FAQ
With over two decades of experience in the industry, we've established ourselves as leaders in travel across Central Asia. Along the way, we've answered countless questions—here are the most common ones.
Visa Questions Before Arrival
Everything you need to know about visas and entry requirements before travelling to Uzbekistan.
01 Passports and Visas: what is required?
To enter Uzbekistan, visitors should have a visa (except the 76 countries for which there is a visa-free regime). In order to receive a visa, you should apply for visa support (letter of invitation) from a tour agency that has a license from Uzbektourism.
There are 51 countries with a simplified visa application procedure, meaning that they do not need visa support in order to apply for a visa.
For more information about applying for an Uzbek visa, please visit the DOCA TOURS Uzbekistan Visa Guide .
02 Can I obtain visa on arrival at Tashkent International Airport?
It is possible to obtain a visa at the international arrivals lounge of Tashkent International Airport, if both of the following conditions are met:
There is no Uzbekistan Embassy or Consulate in the country, where you are originating your flight to Uzbekistan. Connecting flight to Uzbekistan, in the country where Uzbekistan Embassy or Consulate exists, does not provide enough time to obtain a visa.
03 What is a letter of invitation (LOI)?
A Letter of Invitation (LOI or Visa Support Letter) is a written document in support of a person seeking a visa to enter a foreign country.
LOI for tourist visas are issued by travel agencies and approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. A tour agency submits a visa application to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Ministry reviews the application, reserving the right to deny any application without providing explanations.
Approved visa support is telexed directly to the Embassy or Consulate in the country where you intend to obtain your visa. However, this cannot guarantee visa issuance at the Embassy.
04 What is a consular fee?
Consular fee – money charged by consulate or embassy to issue a visa.
05 What is a group visa?
Group visa is a visa issued for a group. A group is defined as five or more applicants traveling to the same location for the same purpose.
Here we have collected answers to frequently asked questions about Uzbekistan e-visa, processing time, fees, visa-free entry and other important visa information.
Explore our Uzbekistan Visa GuideBefore You Travel to Uzbekistan
Useful information about weather, clothing, health, medication, customs and other important things to know before your journey to Uzbekistan.
01 What is the weather like in Uzbekistan and what time is the best to travel?
Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) are generally the most pleasant time to travel. The weather at this time is clear, in April you will enjoy colorful yet short spring in deserts. Autumn is harvest time, and the markets are full of fresh fruit.
For those who enjoy hiking, June and August is the best time, because of dry summer.
In winter temperature usually varies between -5 and +5 (all temperatures are in Celsius), snow is usual for Uzbekistan, but there are more sunny than cloudy days. Coats, hats, gloves, sweaters are recommended.
In spring the weather is mild, day temperature fluctuates between +15 and +25, reaching +30 - +35 close to summer. Casual, lightweight clothing for daytime and light jacket, cardigan for the evening are suggested.
If you are planning to visit Uzbekistan in summer, expect +36 - +42. T-shirts and shorts will work the best. It is highly recommended to wear a hat, a cap or to use parasol.
Early autumn is like spring, T-shirts for daytime and light jacket might be need occasionally for evening time. Mid-October and November are rather cool, you will need light jackets during the daytime and raincoat sometimes. From early till late autumn weather temperature decreases from 35 till 15 degrees.
02 Do women have clothing limitations?
Generally, there are no strict limitations on clothing, especially in Tashkent and other major cities, where particularly young people enjoy full liberty with clothing.
You can frequently encounter young ladies wearing traditional Islamic covers, but this is a personal preference rather than a must.
In some provinces, however, such as Ferghana Valley, it would be better to avoid wearing shorts. Same rule is applied when visiting religious places, mosques, mausoleums, etc. Also, ladies should cover their shoulders and chest and preferably wear a hat or a headscarf.
In summer time it would be advisable to follow the above recommendation to protect yourself from the sun. Also, sun protection lotions can be used.
03 Do I need any vaccination?
No, there are no any prerequisites for vaccination for travelers.
04 Is it allowed to import personal medication to Uzbekistan?
Yes, however there is a row of limitations. Some pain relieving, sedative and sleeping drugs are forbidden or their import is limited.
There are medications that can be imported with the prescription; for medications that do not require the prescription limitations on quantity apply.
05 Can we bring drones to Uzbekistan?
Importing, selling, or using unmanned airborne vehicles by private persons has been prohibited in Uzbekistan since January, 2015.
There are exceptions for importing and using unmanned airborne vehicles (such as drones) for creative groups that will be using them to take photos and videos about the touristic potential of the country.
Operators should submit applications to the State Tourism Committee, the Ministry of Culture, and the Uzbek Film Committee, as well as the Ministry of Defense and the State Inspection Service for Pilot Safety about the people who will be operating drones and the places they will be flying.
