Samarkand Entry Requirements
Visa, immigration, and customs information
-
Uzbekistan registration of stay (Emehmon)
- Who
- Foreign visitors
- When
- Within 3 days of arrival
- Cost
- A tourist tax for each day of the stay when registering online
Hotels register their guests. Otherwise register online through the Emehmon system.
Checked against the official source 2026-09-26
Visa Requirements
Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.
Uzbekistan's visa policy has been liberalized for many nationalities. But your specific requirements depend entirely on your passport. The rules can differ between countries, even within the same region. Check official sources before planning your trip to Samarkand.
Passport holders from certain countries can enter without obtaining a visa beforehand.
Always confirm the exact duration and any conditions, like passport validity, on the official government immigration website for Uzbekistan before travel.
Travelers from many other countries can obtain an electronic visa online prior to arrival.
Cost: The cost tends to be a standard government fee for this type of service.
You must print the eVisa approval and present it at the border. Apply well in advance of your trip to Samarkand.
Nationalities not covered by visa-free or eVisa policies must apply for a traditional visa at an Uzbek embassy or consulate.
This process can take several weeks. Plan far ahead for a visit to Samarkand.
Arrival Process
When you land in Samarkand, you'll go through passport control where your visa or passport is checked and stamped. After collecting your luggage, you'll pass through customs. Remember the separate registration requirement that follows.
Documents to Have Ready
Tips for Smooth Entry
Customs & Duty-Free
Uzbekistan's customs regulations are similar to many other countries, focusing on currency declaration and restrictions on certain goods. Knowing the limits can help you avoid fines when entering Samarkand.
Prohibited Items
- Narcotics and illegal drugs - strict laws with severe penalties
- Pornographic materials - prohibited
- Materials that threaten state security or public order
Restricted Items
- Prescription medications - you should carry a doctor's prescription
- Cultural artifacts and antiques - require special permission for export
- Radio equipment and drones - may require prior approval
Health Requirements
There are no unusual health document requirements for most travelers entering Samarkand. But standard travel health precautions apply.
Required Vaccinations
- No vaccinations are officially required for entry into Uzbekistan for most travelers.
Recommended Vaccinations
- Routine vaccinations (MMR, DTaP), Hepatitis An and B, Typhoid, if traveling outside major cities like Samarkand.
Health Insurance
Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Check the current entry rules on the official government website before you travel. Medical facilities in Samarkand are adequate for routine issues. Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Check the current entry rules on the official government website before you travel.
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Important Contacts
Essential resources for your trip.
Special Situations
Additional requirements for specific circumstances.
Children must have their own passport. If a child is traveling with only one parent or without parents, it's advisable, though not universally required, to carry a notarized letter of consent from the non-accompanying parent(s). Rules can vary. Check with your airline and the Uzbek embassy.
Bring your cat or dog to Samarkand and you will need paperwork. A veterinary health certificate issued within days of departure is required. Proof of rabies vaccination is mandatory. Some travelers need an import permit too. Start early. Contact the Uzbek embassy weeks before departure. The process takes time.
Want more time in Uzbekistan? Apply at OVIR. The Office of Visa and Registration handles extensions. Do this before your visa expires. Overstaying costs money. Fines apply. Future trips to the region get harder too. Plan ahead.
Know What to Pack
Climate-specific clothing, travel documents, electronics, and gear, with shopping links for every item.
View Samarkand Packing List →Ready to plan your trip to Samarkand?
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