Uzbekistan

1. Services Along the Silk Road
2. Uzbekistan at a Glance
3. History – Briefly stated
4. Chronology of Significant Events
5. Administrative structure
6. State and Public System
7. Flag
8. Emblem
9. Holidays
10. Geography
11. Climate
12. Ecology
13. The Aral Sea
14. Population
15. Language
16. Religion
17. Health
18. Education
19. Culture
20. Crafts
21. Traditions 
22. Clothing
23. Cuisine
24. Economy
25. Transport
26. Air
27. Airport Embarkation Tax
    
28. Customs
29. Currency
30. Shopping
31. Weather Chart
32. Distances
33. Useful Uzbek phrases 
34. Visa regulations

Services Along the Silk Road
Uzbekistan is the most fascinating land, where once roamed migratory tribes known in the early historical periods of human society. Finally, these tribes settled in the vast steppes, developing civilized cities, whose age is reckoned to the Babylonian times. Uzbekistan is known as a land of great invaders and rulers forming confederating states where ruling class employed famous historians, writers and scientists whose work is still acclaimed in the world for contribution in culture, arts and science. Camel trains of Great Silk Road passed through Uzbekistan, the heart of Central Asia giving rise to classical cities like Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva. Here every invader contributed a mark now to be seen in the fabulous monuments, madrassahs, mosques and minarets catching the eye of a modern visitor. Sitara International offers services on the Silk Road, a life time experience with modern comforts in travel. Being specialists in this part of the world we offer a wide choice of tours with personalized services and individual attention.

We use wide variety of hotels as per the wishes of our clients. From the best available, the Hyatt Regency, Hilton & other hotels in Tashkent while providing the best available and traditional hotels in other parts of the country keeping in view international standards of accommodation. We have a network of economy and boutique hotels located in the optimum situation. The modern newly established privately run bed and breakfasts facilities are now popular among visitors. In places with limited accommodation we use only the best available accommodation. Comfort of our guests is our top priority.

The tour escorts/guides are all University graduates (some speaking fluent several languages) and all are competent, well trained and experienced.

Sitara’s 46 years of experience in travel & tourism of the region is well known among its valued clients. The name itself is associated with the best oriented services in field of tourism. We provide a journey into the land of legends, history, culture, scenic grandeur and above all, hospitable people.

Uzbekistan at a Glance
Formal Name: The Republic of Uzbekistan.
Short name: Uzbekistan.
Term for Citizens: Uzbeks.
Capital: Tashkent.
Date of Independence: September 1st, 1991.
Area: 447,400 square kilometers.
Time: GMT+5
Topography: Two-third of the territory is flat; the Tian Shan and Pamir-Alai mountain ranges dominate in the South and East; the biggest rivers are the Syr-Darya (2212 km) and the Amu-Darya (1415 km).
Climate: Continental, hot summer; humidity is low.
Population: 33.2 million people by 2020; growth rate is 1.3% a year; 50.1% of population is urban, 49.4% is rural. About 100 nationalities live in Uzbekistan, 80% of population are Uzbeks.
Language: Uzbek is official language, but Russian is still widely used. English is well understood in the main cities of the country
Religion: 88% Muslim (mostly Sunnis), 9% Eastern Orthodox; all kinds of faiths are also represented.
Education: Compulsory up to sixteen years; there are 60 active higher educational institutions.
Major industries: Textiles, food processing, machine building, metallurgy, natural gas, cotton, vegetables, fruits, grain, livestock.
Major trading partners: Russia, the Ukraine, Europe, South Korea, Turkey, the CIS, the Czech Republic.
Money: Currency is called Sum (UZS).
Ecology: Water is the main environmental problem alongside with shrinking of the Aral Sea.
Health: Health care is generally free of charge; some efficient private practices have been introduced recently.
Culture: Land of ancient and rich culture with lots of historical monuments, traditional handicrafts and enormous variety of food.

