Uzbekistan: Tourist Health And Safety Guide

Cholera, meningitis, hepatitis, typhoid and polio are potential health hazards in Uzbekistan. It is advisable that visitors get themselves immunised against as many of these as possible.

Water should be treated with a healthy dose of scepticism: make sure all the water that you consume has been boiled, whether it is for rinsing your mouth, for drinking or as ice. Bottled mineral water is available in parts of urban Uzbekistan. Milk is usually pasteurised, and is safe. Vegetables and meats should be eaten only well cooked. Peel any fruits that you eat and only eat fruits that you can peel.

The health care sector is starved of funds and the effects are felt in the lack of basics like antibiotics and disposable syringes. Emergency medical care for tourists is free of charge but consultations and prolonged medical treatment must be paid for in cash. In case of an emergency contact either your embassy or the Tashkent International Medical Clinic for assistance. It’s a good idea to get comprehensive medical insurance cover before travelling to Uzbekistan. Travellers must be prepared with a well-stocked medical kit accompanied by a prescription for any scheduled drugs.

Petty street crime has recently escalated in Uzbek cities, with chain snatching, pick pocketing and muggings becoming more and more commonplace. Travellers are advised to exercise caution, to avoid unlit deserted streets in the dark, to hire only registered taxis, to not share a cab with a stranger, to never leave their luggage unattended in a train, to carry copies of their travel documents and to carry their valuables in a discreet waist pouch that stays hidden under a shirt.

Of more serious nature is the threat to tourists from the IMU. The Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan has been involved in violent activities at the Kyrgyz and Tajik borders of Uzbekistan and is known to have taken foreigners hostage from these areas. Police checks and road blockages depend on the intensity of their activities. Travellers are advised to steer clear of troubled and far-flung areas. Inform your embassy or hotel about your itinerary if you’re planning to strike out towards the remote areas.