Planning to visit Uzbekistan in May 2018- Tashkent, Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand. Any suggestions from experienced travelers who have been there? Thanks
Posted by
Camano Island, WA, usa
1526 posts
Paul Theroux has a few books which feature Uzbekistan. I often read his titles because they uber realistic. I had a friend who was at our embassy there and she really didn't feel safe to go out and about. As a guy, it might be OK for you.
Posted by
English but living in Melbourne, Australia
432 posts
I was there with a group some years ago but if I were younger and wanting to go there solo now I would look to the Lonely Planet Thorn Tree forum for advice. You may find a more adventurous crowd there who relish going to out-of-the-way places.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
Have you started a visa application? I understand it takes some time.
Posted by
Denver, CO, USA
1609 posts
i believe there was something in the news last week about a relaxation to the visa rules. Do a search - not sure when the rules were being relaxed.
I had done a short write up to my trip that I took about 4-5 years ago. Do a search above and PM me if you have any questions. I traveled to all the places you mentioned in your post.
Posted by
Denver, CO, USA
1609 posts
Link to the article I saw last week
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/news/2018/02/08/uzbekistan-visa-free-seven-nationalities/
Looks like US folks will still need a visa and the timing of your trip means that the eVisa will not be in effect then.
Note - when i went in 2013, there wasn't any need for an LOI if going as a tourist and I didn't have any issues getting a visa from the embassy in Washington D.C. Tajikistan on the other hand was a lot more problematic.