Travel Vaccines and Advice for Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan is a country resting in Central Asia. This small nation has great history, culture and art. With Islamic history and the historic Silk Road, this country offers insight and beauty to travellers.
Tashkent mixes of Soviet and modern style architecture. The capital is also known for its many museums. Some of these include the Museum of Applied Arts and the Museum of Nature. Other popular destinations include the Tashkent Botanical Garden and the Chorsu Bazaar.
Khiva is another choice destination for history-lovers and archeologists at heart. This city was established at the beginning of the Christian era. Itchan Kala, the walled inner city, was the first site in Uzbekistan to be named a World Heritage Site. This inner part of Khiva contains over 50 historic monuments alone. These include the Djuma Mosque, first established as far back as the tenth century.
Uzbekistan is a great destination for any traveller looking to learn about interesting traditions.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Uzbekistan?
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Uzbekistan
Do I Need a Visa for Uzbekistan?
What Is the Climate Like in Uzbekistan?
How Safe Is Uzbekistan?
Staying Respectful While in Uzbekistan
What Should I Pack for Uzbekistan?
Canadian Embassy in Uzbekistan
Do I Need Vaccines for Uzbekistan?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Uzbekistan. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Uzbekistan: typhoid, hepatitis A, polio, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travellers to any destination. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travellers to most regions. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Meningitis –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended.
See the table below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Uzbekistan |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travellers to any destination. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travellers to most regions. |
Routine Vaccinations for Uzbekistan |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Meningitis | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
Specific Vaccine Information
- Typhoid – Typhoid fever, caused by Salmonella Typhi, is transmitted through contaminated food and water sources. Vaccination is recommended for travellers and those at higher risk of typhoid exposure. Implementing rigorous hygiene practices and food safety measures is essential for comprehensive protection against infection.
- Hepatitis A – Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus, typically spreading through contaminated food or water. Symptoms include jaundice, fatigue, and abdominal pain. The hepatitis A vaccine is an effective prevention method, administered in two shots over six months. The vaccine is recommended for travellers to areas with high hepatitis A rates and certain high-risk groups.
- Rabies – Rabies, a lethal viral infection, is primarily transmitted through the saliva of infected animals. Vaccination is paramount for prevention, involving post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for potential exposures and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for those at heightened risk, such as travellers.
- Hepatitis B – Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus, transmitted through blood, sexual contact, or from mother to child during birth. It can become chronic, leading to liver failure or cancer. The hepatitis B vaccine, given as a series of injections, effectively prevents this infection.
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – Measles, mumps, and rubella are contagious viral infections, causing various symptoms and complications. To prevent them, vaccination is key. The MMR vaccine, given in two doses, safeguards against all three diseases and helps establish herd immunity, reducing the risk of outbreaks.
Tuberculosis is a common threat in Uzbekistan. Consider TB testing if you believe you may have been exposed during your trip. Pre-travel testing is recommended if staying for an extended period of time.
Visit our vaccinations page to learn more. Travel safely with Passport Health and schedule your appointment today by calling or book online now.
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Uzbekistan
Prevent Bug Bites in Uzbekistan
To ward off bug bites, follow PHAC advice: wear long clothing, use screens, and remove standing water. Opt for EPA-registered repellents with DEET, picaridin, or OLE for protection. If bitten, wash the area, avoid scratching, and apply remedies. Seek medical help for severe reactions.
Food and Water Safety in Uzbekistan
When eating abroad, prioritize cooked and hot foods, choose reputable eateries, and practice good hand hygiene. Stick to bottled or sealed beverages, avoid tap water, and enjoy hot drinks or alcohol responsibly. To avoid travellers’ diarrhea, follow these tips: eat well-prepared foods, drink safe water, maintain hand hygiene, consider probiotics, and be selective about local dishes.
Altitude Sickness in Uzbekistan
Altitude sickness, or acute mountain sickness (AMS), manifests at high elevations due to insufficient oxygen intake. To prevent AMS, ascend slowly, hydrate adequately, and consider medication. If symptoms arise—headaches, nausea—descend to lower altitudes immediately for rest and recovery.
Infections To Be Aware of in Uzbekistan
- Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever – Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever is transmitted by ticks and can also spread from person to person through contact with infected bodily fluids. Preventative measures include tick bite prevention, healthcare worker precautions, and research towards a potential vaccine.
