Silk Roads: Zarafshan-Karakum Corridor

Entry requirements depend on your passport. Uzbekistan has liberalised its visa regime significantly in recent years, with many nationalities able to visit visa-free or obtain a visa on arrival. Check your specific requirements on the Uzbekistan page at Yoogo.

Uzbekistan uses the Uzbekistani som (UZS). Cash is important for most transactions. ATMs are available in cities, and card acceptance has improved significantly, particularly in Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara. US dollars and euros can be exchanged easily at banks and authorised exchange points.

Uzbekistan is generally safe for tourists, with low crime rates. The government maintains tight security, which contributes to a sense of order. Standard precautions with valuables apply. Be respectful of photography restrictions around government buildings and military sites. Check current advisories for border areas.

High-speed Afrosiyob trains connect Tashkent with Samarkand and Bukhara quickly and comfortably. Ordinary trains and shared taxis cover other routes. Tashkent has a clean and efficient metro system. Rental cars with drivers are a practical option for flexible travel. Domestic flights are available but trains are often more convenient.

Spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) are the best times, with pleasant temperatures and the beauty of the Silk Road cities at their most comfortable. Summers are very hot, particularly in the Fergana Valley and desert regions. Winters can be cold but offer a quieter experience of the great cities.

Uzbek is the official language. Russian remains widely spoken, particularly in cities and among older generations. English is less common but is increasingly spoken by younger people in the tourism sector. Russian is more useful than English for independent travel outside tourist areas.

No vaccinations are required to enter Uzbekistan for most travellers. Hepatitis A, typhoid, and routine vaccinations are commonly recommended. Tap water quality varies; bottled water is advised. Medical facilities in Tashkent are adequate but limited outside major cities.

Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. At tourist restaurants, rounding up the bill or leaving 5–10% is appropriate. Guides and drivers on organised tours typically receive a tip at the end. Small gratuities for hotel staff are welcomed.

Mobile coverage is good in cities and along major routes. Providers include Ucell, UMS, and Beeline Uzbekistan. Local SIM cards are inexpensive and available with a passport. 4G is available in urban areas. Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels and many cafes in major cities.