See the official regulation on usage of drones in Uzbekistan .
06 Can I bring alcoholic beverage to Uzbekistan?
Entering Uzbekistan, you can bring alcoholic beverages up to two liters per person.
Important: For citizens flying from Uzbekistan to the EU, there is a limitation on the number of exported liquids in hand luggage: the volume of containers that contain liquids (alcohol, lotions, perfumes, etc.) should not exceed 100 ml, and the total liquid volume should not be over one liter.
07 Why don't you offer international flights with your tours?
We believe that offering a tour without the flight gives you several advantages. You are able to look around for the best deals on offer, probably saving yourself a lot of money.
Also you have far greater flexibility in deciding which airline you might prefer to book with, where you want to come from, or where you might want to stop off en-route.
As well as these, many people join our tours when they are already in the country, removing the need for a flight altogether.
08 I like your tours but would like to do it a little differently. Do you make tailor-made tours?
If you have a group that is interested in adventure travel, which is associated with the activities or places with which we work, please contact us. We will try to provide you exactly what you're looking for.
We will gladly help you with this issue, as many tours that we made for customers have given us new ideas for tours to run permanently.
09 I'm really interested in one of your packages; I'm just not sure whether I'm fit enough or if it's right for me?
Each of our tours is graded, allowing you to define prior to booking a place whether is suitable for you. You should be fairly confident that you match our criteria for taking part in that particular activity.
10 How much money can I bring into/out of Uzbekistan? Do I have to fill in a customs form at the border?
Thanks to changes in the law, you're now allowed to carry in an unlimited amount of cash without declaring it at the border, and may exit the country without declaration unless you're carrying more than 100 million sum or its equivalent.
This means that most visitors no longer need to bother with the old customs declaration forms upon entry or exit.
After Arrival
Helpful information about daily life, communication, money, food and practical matters during your stay in Uzbekistan.
01 What if something goes wrong during the tour?
We'll be there for you. Our travel consultants team is available 24/7 by phone or email in case you need anything during the tour. You will also have the contact information of a local representative in your destination city who is on call in case anything comes up and can be there to help you.
02 Will I be able to find a Laundromat?
Laundromats are not usual practice in Uzbekistan. Hotels usually offer such services for an extra charge.
03 Is it safe to drink tap water?
Drinking tap water is not recommended, but you can use boiled water. Bottled water can be bought throughout the country.
A more sustainable choice is a reusable metal water bottle. Refilling it with boiled or filtered tap water reduces reliance on single-use plastics. Durable and long-lasting, stainless steel or aluminum bottles keep water cool for hours, helping cut plastic waste and lower your carbon footprint.
04 Can I buy alcohol or tobacco products?
Both alcohol and tobacco products are legal in Uzbekistan and are sold openly. By law, alcohol and tobacco products must usually be paid for by card, although hotels and public catering establishments are allowed to accept cash payments for these products.
Please note that they may only be consumed in appropriate settings. Drinking alcohol is prohibited in streets, parks, squares, stadiums, public transport, workplaces, and other public places, except for venues where alcohol may legally be served, such as licensed restaurants, cafés, bars, and places hosting weddings, anniversaries, and other celebrations.
Smoking, using e-cigarettes, and other nicotine-consumption devices are prohibited in a wide range of public places, including restaurants and cafés, public transport, museums, stations, airports, hotels, parks, beaches, and within five metres of entrances to railway stations, bus stations, airports, and metro stations.
05 What kind of restaurants and cafes can you recommend? And how much does a lunch for two cost?
In Uzbekistan's cities there are many private restaurants to suit every taste. Almost every street has a chaykhana (café) or a bakery. Average lunch costs from $4 and upwards, depending on what you order and where.
We are happy to recommend restaurants based on your destination, preferred cuisine and budget. Our local team can also suggest places that are well suited to international visitors.
Tashkent: Afsona, City Grill, Caravan, Jumanji, L'Opera, Gruzinskiy Dvorik, Navvat, Manas, Khan Chapan and Plov.
Samarkand: Platan, Samarkand, Noviy Arbat, Istiqlol, Sirius, Oriental Sweets and Sogdiana Café.
Bukhara: Doston House, Bella Italia, Zaytoon, Old Bukhara, Saffron and Andara.
Khiva: Khorezm Art Café, Asia Khiva Hotel's restaurant, Zarafshan-opa Café and Terrassa Café.
06 Is there vegetarian food in Uzbekistan?
There are a number of restaurants in Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva that offer vegetarian options on their menus. However, vegetarianism is not widely embraced in Uzbekistan, so in many instances, you may need to request specially prepared meals.
