Central Asia • Updated August 2026

Country Risk Report

Uzbekistan

Overall Risk Rating

Low

Capital

Tashkent

Languages

Uzbek (official); Russian widely used

Currency

Uzbekistani som (UZS)

Executive Summary

Uzbekistan is classified as a LOW risk destination and is a generally safe and stable country for travellers, with a rapidly growing tourism sector centred on the Silk Road cities of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva. Violent crime against tourists is uncommon, and the country is orderly, so the everyday risks are petty crime and scams, an authoritarian state environment, and some border sensitivity rather than security threats. The country has been opening up and reforming in recent years, and tourism is actively encouraged, with the main cities safe and welcoming. Petty crime, including pickpocketing and scams, is the main issue in Tashkent and busy areas, and there is some risk of official shakedowns and bureaucracy. Uzbekistan remains a tightly governed state, and travellers should avoid political activity and be careful with photography of officials and sensitive sites. Two areas warrant a degree of awareness: the borders, including the sensitive Afghanistan border in the far south and the Fergana Valley borders in the east, and the environmental and health situation in the Karakalpakstan region near the former Aral Sea. Practical considerations include road safety, extreme summer heat, and the remoteness of some Silk Road and desert routes.

Risk Matrix

Category	Risk Rating	Commentary
Armed Conflict	Low	No armed conflict; the Afghanistan border is a distinct sensitivity.
Terrorism	Low	A low threat; regional concerns focus on the Afghanistan border.
Kidnapping	Low	Kidnapping of travellers is very rare.
Crime	Low	Mainly petty theft and scams; low violent crime against tourists.
Civil Unrest	Low	Tightly controlled; unrest is rare, though Karakalpakstan saw protests in 2022.
Health & Medical	Moderate	Reasonable care in Tashkent; limited elsewhere. Heat is a hazard.
Internal Travel	Moderate	Road safety, remote routes and border sensitivity.
Digital / Cyber	Moderate	Surveillance, content sensitivity and some restrictions.

Essential Precautions

1Guard against petty crime and scams, including pickpocketing and scams in Tashkent and busy areas.

2Be aware of the state environment, avoiding political activity and sensitive photography.

3Exercise caution near the borders, including the Afghanistan border in the far south and the Fergana Valley.

4Carry documentation and registration, as identity checks and accommodation registration apply.

5Manage extreme summer heat, staying hydrated and limiting midday exposure.

6Take care on the roads, and use reputable transport.

7Prepare for remote Silk Road and desert routes, with limited services.

8Hold appropriate medical and evacuation cover, given limited care outside main cities.

Security Situation

Low

Uzbekistan is a generally safe and stable country for travellers, orderly and increasingly tourism-friendly, with uncommon violent crime against tourists. The everyday risks are petty crime and scams, the state environment and border sensitivity rather than security threats.

Tashkent and the East

Low

Tashkent and the east are the capital and gateway, safe and orderly with petty crime the main concern.

Samarkand and Bukhara (the Centre)

Low

Samarkand and Bukhara in the centre are the Silk Road tourism heartland, safe and welcoming.

The Fergana Valley

Moderate

The Fergana Valley in the east is more conservative and densely populated, with border sensitivity.

The Borders and Karakalpakstan

Moderate

The borders, including the Afghanistan frontier, and Karakalpakstan near the former Aral Sea warrant awareness.

Detailed Risk Assessment

Armed Conflict

Low

Uzbekistan is not in armed conflict. The main external sensitivity is the border with Afghanistan, which the state manages closely, rather than any internal conflict.

Terrorism

Low

The terrorism threat to travellers is low, with regional concerns focused on the Afghanistan border and Central Asian networks, and strong state security. Standard vigilance is sufficient.

Kidnapping and Crime

Low

Kidnapping of travellers is very rare. The main issue is petty crime, including pickpocketing and scams, with some risk of official shakedowns, and low violent crime against tourists.

Internal Travel

Moderate

Road safety, remote Silk Road and desert routes, and border sensitivity are the main travel concerns. High-speed rail connects the main cities well, and domestic flights serve the regions, with border crossings requiring care.

Health and Disease

Moderate

Reasonable healthcare is available in Tashkent, but care is limited elsewhere and below Western standards, and extreme summer heat is a hazard. Serious cases may require evacuation, and travellers should hold appropriate cover.

Cultural and Religious Sensitivities

Moderate

Uzbekistan is a majority-Muslim, culturally traditional society that is nonetheless secular in governance and welcoming to visitors. Modest dress at religious sites, sensitivity around politics and religion, and respect for local customs and Ramadan are advisable.

LGBT Travellers

High

Same-sex activity between men was criminalised until recent legal reform, and social attitudes remain strongly conservative with limited protection. LGBT travellers should exercise discretion, including over digital content.

Diplomatic and Government Situation

Moderate

Uzbekistan is a tightly governed state that has been reforming and opening under President Mirziyoyev, with improving but still restricted political space, and a heavy state presence. Consular support is available in Tashkent, though some countries cover it from the region.

Digital and Cyber Threats

Moderate

The authorities monitor communications and restrict some content, though the environment has been liberalising, and scams occur. Travellers should avoid sensitive posts and guard financial data.

Vaccinations & Health Hazards

Strongly Recommended

Hepatitis A and Typhoid
Recommended due to contaminated food and water.
Hepatitis B and Tetanus
Recommended for many travellers.
Rabies
Consider for rural or long stays.
Routine vaccines
Ensure the standard UK schedule is complete.

Other Health Hazards

Extreme heat: Summer heat is severe; hydrate and limit midday exposure.
Food and water hygiene: Practise strict hygiene outside reputable venues.
Remote care: Care is limited outside Tashkent; hold evacuation cover.
Environmental issues: The Aral Sea region has environmental and health concerns.

Choosing the Right Insurance

Cover for Uzbekistan is available on a specialist basis. Tashkent and the Silk Road cities are manageable with standard precautions, and cover should include medical care and evacuation given limited care outside the main cities.

Get a Quote Gulf Transit Cover Speak to an Advisor

Annex A - Key Risk Dynamics

Checkpoints and Detention Triggers

Checkpoints operate, more so near borders; cooperate calmly. Accommodation registration is required; keep receipts. Carry ID, registration and a clear travel purpose. Do not photograph military, security or government sites, including some metro areas.

Kidnapping and Detention Dynamics

Kidnapping of travellers is very rare. Pickpocketing and scams are the main issues. Some official shakedowns occur. The Afghanistan border warrants caution.

High-Risk Travellers

Border travellers face sensitivity, especially near Afghanistan. Remote-route travellers face limited services. Those posting sensitive content face monitoring. Summer travellers face extreme heat.

Annex B - Key Preparation & Checklists

Essential Preparation and Medical

Uzbekistan is low risk; standard precautions suffice. Keep accommodation-registration receipts. Hold medical and evacuation cover. Prepare for extreme summer heat.

Digital Security and Checkpoints

Avoid sensitive political posts. Guard against scams and card issues. Connectivity is good in cities. Limit public location sharing.

Movement and Operational Security

Use high-speed rail between main cities. Take care near the Afghanistan and Fergana borders. Use reputable transport. Prepare for remote Silk Road routes.

Conduct and Legal Compliance

Dress modestly at religious sites and respect customs. Avoid political activity and sensitive topics. Never photograph security or government sites.

This report is provided for information only and does not constitute travel or security advice. Ratings are indicative and subject to change without notice. Confirm current conditions with Hotspot Cover before any deployment.