Uzbekistan Travel Guide 2026 — All of Uzbekistan, in One Place

Start here: how many days do you need?

Seven days covers Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara comfortably. Ten days adds Khiva without rushing. Two weeks lets you add Nukus and the Aral Sea. Our itinerary guides break each option down day by day with costs.

The four Silk Road cities

• Tashkent — the capital: Soviet metro, Chorsu Bazaar, Hazrati Imam and the new Center of Islamic Civilization
• Samarkand — Registan Square, Shah-i-Zinda and Gur-e-Amir
• Bukhara — the Ark fortress, Kalyan Minaret and the trading domes
• Khiva — Ichan Kala, a walled desert city you can walk end to end

Do you need a visa for Uzbekistan?

Citizens of more than 90 countries — including the United States since 1 January 2026, the EU, UK, Japan, South Korea and the GCC states — can enter visa-free for 30 days. Everyone else can apply online for an e-Visa at e-visa.gov.uz for about USD 20.

Getting around

Afrosiyob high-speed trains link Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara; the Jaloliddin Manguberdi bullet train reaches Khiva directly since May 2026. In cities, use Yandex Go or Uklon — a ride across Tashkent costs roughly 25,000-40,000 UZS.

Money, SIM cards and connectivity

The currency is the Uzbek sum. Cards work in hotels and city restaurants; bazaars are cash only. Tourist e-SIMs and local SIMs (Beeline, Uzmobile, Mobiuz) both give solid 4G/5G in all major cities.

Is Uzbekistan safe?

Yes — it is one of the safest countries in Central Asia, including for solo female travellers. Violent crime against tourists is very rare; normal precautions in crowded bazaars and metro stations are enough.

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