Uzbekistan
Travel Destination – Uzbekistan
From the turquoise domes of Samarkand to the ancient Silk Road cities of Bukhara and Khiva, Uzbekistan offers rich history, striking architecture, and vibrant local culture. When preparing to travel to Uzbekistan, take into account varying infrastructure, climate extremes, and health considerations. Travel health preparation is key for a safe and enjoyable journey.
Health Risks
Pre-travel preparation
Before travelling to Uzbekistan, it is strongly recommended to book a consultation with a travel doctor. A pre-travel appointment allows your doctor to review your vaccination history, recommend destination-specific immunisations, and provide tailored advice based on your itinerary. Discuss your length of stay, planned activities, and travel destinations with your travel doctor as recommendations can vary depending on these factors.
Ideally, schedule your appointment six to eight weeks before departure to allow time for multi-dose vaccines, though last-minute consultations can still provide essential advice and accelerated vaccination schedules.
Insect avoidance
Insect avoidance is an important preventive health measure when travelling to Uzbekistan. Ticks can spread Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic fever and sandflies can carry Leishmaniasis.
Preventative measures include avoiding insect bites by sleeping in air conditioned roomed or spaces with fly screens. If this is not possible, use permethrin treated mosquito nets. When outside, wear long sleeves and long pants, and use mosquito repellent containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
Food and water hygiene
Uzbek cuisine can be a highlight of travel, consisting of meats, grains and spices. To enjoy these foods safely and reduce the risk of gastroenteritis, food and water hygiene is essential. Drink only boiled, filtered, or sealed bottled water, and avoid ice made from untreated water. Wash hands thoroughly or use hand sanitiser before eating. Choose food that is freshly cooked and served hot, and avoid raw, undercooked, or reheated meals. Fruits and vegetables are safest when peeled. Extra caution is advised with street food and meals in rural areas.
Rabies prevention
Although Australia is rabies-free, rabies is present in Uzbekistan and is most commonly carried by dogs. Travellers should avoid contact with animals, including stray dogs and wildlife.
A travel doctor can advise whether pre-exposure rabies vaccination is appropriate, particularly for extended stays or travel to rural areas. Any bite, scratch, or saliva exposure from an animal requires urgent medical assessment, as rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms develop.
Our Travel Doctors
Our fully qualified doctors have an interest in travel medicine and immunisations. And they know travel. Their expert advice will be tailored for you, your travel companions and your trip.
Which shots do I need for Uzbekistan?
Hepatitis A
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Hepatitis A is an acute viral infection that affects the liver and is most commonly transmitted through ingestion of food or water contaminated with the virus. Infection can result in a wide variety of symptoms, from mild symptoms to more serious disease. Common symptoms include fever, fatigue, nausea, abdominal discomfort, dark urine, pale stools, and yellowing of the skin or eyes.
Hepatitis A is significantly more prevalent in Uzbekistan than in Australia. Travellers who have not completed a full two-dose Hepatitis A vaccination course are strongly encouraged to be vaccinated before travel. This is particularly important for those planning to stay with local families, visit regional or rural areas, consume street food, or remain in the country for extended periods.
Typhoid
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Typhoid fever is a potentially serious bacterial infection caused by Salmonella Typhi or Salmonella Paratyphi, spread through food or drinking water contaminated with human waste. The illness may present with persistent high fever, headaches, weakness, abdominal pain, and gastrointestinal disturbances, and can lead to complications if not promptly treated.
The risk of typhoid fever is higher in Uzbekistan than in Australia, particularly in areas where sanitation and water quality may be inconsistent. Typhoid vaccination is recommended for travellers who have not previously been immunised, especially those undertaking longer trips, travelling outside major urban centres, or frequently eating local or street-prepared food. The vaccine provides protection for approximately three years. Strict food and water hygiene practices are also essential for prevention.
Hepatitis B
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Hepatitis B is a viral infection that targets the liver and is transmitted through exposure to infected blood or bodily fluids. Common modes of transmission include unprotected sexual contact, unsterile tattooing or piercing, medical or dental procedures using inadequately sterilised equipment, and sharing personal items such as razors.
Although many younger Australians received Hepatitis B vaccination during childhood, a proportion of adults remain non-immune. Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for travellers to Uzbekistan who are not fully vaccinated, particularly those planning longer stays or activities that may increase the likelihood of exposure. A travel health professional can assess immunity status and provide tailored vaccination advice prior to departure.
