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 need a visa to enter Uzbekistan, which can be easily obtained online through the official e-Visa portal for stays of up to 30 days. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure date, with one blank page for the visa stamp. Check the latest requirements on the Uzbekistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or with your local Uzbek embassy before traveling.

Health and Vaccinations

While there are no mandatory vaccinations for travel to Uzbekistan, it’s recommended that you are up-to-date on Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio, and Hepatitis A. We advise consulting your physician or travel clinic for guidance on the necessary immunizations and any recommended preventative treatments.

For the latest information on vaccination requirements and recommended health precautions, we strongly recommend consulting your healthcare provider or visiting official travel health websites such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at www.cdc.gov.

Travelling Solo in Uzbekistan

Our small group tours are perfect for solo travellers. 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 Uzbekistan:
The official currency of Uzbekistan is the sum (UZS). 

To avoid unnecessary delays and inconvenience, it's recommended to bring enough sum (UZS) with you upon arrival. You can exchange US dollars at major international banks in the US or at currency exchange offices. While it’s possible to exchange money at the airport in Uzbekistan, doing so can take time away from your trip and may require waiting in lines. While USD is widely accepted, many daily transactions will require sum (UZS), and you may need to wait for availability at local banks or exchange offices. Additionally, exchange offices often charge a commission and may offer less favorable rates compared to 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 Uzbekistan or US as long as it is in paper currency (not coins).

Credit Card Use:
Credit card usage is less common in Uzbekistan compared to Dubai and Turkey, but major hotels, high-end restaurants, and international shops in cities like Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara generally accept Visa and Mastercard. Some stores and more local businesses may not accept credit cards, so it’s advisable to carry cash for everyday transactions.

ATMs:
ATMs in larger cities often accept international credit and debit cards, but access may be more limited in smaller towns or rural areas. Uzbekistan's ATMs may charge higher fees for foreign cards, so be sure to check with your bank for any foreign transaction fees.

Important Note:
The local currency is Uzbek Som (UZS), and it’s a good idea to exchange your currency for som (UZS) upon arrival, especially if you're heading to more rural areas or using small vendors.

United Arab Emirates (Dubai & Abu Dhabi)

Credit Card Use:
Credit cards are widely accepted in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi at hotels, restaurants, shopping malls, and major retail outlets. Visa and Mastercard are the most commonly accepted cards, while American Express and Discover are also accepted at many places. Contactless payments are common, and mobile payment options (like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay) are popular as well. Be sure to contact your credit card company in advance to let them know of your travels so your card is not locked. 

ATMs:
ATMs are plentiful and accept international credit and debit cards for cash withdrawals, though some may charge a fee.

Important Note:
While credit cards are commonly accepted, smaller businesses, local markets, and street vendors might prefer cash. It's always a good idea to carry some local currency (UAE Dirham) for smaller transactions.

Cultural Sensitivity

On our tours, you'll often interact with locals who have unique customs and traditions. We ask that you be respectful and mindful of these cultural differences. Your guides will provide guidance as needed.

While Uzbekistan, especially in cities like Tashkent and Samarkand, has a more relaxed approach to Islam compared to some other regions, it's still a predominantly Muslim country. Dress modestly, especially when visiting mosques and mausoleums in Bukhara, Khiva, and Samarkand. Women should cover their shoulders, and both men and women should wear clothing that covers the knees. T-shirts, vest tops, and skirts are generally acceptable.

Language & Religion

The official language of Uzbekistan is Uzbek, but Farsi (Persian) is widely spoken in Bukhara and Samarkand due to the significant population of ethnic Tajiks. Russian remains an important language for inter-ethnic communication, especially in urban areas, and is spoken by about 14% of the population.

The vast majority of Uzbeks (around 95%) are Muslim, with most following Sunni Islam, though there are smaller communities of Shia Muslims. About 5% of the population adheres to Russian Orthodox Christianity. Uzbekistan has a diverse range of Islamic practices, reflecting its historical and cultural richness.

Food and Drink

Uzbek cuisine is centered around meat and rice, with delicious salads and regional specialties reflecting the country’s Central Asian heritage. Your guide will help you explore the local delicacies.

Alcohol options are limited to vodka, beer, and a local brandy, so if you prefer other spirits like Scotch or Gin, it's best to bring them duty-free. Mixers, like tonic water, can be hard to find. Local wine is available and decent, though typically not served by the glass.

Regarding alcohol consumption, Uzbekistan is a predominantly Muslim country, but alcohol is widely available, particularly in tourist areas, and can be consumed in moderation.

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.

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.