Uzbekistan through contaminated food or water. Infection can still occur at tourist destinations and resorts.

Hepatitis B

There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Uzbekistan.

For Some Travellers

Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever

There is a risk of acquiring Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever in this country through specific insect, bug or tick bites or by coming in close contact with a person or animal infected with this disease. Travellers involved in activities like hiking, camping, working with animals, and visiting farms and forested areas are at a higher risk. There are no vaccinations (or medications) to prevent Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever.

Measles

There is a risk of Measles in this country, especially in infants aged 6 to 11 months.

Hanta Virus

There is a risk of acquiring Hantavirus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis occurs in Uzbekistan. Travellers to Uzbekistan are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the health care field, or having close prolonged contact with the general population.

Typhoid Fever

Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Uzbekistan, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Leishmaniasis

Leishmaniasis occurs in this country.

Rabies

Rabies occurs in the Uzbekistan. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travelers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.

Safety & Security in Uzbekistan

Personal Safety

Uzbekistan ranks as one of the safer countries in Central Asia for travelers. Violent crime against foreigners is rare. You face higher risks from petty theft in crowded areas. Pickpocketing happens in tourist hotspots, bazaars, train stations, and on public transport, particularly in Tashkent’s Chorsu Bazaar and metro. Tourist police operate in major cities like Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara to assist visitors. The country ranked 5th safest for solo travelers globally in 2019 and 9th in the 2020 Gallup Law and Order Index. Since 2016, police reforms have reduced corruption. Officers now follow 78 new regulations designed to protect tourists rather than extort them. You must carry your passport at all times as this is a legal requirement. Police conduct frequent document checks. Some criminals pose as police officers to rob people. Reports of harassment and extortion by officials persist, though less frequently than before. Night travel requires extra caution. Most crimes occur after dark. Avoid poorly lit areas and unlicensed taxis. Some taxis lack rear seatbelts. Women traveling alone report minimal harassment compared to many Western countries. You should avoid photography near government buildings, airports, border checkpoints, military installations, bridges, police stations, and metro stations. Social media posts criticizing the government or showing disrespect to national symbols can result in fines or detention. Border areas require special attention. Stay away from regions within 5 km of the Afghanistan border. Security remains volatile in areas bordering Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, particularly in the Ferghana Valley. These zones may contain unmarked landmines.

Extreme Violence

Terrorism remains a concern but actual incidents are rare. No terrorist attacks occurred within Uzbekistan in 2021, 2023, or 2024. In 2022, rockets were fired from Afghanistan into southern Uzbekistan near Termez. Islamic State Khorasan Province claimed responsibility. The last significant attacks within the country occurred in 2004 when suicide bombers targeted US and Israeli embassy entrances in Tashkent, killing security guards. Historical incidents include attacks in 2019 when 17 people died in an armed attack on a Tajik security checkpoint on the Uzbekistan-Tajikistan border. ISKP claimed responsibility. The main terrorist groups of concern are ISIS-K, Katibat al Tawhid wal Jihad, the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, Katibat al-Imam al-Bukhari, the Islamic Jihad Union, and Jamaat Ansarullah. The government maintains concerns about spillover from Afghanistan and the return of foreign terrorist fighters from Syria and Iraq. Authorities have repatriated hundreds of citizens from conflict zones and provide rehabilitation programs. Border security with Afghanistan is heavily guarded. The land border has been closed since the Taliban takeover in 2021, with multiple military checkpoints to deter smuggling and illegal crossings. You should avoid demonstrations and large gatherings. While protests are rare, particularly in Tashkent, past clashes between police and protesters have resulted in deaths. Security forces maintain a heavy presence at any public gatherings.

Political Unrest

Political unrest is uncommon in Uzbekistan but significant incidents have occurred. The most serious recent event was the July 2022 Karakalpakstan protests over proposed constitutional amendments. At least 18 people died officially, though opposition figures claim higher numbers. The government declared a state of emergency and imposed internet blackouts. At least 22 people received prison sentences ranging from 3 to 16 years for their involvement. Authorities continue to prosecute activists and diaspora members connected to these events. In 2020, protests occurred around Tashkent over treatment of poor people and demolitions of homes and mosques. These were quashed by security forces. The autonomous region of Karakalpakstan remains sensitive. The government banned the opposition group Alga Karakalpakstan as extremist in 2024 and prosecutes those advocating for independence. Uzbekistan’s political system remains authoritarian. The government restricts freedom of expression and assembly. Bloggers and journalists face prosecution for criticizing officials or reporting on sensitive topics. Insulting the president carries criminal penalties including prison sentences. Demonstrations require official permission and are likely to attract heavy security presence. Past demonstrations have ended in mass arrests. You should avoid all protests and large public gatherings. Monitor local media and follow advice from local authorities. The government occasionally restricts travel to certain areas in response to security concerns.

Areas To Avoid

You must avoid the border region with Afghanistan, particularly within 5 km of the border. This area faces volatile security with ongoing terrorism risks. The land border has been closed since 2021. Rockets fired from Afghanistan struck Termez in 2022. Exercise high caution in areas bordering Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, especially in the western Ferghana Valley south of the road linking the Ravat border crossing and the Soh river. Armed clashes occur occasionally in these mountainous border regions. Marked and unmarked minefields may still exist in areas bordering Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan despite clearing efforts. Never travel near unauthorized border crossing points. Demonstrations and violent protests are common in Andijan and the eastern Ferghana Valley region. Security remains volatile in these areas. Karakalpakstan, the autonomous region in northwestern Uzbekistan, saw deadly protests in 2022. While the situation has calmed, tensions persist. The region is remote with less developed infrastructure. You should exercise normal precautions there. When visiting the Chorsu Bazaar in Tashkent, stay alert for pickpockets who specifically target tourists in crowded areas. The upper levels may feel less welcoming to women. Avoid poorly lit or deserted areas in all cities after dark, particularly outside tourist zones. Rural areas require extra caution due to poor infrastructure, limited fuel availability, and challenging road conditions.