Is Uzbekistan safe for women travellers?
Broadly safe
Uzbekistan is broadly protective for women travellers in law — the clearest concern is anti-discrimination protection (partial protection).
What to know as a woman
the sourced facts that weigh most for you · concerns first
Formal anti-discrimination protection is limited.
Women’s legal rights are mostly equal, with some gaps — the WBL index scores 83/100 (2023) across mobility, workplace, pay, marriage, parenthood and property.
Available on request up to 12 weeks.
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.