+ 4 h / + 3 h during our daylight saving time

Taškent (Tashkent)

Uzbek

• 220 volts
• Travel adapter required for plug types C and F

Banks

9.00 am - 6.00 pm (Mon - Fri)
Lunch break from 1.00 pm to 2.00 pm

Shops

8.00 am - 9.00 pm (Mon - Sun)

• 1 January: New Year’s Day
• 14 January: Defenders of the Motherland Day
• 8 March: International Women’s Day
• 21 March: Navruz (Spring and New Year Festival)
• 9 May: Day of Remembrance and Honour (commemoration day)
• Eid al-Fitr:   Date varies – Marks the end of Ramadan
• Eid al-Adha:  Date varies – The Festival of Sacrifice
• 1 September: Independence Day
• 1 October: Teachers’ Day
• 8 December: Constitution Day

The following documents are required to enter Uzbekistan:

• A Swiss passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the date of arrival
• No visa is required for stays of up to 30 days.
• Travellers must present a return ticket and proof of sufficient financial means.
• Travellers are required to register with the UVViOG authority within three days of arrival. When booking a package tour, the hotel usually takes care of this formality. On round trips involving stays of more than three days in different places, a new registration must be completed at each new location.

• Minors: A travel authorisation is recommended for minors travelling alone, with only one parent or without their parents.

As of: November 2024

Despite its relatively compact size, Uzbekistan has several different climate zones due to its geographical diversity:

• Tashkent and the Fergana Valley: temperate climate with average summer temperatures around 30°C and mild winters around 0°C.
• Kyzylkum Desert: extreme desert climate with summer temperatures above 40°C and winter temperatures that can often fall below -5°C.
• Samarkand and Bukhara: similar to the desert climate, with summer temperatures regularly reaching 35°C and winter temperatures falling to around -5°C.
• Mountain regions (Tian Shan and Pamir): summers are short and cool, with average temperatures around 15°C, while winters are long and very cold, with temperatures that can fall as low as -20°C.

Best time to travel to Uzbekistan: 

• City sightseeing: Spring (April to June): ideal temperatures for visiting historic cities such as Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva. Autumn (September to October): pleasant weather for sightseeing and exploring, without the extreme heat of summer.

• Hiking and nature: Spring and early summer (April to June): ideal conditions for hiking in the mountains, as nature is in full bloom at this time. Autumn (September to October): an ideal time for hiking through colourful landscapes in pleasant temperatures.

• Winter sports: Winter (December to February): good conditions for winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding, particularly in the higher mountain regions, which are snow-covered at this time of year.

• Using a mobile phone in Uzbekistan may incur roaming charges. Travellers are advised to check the applicable roaming fees before departure and, where necessary, purchase a suitable roaming package to reduce costs.
• Free Wi-Fi is available in restaurants, cafés, hotels and many public spaces.
• To reduce roaming charges, it is advisable to purchase a prepaid SIM card in Uzbekistan, offering affordable mobile internet and local calls.

• Registan Square, Samarkand - An impressive ensemble of three madrasahs (Islamic schools), considered one of the finest examples of Islamic architecture.

• Itchan-Kala, Khiva - The inner city (Itchan-Kala) features well-preserved mosques, madrasahs and residential buildings that offer a vivid impression of historic Khiva.

• Old Town of Bukhara - This UNESCO World Heritage Site includes numerous mosques, madrasahs and the famous Kalon Minaret.

• Shah-i-Zinda, Samarkand - An impressive complex of mausoleums and other religious buildings, renowned for its spectacular tilework.

• Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, Samarkand - The burial place of Timur (Tamerlane), one of Central Asia’s most powerful conquerors.

• Ark Fortress, Bukhara - A massive fortress that historically served as the citadel of Bukhara.

• Kalyan Minaret, Bukhara - Also known as the “Tower of Death”, it is a striking example of Islamic architecture.

