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Official name: Republic of Uzbekistan
Capital city: Tashkent
Languages spoken: Uzbek, Russian
Population: Around 36 million
Currency: Uzbekistani som (UZS)
Time zone: GMT+5
Driving side: Right
Climate: Hot, dry summers and chilly winters, with spring and autumn the most pleasant times to visit
Uzbekistan is the heart of Central Asia’s Silk Road history, filled with dazzling mosques, madrasas, and bazaars. Cities like Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva boast stunning Islamic architecture and ancient trading posts, while Tashkent mixes Soviet relics with modern development. Increasingly open to tourism, Uzbekistan offers both cultural depth and warm hospitality.
Uzbekistan is a double landlocked country, bordered by Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, and Turkmenistan. Much of the landscape is desert and steppe, with fertile river valleys and oases where most of the population lives. The Tien Shan mountains rise in the east, while the Aral Sea in the northwest has largely dried up, leaving behind a stark desert.
Tashkent International Airport (TAS) is the main entry point, with growing connections to Europe and Asia. High-speed trains link Tashkent with Samarkand and Bukhara, making travel between major cities comfortable. Highlights include Registan Square in Samarkand, the old city of Bukhara, and the desert citadel of Khiva. Adventure travellers may also head east for trekking in the Tien Shan.
UK nationals can enter Uzbekistan visa-free for up to 30 days. Longer stays require a visa, which can be arranged online or through consulates. The British Embassy is located in Tashkent and can provide assistance to travellers if needed.
The local currency is the Uzbekistani som (UZS). Cash is still king, especially in bazaars and smaller towns, though card payments are becoming more common in hotels and restaurants. ATMs are available in major cities but can run out of cash, so carrying some US dollars as backup is recommended.
Medical care is limited outside Tashkent, and even in the capital, facilities may not meet Western standards. Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly advised. Tap water is not safe to drink — bottled or filtered water is best. Summer heat can be intense, so dehydration is a risk when exploring desert and steppe regions.
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