History – Briefly stated
Central Asia is an ancient region inhabited by man and one of the oldest centers of human cultures, as attested by numerous excavated relics.
Uzbekistan had been home for many ancient states, such as the Bactria and the Khorezm, Sogdiana and the Parthia. The Great Silk Road passed across this land, stretching from China to the Mediterranean.
Thousands of years ago, fabulous cities with beautiful palaces, colorful bazaars and magnificent gardens had flourished here.
This land of ancient civilizations had witnessed rise and fall of many empires and kings. The Sogdians, the Macedonians, Huns, Seljuks, Mongols, Timurids and the Khanates of Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva and Khorezm all held sway here at one time or another.
The history of Central Asia is that of endless wars and conquests.
In the 6th century BC Cyrus the Great, the founder of the Persian Achaemenid Empire, conquered Central Asia. In 330 BC Alexander the Great destroyed the Persian Empire. In the 6th century AD the Turks ruled the whole of Central Asia. The Arabs followed them in the 7th and 8th centuries. The Arab conquest affected the social structure of the whole of Central Asia converting the local population to Islam.
The rise of Samanids in the 9th century inaugurated a different period for the region. This land saw invasion of the Mongols under Genghis Khan in 1219. Towns and settlements were ravaged, burnt and depopulated. After the Mongols whose impact lasted for a long time much of damage was repaired and cities were rebuilt in 14th century by Tamerlane. He created a huge empire with its capital in Samarkand and brought artisans and men of learning to his court. Palaces, madrasahs, mausoleums and public gardens were erected. The dynasty of Timurids is associated with the development of architecture, science and arts. Soon after Tamerlane's death his empire disintegrated into several fiefdoms and different clans wrestled for power. His grandson Ulugbek, known for his great works in astronomy, soon fell victim to the forces of jealousy. Later Tamerlane's great grandson Zaheruddin Mohammad Babur left his native Ferghana valley headed for Kabul and further, founded the famous Moghul Dynasty in India. The period of struggle for power and consolidation among various Uzbek clans, resulted in the establishment of khanates like Khiva, Bukhara and Kokand. The continuous warfare among them weakened the authority and governing system. The centuries old feudal disintegration and internecine wars led to the annexation of Turkestan (old name of the land used where Turkic speaking tribes lived) to Russia between 1865 and 1876, the Bukhara and Kokand Khanates recognized their vassalage to the Russian Empire. The Bolshevik revolution in Russia also affected Central Asia giving rise to an Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic in 1924. Being one of the fifteen republics of the Soviet Union, it was governed by the Communist Party.
After the collapse of Soviet Union Uzbekistan proclaimed its independence on 31st August 1991 and since then it has been reviving its national statehood.

Administrative structure State and Public System On August 31, 1991 the Supreme Council of the Republic of Uzbekistan declared the independence of the country. September 1, 1991 became the Independence Day. On March 2, 1992 the Republic of Uzbekistan became the member of the United Nations Organization.
The country started to build an open democratic state with a market economy. The Republic of Uzbekistan is a presidential republic. The head of executive power is President, who ensures coordinated operation and interaction between institutions of the government.
The Cabinet of Ministers is the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan. It represents executive power and provides guidance for efficient economic, social and cultural development, as well as for enforcement of the laws of the country, regulatory acts of Oliy Majlis, decrees and resolutions of The President.
The supreme representative body is the Oliy Majlis (Supreme Assembly), which consists of two chambers – the Legislative Chamber (lower house) and Senate (upper house).
The Judicial authority of the country is independent from legislative and executive branches of power, political parties and other public institutions. The Judicial system consists of the Constitutional Court, Supreme Court, Higher Economic Court, as well regional city, inter-district and district courts.
President of the Republic of Uzbekistan elected to a seven year term.

Flag
National Flag of the Republic of Uzbekistan consists of three horizontal stripes: blue, white and green. Along the edges of the white strip, the middle section of the flag, there are two red lines. On the top, left-hand side of the blue section is a half-moon and twelve white five-pointed stars representing the 12 provinces of Uzbekistan. The half-moon signifies Islam. The blue symbolizes sky and water. The white represents peace. The green is for nature. The red stripes represent life.

Emblem
The Emblem of the Republic of Uzbekistan depicts the rising sun over a valley, surrounded by a wreath of wheat earns on the right and branches of cotton on the left. A star, located on the upper portion of the Emblem, symbolizes unity. The half-moon and star inside are referred to Islam. The legendary Semurg bird in the center of the Emblem is a symbol of national renaissance. In the background, on a ribbon in the national colors of the Uzbek flag, is written “Uzbekistan”.