On the bright side, local markets abound with a wide array of fresh fruits and vegetables.
07 Is there coffee in Uzbekistan?
Unlike tea, coffee is not a traditional everyday drink in Uzbekistan. However, coffee is increasingly available in major cities and in many modern cafés and hotels. In smaller towns, the selection may be more limited.
08 Can I pay by credit card?
In many places, it is possible to pay by credit or debit card. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, shops and other businesses in major cities. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments, markets and places outside the main tourist areas.
09 Is it possible to exchange sums to dollars at departure?
Currency exchange offices in Uzbekistan can exchange Uzbek sums into US dollars before your departure, subject to applicable regulations and documentation requirements. However, it is worth considering that exchange offices may not always have the currency you need.
10 At what time do sightseeing tours usually start?
The regular start time is 09:00. Upon your request, a tour can be started earlier or later depending on your itinerary and preferences.
11 Where can I buy a local SIM card?
Local SIM cards can be purchased at Uzbekistan's international airports, official service centers and some shops and trading centers. Tourist SIM cards are also available at international airports.
You can also buy an eSIM in advance to use it across Uzbekistan. If you are visiting Uzbekistan, check the current requirements for mobile phone registration and IMEI rules before your trip, as regulations may change.
12 What mobile operators are working in Uzbekistan?
The following mobile operators are among the main providers in Uzbekistan:
- Ucell
- Beeline Uzbekistan
- Perfectum
- UzMobile
- Mobiuz
13 Can foreign citizens become subscribers of cellular operators in Uzbekistan?
International visitors can subscribe to mobile network providers operating in Uzbekistan. Most major operators offer tariff plans suitable for visitors, and SIM cards can be purchased upon arrival at Tashkent International Airport or at official service centers.
14 Do I need to pay anything when crossing the borders?
There are generally no entry or departure fees when crossing Uzbekistan's international borders. However, additional transport or taxi expenses may apply at some land border crossings, particularly when traveling between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan.
For land-border crossings, it is advisable to carry some clean, undamaged US dollar notes in small denominations, as card payments may not be available.
15 How much should I tip?
Tipping in Uzbekistan is not compulsory, but it is appreciated when you are particularly happy with the service. Tips can be given individually to porters, waiters, drivers and guides, usually at the end of the service or tour.
Restaurants, cafés and bars: some establishments automatically add a 10–15% service charge to the bill. If a service charge is already included, no additional tip is necessary, although it is always appreciated.
Hotels: service charges are generally included, but bellboys may appreciate a small gratuity.
Drivers and guides: tips are entirely at your discretion and are usually given at the end of the tour as an appreciation for good service.
16 Do you provide city maps?
We can provide information and maps for the main destinations in Uzbekistan, including Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva. We also recommend downloading offline maps to your mobile phone before traveling.
Offline maps can be particularly useful when walking around historic city centers or when traveling in areas with limited mobile coverage.
Transportation Questions
Practical information about trains, public transport, taxis and getting around Uzbekistan.
01 Can I get from Bukhara to Khiva by train? Which cities are connected by railways?
Yes. A direct railway connection between Bukhara and Khiva is available, making it possible to travel comfortably between these two historic cities by train.
02 What is the difference between coupe classes in overnight trains?
Uzbekistan's overnight trains generally offer several classes. Lux coupe compartments are designed for 2 passengers, while 1st class coupe compartments accommodate 4 passengers. Platskart is an open-plan sleeping class with less privacy and comfort.
Coupe classes generally provide more privacy, additional amenities and a higher level of service.
03 Can I purchase electronic train tickets? Can I purchase tickets in advance?
Yes, electronic train tickets are available in Uzbekistan. On your travel day, you can present the QR code of your ticket at the train station.
Train tickets are generally released several weeks before departure. The exact booking period can vary depending on the train and destination.
04 What is the cost of public transport and taxis in the cities of Uzbekistan?
In Uzbekistan's cities, visitors can get around by bus or taxi. Tashkent also has a metro system, while Samarkand has trams.
Public transport fares vary from city to city. In the main tourist destinations, a single journey is generally inexpensive. Payment methods include transport cards and, in many places, contactless bank cards such as Visa and Mastercard.
Taxis in Uzbekistan are relatively inexpensive. Short rides generally cost around $2–5, while longer rides across a city may cost up to about $10. Prices vary depending on distance, time of day, demand and vehicle class.
Yandex Go is one of the most convenient options for international travellers and operates in many cities across Uzbekistan. Uklon and MyTaxi are also available in Tashkent.
05 Is there a car rental service in Uzbekistan?
Yes, car rental services are available in Uzbekistan. If you would like to rent a car, we can help you arrange a suitable vehicle and provide information about available options.
