Uzbekistan
About Uzbekistan
| Currency | Uzbekistan som (UZS) |
| Language | Uzbek (official); Recognized regional language is Karakalpak |
| Capital | Tashkent |
The Republic of Uzbekistan is located in central Asia bordering Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Afghanistan and coastline on the Aral Sea. The population is about 29 million people. The government is a presidential republic that is highly authoritarian with very little power outside the executive branch. A president is the chief of state and a prime minister is the head of government.
Uzbekistan was inhabited as far back as the Stone Age. The oldest and second-largest city is Samarkand, which was an important stop on Asian trading routes for more than 2500 years. In 1885, Russia annexed the regions then known as Turkestan. After the Russian Revolution in 1917, the country tried to establish a western-style democracy. However, in 1924, Soviets took over, and in 1925, the country was admitted to the Soviet Union. Uzbekistan gained independence in 1991.
The Uzbek government has begun a program for developing tourism, and Uzbekistan has potential to become a popular destination. Travellers will find ancient cities with interesting architecture, markets and bazaars, as well as UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Ichan Kala, the Historic Centre of Bukhara, the Historic Centre of Shakhrisyabz, and Samarkand Crossroads of Cultures.
Recommended Vaccinations For Uzbekistan
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis B Vaccine
There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Hepatitis A Vaccine
There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
For Some Travellers
Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) Vaccine
BCG vaccine is recommended for those at increased risk from coming in close contact with infected persons or for unvaccinated, children under 16 years of age, who are going to live in Uzbekistan for more than 3 months.
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine
A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for all travellers over 6 months of age.
Rabies Vaccine
Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) and who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.
Typhoid Fever Vaccine
There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities or rural areas, where food and water sources may be contaminated.
Recommended Medications For Uzbekistan
There are no recommendations for Uzbekistan at this time.
Diseases To Be Aware of for Uzbekistan
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis A
There is a risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Uzbekistan through contaminated food or water. Infection can still occur at tourist destinations and resorts.
Hepatitis B
There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Uzbekistan.
For Some Travellers
Hanta Virus
There is a risk of acquiring Hantavirus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.
Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever
There is a risk of acquiring Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever in this country through specific insect, bug or tick bites or by coming in close contact with a person or animal infected with this disease. Travellers involved in activities like hiking, camping, working with animals, and visiting farms and forested areas are at a higher risk. There are no vaccinations (or medications) to prevent Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever.
Measles
There is a risk of Measles in this country, especially in infants aged 6 to 11 months.
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis occurs in Uzbekistan. Travellers to Uzbekistan are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the health care field, or having close prolonged contact with the general population.
Typhoid Fever
Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Uzbekistan, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.
Leishmaniasis
Leishmaniasis occurs in this country.
Rabies
Rabies occurs in the Uzbekistan. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travelers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.
Safety & Security in Uzbekistan
Personal Safety
Most travellers to Uzbekistan have no trouble. However, petty crime, such as pickpocketing, bag snatching, or other theft can occur, and foreigners have been targeted. Always be alert to your personal safety and security. Keep valuables secured and out of sight to avoid being targeted. Safeguard your important documents, such as your passport. Avoid walking alone at night. Thefts have been reported by those travelling in unofficial taxis and on trains. There have been reports of police or imposters harassing foreigners. If there is any question, ask for identification or ask to pay any fines at a police station.
Political Unrest
In any country, avoid public demonstrations or protests since these situations can escalate unexpectedly.
Areas To Avoid
Avoid Andijan and the eastern area of the Ferghana Valley.
Avoid border areas with Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Afghanistan. The security situation in these areas is unstable. There is the risk of armed conflict, border disputes, and unmarked landmine areas. Borders may be closed with short notice.
