You're dreaming of traveling to Uzbekistan, but you're realizing that an expedition to Central Asia requires careful planning! Indeed, to visit the "Gateway to the East", you need to understand the continental climate, the administrative procedures, as well as the means of transportation and the value of the Uzbek soum... Need some help? Here are 5 things to know to properly prepare your departure to the land of Tamerlane.

1 - Understanding the Climate: When to Travel to Uzbekistan?

Uzbekistan is a country with a continental climate. Temperature variations between seasons can therefore be quite dramatic, particularly between winter and summer (ranging from -60 to +40 degrees depending on the region!). It is recommended to travel in spring (May-June) or autumn (September-October), and to avoid the month of March (due to heavy rainfall).

2 - Planning Your Route: How to Get Around in Uzbekistan?

Train

Four main railway lines allow you to explore Uzbekistan. These train journeys cater to all travelers, offering a variety of routes (overnight trains, tourist journeys, Silk Road circuits, etc.), along with premium and more budget-friendly options.

Bus

Numerous bus lines connect the major cities. Note that there are no ticket booths—you simply pay the driver upon boarding or departure. The cost of a journey? Budget around 1,000 soums (less than 1 €), regardless of the number of stops.

Air

Traveling between two major cities—even distant ones—is quite easy, as the country has numerous domestic flights. Ticket prices are very affordable. If you book this type of flight during peak season, book several days in advance!

3 - Handling Administrative Procedures: What Formalities Do You Need for Traveling to Uzbekistan?   

Verify Your Passport Validity

Your passport must be valid (and remain valid for 3 months after your return date, for French, Belgian and Swiss nationals). Make sure you have at least 3 blank pages (including 2 facing pages).

If you're traveling with children, know that minors must have their own passport. If they do not share your surname, you must be able to prove the relationship or provide an authorization for departure from the territory (Cerfa form no. 15646*01).

Request a Visa or e-Visa

Since October 5, 2018, French citizens no longer need a visa for stays of up to 30 days. For a longer trip, you can apply for a visa through the government website or proceed with the tourist e-visa application on the dedicated site—Official electronic visa portal of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

Check Your Health (Vaccinations and Covid-19)

No vaccinations are mandatory for traveling to Uzbekistan (except yellow fever vaccination if you have recently traveled to an African country). Since June 10, 2022, Covid-19 health restrictions have been lifted. However, measures may be changed without notice, so stay informed about the situation through the Uzbekistan Embassy in France website.

4 - Packing Your Bags: What to Pack for Uzbekistan?   

Appropriate Clothing

Depending on your travel dates, choose seasonal outfits (remember the -60 to +40 degree range...). If you plan to visit religious sites, bring clothing that covers your arms and legs. For trekkers, equip yourself accordingly, as you'll have difficulty finding equipment on site!

A First-Aid Kit

In addition to essentials (mosquito repellent, basic medications, etc.), bring treatments for traveler's diarrhea (an infection that affects many visitors).

5 - Setting Your Budget: How to Pay in Uzbekistan?   

The Soum

Since 2017, tourists must use the Uzbek soum (UZS). To obtain banknotes, you'll need to visit an official exchange counter—at airports, hotels, and certain private banks. Your bills must be in perfect condition (without marks or creases).

Cash

Uzbek notes come in denominations of 500, 1,000, 5,000, 10,000 and 50,000 soums. [As of July 2022] 1 soum = 0.000090 euros. Note that coins no longer exist! All prices are expressed in thousands of soums.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Uzbekistan is much lower than in France. Here are some average price examples to help you set your budget:

• cup of coffee: 1.10 € ;

• 1.5L bottle of water: 0.13 € ;

• local beer: 0.45 € ;

• imported beer: 1.50 €

• tourist restaurant / per person: 8.50 € ;

• double room in a youth hostel: 13.50 € ;

• double room in a 3-4 star hotel: 26 €.

Credit Card

Except in hotels and luxury shops, you won't be able to use your bank card, as merchants don't accept foreign cards. ATMs are also quite rare. Note that duty-free shops don't accept soums, so spend your remaining bills before your departure!