The 5 Stans Tour

Good to Know

Travel Information

Safety, Passport, Visa and Health Information

We strongly recommend that you check your government’s travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. For UK citizens, check the latest advice for Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan.

To enter Turkmenistan, your passport must have an expiry date more than 6 months after the end-date on your visa. Your passport should be valid for three months from your date of entry into Uzbekistan, and six months from your date of entry into Kyrgyzstan. British passport holders can enter Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan visa-free for up to 30-60 days depending on the country; Tajikistan requires an e-visa; Turkmenistan's visa (around $85, plus a roughly $35 PCR test) is obtained at the land border, payable in cash in USD.

If entering any of the 5 Stans with medicines, check in advance the list of prohibited medicines and legal import quantities – some UK non-prescription medicines, including codeine, can cause problems on entry to Uzbekistan without a doctor's prescription.

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the latest country-specific health advice from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) on the TravelHealthPro website. Medical care in Uzbekistan is generally poor, with badly-equipped and unhygienic hospitals – avoid all but basic or essential treatment in an emergency. In an emergency, dial 103 for an ambulance.

Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and the other Stans have secular constitutions with predominantly Muslim populations – respect local traditions, customs and religions at all times, especially during Ramadan or when visiting religious areas. You must carry your passport (or a notarised copy) at all times in Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. Possession of drugs is illegal throughout the region, carrying lengthy prison sentences. Homosexuality is illegal in Uzbekistan and frowned upon socially elsewhere – take care over public displays of affection. Be cautious photographing government buildings, military sites, airports, borders and police stations.

What to Bring

Lightweight clothing that can be layered is advisable, alongside general warm clothing and a light raincoat – laundry is available in most hotels. Lightweight comfortable shoes/trainers and/or walking boots are the ideal footwear.

Please allow yourself one main piece of luggage and a day-sack – you're expected to carry your own baggage, so don't overload yourself; a soft wheely bag may be easier to manage than a suitcase. We also recommend a sunhat, sunscreen, a torch, insect repellent, a water bottle and a solar charger for your phone and other electronics.

While You're There

Uzbekistan's currency is the sum (also som/soum) – credit cards are not widely accepted beyond Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara, so US dollars are the most widely accepted foreign currency; only change money at official exchange booths, as black-market exchange is illegal. Kyrgyzstan's currency, the Kyrgyzstani som, is different and not interchangeable – major credit cards are accepted at shops and restaurants there.

Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan use type C and F plugs on a 220V/50Hz supply. Uzbekistan is on GMT+5, Kyrgyzstan on GMT+6. Internet access in Uzbekistan can be slow and limited outside 4-5 star hotels, while Kyrgyzstan's mobile internet is inexpensive and fast, with wifi widely available in Bishkek.