Uzbekistan travel advice

Visit your GP or travel clinic at least 6-8 weeks before departure to ensure you have all the necessary vaccinations and that they are up to date.

The quality of medical care in Uzbekistan is generally poor. Most hospitals are badly equipped and unhygienic, with a limited supply of drugs. There is no guarantee that equipment will have been properly sterilised, especially in rural hospitals. You should avoid all but basic treatment or essential treatment in the event of an emergency.

Bring any medication with you, as it may be in short supply. And also chat with your tour operator about this, because you will be required to carry your prescription with you, as medicines can be checked by police for legal amounts.

Drink bottled or boiled water, and avoid ice cubes. We also recommend self-filtering bottles such as LifeStraw to save on plastic bottle usage.

Temperatures soar here in summer months, so make sure you are protected from sun and stay well hydrated.

Smoking is everywhere, and still not banned in public places, so if you are a non smoker, be prepared for some unpleasant closed spaces.

Uzbekistan is generally a pretty safe country and the political situation is stable, remembering that it is a police state. There can also be security issues around the borders with Tajikistan (particularly around the Ferghana Valley), Kyrgyzstan and Afghanistan, and uncontrolled border areas can be land mined. Keep up to date on FCO travel advice website.

You should of course be vigilant just as you would be in most foreign countries where tourists can be seen as easy prey, by not flashing cash or valuables. Tashkent is seeing an increase in petty crime, so be careful at night and best not to walk around alone. One common scam is to offer to show you the ‘nightlife’. Best not.

It is the law to carry your ID with you at all times, although a colour photocopy should be sufficient. Keep the original in your hotel safe, or with your tour operator. Nearly all our trips are with small groups, so your group leader will advise on all these matters.

Be wary of people posing as police, asking to see your ID or imposing random fines. If in doubt, ask for their ID and insist on paying fines at a police station.

“The wild camping and spending a night in a yurt contrast well with sightseeing in the fabulous cities of Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand. Be adaptable and enjoy the benefits of travelling in a small group such as eating in local restaurants.” – Diana Rybinski

“It was a very full schedule and we made a conscious decision not to try and do everything, especially as we experienced travel delays in Tajikistan due to very poor roads (and road closures). Be prepared for possible stomach upsets and basic plumbing. If that doesn't worry you, then you will have one of the most fascinating and thought-provoking trips of your life and you should go!” – Caroline Gant, on a tailor made holiday in Central Asia

“If you’re on an active, tailor made holiday, the first week is fairly relaxed but the second week is full on – 75km is the first day's bike ride after an 8-hour trek over the pass (which we didn't do because of bad weather). Take padded shorts for cycling & horse riding. You don't need to pack snacks as they are always on the table and lots in the shops.” – Penny Bulbaczynskyj, on a tailor made holiday in Uzbekistan

“Take your own tonic it is not available anywhere in the country!” – Dominic Long

“Relax and enjoy the people and country but make sure your drivers and guides understand your itinerary and interests.” – John Bird

“Check what medicines you can take into the country with a doctor’s prescription info, otherwise may have problems at border control.” – Anne Higgins