- Leishmaniasis – The transmission of leishmaniasis primarily occurs through infected sand fly bites, with other routes of transmission possible. Preventing the disease involves minimizing exposure to sand flies. Early detection and treatment can prevent serious symptoms.
Do I Need a Visa For Uzbekistan?
A passport which is valid for the length of your stay is required to enter the country. A visa is required to enter the country. Visas must be obtained prior to departure. All visitors must be registered with the Office of Visas and Registration if they intend to stay longer than 3 days.
Uzbekistan Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Uzbekistan? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | |
|
| Business Visa | |
|
| Vaccinations | ||
Sources: Embassy of Uzbekistan and Canadian Travel and Tourism
The Uzbeki visa office will determine the duration of your visa at the time of processing. Overstay penalties result in a $2000 USD fine per week overstayed.
Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.
What Is the Climate Like in Uzbekistan?
Uzbekistan is a country with a hot and dry climate. The weather can vary depending on the city and the time of year. Tashkent, the capital city, has hot summers and cold winters. Samarkand, another popular destination, also has hot summers and cold winters, but the temperatures can be more extreme.
Bukhara and Khiva are both located in desert regions and have hot summers and cool winters. The best time to visit Uzbekistan is in the spring or autumn when the weather is mild and pleasant.
If you like hot weather, summer can also be a good time to visit. If you visit in the summer, be prepared for high temperatures that can sometimes reach up to 40 degrees.
Uzbekistan is a great country to visit with many different weather patterns to experience.
How Safe Is Uzbekistan?
Avoid an Embarrassing Stop
Over 70% of travellers
will have diarrhea.
Get protected with Passport Health’s
travellers’ diarrhea kit!
Threats of terror can occur in Uzbekistan. Various terrorist groups operate throughout Central Asia. Local authorities are on high alert and aggressive in dealing with these threats. Certain areas may be off limits due to security concerns during your trip. Consider contacting the Canadian embassy before your trip to see if your itinerary may be affected.
Violent crime has become more common in Uzbekistan in recent years. Travellers should stay in groups and avoid going out at night. Do not openly display cash and avoid flashy clothing.
Pickpockets and petty thieves are in public areas like markets and buses. Take precautions and be aware of your surroundings at all times.
Only use marked taxis and try to avoid taking taxis alone, especially if you are a woman. Taxi-related scams are common in urban areas.
Staying Respectful While in Uzbekistan
Some of the sightseeing highlights in Uzbekistan are historic mosques and madrasas. Remember these aren’t just tourist destinations. They are places of worship where they pray, or places of great religious significance.
Always behave respectfully. Travellers should dress more conservatively, especially if you are a woman.
These locations may also require you to remove your shoes before entering, as a sign of respect. In some mosques and madrasas, photography may be limited or prohibited altogether.
You may see these cultural sights, but don’t forget to do so with respect, understanding and humility.
What Should I Pack for Uzbekistan?
If you’re going to visit Uzbekistan, you should pack clothes that are comfortable, made of breathable materials like cotton or linen, and modest since Uzbekistan is a Muslim country. You should also bring comfortable walking shoes, sun protection like sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, and travel documents like your passport, visas, and travel insurance papers.
Bring enough medication to last the whole trip and a small first aid kit, including items like painkillers, antiseptic cream, and plasters. You should bring cash in US dollars, euros, or pounds, as well as electronic devices like chargers, power banks, and adapters. Mosquito repellent is also necessary since mosquitoes can be a problem in some areas, especially in the summer.
When visiting religious sites, mosques, and shrines, dress modestly and respectfully. Finally, bring a guidebook or phrasebook to help you navigate the country and communicate with locals who may not speak English.
Canadian Embassy in Uzbekistan
Canadian consular services can help travellers with many issues they may face including passport services. Once in Uzbekistan, the information for the Canadian consulate is:
Canadian Embassy Tashkent
58A, Bobur Street,
Yakkasaroy district, Tashkent, 100022, Uzbekistan
Phone: +998 (71) 252-1005
Stay safe abroad with Passport Health. Call or book online now and start travelling safely today!
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Uzbekistan
“This is an excellent idea to have clinics that are specific for our travelling needs. My experience was fantastic and my personalized travel package was detailed for Uzbekistan. Thank you so much!”
“I loved the booking process online and the reminder that asked me to confirm or change the appointment. This was done via text message. Very efficient. Also, the nurse working in the clinic is knowledgeable on all travel questions I had concerning Uzbekistan.”
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