Holidays
January 1- New Year’s Day (according to Gregorian calendar)
March 8 – International Women’s Day
March 21- Navruz (Eastern New Year)
May 9 – Day of remembrance and honors
September 1 – Independence Day
October 1- Day of teachers and instructors
December 8 – Constitution Day

Muslim holidays are Ramazan Khait(Eid) and Kurban Khait(Eid) – the date changes each year to correspond with the Lunar Calendar.
The favorite holiday in Uzbekistan is Navruz (New Day or New Year). Navruz is widely celebrated everywhere in Central Asia as the day of peace and charity. In Uzbekistan it was reintroduced in 1989. Navruz is also a Holiday of traditional games, music & drama festivals and lavish colorful fairs.
Muslim holiday Ramazan Khait – two or three days of celebration at the end of Ramadan (the month of daytime fasting). These are the days of family visits, gifts and donations to the poor.
About 70 days after the end of the month of Ramadan Muslim holiday Kurban Khait (The

Feast of Sacrifice) is celebrated. During these several days locals visit the graves of relatives. Some of them slaughter of an animal and share the meat with the family and the poor.
Day of remembrance and honors is also celebrated on May 9 as a day to honor veterans
and martyrs of the World War II.

Geography
Uzbekistan (which means the Land of Uzbeks) lies in the heart of Central Asia and borders Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan to the North; Tajikistan to the West; Turkmenistan, and Afghanistan to the South. Uzbekistan occupies more than 447,400 Sq. Km. measuring 925 km from the North to South and
1400 km from the West to East.
Uzbekistan is land of mountains and rivers, steppes and deserts. Two-third of the territory is flat. The south and east are dominated by the Tian Shan and Pamir-Alai mountain ranges. Among the biggest rivers are the Syr-Darya (2212 km long), the Amu-Darya (1415 km long) and the Zerafshan (877 km long) rivers. The Amu-Darya separates the Kyzylkum desert from the Karakum desert of Turkmenistan.
There are few lakes in Uzbekistan. The largest one, called the Aral Sea, is located in the southwest.
Nature has also bestowed Uzbekistan with unlimited wealth. About 100 kinds of minerals, fuel and energy resources have been discovered.
The fauna and flora in Uzbekistan are diverse. Some rare species of animals are found here. Soil is fertile, that allows growing more than 6,000 varieties of plants. Abundance of warmth and lights provides conditions suitable for growing subtropical fruit.

Climate
The climate in Uzbekistan is sharply continental. There are more than 250 sunny days a year. Often it’s extremely hot in summer (June to August) – as much as 45-50ТАC (113-122ТАF) in the south of the country.
The hottest summer month is July. The average temperature in this period on plains and foothills is 25-30ТАC (77-86ТАF), and in the south it reaches 31-32ТАC (88-90ТАF).
Humidity is generally low in summer, as it almost never rains in this season.
In autumn (September to November) the weather is brilliantly clear and the temperature drops slowly as winter approaches. In winter (December to February) it is often overcast. Occasionally it rains or snows.
The average temperature in December ranges from -8ТАC (18ТАF) in the north to 10ТАC (50ТАF) in the south. The coldest winter month is January.
The best time for travelling to Uzbekistan is from mid March to mid June and from August to mid November. During this time the temperature is usually agreeable and does not rise higher than +25-30ТАC (77-86ТАF).

Ecology 
Air quality is generally good in Uzbekistan. However vehicles and some local industry cause some pollution problems especially in the larger cities.
Water is the biggest environmental problem. Tashkent as well as other main cities has a good water supply, which is chlorinated. The rural areas experience shortage of purified drinking water.
In Karakalpakstan (the Aral Sea area), there is a major problem of mineralization, salinity, nitrates, and pesticide residues. Nitrates and pesticides in water was the result of intensive cotton farming along the Amu-Darya and Syr-Darya valleys.

The Aral Sea
Aral Sea is one of the world’s great ecological catastrophes, which has been deprived of its river sources because of excessive irrigation in the times of aggressive cotton production policy. That caused the Aral Sea shrinkage to one-third of its original size. An unusual environmental hazard is a “salt storm” when the wind blows across the vast salt flats surrounding the Aral Sea. A bad health situation is observed in the towns adjacent to the Aral Sea (throat cancer, infant mortality, decreased life expectancy, high rate of anemia among women, high rates of premature delivery, tripling of the number of children suffering from nervous and psychological disorders).

