Tashkent Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Tashkent.
Healthcare System
Uzbekistan's healthcare system is a mix of Soviet-era state facilities and newer private clinics. Public healthcare is available but standards vary significantly. Private medical facilities in Tashkent offer better quality care and are more accustomed to treating foreign patients.
Hospitals
International clinics include Tashkent International Medical Clinic (TIMC), Safo Med, and Sante International Medical Center, which cater to expatriates and tourists with English-speaking staff. These facilities can handle most routine medical issues but serious cases may require evacuation. Payment is typically required upfront or proof of comprehensive insurance.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies (apteka) are widely available throughout Tashkent. Many common medications are available, though brand names may differ. Some medications available over-the-counter in Western countries may require prescriptions. Quality can vary, so use reputable pharmacies in central areas or those recommended by international clinics. Bring adequate supplies of prescription medications as specific brands may not be available.
Insurance
Travel health insurance is not legally required but is strongly recommended. Ensure your policy covers medical evacuation, as this may be necessary for serious conditions. Most private clinics require proof of insurance or upfront payment before treatment.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring a comprehensive first-aid kit and sufficient supplies of any prescription medications in original packaging with prescriptions
- Drink only bottled or boiled water to avoid waterborne illnesses; avoid ice in drinks and raw vegetables that may have been washed in tap water
- Ensure routine vaccinations are up-to-date; consider Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, and Rabies vaccinations depending on your travel plans
- Keep contact information for your embassy and international medical clinics readily available
- Consider registering with your embassy upon arrival for emergency assistance
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur, particularly in crowded areas such as bazaars, public transport, and tourist attractions. Incidents have increased slightly with growing tourism but remain relatively uncommon compared to other major cities.
Police may stop foreigners for random document checks, particularly those who appear to be from South or Central Asia. While registration requirements have been simplified, police may still request to see passports, visas, and registration documents.
Traffic in Tashkent can be chaotic with aggressive driving, poor road conditions in some areas, and limited adherence to traffic rules. Pedestrian crossings are not always respected by drivers. Uneven pavements and poor street lighting pose additional risks.
Traveler's diarrhea and other gastrointestinal issues are common due to different food preparation standards and water quality. Tap water is not safe to drink.
Tashkent experiences moderate to high air pollution levels, particularly during winter months and during dust storms in spring. This can affect those with respiratory conditions.
Uzbekistan is located in a seismically active region. While major earthquakes are infrequent, minor tremors occur periodically. Tashkent experienced a devastating earthquake in 1966.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Unlicensed taxi drivers or even official taxis without meters may quote inflated prices to foreign tourists, especially at the airport, train stations, or near hotels. Some drivers may claim the meter is broken or refuse to use it.
While black market currency exchange has largely disappeared, some individuals may approach tourists offering favorable rates but use sleight of hand to shortchange you or provide counterfeit notes. Some exchange offices may also use rigged calculators or unclear exchange rates.
Individuals posing as police officers may approach tourists claiming to check for counterfeit money or illegal items, then steal cash during the 'inspection' or demand bribes for fabricated violations.
Book accommodations through reputable platforms with reviews, confirm that the accommodation will handle registration (required for stays over 3 days), get registration slips and keep them safe, and confirm all prices and fees in writing before check-in
At bazaars and tourist areas, vendors may quote extremely high initial prices to foreigners, sometimes 5-10 times the normal price, expecting heavy negotiation.
