Uzbekistan

Central Asia's most populous country is, besides Liechtenstein, the only country in the world surrounded entirely by other landlocked states, and is bordered by the '-stans' - Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan. It also borders the Aral Sea, which it shares with Kazakhstan.

Having declared its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, Uzbekistan has sought to increase awareness to its tourism potential, boasting historical, archaeological, architectural and natural treasures. Tourist activities range from outdoor pursuits in the beautiful mountainous regions to exploring its rich century-old history. Oasis towns like Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva were once main points of trade on the Silk Road linking Eastern and Western civilisations and are among the oldest towns in the world with ancient mosques, grandiose madrasas (Islamic clergy academies) and palaces, citadels, minarets, colourful bazaars, highly-adorned mausoleums, and age-old traditions. Uzbekistan's capital, Tashkent, is the main point of entry and exit into and out of the country, and although also formerly part of the Silk Road, it is usually overlooked as a site of interest in favour of the historically richer tourism centres such as Samarkand. The 2,750-year-old World Heritage city was the greatest in Central Asia in its time, and boasts one of the most impressive sights in the region, Registan Square.

In recent years, Uzbekistan has cooled its relations with the West, having closed the US airbase that was used for operations in Afghanistan after 9/11, and favouring closer relations with China, India and Russia following Western calls for investigation into the bloody massacre at Andijon in 2005.

Uzbek hospitality is nevertheless unequivocal, and visitors to the country will be overwhelmed with offers of tea or vodka, and treated to a feast of architectural splendour in this most historically intriguing of the Central Asian republics.

Climate

The continental climate brings long, hot and dry summers and cold winters with snow. The south of the country is generally warmer than the north with July temperatures that can reach in excess of 113°F (45°C) in summer and winter temperatures of 18°F (-8°C) in the north (can reach -13°F/-25°C) and 32°F (0°C) in the south. Spring and autumn are the most pleasant times to travel to Uzbekistan for mild weather, but trekkers are better off in the mountains in summer (July/August).

Money

The official currency is the Sum (UZS), which is divided into 100 tiyins. Foreign currencies (US dollars, Euros) can readily be exchanged at banks, exchange offices, hotels and shops in the cities, but many hotels and transport providers will require payment in hard currency, like US dollars. Credit cards are accepted in major hotels located in the tourist centres. Travellers cheques have limited acceptance.

Passport Visa

Passports of all visitors should be valid for the period of intended stay. All visitors staying longer than three days are required to register with the local police on arrival, which should be entered on their visa; this will be checked on departure from the country. It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry Requirements

• US nationals require a visa and valid passport for entry to Uzbekistan.
• UK nationals require a visa and valid passport for entry to Uzbekistan.
• Canadians require a visa and valid passport for entry to Uzbekistan.
• Australians require a visa and valid passport for entry to Uzbekistan.
• South Africans require a visa and valid passport for entry to Uzbekistan.
• Irish nationals require a visa and valid passport for entry to Uzbekistan.
• New Zealand nationals require a visa and valid passport for entry to Uzbekistan.

Health

No vaccinations are required by visitors to Uzbekistan. However, outbreaks of Hepatitis A, meningitis and diphtheria occur, and there is a risk of malaria in the south. Visitors should only drink bottled water. Hospitals offer adequate basic medical care, but serious cases will usually be treated outside of the country. Visitors should ensure that they have comprehensive medical insurance.

Embassy Consulates

• Uzbekistan Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 887 5300.
• Uzbekistan Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7229 7679.

Foreign Embassies

• United States Embassy, Tashkent: +998 (71) 120 5450.
• British Embassy, Tashkent: +998 (71) 120 7852.
• Canadian Consulate, Tashkent: +998 (71) 115 2205.
• Australian Embassy, Moscow, Russia (also responsible for Uzbekistan): +7 (495) 956 6070.
• South African Honorary Consulate, Tashkent: +998 (71) 137 0170/71.
• Irish Embassy, Moscow, Russia (also responsible for Uzbekistan): +7 (495) 937 5911.
• New Zealand Embassy, Moscow, Russia (also responsible for Uzbekistan): +7 (495) 956 3579.