Population
The current population of Uzbekistan is more than 33.2 million; the growth rate was 1.4 percent and population density is approximately 61 persons per sq. km.
The population of Uzbekistan involves more than 100 ethnic nations: Uzbeks, Tajiks, Russians, Kazakhs, Tatars, Kyrgyz, Koreans, Germans, Jews and others. 40% of the population is urban and 60% is rural.

Language
The official language is Uzbek (a Turkic group of languages). From the very ancient times local people had their own written languages the Sogdian and the Urhun alphabets up to the 8th century. After the Arab invasion in the 8th century the Arabic alphabet was introduced. It was in use up to 1929. After 1929 there occurred the rapid shift from the Arabic to the Latin alphabet and then to a modified Cyrillic as the official script. Though, nowadays the Latin script is gradually replacing it.
Russian language is still greatly utilized as a means of inter-ethnic communication. However the knowledge of English has become increasingly common.

Religion
Health
There are more than 3000 rural medical posts in Uzbekistan. Public health care generally is free of charge. Recently some private medical practices have been introduced with modern facilities and equipment.

Education
Education is compulsory from the ages of seven to sixteen. Special attention is paid to professional training. In 1997 the National Program of Personnel Training was adopted. This unique program envisaged continuity of education, regular updating and renewal of general educational and professional training.
According to government statistics about 1,160 academic lyceums and professional colleges, over 4,825 schools providing general education have been built and overhauled. The schools have been newly re- furnished and re-equipped. Also new computer and language classed have been opened.
High special education has been radically changed and transition to the European system of granting Bachelors and Masters Degrees has been undertaken.
Nowadays, about 300,000 students study at 65 universities and institutes of the republic by 850 majors and professions.
Some foreign universities such as the International Westminster University, Singapore Institute of Management Development, Moscow State University, Russian Economic Academy have opened their affiliates in Tashkent. Currently another affiliate of a foreign university Polytechnic Institute of Turin has open in Tashkent, which becomes the only foreign Institution in Central Asia to train specialists in the field of engineering and machinery.

Traditions 
A great number of rites and customs accompany the Uzbek family life. Weddings are considered to be the most important event in one’s life. Preparations for this special occasion begin from the birth.
Uzbeks love to gather in big groups and entertain the whole village (kishlak) or mahalla (community in cities) on family occasions.
Mass people’s festivities are widely celebrated. They are followed by various ceremonies, festive bazaars at which musicians, dancers, wrestlers perform.
Uzbeks are very friendly and hospitable people. It is said: “If one does not have delicious food for a guest, one should have sweet words for him”.
Uzbeks are supportive of each other. The ancient custom of Khashar is a unique form of mutual assistance. If a fellow-villager finds himself in difficulty, all the neighbors gather to help him. Mutual assistance reveals itself also while preparing for wedding and circumcision parties, house building, and funeral ceremonies. Uzbeks traditionally have respect for older people.

Clothing
Light-colored cotton garments are the best for summer travel. A hat is a necessary accessory. Heat and dust make thick-soled walking shoes a better choice. In colder weather, bring warm boots and woolen layers. When desert trekking, be ready for nightly temperature drops. If you leave lowland Uzbekistan for the mountains of Kyrgyzstan or Tajikistan, prepare well for intense cold, strong winds and heavy snows.
There are no special clothing requirements for visiting Islamic religious site except that you should take care to cover most parts of your body including arms and legs.
A lavish display of jewelry, bulging handbags and wallets and a neck full of cameras will make you stand out in a crowd. Be discreet, respectful of local culture and traditions and carry the minimum of valuables.

