Uzbekistan Travel Health Guide for US Travelers
A physician-reviewed health and safety guide for Americans traveling to the Republic of Uzbekistan
As of March 2026, the U.S. Department of State advises Americans to Exercise Normal Precautions in Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan has become an increasingly popular destination along the Silk Road. Crime rates are low for tourists, and the country is generally safe. Always check the latest advisory at travel.state.gov before departing.
Before You Travel to Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan is the heart of the ancient Silk Road, home to the legendary cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva with their stunning Islamic architecture, vibrant bazaars, and rich history. The country is safe for tourists, but healthcare outside Tashkent is limited. Extreme temperatures and food/water safety are the main health considerations. See a travel medicine physician at least 4-6 weeks before departure.
Visit a Travel Clinic
See a travel medicine physician 4-6 weeks before travel. Several vaccines are recommended. There is no malaria risk in Uzbekistan. Bring all prescription medications as specific brands may not be available.
Travel Insurance
Purchase comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage. Healthcare quality varies significantly. Private clinics in Tashkent offer reasonable care. Outside major cities, facilities are basic. Evacuation to Turkey, Dubai, or Europe may be needed for serious conditions.
Entry & Registration
US citizens can visit Uzbekistan visa-free for up to 30 days. You must register within 3 days of arrival — hotels do this automatically. If staying in private accommodation, register at the local OVIR office. Carry your passport at all times.
Water & Food Safety
Tap water is not safe to drink in Uzbekistan. Use only bottled water. Food in restaurants and tourist areas is generally safe. Bazaar food is a highlight — choose freshly cooked items. Wash hands frequently. Peel all fruits.
Extreme Climate
Uzbekistan has extreme continental climate: summers exceed 45C (113F) in the desert regions; winters can drop to -20C (-4F). Hydration is critical in summer. Carry water at all times. Sightseeing in Samarkand and Bukhara during July-August requires careful heat management.
Cash & Payments
Uzbekistani Som (UZS). Credit cards are increasingly accepted in Tashkent but cash is essential outside the capital. US dollars are the best currency to exchange. ATMs are available in cities. Carry sufficient cash for rural areas and bazaars.
Recommended Vaccines for Uzbekistan
Transmitted through contaminated food and water. Recommended for all travelers to Uzbekistan.
Spread through contaminated food and water. Recommended especially for adventurous eaters and bazaar food enthusiasts.
Recommended for travelers who may receive medical care or have new sexual partners. Hepatitis B prevalence is significant in Central Asia.
Consider for extended stays, rural travel, or adventure activities. Stray dogs are common in cities and towns. Post-exposure treatment is available in Tashkent but limited elsewhere.
MMR, Tdap, Flu, COVID-19
Ensure all routine vaccinations are current. Measles cases have been reported in Central Asia.
Verify polio vaccination is current. Central Asia borders countries with circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus.
Healthcare in Uzbekistan
Tashkent
Modern private clinics like Tashkent International Medical Clinic offer English-speaking doctors and reasonable care. Public hospitals are under-resourced. Major pharmacies stock common medications. Emergency services are improving.
Samarkand, Bukhara & Khiva
Tourist cities have basic hospitals but limited capabilities. English-speaking doctors are rare outside Tashkent. Pharmacies are available but may lack specific medications. For serious conditions, evacuation to Tashkent is necessary.
Payment
Private clinics accept cash (USD or Som) and some credit cards. Public hospitals are inexpensive but quality is low. Keep insurance documents accessible. Serious evacuation destinations include Istanbul, Dubai, or Europe.
Emergency Numbers
US Embassy Tashkent
3 Moyqorghon Street, Tashkent
Phone: +998 78 120-5450
uz.usembassy.gov
US State Dept 24/7
For US citizens in distress abroad:
From US/Canada: +1-888-407-4747
From abroad: +1-202-501-4444
Other Health & Safety Risks
Extreme Heat (Summer)
Temperatures in the Kyzylkum Desert and cities like Bukhara can exceed 45C (113F) in July-August. Carry water at all times. Limit sightseeing to mornings and evenings. Wear light, loose clothing and a hat. Heat stroke is a real risk.
Extreme Cold (Winter)
Winters are harsh, especially in December-February. Temperatures drop well below freezing. Pack thermal layers, a warm coat, and proper boots. Indoor heating varies. Hypothermia risk during mountain trekking.
Air Quality & Dust
Dust storms and poor air quality can affect respiratory health, particularly near the Aral Sea region. The Aral Sea disaster has left toxic salt flats. Carry any needed respiratory medications.
Mountain Trekking
The Tian Shan and Pamir-Alay mountains offer trekking at significant altitudes. Altitude sickness risk above 2,500m. Acclimatize gradually. Mountain rescue is limited — inform someone of your plans. Carry first aid and emergency supplies.
Photography
Photography of military installations, border areas, and government buildings is prohibited. Always ask permission before photographing people, especially in rural areas. Drone use requires special permission.
Road Safety
Roads between cities are generally good but driving can be erratic. Night driving outside cities is risky due to poor lighting, livestock, and road conditions. Shared taxis are common but may be overcrowded. High-speed rail connects Tashkent-Samarkand-Bukhara safely.
Pre-Departure Checklist
- See a travel medicine physician 4-6 weeks before departure
- Get recommended vaccines: Hep A, Typhoid, Hep B; discuss Rabies and Polio booster
- Update routine vaccines: MMR, Tdap, Flu, COVID-19
- Purchase travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage
- Enroll in STEP at step.state.gov
- Bring ALL prescription medications — specific brands may not be available
- Pack for extreme weather: sunscreen and hat for summer; thermal layers for winter
- Carry water at all times during summer months
- Drink only bottled water — tap water is not safe
- Carry US dollars for exchange — cash is essential outside Tashkent
- Register at hotels (automatic) or OVIR office (private accommodation)
- Do not photograph military, border, or government sites
- Take the Afrosiyob high-speed train between Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara
- Save: Ambulance 103 | Police 102 | US Embassy +998 78 120-5450
