Is Uzbekistan safe to travel to?

Uzbekistan is widely viewed as a relatively safe place to visit, and the advisory level is Level 1 (“Exercise normal precautions”). Popular destinations such as Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva are well-traveled, though visitors should still watch for common scams and occasional transport or road-safety issues.

What are the main travel risks in Uzbekistan?

The main travel risks in Uzbekistan include tourist scams (overcharging, unofficial guides, or taxi pricing), transport reliability and road safety (variable driving standards and occasional delays), and the chance of localized civil unrest. Petty theft can happen in crowded bazaars and transit areas, so keep phones, wallets, and passports secure.

What is the current travel advisory for Uzbekistan?

The current travel advisory for Uzbekistan is Level 1: Exercise normal precautions. Travelers should follow routine safety practices and monitor official updates while in-country.

What safety tips should I know before visiting Uzbekistan?

Use reputable taxis or ride-hailing where available, agree on fares before getting in, and be cautious of unsolicited “help” near tourist sites and stations. Keep valuables zipped and close in markets, carry copies of key documents, and store local emergency numbers and your hotel address in Uzbek/Russian for easier assistance.

Uzbekistan

Asia

Higher risk than 26% of countries. Main concerns: civil unrest and transport reliability.

Government Advisory

Low

Level 1: Exercise normal precautions

Traveler Practical Risk

Low

Confidence: high. Main drivers: civil unrest, transport reliability, tourist scams.

Risk Profile

Score breakdown across 7 risk dimensions

📢Civil Unrest

Asia avg: 6250

🚌Transport

Asia avg: 5350

🎭Scams

Asia avg: 5550

🌊Natural Disaster

Asia avg: 2624

🏥Health

Asia avg: 2418

⚠️Violent Incident

Asia avg: 3512

🔓Petty Crime

Asia avg: 327

Practical advice

✓Follow standard urban travel precautions and keep local emergency contacts available.

Data Sources & Updates · Synced 5/10/2026

Government Advisory: U.S. Department of State

Advisory published: 1/26/2026 (by U.S. Department of State)

Our last sync: 5/10/2026

Indicators: World Bank Governance & Stability Indicators (2024)

Recent update: Updated 2026-05-10 from refreshed advisory and traveler risk indicators.

Frequently Asked Questions — Uzbekistan

Is Uzbekistan safe to travel to?: Uzbekistan is widely viewed as a relatively safe place to visit, and the advisory level is Level 1 (“Exercise normal precautions”). Popular destinations such as Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva are well-traveled, though visitors should still watch for common scams and occasional transport or road-safety issues.
What are the main travel risks in Uzbekistan?: The main travel risks in Uzbekistan include tourist scams (overcharging, unofficial guides, or taxi pricing), transport reliability and road safety (variable driving standards and occasional delays), and the chance of localized civil unrest. Petty theft can happen in crowded bazaars and transit areas, so keep phones, wallets, and passports secure.
What is the current travel advisory for Uzbekistan?: The current travel advisory for Uzbekistan is Level 1: Exercise normal precautions. Travelers should follow routine safety practices and monitor official updates while in-country.
What safety tips should I know before visiting Uzbekistan?: Use reputable taxis or ride-hailing where available, agree on fares before getting in, and be cautious of unsolicited “help” near tourist sites and stations. Keep valuables zipped and close in markets, carry copies of key documents, and store local emergency numbers and your hotel address in Uzbek/Russian for easier assistance.

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