Getting to Samarkand
The high-speed Afrosiyob train runs from Tashkent in roughly 2 hours 10 minutes, and the international airport is just 6 km from the centre. Plus intercity buses, shared taxis and the border crossing to Tajikistan.
Practical information
Visas and registration
Citizens of many countries can enter Uzbekistan visa-free for up to 30 days, and most others can apply for an e-visa. Hotels register you automatically; if you stay in a private home, you must register within three days.
Visa-free entry
Uzbekistan has opened up dramatically in recent years. Citizens of every EU member state, the UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Turkey, Israel, Malaysia, Singapore, the Gulf states and many other countries can visit visa-free for up to 30 days. A reciprocal 30-day visa waiver with China took effect on 1 June 2025, and US citizens have enjoyed 30-day visa-free entry since 1 January 2026.
Citizens of Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine face no time limit, Kyrgyz citizens may stay up to 60 days and Tajik citizens up to 30. From 1 September 2026, Indian citizens holding a valid multiple-entry visa for the US, the UK, the Schengen area or several other countries can also enter visa-free for 30 days. The list changes often, so check the Uzbek Foreign Ministry's website before you travel.
E-visa
Citizens of many countries without visa-free access can apply online at the official portal, e-visa.gov.uz. A single-entry e-visa costs US$20 and allows a stay of up to 30 days; apply at least several working days ahead. Beware of look-alike agency sites and use only the official portal. Your passport should be valid for at least six months.
Citizens of some countries transiting through Uzbekistan's international airports to a third country on an Uzbekistan Airways ticket may stay up to five days without a visa. Check eligibility and the country list with official sources.
Temporary registration
Even visa-free visitors must register: foreigners have to be recorded at their place of stay within three days of arrival. Hotels, hostels and licensed guesthouses do this for you through the E-mehmon system. If you are staying with friends or in a rented flat, register together with your host at emehmon.uz or at the migration office.
Failing to register can bring a fine of 5, 10 or 20 times the base calculation amount, depending on how long the lapse lasted. Ask your hotel for proof of registration and keep it until you leave the country. Carry your passport at all times.
Sources (8)
- gov.uz/en/mfa/activity_page/o-zbekiston-respublikasi-vizasi
- e-visa.gov.uz/
- en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_Uzbekistan
- kun.uz/en/news/2025/12/24/uzbekistan-introduces-30-day-visa-free-entry-for-us-citizens-fro
- kun.uz/en/news/2025/05/13/uzbekistan-and-china-to-launch-30-day-visa-free-travel-starting-
- uz.kursiv.media/en/2026-09-03/indians-with-us-british-or-schengen-visas-get-30-days-visa-f
- gov.uz/en/iiv/news/view/10609
- emehmon.uz/
Details may change — please check before you visit.
Practical information
Before you go
Getting around the city
The historic centre is compact enough to walk between the main sights. For longer hops there are ride-hailing apps, buses and a tram; since April 2025 paying by card is cheaper than cash.
Money, cards and tipping
The currency is the Uzbek som. Visa and Mastercard work in hotels, restaurants and supermarkets, but bazaars, teahouses and street taxis run on cash. ATMs are plentiful in the centre.
Phones, internet and Wi-Fi
A local SIM card takes a few minutes to set up with your passport and is by far the cheapest way to stay online. 4G is solid in town but fades in the mountains. Staying longer than 30 days means registering your phone's IMEI.
Climate and when to go
Samarkand sits around 700 metres above sea level, with hot, dry summers and cool, relatively wet winters. The best months to visit are April–May and September–October.
Safety and emergency numbers
Samarkand is considered a safe city for visitors, though pickpockets work the crowded spots. The single emergency number is 112, and a dedicated Safe Tourism call centre answers on 1173.
Etiquette and local customs
Samarkand's people are warm and welcoming, but shrines come with their own rules on dress, photography and greetings. A few simple habits will make your visit all the more rewarding.
Where to stay
Family guesthouses in the historic centre, larger hotels in the leafy 'new town' or the Silk Road Samarkand resort on the city's edge — the right choice depends on your trip and your budget.
Food: what and where to eat
Samarkand plov, the city's famous tandoor-baked bread, samsa and shashlik — the local food is a reason to visit in itself. Here's what to know about teahouses, bazaars and restaurants.
Health, pharmacies and drinking water
No vaccinations are required to enter Uzbekistan, and there is no malaria. The main concerns are drinking water, food hygiene and the summer heat. Sort out travel insurance before you go.
Accessible travel
Samarkand is slowly becoming easier to get around: the Registan has ramps and the newer districts are flat. But the historic monuments are full of steps, uneven paths and thresholds, so plan ahead.
