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TRAVEL REPORT
Uzbekistan

1. RECENT UPDATES

The level of Travel Warning in this report has changed.

The level of Warning for the areas bordering Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and the Kyrgyz Republic has been lowered.

The information contained in this Travel Report has been thoroughly reviewed and updated.

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2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Uzbekistan

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

Canadians travelling to Uzbekistan should exercise a high degree of caution. Recent reports indicate that terrorists may be planning attacks in this country. These attacks could occur anywhere at any time, and foreigners may be targeted. Exercise caution, especially in areas frequented by foreigners.

Regional Warning

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against non-essential travel to areas bordering Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and the Kyrgyz Republic, including the city of Andijan, due to the unstable security situation.

Incidents of violence have occurred in the mountainous border area where the Kyrgyz Republic, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan meet. Border crossings between Uzbekistan and the Kyrgyz Republic may be closed when conflicts along the border arise. Some areas near the Tajikistan border are mined. Canadians should contact the Consulate of Canada in Tashkent for further information. The border between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan on the road between Tashkent and Samarkand is closed. Before travelling to the Tajikistan border, please contact the Consulate of Canada for up-to-date information.

Canadians should maintain a high level of personal security awareness at all times, monitor local news reports, and avoid crowds and demonstrations. Exercise caution, particularly in tourist areas and commercial and public establishments (hotels, clubs, restaurants, bars, schools, places of worship, outdoor recreation events).

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency abroad, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad.

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. Travellers are responsible for their own personal safety. The Government of Canada takes the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provides credible and timely advice in its Travel Reports. In the event of a crisis situation that requires evacuation, the Government of Canada’s policy is to provide safe transportation to the closest safe location. Canada will assist Canadians in leaving a country or a region as a last resort, when all means of commercial or personal transportation have been exhausted. This service is provided on a cost-recovery basis. Onward travel is at the individual’s personal expense. Situations vary from one location to another, and there may be constraints on government resources, which can limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide assistance, particularly in countries or regions where the potential for violent conflict or political instability are high.

Crime

Violent crime against foreigners has occurred. Street crime has increased, especially after dark in urban centres. Foreigners have been robbed by individuals posing as police officers. If approached, ask to see police credentials or offer to go to the police station. Do not travel alone after dark and do not show signs of affluence. Police frequently stop drivers for minor infractions or simple document checks. Foreigners may face harassment, including demands for money.

General Safety Information

Ensure personal belongings, passports, and other travel documents are secure. It is advisable to carry a photocopy of your passport and to leave another one with a relative or a friend at home. Canadians should carry identification at all times.

Tourist facilities are limited.

For emergency assistance, call 01 for fire, 02 for police, or 03 for ambulance services.

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4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries or regions have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Uzbek authorities. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is the traveller's responsibility to check with the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan for up-to-date information. 

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Uzbekistan.

Tourist Visa: Required
Business Visa: Required
Student Visa: Required
Transit Visa: Required

Each type of visa has different application requirements. Therefore, Canadians planning to go to Uzbekistan are advised to visit the Consular Section of the Embassy of Uzbekistan Web site. We recommend that Canadians obtain their visas well before arrival.
 
When travelling by rail or road in Uzbekistan, it is sometimes necessary to cross into neighbouring countries. To avoid complications, Canadians must have the appropriate multi-entry visas for Uzbekistan and proper visas for other countries entered.

All foreigners staying for more than three days must register with the Office of Visas and Registration (hotel guests are normally registered by their hotel upon check-in).

Travel to certain parts of Surxondaryo Province requires special permission from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, or an Uzbek embassy or consulate abroad.

Canadians planning to travel or reside in Uzbekistan for longer than three months must provide a medical certificate indicating a negative test for infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

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A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship is not a travel document. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document available to Canadians for the purpose of international travel. Canadian citizens returning to Canada who present other documents, such as a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, birth certificate, provincial driver’s license, or foreign passport, instead of a Canadian passport, may face delays or be denied boarding by transport companies.

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify all visa requirements for this and other destinations, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries or regions may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country or region without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries or regions do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

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5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS

You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following address:

Uzbekistan - TASHKENT, Consulate of Canada
Address: 56, Usman Nosir Street, Apt. 39-40, 700100, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Tel.: 998 (71) 253-9205
Fax: 998 (71) 120-7270
E-Mail: hc.canada.uz@gmail.com

The Embassy of Canada in Moscow, Russia, has consular responsibility for Uzbekistan. The address is as follows:

Russia - MOSCOW, Embassy of Canada
Address: 23 Starokonyushenny Pereulok, Moscow, 119002, Russia
Tel.: 7 (495) 925-6000
Fax: 7 (495) 925-6004 or 7 (495) 925-6025
E-Mail: mosco@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.Russia.gc.ca

For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in Moscow, Russia, and follow the instructions. You may also make a collect call to the Emergency Operations Centre in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.

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6. TRAVEL HEALTH

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Health Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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7. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Medical care is below Western standards. Shortages of basic medical supplies are common.

Do not drink tap water. Travellers should drink only boiled water, peel all fruits and vegetables, and avoid undercooked meat, dairy products, and food sold in the streets.

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8. LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail or death sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries or regions, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare.

Dual Nationality

Dual nationality is not legally recognized, which may limit the ability of Canadian officials to provide consular services. Canadians with Uzbek citizenship may also be subject to national obligations, such as taxes, and should check their status with the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Washington, D.C. Canadians should travel using their Canadian passport and present themselves as Canadian to foreign authorities at all times. The Department publishes a booklet entitled Dual Citizenship: What Travellers Should Know, specifically targeted at Canadians with dual nationality.

Illegal and/or Restricted Activities

Possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs may result in jail sentences and heavy fines.

Homosexual activity is illegal. Convicted offenders may face jail sentences.

Photography of public transportation is prohibited and may result in confiscation of equipment or detention.

Religion

Islamic practices and beliefs are closely adhered to, particularly in rural areas. Common sense and discretion should be exercised in dress and behaviour. Respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities. Religious proselytizing is not permitted.

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9. TRAVEL AND CURRENCY

Road Travel

Driving standards in Uzbekistan are poor. Many roads outside Tashkent are in poor condition, particularly in the Tian Shan and Fan Mountains. Driving at night is dangerous. Rural roads and highways are not lit.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.

Use officially marked taxis only and do not share them with strangers.

Rail Travel

Exercise caution when travelling by train, especially overnight. Store valuables in a safe place and do not leave the compartment unattended. Ensure that the door is secured from the inside.

Air Travel

Tashkent airport is serviced by a variety of international carriers. The smaller airports at Samarkand and Bukhara handle domestic flights only. Frequent delays and cancellations occur. Travellers should not use domestic carriers due to the uncertainty regarding maintenance and safety standards.

See our FAQ on transportation in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.

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The currency is the Uzbek sum (UZS), which is used for most transactions. However, U.S. dollars can also be used. Carry bills in pristine condition, as well-worn or used U.S. banknotes may not be accepted. Only a few major hotels and restaurants accept credit cards. Traveller's cheques can only be cashed at the National Bank of Uzbekistan. Purchasing money on the black market is illegal and may result in extortion or jail sentences. Importation of currency exceeding US$10,000 is subject to additional fees. There are no automated banking machines.

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10. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

Uzbekistan is located in an active seismic zone. Canadians should know the address and telephone number of the Embassy of Canada in Moscow, Russia, in the event of an emergency.

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11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Returning to Canada

Traveller's Checklist

Health and Travel Insurance: Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

Adoption: Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child abroad, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

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12. ANNEX

N/A

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