Uzbekistan: Travel Requirements, Health, and Medical Insurance
Since 2019, Uzbekistan has exempted citizens of around 90 countries from visas for up to 30 days, and also offers an online e-visa that is usually approved within a couple of business days for other nationalities. The country doesn't belong to the Schengen area and the entry requirement depends exclusively on the passport, not on the traveler's language or country of residence.
Cities like Samarkand and Bukhara, key points along the historic Silk Road, account for much of the country's tourist appeal. The currency is the Uzbekistani som (UZS), which since 2017 has operated under a unified exchange rate after years of a parallel market. The general emergency number is 112.
Visa and health for travelers
Visa: Uzbekistan exempts citizens of about 90 countries from visas for up to 30 days and offers an online e-visa for others; it is not a Schengen country and the requirement depends on the traveler's passport.
Health & travel insurance: Tashkent and Samarkand have adequate private clinics, but rural areas have limited care; travel insurance with 24-hour medical assistance is recommended.
Visa and Entry Requirements
Citizens of countries included in the exemption program can enter without a visa for up to 30 days. Other nationalities can apply for an e-visa through the official government portal, usually approved within two or three business days.
- Passport valid with at least 6 months of remaining validity.
- Check the official portal to see if your nationality requires an e-visa or is exempt.
- Keep the e-visa approval confirmation for immigration control.
Health, Hospitals, and Medical Insurance
Tashkent and Samarkand have private clinics of adequate quality to treat foreign visitors, with direct payment in most cases. In rural areas and smaller cities, the medical offering is considerably more limited.
Assist-365 covers hospitalization, COVID-19, and 24-hour medical assistance in Uzbekistan; the code MEDALLOADV2023 gives a discount when quoting the plan.
Transportation and Currency
The currency is the Uzbekistani som (UZS); since the exchange rate unification in 2017, the gap between the official and parallel markets that existed before no longer exists. The Afrosiyob high-speed train connects Tashkent with Samarkand and Bukhara in a few hours.
When to Travel
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to October) are the most recommended seasons, with moderate temperatures for visiting Silk Road sites. Summer can exceed 40C in the desert.
Travel checklist for Uzbekistan
Quick list based on this guide's real data (not generic) before traveling to Uzbekistan.
- Check the visa requirement for Uzbekistan based on your passport: Uzbekistan exempts citizens of about 90 countries from visas for up to 30 days and offers an online e-visa for others; it is not a Schengen country and the requirement depends on the traveler's passport.
- Passport valid for at least 6 months from the entry date
- Travel medical insurance arranged, keeping this in mind: Tashkent and Samarkand have adequate private clinics, but rural areas have limited care; travel insurance with 24-hour medical assistance is recommended.
- Save Uzbekistan's emergency number: 112 (also 101 fire department, 102 police, and 103 ambulance), along with your insurer's contact
- Cash or a no-fee card in Uzbekistani som (UZS)
- Physical and digital copies of passport, insurance and bookings
- Required or recommended vaccines up to date for the region
- eSIM or international data plan active on arrival
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa to travel to Uzbekistan?
It depends on your passport: around 90 nationalities are visa-exempt for up to 30 days and the rest can apply for an e-visa online.
What is the emergency number in Uzbekistan?
112 is the general emergency number throughout the country.
How long does Uzbekistan's e-visa take?
The online process is usually resolved within two or three business days.
What currency should I use in Uzbekistan?
The Uzbekistani som (UZS); since 2017 it has operated with a unified official exchange rate.
