Please note, it is the responsibility of the traveler to ensure they have the correct visas, vaccinations, and meet all other entry requirements before traveling.

Visa and Passport Information for Uzbekistan

U.S. citizens traveling to Uzbekistan need a visa. The easiest way to obtain a visa is through the electronic visa (e-Visa) system, available for stays of up to 30 days. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your planned departure date and should have at least one blank page. For the most up-to-date visa requirements and procedures, check the official Uzbekistan government website or contact your nearest embassy.

VACCINATIONS & ADDITIONAL TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

There are no mandatory vaccination requirements for travelers to Dubai. However, it's recommended to be up-to-date on routine vaccinations (e.g., MMR, Hepatitis A, Tetanus) as advised by your healthcare provider. For the latest health advice and vaccination recommendations, we suggest consulting your healthcare provider or visiting official sources like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at www.cdc.gov.

COVID-19 Testing: Currently, no mandatory COVID-19 testing is required for vaccinated or unvaccinated travelers entering Dubai.

Key Considerations

This tour is designed for individuals in good general health who are open to new experiences and have a sense of adventure. To make the most of the trip, you should be able to comfortably walk across the expansive terrain of Cappadocia and manage tasks like boarding trains with your luggage. If you're active and ready for some physical activity, you'll be well-prepared to enjoy all that the journey has to offer.

Government Travel Advisories

Government travel advisories provide important information about potential risks and safety concerns for citizens traveling abroad. We highly recommend checking the travel advisory from the U.S. Department of State before booking your trip. For U.S. citizens, you can find the latest travel advice and safety recommendations from the U.S. Department of State.

Citizens from other countries should refer to their own government’s travel advisory for relevant information.

The Essence of the Tour: What to Expect

Adventure travel inherently comes with a certain level of unpredictability, and while we make every effort to follow the planned itinerary, changes may occasionally be necessary due to factors like weather, political situations, or religious events. These adjustments can sometimes occur with little or no notice.

For many of our travelers, this spontaneity is one of the most exciting aspects of the journey, often leading to unexpected and memorable experiences as our tour leaders adapt to changing circumstances. However, we understand that this flexibility might not suit everyone. If you prefer a rigid, guaranteed schedule, our tours may not align with your expectations.

Adventure travel is transformative, and once you experience it, the thrill often stays with you. If this is your first adventure tour, or if you have any concerns about how the trip may unfold, we strongly encourage you to reach out to us. We're happy to answer any questions and help you determine if this style of travel is the right fit for you.

Travel Insurance

Emergency medical repatriation coverage is mandatory for all tours. We advise that you purchase comprehensive travel insurance that includes this coverage, as well as any other necessary protections for your trip. Please note that certain geographical areas and activities included in some of our tours may not be fully covered by standard insurance policies. Therefore, we strongly recommend purchasing a policy that provides adequate coverage for all aspects of your journey.

Food and Alcohol in Dubai:

Dubai offers a vibrant culinary scene with a blend of Middle Eastern, Asian, and international flavors. Dubai also has a number of locally-produced beverages, including Karak chai (spiced tea).

As a predominantly Muslim city, alcohol is available in licensed hotels, restaurants, and bars, especially in tourist areas, but it is generally not served in public spaces. Wine, beer, and spirits like whiskey and vodka are commonly found in these establishments. It’s important to note that drinking alcohol in public or being intoxicated in public places can result in fines or legal consequences. Always enjoy responsibly in designated areas.

Culture and Attire in UAE

Both Dubai and Abu Dhabi are modern cities with traditional cultural influences, though Abu Dhabi tends to be slightly more conservative. While the dress code is generally relaxed in tourist areas, it’s important to dress modestly, especially in public spaces, malls, and religious sites.

Women can wear skirts, but it's advisable to choose skirts that cover well past the knee, especially in public places and when visiting mosques or government buildings. Avoid wearing overly short or revealing skirts. When visiting mosques, women are required to cover their arms to the wrists and legs to the ankles. A headscarf is also necessary for women to enter mosques. Disposable headscarves may be available, but it is recommended to bring your own for comfort, photos, and convenience.

In Dubai, the dress code is more liberal, but in Abu Dhabi, it's best to error on the side of modesty, particularly in more conservative or religious areas.

Solo Travel and Single Supplement Policy

Our small group tours are perfect for solo travelers. While the number of solo participants varies, typically more than half of the group will be traveling alone. Enjoy the excitement of exploring new destinations while benefiting from the security and camaraderie of an organized group of like-minded people.

Our standard pricing is based on twin-share rooms, but paying a single supplement is entirely optional. If you prefer not to pay the supplement, we'll try to match you with another traveler of the same gender to share a room.

If you choose to pay for a single supplement, this will cover your room for the entire trip. While most single rooms are similar in size to twin rooms, please note that in some cases they may be a bit smaller.

Currency in the UAE (Dubai and Abu Dhabi)

The official currency of the UAE is the United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED). To avoid any delays or inconvenience upon arrival, it’s recommended to bring some Dirhams with you. You can exchange US dollars at major international banks in the US or at currency exchange offices.

Although US dollars are widely accepted in some tourist areas, hotels, and larger shops in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, most daily transactions will require Dirhams (AED). Currency exchange services are available at banks, exchange offices, and at the airport. However, airport exchange rates are usually less favorable, and you may have to wait in line. For the best rates, it’s recommended to exchange your money at local exchange offices or banks.

Exchanging Back to US Dollars:
If you have any unused sum when your trip is over, you can exchange it back to US dollars at at major international banks in the US or exchange offices in UAE or US as long as it is in paper currency (not coins).