Do you need a visa for Uzbekistan in 2026? +
No. Since February 2018, French and most EU citizens enjoy a 30-day visa-free stay. No online application or arrival paperwork. Just a passport valid 3 months beyond exit date. Free entry stamp at Tashkent, Samarkand or Bukhara airports, or at land borders.
How many days do you need in Uzbekistan? +
Minimum 7 days for Tashkent + Samarkand + Bukhara. 10 days is the ideal Silk Road format adding Khiva (domestic flight or night train from Bukhara). 14 days allows the Fergana Valley and a yurt night at Aydar Lake. 21 days for an Uzbekistan + Kyrgyzstan combo.
When to go to Uzbekistan? +
April-June and September-October are the optimal windows: 20-30 °C, clear skies. July-August: 45 °C in Bukhara and Khiva, burning ground even indoors. December-February: -10 °C at night in the desert, persistent fog on the plain. March and November are acceptable shoulder seasons.
Is Uzbekistan safe in 2026? +
Very safe. Among the lowest crime rates in Central Asia. France Diplomatie classifies Uzbekistan as normal vigilance, except for the Afghan border (Termez province, reinforced caution). Bilingual tourist police in the 3 UNESCO cities. Standard pickpocket vigilance in bazaars.
How to get around Uzbekistan? +
Afrosiyob train (160 km/h) Tashkent-Samarkand-Bukhara: comfortable, €15-25, online booking at railway.uz. Domestic flight Tashkent-Khiva 1h, €60-80, or Sharq night train Bukhara-Khiva. Yandex Go (local Uber) in Tashkent and Samarkand. Private driver advised for the desert (Aydar Lake).
What is the currency in Uzbekistan? +
The Uzbek som (UZS). €1 ≈ 13,500 UZS in May 2026. ATMs in the 3 UNESCO cities, €1-2 fee per withdrawal. Cards accepted only in tourist hotels and restaurants. Bring €200-300 in USD or EUR cash for bazaars and family caravanserais. Wise and Revolut work everywhere.
Can you combine Uzbekistan with a neighbor? +
Yes. Uzbekistan + Kyrgyzstan is the most tested Central Asia combo: bus or shared taxi Tashkent-Bishkek 6h, Dustlik border. Tajikistan (Pamir Highway) is accessible but requires a GBAO permit. Turkmenistan remains very restricted (5-day transit visa). Minimum 3 weeks for an Uzbekistan + Kyrgyzstan combo.
What budget for 14 days in Uzbekistan? +
€1,100 backpacker (Uzbekistan Airways flight €450, guesthouse €25, plov €10/day). €2,200 comfort (3-4 star hotel €55, guide + private transfers). €5,500 premium (restored boutique Bukhara €250/night, private driver, chef restaurants). More expensive than Georgia but 30% cheaper than Iran or Kazakhstan.