Some restaurants catering to tourists may add items to the bill that weren't ordered, charge for bread or appetizers that seemed complimentary, or apply service charges without disclosure.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Documentation
- Always carry photocopies of your passport, visa, and registration documents; keep originals in hotel safe
- Register with your embassy upon arrival for emergency notifications
- Ensure your accommodation properly registers you with OVIR and keep all registration slips until departure
- Take photos of important documents and store them in cloud storage for backup
- Keep your embassy's emergency contact information readily accessible
Money and Valuables
- Use ATMs inside banks or shopping centers during business hours rather than standalone machines at night
- Carry small denominations of local currency as large bills can be difficult to break
- Don't display large amounts of cash in public; use a money belt or hidden pouch
- Inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid card blocks
- Keep emergency cash and a backup card separate from your main wallet
- Be discreet when using expensive electronics like cameras and smartphones
Transportation
- Use official taxi services or ride-sharing apps rather than unmarked vehicles
- Avoid traveling alone in taxis late at night; share ride details with someone
- The Tashkent metro is safe, efficient, and inexpensive but watch for pickpockets during rush hours
- Photography is prohibited in metro stations without special permission
- If renting a car, ensure you have proper insurance and an international driving permit
- Be extremely cautious when crossing streets; use underpasses where available
Communication
- Purchase a local SIM card for reliable communication and data access
- Download offline maps of Tashkent before arrival as internet can be unreliable
- Learn basic Russian or Uzbek phrases as English is not widely spoken
- Keep your hotel's address written in Russian/Uzbek for showing to taxi drivers
- Be aware that some VPN services may not work; download necessary apps before arrival
- Save important contacts including your hotel, embassy, and emergency services
Cultural Awareness
- Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites; cover shoulders and knees
- Remove shoes when entering homes and some traditional restaurants
- Ask permission before photographing people, especially women and at religious sites
- Avoid public displays of affection, which are considered inappropriate
- Respect Islamic customs, particularly during Ramadan
- Be cautious when discussing politics, religion, or human rights issues in public
- Avoid criticizing the government or president in public or on social media
Health Precautions
- Drink only bottled water; check seals are intact when purchasing
- Avoid ice in drinks unless at high-end hotels or restaurants
- Wash hands frequently or use hand sanitizer, especially before eating
- Be cautious with street food; choose vendors with high turnover and visible food preparation
- Bring insect repellent for summer months to prevent mosquito bites
- Ensure you have adequate travel insurance covering medical evacuation
Accommodation Security
- Use hotel safes for passports, extra cash, and valuables
- Verify the identity of anyone claiming to be hotel staff before opening your door
- Keep your room locked at all times, even when inside
- Note emergency exits and evacuation procedures upon check-in
- Choose accommodations in well-lit, central areas with good reviews
- Ensure your accommodation is registered and will provide proper OVIR registration
Night Safety
- Avoid walking alone in unfamiliar or poorly lit areas after dark
- Stick to well-populated, well-lit streets and main boulevards at night
- Use official taxis or ride-sharing apps rather than walking long distances after dark
- Be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts
- Avoid parks and isolated areas at night
- If going out at night, travel in groups when possible
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Tashkent is generally safe for women travelers, including solo female travelers, with lower harassment levels than many other major cities. Local women are visible in public life, work, and education. However, Uzbek society remains relatively conservative, and foreign women may attract attention, particularly those traveling alone. Most interactions will be curiosity-driven and harmless, but women should take standard precautions and be aware of cultural expectations.
- Dress modestly to avoid unwanted attention; cover shoulders and knees, especially outside tourist areas and at religious sites
- Avoid walking alone late at night in unfamiliar areas; use taxis or ride-sharing apps
- Be prepared for curious stares and questions about traveling alone, marital status, and children; these are usually well-intentioned
- Consider wearing a wedding ring (real or fake) and mentioning a husband to deflect unwanted attention
- Sit in the back seat of taxis and share your ride details with someone
- Book accommodations in central, well-reviewed areas with good lighting and security
- Trust your instincts; if a situation feels uncomfortable, remove yourself politely but firmly
- On public transport, consider sitting near other women or families
- Be cautious about accepting invitations to private homes from people you've just met
- Join group tours or activities to meet other travelers and explore safely
- Learn basic Russian or Uzbek phrases to communicate boundaries if needed
- Avoid excessive alcohol consumption in public or unfamiliar settings
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is illegal in Uzbekistan for men (Article 120 of the Criminal Code), with penalties including imprisonment up to three years. While lesbian relationships are not explicitly criminalized, LGBTQ+ individuals face significant legal and social discrimination. Same-sex marriage is not recognized, and there are no anti-discrimination protections for LGBTQ+ individuals.
- Exercise extreme discretion regarding sexual orientation and gender identity
- Avoid public displays of affection with same-sex partners, as this could attract negative attention or legal consequences
- Do not discuss LGBTQ+ topics openly in public or on social media while in the country
- Be aware that dating apps may be monitored and could pose safety risks
- Book separate beds/rooms if traveling with a same-sex partner to avoid questions or issues
- Research LGBTQ+-friendly accommodations carefully before booking; international hotel chains may be more understanding
- Keep your embassy's contact information readily available in case of emergencies
- Consider travel insurance that covers legal assistance
- Be aware that gender non-conforming appearance may attract unwanted attention
- Understand that there are no LGBTQ+ support services or safe spaces available in Tashkent
- Exercise caution when meeting people online; entrapment and blackmail have been reported
- If facing harassment or discrimination, prioritize your safety and contact your embassy
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is essential for visiting Tashkent due to the limited quality of public healthcare, potential need for medical evacuation for serious conditions, lack of reciprocal healthcare agreements with most countries, and the requirement for upfront payment at private medical facilities. Additionally, insurance can cover trip cancellations, lost luggage, and emergency assistance in a country where language barriers and unfamiliar systems can complicate emergencies.
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