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Uzbekistan Health Care and Vaccinations
| Title | Special precautions |
|---|---|
| Diphtheria |
Sometimes |
| Hepatitis A |
Yes |
| Malaria |
No |
| Rabies |
Sometimes |
| Tetanus |
Sometimes |
| Typhoid |
Sometimes |
| Yellow Fever |
No |
Healthcare facilities in Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara are adequate, with both public hospitals and private clinics being available. Private clinics generally offer higher standards of care, shorter waiting times and better access to English-speaking staff than public facilities. Outside urban centres, medical services can be more limited, and serious conditions may require transfer to a major city.
Pharmacies are widespread in cities and towns and are usually well stocked with both locally produced and imported medicines. Many common medications are available over the counter, including painkillers and basic antibiotics, though brand names may differ.
Before bringing any medication into Uzbekistan, travellers should check the official list of prohibited and restricted medicines, which is published in Uzbek and Russian. Some medicines that are legally available without a prescription in other countries may be restricted or banned in Uzbekistan. If you are carrying prescription medication, it is advisable to bring a copy of your doctor's prescription and declare the medicines on your customs declaration form on arrival. Certain common medicines, including those containing codeine, can cause difficulties if not properly declared. Failure to comply with the regulations may result in fines or criminal charges, and checks can be particularly strict at land border crossings.
Finally, travellers to Uzbekistan should purchase comprehensive travel health insurance.
Tap water in Uzbekistan is generally not recommended for drinking. While it may be treated in major cities, the quality and reliability of the supply can vary, and visitors are advised to use bottled or properly filtered water for drinking and brushing teeth. Bottled water is widely available in shops, hotels, and restaurants. When it comes to food, dairy products sold in supermarkets and reputable restaurants are usually pasteurised and safe to consume, but caution is advised with unpasteurised milk, street-sold dairy, or food that has been left unrefrigerated. Freshly cooked food served hot is generally safe, while raw or undercooked foods should be avoided if hygiene standards are uncertain.
Other risks for visitors include occasional petty crime such as pickpocketing in crowded areas, markets, and public transport, particularly in larger cities. Travellers should carry identification at all times, as spot checks by police can occur. Earthquakes are a natural risk in Uzbekistan, especially in and around Tashkent, although serious incidents are infrequent. Road safety can be an issue due to variable driving standards and poorly lit roads outside urban areas. Visitors should also be aware of strict regulations regarding photography of government buildings, military sites, and some infrastructure, as well as tight controls on medicines and certain items at border crossings.
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