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Security

Uzbekistan is a country of low crime. Petty crime should be the only concern for tourists, and even this is easily avoided if the usual precautions are taken. It is advised to make copies of your passports and visas.

Medical insurance is essential as local health care facilities are poorly complying with Western standards, and English-speaking service (International Clinic in Tashkent) or medical evacuation are very expensive.

Protecting Your Property

Simple rules should be observed when you walk on the streets, for example, not displaying large sums of money; carrying cash in a safe money belt; using hotel safes as much as possible for keeping passports, tickets and valuables (this is applied to visitors in groups, individuals may need to have their passports at hand all the time).

You should avoid the local gypsies (so called lyullih) who gather near big sights and beg. If they approach, you should not stop for them and keep a firm hold of your possessions.

If you have your property stolen, report it to the local police for insurance policies. Visitors in groups should fully rely on local "through" guides to deal with the police.

Personal Safety

The greatest danger faced by foreigners is that posed by pickpockets and petty thieves. Like in any country, it is advisable to hand over belongings that are demanded with menace.

Women are unlikely to encounter sexual harassment, though they should ignore curb-crawlers and avoid taking a taxi alone at night. They should not go out alone late at night either.

There is a certain threat to people on the street posed by careless drivers. Visitors, especially when in groups, should carefully follow instructions of their guide while crossing roads, especially major motorways.

Police

All guests (except for tourist groups) are recommended to have their passports on them at all times. If stopped by the police, you will have to show them the passports and follow them to the police station should they demand it. For such cases it is strongly desirable to have phone numbers of your respective Embassy and the travel company/person who sponsored your visa. It is also advisable to keep the above-mentioned travel company or person informed on your whereabouts and future plans.

At times, Uzbek authorities announce that some of the provinces or districts are either closed or a limited access for visitors is in effect there. Such measures are usually taken to ensure safety of visitors. Uzbekistan is a country with semi-transparent borders, some neighboring countries pursue different security policies and standards. Official recommendations, therefore, need to be taken seriously.

It is prohibited to take pictures of airports, railway and subway stations. Also, it is not recommended to take photos while crossing border controls or moving through railway bridges.

Medical Care

There is a number of clinics which specialize in dealing with foreigners in Tashkent. They provide a full range of medical services, from dental care to medical evacuation. Their charges may be fairy high but they have English-speaking doctors and can deal competently with emergencies.

For those in need of immediate attention, Casualty Departments of ordinary clinics and hospitals can be used. You may need assistance of your guide or someone from your hotel to help with doctors, particularly, in Uzbek provinces where few doctors speak foreign languages.

If you are taken to a local hospital and need further treatment, it is advisable to contact either your Embassy/consulate or one of the above medical centers. They can arrange to have you transported or they can oversee your treatment in the hospital.

Health Precautions

In Uzbekistan hepatitis is endemic, so inoculation is advisable before visiting the country.

Uzbekistan is now a busy economic and political center of Asia, and the general precautions against HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases must be taken.

Pharmacies

The once-underdeveloped market of medicines and medical appliances have seen tremendous growth in the recent years, especially in Tashkent, and now a great variety of medicines, both foreign and locally made is available in pharmacies—"DORIXONA".

Usually medicines are provided with instructions in Russian and in the original language of the manufacturer. Almost all medications, except for strong tranquillizers and drug containing substances, can be bought over the counter, so prescriptions are not necessary.

Staff of pharmacies are trained professionals, so they can advise alternative drugs. In case you have very specific requirements, such as insulin, you should bring a sufficient supply for your stay.

Emergency Situations

calls free from city pay phones

Medical services in Tashkent

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