Practical A–Z
Entry & Visa
Visa-Free Entry
Since 2019, citizens of Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and most EU countries do not need a visa for stays up to 30 days. You only need:
- Passport — valid for at least 3 months beyond the entry date.
- Return flight ticket — sometimes required at the airport.
- Hotel confirmation — for the first night. Hotels automatically register you with the authorities.
Important: Your stay is registered with every hotel change. Keep the registration slips (small white papers) — they might be checked upon departure. Most hotels handle registration automatically.
Customs
Upon entry: Fill out a customs declaration (declare cash over 2,000 USD). Note expensive electronics (camera, laptop). The declaration may be checked upon departure. Antiquities and historical items may not be exported.
Health & Safety
Health
Uzbekistan is not a health-risk destination, but some precautions are important:
- Drinking Water: DO NOT drink tap water! Always buy bottled water (0.30–0.50€ for 1.5l). Use bottled water for brushing your teeth as well.
- Gastrointestinal Issues: Uzbek food is rich and fatty. Many travelers experience mild stomach issues in the first few days. Gradually get used to the cuisine, and ensure freshness at bazaars.
- Vaccinations: No mandatory vaccinations. Recommended: Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Polio. For longer stays: Hepatitis B, Typhoid.
- Medications: Bring a travel pharmacy — Imodium, electrolytes, painkillers, sunscreen. Pharmacies are everywhere, but language barriers might make consultations difficult.
- Sun Protection: The sun in Uzbekistan is extremely intense, especially in summer. Sunscreen (SPF 50+), a hat, and sunglasses are essential.
Safety
Uzbekistan is a very safe travel destination. The crime rate is low, and violence against tourists is practically unknown. Police presence is high (sometimes too high — officers occasionally check IDs, remain friendly and show your passport). Emergency numbers: 101 (Police), 103 (Ambulance), 102 (Fire Department).
| Risk | Assessment | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | Very Low | Practically no risk for tourists |
| Pickpocketing | Low | Be cautious at bazaars and in crowds |
| Fraud/Scams | Medium | Taxi drivers and souvenir sellers — agree on prices beforehand |
| Traffic | Medium–High | Chaotic driving style, be cautious as a pedestrian |
| Natural Hazards | Low | Earthquakes are rare, heat in summer is the main risk |
Achtung
In summer (June–August), heatstroke is a real risk. At 40°C+: Wear a hat, drink plenty (at least 3 liters/day), schedule sightseeing for morning and evening, take a siesta at midday. Dehydration creeps up quickly — drink before you feel thirsty!
Communication & Packing List
Language
Uzbek is the official language (Turkic language, in Latin script since 1993). Russian is widely spoken as a second language — especially among the older generation and in Tashkent. In Samarkand and Bukhara, many also speak Tajik. English is common among young people in Tashkent, but rare in rural areas. Google Translate (download offline packages for Uzbek and Russian!) is your best friend.
Useful Words
| German | Uzbek | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Assalomu alaykum | As-salómu alejkum |
| Thank you | Rahmat | Rachmat |
| Please | Iltimos | Iltimós |
| Yes / No | Ha / Yo'q | Há / Jok |
| How much does this cost? | Bu qancha? | Bu kantschá? |
| Delicious! | Mazali! | Masalí! |
| Goodbye | Xayr | Chair |
Internet & SIM Card
Buy a local SIM card at the airport or in the city — EU roaming does NOT work in Uzbekistan. Providers: Beeline, Ucell, or UzMobile. A SIM with 10 GB of data costs about 2–3€. You need your passport for registration. The 4G network is good in cities, patchy in rural areas.
Packing List
Spring/Autumn:
- Light clothing for daytime (T-shirt, loose pants) + jacket/sweater for evenings
- Scarf/shawl for mosque visits (women: cover shoulders)
- Comfortable walking shoes (cobblestones in old towns!)
- Sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen SPF 50+
- Water bottle (reusable, refill at bazaars)
- Travel pharmacy (gastrointestinal remedies, electrolytes)
- Copy of your passport (always carry the original)
- Power adapter: Type C/F — German plugs fit!
Summer (Additionally):
- Lightest possible clothing (linen, cotton)
- Second sun hat / scarf to protect the neck
- Electrolyte powder (dehydration!)
Winter (Additionally):
- Warm jacket, fleece, thermal underwear
- Hat, gloves, scarf
- Warm shoes (cold comes from below — mosques and mausoleums have cold stone floors)
Tipp
The most important app for Uzbekistan: Yandex Go (Taxi). The second most important: Google Translate with offline packages for Uzbek and Russian. And download offline maps for Uzbekistan in Google Maps or Maps.me before your trip — mobile networks can be weak outside cities.
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