Cuisine
Plov is the staple food for everyday and celebrations too. It consists of chunks of fried mutton or beef with onions, thinly shredded yellow or red carrot and rice cooked in a large iron pot.
Shashlyk, known also as kebabs, is skewered chunks of mutton or beef barbecued over charcoal served with sliced raw onions and non (rounds of unleavened bread).
Samsa (meat pies) is a pastry pie stuffed with meat and onion or pumpkin, potato, cabbage, mushrooms or nuts backed in tandir. Tandir is a traditional cylindrical clay oven, heated with coal or firewood. Skill is needed when placing the raw samsas or non on the inside wall of the oven.
Manty are large dumplings stuffed with finely chopped meat or pumpkin, seasoned with various spices and a large amount of onion, and then steamed in a special pot.
Shurpa is a meat and vegetable soup.
Lagman is a thick noodle soup with thinly sliced fried meat and vegetables.
During summer and autumn there is a wide variety of fruits: grapes, pomegranates, apricots – which are also dried and used during other times of the year – and dwarfing them all, the mountains of honey melons and watermelons.
Green tea is the staple drink of the Uzbeks. Black tea is popular as well, especially
in Tashkent. Chai-khanas (tea-houses) can be found everywhere in Uzbekistan.

Economy
Uzbekistan is a major producer and exporter of cotton, although the importance of this commodity has declined significantly since independence. Uzbekistan is the fourth largest cotton producing country in the world. Uzbekistan is also a major producer of gold with the largest open-pit gold mine in the world and has substantial deposits of copper, strategic minerals, gas, and oil.
At present different forms of economic co-operation with foreign companies are developing. Uzbekistan has joined the IMF, the World Bank, and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

Transport
The various regions of the country are connected by air, rail and road.

Transport communication of the Republic of Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan was well-known since ancient times since the Great Silk Road, bridging East and West. Today this ancient way continues to exist in its newer form with modern means of travel linking the people. A comprehensive communication system based on the continuous improvement on modern lines is in place.
With a view of continuation of civil work the program received in 2011-2015 on development of building of a transport and communicative infrastructure gave the chance to development of production, transport, an engineering infrastructure in regions and as a whole on country. According to this program in 2012 building and renovation about 500 kilometers of four-part motor roads have been finished.
It is known that the Central Asia is considered an integral part of world transport-communicative system. In this region from Uzbekistan the big contribution to update and opening of new international roads is introduced. Strategic directions for forming of complete railway junctions in country have been scheduled. In this direction in 1994-2001 rail road construction of "Navoi-Uchkuduk-Nukus" by extent almost in 700 kilometers has been finished. As a result of it in the first years of a railroad operation in Republic Karakalpakistan and the Khorezm area consumer goods in a considerable quantity began to be delivered.
Tourist destinations of Uzbekistan are linked by air and rail network. Of interest are the new line between Bukhara and Khiva rekindles the once known Trans-Caspian railways system. Khiva has now a modern railways station connected to Kagan near Bukhara. The other newer line of touristic importance is Tashkent – Ferghana valley railway line passing through a very picturesque and exciting railway journey.
With the electrification of railway line system more and more destinations have been improved with faster means of modern transportation by rail.

Air 
The national airline is Uzbekistan Airway. Since the independence the airline has expanded its routes. It currently flies extensively within Uzbekistan to all the major towns and cities on a regular basis. Destinations include Andijan, Bukhara, Ferghana, Karshi, Navoi, Namangan Nukus, Samarkand, Termez, Urgench, Zarafshan etc. All domestic flights originate at Tashkent.
Uzbekistan Airways uses, aircrafts Airbus 310, Boeing 767, Boeing 757
Uzbekistan is also served by international carriers such as Aeroflot Russian Airlines, Asiana Airlines, Azerbaijan Airlines, Korean Air, S7 Airlines, UTair, Turkish Airlines, Turkmen Airlines, Ural Airlines, Air Astana, Fly Dubai, China Southern.

Currency
Uzbekistan currency is Uzbek Som. Currency code: UZS. One Uzbek Sum = 100 tin. Notes are in denominations of Som 100, 200, 500, 1000, 5000, 10000, 50000 and 100000 Soms (UZS). Coins in denominations of 50, 100 and 500 Soms.

Shopping
Handicrafts may be purchased at art workshops in all the cities of Uzbekistan.
Every year a growing number of tourists to Uzbekistan stipulate the demand for manual craft products. Everyone wants to take home not only vivid impressions but also an original souvenir. Shops offer a wide choice of articles made of semi-precious stone; carved and painted wood, bone of horn, embroidered skull-caps, decorative wall-hanging suzane, ceramics, miniatures, varieties of hand-made silk, including khanatlas, etc.
The best place to experience the “Oriental life” is a bazaar. The bazaars of Bukhara and Samarkand offer goods ranging from herbs and spices to carpets. Famous “Bukhara” carpets are actually Turkmen products that have been sold for centuries in Bukhara’s carpet bazaars. Many museums have small retail shops with a variety of modern wares and some original items as well.