• Ulugh Beg Observatory, Samarkand - A historic observatory built by Ulugh Beg, an astronomer and mathematician as well as a grandson of Timur.

• Lyabi-Hauz Ensemble, Bukhara - A picturesque square surrounded by historic buildings and a large pool, and a popular meeting place in the city.

• Aydarkul Lake - A large artificial lake in the Kyzylkum Desert, popular with anglers and nature lovers.

• Nurota Mountains - This picturesque mountain region is known for its spectacular landscapes and rich wildlife, including the rare Severtzov sheep.

• Mohammed Amin Khan Madrasah, Khiva - The largest madrasah in Khiva, now used as a hotel.

• Khudayar Khan Palace, Kokand - A magnificent palace that once served as the centre of the Kokand Khanate.

Uzbek cuisine is characterised by rich flavours and a wide variety of traditional dishes that reflect deep cultural roots and influences from neighbouring Central Asian countries. Uzbek food is known for its hearty and aromatic dishes, which are often enjoyed in a convivial setting.

• Rice and spices: pilaf (or plov) is at the heart of Uzbek cuisine and is also the national dish. It consists of rice prepared with carrots, onions, meat (usually lamb or beef) and a rich selection of spices such as cumin and coriander.
• Soups and stews: shurpa and lagman are popular soups rich in vegetables and meat and are often flavoured with fresh herbs.
• Meat dishes: shashlik, grilled meat skewers, are widely found throughout Uzbekistan. They are prepared with different types of meat such as lamb, beef or chicken and are often served with fresh flatbread.
• Dumplings: manty, steamed dumplings filled with meat and onions, are another staple of Uzbek meals. They are traditionally handmade and steamed.
• Sweet dishes: popular sweet specialities include sumalak, a thick sweet dish made from sprouted wheat and traditionally prepared during the Navruz festival in spring.
• Markets: Uzbekistan’s bazaars, such as the famous Chorsu Bazaar in Tashkent, are lively places where visitors can discover the ingredients of Uzbek cuisine and buy fresh seasonal produce.

• Greetings: In Uzbekistan, it is customary to shake hands when greeting someone, accompanied by a friendly smile. Among close acquaintances or friends, hugs are also common.
• Saying please and thank you: Polite expressions such as “please” (“iltimos”) and “thank you” (“rahmat”) are important in Uzbek culture and should be used whenever appropriate. 
• Clothing: Normal casual clothing is acceptable in urban areas. At religious sites, shoulders and knees should be covered, particularly for women. 

• Dining etiquette: During meals, it is common to eat together from a large shared dish, especially when enjoying traditional dishes such as pilaf. Refusing food may be considered impolite, so it is courteous to try at least a little of everything.

• Smoking: Smoking is prohibited in public buildings, on public transport and near children. It is often permitted in restaurants and bars, but it is always polite to ask first.
• Tipping: Tipping is not traditionally common in Uzbekistan, but it is becoming increasingly expected in the growing tourism sector. In restaurants, a tip of around 5-10% of the bill is appropriate if the service was good.

• It is advisable to avoid tap water and drink bottled or filtered water instead in order to reduce health risks.

• No mandatory vaccinations are required for entry into Uzbekistan.
• Make sure that you and your children are up to date with the standard vaccinations recommended in the Swiss vaccination schedule of the Federal Office of Public Health. Vaccination against hepatitis A is recommended and, for longer stays or particular exposure, also against hepatitis B, typhoid and rabies.

• Medical care in Uzbekistan is steadily improving but remains below Western standards. Even in major cities such as Tashkent and Samarkand, medical facilities often do not meet modern standards. Both public and private clinics are available, with private facilities generally better equipped and more likely to have English-speaking staff. In many rural parts of the country, access to medical care is very limited, and emergency services are often neither sufficiently reliable nor fast.

• It is strongly recommended to take out comprehensive travel health insurance before travelling, including cover for emergency repatriation.

