Safety in Uzbekistan

Safety in Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan is a country of low crime. Petty crime rates in Tashkent are comparatively low and there is a very visible police presence throughout the city. It is advised to make copies of your passports and visas.

Protecting Your Property

Simple rules should be observed when you walk on the streets, for example, do not display large sums of money. Visitors are urged to carry 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 (locally called 'louli') 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

Like in any other 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.

There is a certain threat to people on the street posed by careless drivers. Visitors should be very careful while crossing roads, especially major roads.

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 your passport and hotel registration card 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 will announce that some of the provinces or districts are either closed or of 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. Therefore, official recommendations 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.

Last Updated: 08/02/2011 6:17 PM

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