Uzbekistan

Översikt

Uzbekistan’s closed and authoritarian political system results in an internal security environment that appears stable, but that can sporadically erupt as suppressed tensions boil over, as in 2005 when security forces shot dead a large number of protesters and Islamist militants in Andijon. In recent years insurgent and terrorist activity has been limited, not least by the country’s severe isolation. The authoritarian political system continues to pose a latent risk of provoking civil unrest or a wider crisis, but key challenges to operators centre on issues related to government impunity such as corruption, expropriation or human rights abuses. Violent crime against foreign nationals is rare. The death of long-time president, Islam Karimov in September 2016 raised a number of questions about the power transition in the country that only had one leader since the collapse of Soviet Union.

Hälsa, sjukdomar och vaccination

Travellers are advised to consult a travel health specialist to obtain the latest information with regards to what vaccinations are recommended about 4-8 weeks prior to departing for Uzbekistan where possible. If this is not possible then you should seek medical advice as early as possible in the preparations for your trip.

There are notable health hazards in Uzbekistan and you should ensure that your vaccinations are up to date for Tetanus-Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Polio, Hepatitis B and MMR. Rabies vaccination may be suitable to those at risk of exposure to animals. Note in Uzbekistan it is bats that pose the highest risk of rabies transmission.

Malaria is present in the country, but primarily in the more rural settings. Travellers visiting Surxondaryo and Qashqadaryo Provinces in the south-central area of the country should mitigate the malaria hazard with an anti-malarial programme. The districts of Uzunskiy, Sariassiskiy and Shurchinskiy are of particular concern. However, outside of these two provinces, malaria is not considered a hazard.

The health issue of most relevance to prepared travellers is likely to be diarrhoea, which can impact travel if sub-standard hygiene and precautionary measures are not in place. You should treat water with suspicion and only consume bottled, boiled or sterilised supplies. You should also ensure that food is purchased from reputable vendors with appropriate hygiene standards.

A unique public health hazard in Uzbekistan is Echinococcus, which affects a number of people, generally those involved in livestock rearing. While it is an area of concern, the majority of expatriate travellers will face a very low risk.

There are also health issues concerning brucellosis, leishmaniasis, tick-borne relapsing fever and HIV.

Public medical facilities throughout Uzbekistan are extremely limited and basic medical supplies are in short supply. Travel insurance is strongly recommended although it may not preclude the need for cash payments to doctors or facilities in some instances.

The most popular option with expatriates travelling to or working in Uzbekistan is the Tashkent International Medical clinic located near the Tashkent International School. All the staff at the facility will speak English.

There are concerns over pharmaceuticals in Uzbekistan as most drugs are imported from around the CIS that raises issues of quality and safety. Additionally there is a strong black market demand for pharmaceuticals that adds a criminal element in addition to the dangers of counterfeit goods. Prescription medications should be brought in clearly-marked containers with their generic names and supporting documentation from your doctor.

Pass

Your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay. No additional period of validity beyond this is required.

Visum

A visa is required for all visitors for entry into Uzbekistan, the only exception being nationals of Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries, including Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia and Ukraine.

Citizens of the EU, Australia, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, United Kingdom and UAE do not need a visa for visits up to 30 days. Citizens of many countries can get e-visas through https://e-visa.gov.uz/main within three working days by email.

Upon entry into Uzbekistan, all travellers present in the country for more than three business days must register with the Office of Entry, Exit and Citizenship (also known as “OVIR”). Hotel guests are registered automatically.

For additional information visit TLCS at http://www.tlcsvisas.com/tlcs/