• It is advisable to bring all necessary medication in sufficient quantities, as it may not be available everywhere. Medicines must be listed precisely on the customs declaration. Undeclared medication may be regarded as drugs in Uzbekistan and can lead to laboratory testing, delays and substantial penalties.

• Keep informed about the current situation through the media before and during your trip and stay in contact with your tour operator.
• In recent years, Uzbekistan has undergone a period of political and social reforms that has made the country more stable and more open to tourists. Travellers should nevertheless avoid political demonstrations and large gatherings, as these can escalate unpredictably.
• Petty crime such as pickpocketing and fraud can occur, particularly in tourist areas and on public transport. Travellers are advised to keep personal belongings secure and remain vigilant.
• Throughout Uzbekistan, particularly in border areas with Afghanistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, there is a low-level threat from Islamist extremist groups. However, this threat is not specifically directed at tourists.

• Further information on the current security situation can be found on the website of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA).

As of: November 2024

• A Swiss driving licence is recognised in Uzbekistan only if accompanied by a certified Russian translation. Otherwise, an international driving permit is required, although it is only valid when carried together with your national driving licence.
• The minimum age for hiring a car ranges from 18 to 21 years, depending on the rental company.
• Petrol stations are relatively sparse in Uzbekistan, and fuel supplies can be difficult outside Tashkent. 80- and 91-octane petrol is not always available, while 95-octane petrol is very rare. Fuel quality can cause technical problems such as clogged fuel filters. Diesel is generally available, but supplies outside the capital are not always reliable.
• Blood alcohol limit: 0.0 ‰.

• Trains: Train travel is becoming increasingly popular in Uzbekistan, particularly since the introduction of the “Afrosiyob” high-speed train, which connects major cities such as Samarkand and Bukhara with Tashkent.
• Buses and marshrutkas: Buses and marshrutkas are the main forms of transport in Uzbekistan and serve both urban and rural areas. Comfort levels vary between vehicles, but they offer an affordable way to travel around the country. Tickets can be purchased directly from the driver.
• Tashkent Metro: The Tashkent Metro is not only an efficient form of transport but is also known for its artistically designed stations. It connects important parts of the city and offers a fast alternative to road transport.
• Boats: Although Uzbekistan is a landlocked country, boat services operate on large lakes such as Aydarkul Lake. They are particularly popular with tourists and offer an enjoyable way to experience Uzbekistan’s natural scenery.
• Taxis: Taxis are widely available in all major cities in Uzbekistan and offer a convenient, though more expensive, way to get around.

• Tashkent International Airport (TAS) – Uzbekistan’s largest airport and the main hub for international and domestic flights, with connections to numerous international destinations.
• Samarkand International Airport (SKD) – Serves the historically important Samarkand region, is particularly popular with tourists and offers both domestic and international flights.
• Bukhara International Airport (BHK) – A smaller but increasingly important airport in the culturally rich city of Bukhara, offering domestic flights and some international connections.
• Navoi International Airport (NVI) – Primarily used for freight and logistics, but also offers passenger flights and serves as an important hub for business travel in central Uzbekistan.

There are no direct flights from Switzerland to Uzbekistan, but connections with stopovers are available.  The leading airline is Uzbekistan Airways, complemented by other international carriers such as Turkish Airlines and Aeroflot.

8 (wait for the tone) 10 41 (omit the zero from the Swiss area code)

• Police: 102
• Ambulance: 103
• Fire brigade: 101

Shota Rustaveli, Impass1, House 4,
100070 Tashkent 
Tel.: +998 78 120 54 54
Email: tashkent@eda.admin.ch

• Photographing military installations and public buildings (airports, bridges, etc.) is prohibited.
• The possession, consumption, import, export and trafficking of drugs are illegal and punishable by law.
• Land borders are not always open, and conditions vary depending on the crossing point. Outside tourist areas, some zones may be closed to foreigners or accessible only with special permission.
• Keep your passport readily available at all times so that you can identify yourself during the frequent police checks.