Routine vaccinations
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Australia’s comprehensive national immunisation program has significantly reduced the circulation of common vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella, and tetanus. In Uzbekistan, however, these infections continue to occur more frequently, increasing the risk of exposure for travellers, particularly in community settings.
Before travelling, it is recommended that travellers review their routine vaccination status and ensure all immunisations are up to date. A travel health consultation can help identify any gaps in protection and determine whether booster doses are required. Vaccines commonly reviewed prior to travel include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), tetanus, influenza, COVID-19, and pertussis.
Uzbekistan
Other health risks in Uzbekistan
Rabies
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Although Australia is rabies-free, rabies is present in Uzbekistan and is most commonly carried by dogs. Travellers should avoid contact with animals, including stray dogs and wildlife.
A travel doctor can advise whether pre-exposure rabies vaccination is appropriate, particularly for extended stays or travel to rural areas. Any bite, scratch, or saliva exposure from an animal requires immediate medical assessment, as rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms develop.
Gastroenteritis
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Gastroenteritis, often referred to as travellers’ diarrhoea, is a common illness affecting visitors to Uzbekistan and is most frequently linked to ingestion of food or drinking water contaminated with bacteria. Symptoms generally begin within one to three days of exposure and may include loose or watery stools, abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting, and general discomfort.
The primary focus of treatment is preventing dehydration. Prompt replacement of lost fluids and electrolytes using oral rehydration solutions is strongly recommended. Most cases are self-limiting and resolve within a few days without specific medical treatment. Antibiotics are typically reserved for severe, persistent illness or for travellers who may be at increased risk of complications. Medical assessment is advised if symptoms are unusually severe, prolonged, or if fluid losses cannot be adequately replaced.
Preventive measures play a key role in reducing risk and include regular handwashing, consuming food that is freshly cooked and served hot, avoiding raw or undercooked foods, and drinking only bottled or properly treated water.
Non-infectious conditions
Crime and unrest
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Petty crime such as pickpocketing can occur in busy tourist areas and public transport, so keep valuables secure and remain alert.
Stay informed and refer to Smartraveller for up to date safety tips before and during travel.
Altitude sickness
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Altitude sickness may affect travellers visiting mountainous regions of Uzbekistan, particularly those travelling to or trekking in higher-elevation areas such as parts of the Tian Shan and Pamir-Alay ranges. Acute mountain sickness (AMS) can occur in approximately 20–25% of people who ascend rapidly to elevations above 2,400 metres without adequate acclimatisation. Symptoms commonly include headache, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and reduced appetite. In many cases, symptoms improve within 12 to 48 hours if further ascent is avoided and time is allowed for acclimatisation.
In rare but serious cases, altitude illness can progress to high altitude cerebral oedema (HACE), which affects the brain and may cause confusion, impaired coordination, or altered behaviour. High altitude pulmonary oedema (HAPE) affects the lungs and may present with shortness of breath, cough, chest tightness, or worsening exercise tolerance. Both HACE and HAPE are more likely at elevations above 4,300 metres and are medical emergencies requiring immediate descent and urgent treatment, as they can be life-threatening if not promptly managed.
Risk reduction strategies include planning a gradual ascent, limiting rapid elevation gains, and allowing sufficient rest days for acclimatisation. Preventive medications may be prescribed by a travel doctor when appropriate. For those hiking or trekking at high altitude—particularly travellers unfamiliar with the signs and management of AMS, HACE, and HAPE—travelling with an experienced local guide is strongly advised.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises travellers to recognise early symptoms of altitude sickness, avoid ascending to higher sleeping elevations while symptoms are present, and descend if symptoms worsen despite rest at the same altitude.
Deep vein thrombosis
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Long-distance flights and extended road travel to Uzbekistan can increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Travellers are advised to stay mobile, stretch regularly, and remain well hydrated during long journeys. Those with additional risk factors should consider wearing compression stockings and discussing preventive strategies with a health professional before travel.
Safety on the roads and elsewhere
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From desert highways to historic city streets, road conditions in Uzbekistan vary. Outside major centres, roads may be poorly maintained, and traffic accidents are a common cause of injury. Use reputable transport providers, wear seatbelts where available, and avoid night driving when possible. When exploring historic sites or markets, be mindful of uneven surfaces and crowded conditions. Comprehensive travel medical insurance covering accidents, illness, and emergency evacuation is strongly recommended.