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Tashkent, the vibrant capital of Uzbekistan, is a city where Soviet-era architecture meets ancient Silk Road history. With its grand metro stations, leafy parks, and bustling bazaars, it's attracting more travelers than ever. But as with any major city, the first question on many visitors' minds is: Is Tashkent safe?
The short answer is yes. Tashkent is widely considered a very safe city for tourists. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about safety in Tashkent, providing practical tips to ensure your visit is as smooth and worry-free as possible.
Tashkent is safe city for tourists
Since 2016, Uzbekistan has made significant strides to boost its tourism industry, implementing dozens of new laws to improve safety and the public perception of law enforcement. These efforts have paid off. Today, Uzbekistan is rated a "Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions" destination by the US Department of State, placing it among the safest countries in the world to visit.
Travelers often report feeling safer in Tashkent than in many European cities. This sense of security is supported by several key factors:
The primary safety concern, as in any large city, is petty crime. Pickpocketing and bag-snatching can occur in crowded places, but with basic awareness, these risks are easily managed.
Safety Tips for Your Tashkent Trip
While Tashkent is safe, following these simple tips will help you navigate the city with confidence.
Getting around Tashkent is easy and generally very safe. Here’s what you need to know about your options.
Transport Method
Safety Level
Key Recommendations
Metro
High
Beautiful and efficient. Be mindful of pickpockets during peak hours.
Taxi / Ride-hailing
Use apps like Yandex or My Taxi for safety and fair pricing.
Walking
High (Day) / Moderate (Night)
Safe during the day. At night, stick to well-lit, populated areas.
While uncommon, a few tourist-focused scams exist. Being aware of them is the best way to stay safe.
Taxi at Uzbekistan
Tashkent is generally safe to explore at night, but it's best to use common sense. Main city streets and popular tourist areas are usually well-lit and populated. However, it is recommended to avoid walking alone in dark, residential, or isolated areas. Taxis are a convenient and safe option for getting around after dark.
The main safety concerns for tourists are minor. They include petty crimes like pickpocketing in crowded markets and on public transport, and scams involving taxis or fake police officers. Violent crime is very rare.
Tashkent is a safe city overall, and there are no "no-go" zones for tourists. However, it is wise to be more cautious on the outskirts of the city or in poorly lit areas, particularly after dark. Sticking to the city center and major tourist attractions is always a good practice.
In case of an emergency, you can contact the local services. Keep these numbers handy:
You can also contact your country's embassy for assistance. Your hotel staff can also be a valuable resource for help.
Now that you know that Tashkent is safe and well-prepared for tourists, you can focus on planning the exciting parts of your trip. The first step for many international visitors is securing a visa. The process has been greatly simplified with the introduction of the e-visa system, and services like GVC make it even more straightforward. You can start your e-visa application through their user-friendly portal, which guides you through each step. To help with your budget, you can easily review the visa fees ahead of time, ensuring there are no surprises. After you've applied, you can stop worrying and instead check on your visa's progress online. Using a reliable service like GVC removes the stress from travel paperwork, letting you look forward to exploring the beautiful, safe, and welcoming capital of Uzbekistan.
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