The Great Silk Road Tour – Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan

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. For example, it covers safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. For UK citizens, check the latest Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advice for Uzbekistan and for Kyrgyzstan.

Your passport should be valid for three months from your date of entry into Uzbekistan. It should also be valid for six months from your date of entry into Kyrgyzstan. British citizen passport holders can enter Uzbekistan visa-free for stays up to 30 days. Similarly, they can enter Kyrgyzstan visa-free for stays up to 60 days. If entering Uzbekistan with medicines, check the list of prohibited medicines and legal import quantities in advance. In addition, carry a doctor's prescription for any prescription medicines.

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the latest country-specific health advice. The National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) publishes this on the TravelHealthPro website. Medical care in Uzbekistan is generally poor, with badly-equipped and unhygienic hospitals. Therefore, avoid all but basic or essential treatment in an emergency. Medical facilities in Kyrgyzstan are also less developed than in the UK. So make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds in both countries. In an emergency, dial 103 for an ambulance.

Both Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan have secular constitutions with predominantly Muslim populations. Therefore, 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 both countries. Otherwise, police can arrest you without ID. Possession of drugs is illegal in both countries, carrying lengthy prison sentences. Homosexuality is illegal in Uzbekistan and frowned upon socially in both countries, so take care over public displays of affection. Finally, 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 also 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. For example, a soft wheely bag may be easier to manage than a suitcase. We also recommend a sunhat, sunscreen, a torch, insect repellent and a water bottle. In addition, we recommend 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. Therefore, US dollars are the most widely accepted foreign currency. Only change money at official exchange booths, because black-market exchange is illegal. Kyrgyzstan's currency, the Kyrgyzstani som, is different and not interchangeable with the Uzbekistan sum. However, shops and restaurants there accept major credit cards.

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