Safety in Uzbekistan: What to Be Aware Of

Uzbekistan, formerly one of the republics of the Soviet Union, is a country located in Central Asia. It still lacks a strong image as a tourist destination, so its exact location, its people, and their lifestyles remain shrouded in mystery for many. Here, we provide essential safety information that you should read before traveling to Uzbekistan, highlighting the precautions you should take.

1. Beware of Pickpockets in the Bazaars

Bazaars are one of the highlights of visiting Uzbekistan. They are ideal for browsing through a wide array of food items and miscellaneous goods, making them perfect for souvenir shopping. However, these bustling markets are also notorious for petty crimes—especially pickpocketing and bag snatching are frequently reported.

Even though Uzbekistan is generally safe, exercise extreme caution when visiting bazaars. Never keep your valuables in easily accessible pockets; instead, secure them in your bag with fastened zippers or buttons. It is also advisable to carry your bag in front of you to deter any potential thieves from approaching from behind.

2. Follow the Instructions of the Police

You’ll notice many police officers on the streets of Uzbekistan, which contributes to the overall safety of urban areas. However, some corrupt officers might try to involve tourists in trouble. In Uzbekistan, tourists are required to carry their passports at all times, and you may be frequently asked to present your passport or have your belongings inspected.

In addition, police might check the name of your hotel, the images saved on your phone, or the total amount of cash you’re carrying—and in some cases, they may even demand bribes. If the situation becomes too severe, you can contact your embassy, but for the sake of maintaining order, it’s best to comply with their requests.

3. Respect Islamic Customs

The majority of Uzbekistan’s population practices Islam. While beautiful mosques, some of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites, are key tourist attractions, it’s important to remember that these are also sacred places of worship. No matter how safe Uzbekistan is, failing to respect Islamic customs can lead to significant trouble.

Women should avoid exposing too much skin and cover their hair and body contours with a large shawl. Even for men, wearing shorts is considered disrespectful. While this issue is separate from public safety, strict local norms may result in being reprimanded by locals. Particularly at mosques, any form of exposure is strictly prohibited, and improper attire might even result in denied entry. Please be mindful of these customs.

4. Avoid the Eastern Border Regions

While urban areas in Uzbekistan are relatively safe, the situation changes near the borders. Regions along the eastern border with Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan are heavily mined by the Uzbek government as a countermeasure against terrorist organizations and anti-government forces. Similarly, areas in the southern part near the Afghan border are unstable.

For these reasons, the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued travel advisories or evacuation warnings for these regions. Even if you are touring Uzbekistan, it is strongly advised not to approach these border areas.

5. Stay Alert Regarding the Situation in Afghanistan

Afghanistan, which shares a border with southern Uzbekistan, is still plagued by security instability and poses a high risk of terrorism by Islamic fundamentalist extremists. There is concern that if the situation in Afghanistan deteriorates, the threat of terrorism could extend into Uzbekistan. Always take personal precautions and regularly monitor news and security updates for Uzbekistan and its neighboring countries.

◎Summary

In Uzbekistan, incidents involving tourists are mostly minor crimes such as overcharging in restaurants, pickpocketing, and bag snatching. Although the religious practices differ from other countries and require careful respect, don’t let your vigilance prevent you from enjoying your trip. Just remember the basics: keep a close watch on your valuables, avoid areas known to be unsafe, and refrain from walking around at night. With these precautions in mind, you can enjoy a safe and memorable visit.

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Safety in Uzbekistan: What to Be Aware Of