Is Uzbekistan safe for LGBTQ+ travellers?
Significant restrictions
Uzbekistan carries significant legal restrictions for LGBTQ+ travellers — the clearest concern is same-sex relationships (criminalised).
What to know as an LGBTQ+ traveller
the sourced facts that weigh most for you · concerns first
Consensual sex between men is criminalised under the Criminal Code.
There is no accessible legal gender-recognition process.
LGBTQ+ people face a hostile legal environment — Equaldex scores 21/100 (2026); expect few or no protections, and in some places active criminalisation. Research local law and discretion carefully.
No apostasy law, but insulting religious feelings is an offence and unregistered religious activity, proselytising and materials are penalised.
Formal anti-discrimination protection is limited.
Identity & recognition
Same-sex relationships
CriminalisedConsensual sex between men is criminalised under the Criminal Code.
Legal gender recognition
Not accessibleThere is no accessible legal gender-recognition process.
Anti-discrimination protection
LimitedFormal anti-discrimination protection is limited.
Disability rights
CRPD + basic lawUzbekistan ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) in 2021; accessibility remains limited.
Women's legal rights
Mostly equal, some gapsWomen’s legal rights are mostly equal, with some gaps — the WBL index scores 83/100 (2023) across mobility, workplace, pay, marriage, parenthood and property.
LGBTQ+ legal equality
Few or no protectionsLGBTQ+ people face a hostile legal environment — Equaldex scores 21/100 (2026); expect few or no protections, and in some places active criminalisation. Research local law and discretion carefully.
Body & health
Abortion access
On request (≤12 wks)Available on request up to 12 weeks.
Cannabis & personal drug law
IllegalIllegal; personal possession is prosecuted under Article 276 and can bring up to three years’ imprisonment.
Faith & conscience
Government restriction of religion
Very high restrictionsPew rates government restrictions on religion as very high; unregistered religious activity is restricted.
Blasphemy & apostasy law
Actively enforcedNo apostasy law, but insulting religious feelings is an offence and unregistered religious activity, proselytising and materials are penalised.
Speech & press
Freedom of expression
Not free · 12/100Rated Not Free, 12/100, by Freedom House (2025).
Your obligations on arrival
Address / residence registration
Foreigners must register their place of stay within about three working days of arrival; hotels do this for you.
Student work rights
Student visas generally do not allow employment; work permits are separate and limited.
Health insurance
Private health insurance is strongly advised; public healthcare is under-resourced.
Bringing medication
Declare all medicines — some (codeine, strong psychotropics) are banned; keep prescriptions.
Laws differ from lived experience and this is not legal advice. Each fact shows its evidence type, date and source. Full method & sources →
Emergency numbers
Travel-medical cover that works abroad with no local address, and a data eSIM so maps and messaging work the moment you land.