Visa regulations
1. A bilateral visa-free regime has been established with Kyrgyzstan (up to 60 days), Tajikistan (up to 30 days), Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Russia and Ukraine.
2. A visa-free regime is introduced for 30 days period for citizens of Andorra Principality, Australian Union, Austrian Republic, Argentine Republic, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brunei Darussalam State, Canada, Czech Republic, Federative Republic of Brazil, Federal Republic of Germany, Finland Republic, French Republic, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Hungary, Greek Republic, Israel, Indonesia, Ireland, Iceland, Italian Republic, Liechtenstein, Montenegro, Principality of Monaco, the Kingdom of Belgium, the Kingdom of Denmark, the Kingdom of Spain, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Kingdom of Norway, the Kingdom of Sweden, the Republic of Latvia, the Republic of Lithuania, Malaysia, Mongolia, New Zealand, Portugal Republic, Republic of Bulgaria, Republic of Cyprus, Republic of Korea, Republic of Malta, Republic of Poland, Republic of San Marino, Republic of Serbia, Singapore, Republic of Slovenia, Republic of Croatia, Republic of Chile, Romania, Slovak Republic, Republic of Turkey, Swiss Confederation, Republic of Estonia, Japan, UAE, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland , Vatican.
The visa-free regime applies to citizens of these countries, holders of all categories of passports (diplomatic, service and civil) planning to visit the Republic of Uzbekistan for up to 30 days, regardless of the purpose of their trip. In order to enter the country, a person must have a valid national passport or another substitute document used for travel to foreign countries.
The visa-free regime does not apply to stateless persons permanently residing in the territories of these countries.
Accordingly, the visa-free regime is valid for 30 days from the date of entry into Uzbekistan. Before the end of the 30-day visa-free stay period, a foreign citizen must leave the Republic of Uzbekistan. Exceeding the 30-day visa-free stay is recognized as violation of the Rules of stay of foreign citizens in the Republic of Uzbekistan.
Accordingly, if it is necessary to stay in Uzbekistan for more than 30 days, a foreign citizen must obtain an entry visa to the Republic of Uzbekistan in accordance with the established procedure, corresponding to the purpose of his trip.
3. Visa-free entry to the Republic of Uzbekistan for foreign citizens up to 16 year old with biometric travel document. In this case they must be accompanied by legal representatives and they can stay in Uzbekistan for the duration of the visa of the accompanying person, but not more than ninety days since the date of entry into the country.
4. A visa-free regime is established with China, Hungary, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan (up to 30 days), India, the Republic of Korea and Vietnam (up to 60 days), Brazil, Latvia, Poland, Romania, Singapore, Slovakia, Estonia, Kuwait and Turkey (up to 90 days). Citizens of these countries (except India) who hold diplomatic passports and are accredited as employees of diplomatic missions or consular offices of their countries located on the territory of Uzbekistan, as well as members of their families have the right to enter and stay without visas for the entire period of work.
5. Introduced the system of issuing electronic entry tourist visas (e-visa.gov.uz) for foreign citizens, which has simplified the procedure of issuing visas (list of countries in Attachment 1);
Starting from March 15, 2019, new system of electronic entry visas with a validity period of 30 days has been introduced:
- double entry, with a consular fee of $ 35;
- multiple entry, with a consular fee of $ 50.
6. Introduced new short-term transit visa-free entry to the Republic of Uzbekistan for a period of five days for a citizens of several countries (list of countries in Attachment 2). In this case the foreigners must come through international airports of Uzbekistan, showing to frontier officer that they have an air ticket of “Uzbekistan Airways” National air company to a third country. This procedure is applying to transiting passengers wishing to explore the sights-seeing of Uzbekistan.
7. Uzbekistan and Japan issue visas without consular fees on the mutual basis.

Visa rules and regulations are subject to change at a short notice. Prior to making reservations prospective visitors are advised to contact the nearest Uzbekistan Consulate for current regulations governing the issuance of tourist visas. For current information on visa procedure and applicable visa fees please visit: mfa.uz