Is Uzbekistan Safe? Your 2025 Guide for Travelers and US Citizens

Axel Donovan

June 19, 2025

Uzbekistan, the heart of the Silk Road, is quickly gaining fame as a must-visit destination. But many travelers still wonder: Is Uzbekistan safe? This guide will answer your questions using the latest facts and expert travel advice. Whether you’re planning a family adventure, a solo trip, or you’re a US citizen curious about safety, you’ll find everything you need here—presented simply and clearly.

Uzbekistan - Family adventure

Uzbekistan - Family adventure

Why Uzbekistan Is Considered Safe

Uzbekistan is considered one of the safer destinations in Central Asia, consistently performing well in regional safety rankings due to low violent crime and strong government efforts to protect tourists.

In 2023, Uzbekistan ranked first in the “Safety Perceptions Index” among 121 countries, reflecting its reputation for safety. However, this ranking does not mean Uzbekistan is the number one safest destination globally across all surveys. For accurate travel safety information, travelers should consult multiple international surveys and reports, where Uzbekistan often ranks among countries with relatively high safety scores.

What Makes Uzbekistan Safe?

Low Crime Rates: Violent crime is rare. Petty theft, like pickpocketing, can happen in crowded spots but is less common than in many other countries.
Tourist Police: Major cities such as Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara have dedicated tourist police who help and protect visitors.
Government Initiatives: Since 2016, Uzbekistan has passed dozens of laws to improve safety and the tourist experience.
Welcoming Locals: Uzbek people are known for their hospitality and warmth, making travelers feel at home.

Is Uzbekistan Safe to Travel? What Tourists Should Know

General Safety

Uzbekistan is safe for tourists, including families, solo travelers, and groups. The government places a strong emphasis on protecting visitors, especially in popular cities and tourist hotspots. Many travelers report feeling very safe while visiting Uzbekistan, especially in major cities and tourist areas.

Safety for US Citizens

Is Uzbekistan safe for US citizens? Yes. The US State Department’s Level 1 advisory means Americans can visit Uzbekistan with normal precautions. There are no special warnings or restrictions for US travelers, and the country welcomes visitors from around the world.

US Citizens in Uzbekistan

US Citizens in Uzbekistan

Safety at a Glance: Uzbekistan Overview

Area/Aspect	Safety Level	Notes & Tips
Major Cities	Very Safe	Tourist police, low crime rates
Tourist Sites	Very Safe	Well-patrolled, multilingual officers
Public Transport	Safe (Trains Best)	Trains safest; buses and taxis require caution
Border Areas	Avoid Some Borders	Avoid Afghanistan border, caution near others
Night Travel	Safe in Cities	Use caution in rural or poorly lit areas

Practical Safety Tips for Uzbekistan

While Uzbekistan is safe, a few simple precautions will help make your trip worry-free:

Be Alert in Crowds: Petty theft can happen in busy places like bazaars and public transport. Keep your wallet and phone secure, and use a money belt or anti-theft bag.
Use Licensed Taxis: Order taxis through hotels or apps. Avoid unmarked or shared taxis, and confirm the fare before you ride.
Stick to Bottled Water: Tap water isn’t safe to drink. Always choose bottled or boiled water.
Respect Local Customs: Dress modestly, especially in rural areas and religious sites. Uzbekistan is a conservative country, and respecting traditions will help you avoid unwanted attention.
Carry Local Currency: Credit cards are not widely accepted outside major cities. Bring enough cash for your stay, and only exchange money at official booths.
Avoid Border Areas: Stay away from the 5 km zone near Afghanistan and be cautious near the borders with Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.
Travel Insurance: Always have comprehensive travel insurance covering health, theft, and emergencies.

Transport Safety in Uzbekistan

Transport Type	Safety Level	Recommendations
Train	High	Book in advance, keep valuables secure
Bus	Moderate	Watch for pickpockets, avoid overloads
Taxi	Moderate	Use apps/hotels, avoid unmarked taxis
Car Rental	Moderate	Drive carefully, avoid night travel

Trains: Modern, comfortable, and the safest way to travel between cities.
Buses: Generally safe but can be crowded. Keep your belongings close and avoid overloaded vehicles.
Taxis: Use reputable services or apps, and never share a taxi with strangers.
Driving: Roads are improving but can be rough, especially in the mountains. Avoid driving at night outside cities.

Car Rental in Uzbekistan

Car Rental in Uzbekistan

Laws, Customs, and Local Advice

Carry Your Passport: You must carry your passport at all times. Police may check your ID, especially in cities and at checkpoints.
Photography: Avoid taking photos of government buildings, border checkpoints, and military sites. Always ask before photographing people or religious sites.
Currency: The Uzbek so’m (UZS) is not available outside Uzbekistan. Bring enough cash, especially if you plan to travel outside the main cities.
LGBT+ Travelers: Same-sex relationships are illegal and not recognized. Public affection is frowned upon.
Drugs: Possession is illegal and carries severe penalties.

Common Scams and How to Avoid Them

Fake Police: If approached, ask for ID and suggest going to the police station.
Currency Exchange Scams: Only use official exchange booths. Black market exchanges are illegal and risky.
Taxi Overcharging: Confirm the fare before your trip and use small bills.
Persistent Vendors: Be polite but firm if you’re not interested.

Uzbekistan Safe: Quick Facts

Fact	Details
US State Dept. Advisory Level	Level 1: Normal Precautions
Tourist Police	Present in major cities
Violent Crime	Very rare
Petty Theft	Possible in crowded areas
Terrorism Risk	Low, but always be vigilant in public spaces
Border Areas	Avoid Afghanistan border, caution near others

FAQs: Uzbekistan Safe Travel

Is Uzbekistan safe for solo travelers?

Yes, solo travelers—men and women—report feeling safe, especially in cities and tourist areas. Use standard precautions at night and in less crowded places.

Is Uzbekistan safe for US citizens?

Absolutely. Uzbekistan is safe for US citizens, with the US State Department giving it the lowest risk rating. There are no special warnings for Americans.

Are there any unsafe areas in Uzbekistan?

Avoid the border with Afghanistan and exercise caution near the Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan borders. The rest of the country, especially tourist cities, is safe.

How can I avoid petty crime in Uzbekistan?

Keep valuables secure, use a money belt, and stay alert in crowded places like markets and public transport.

Is public transportation safe in Uzbekistan?

Yes. Trains are very safe and comfortable. Buses are generally safe but can be crowded. Use reputable taxi services for city travel.

Planning Your Trip: Uzbekistan Safe and Simple with GVC

If you’re ready to discover Uzbekistan’s ancient cities, stunning landscapes, and welcoming culture, start by securing your visa. The e-visa process is fast and user-friendly. With GVC, you can apply for your Uzbekistan e-visa online in just a few steps. Wondering about costs? Check the latest e-visa prices to plan your travel budget. Once you’ve submitted your application, you can track your visa status anytime for peace of mind. GVC’s expert support makes travel preparation easy, so you can focus on enjoying your journey. With these steps, you’ll be ready to explore Uzbekistan—one of the world’s safest and most fascinating destinations.

Related Articles: