Can foreigners drive in Uzbekistan?

Yes, foreigners can drive in Uzbekistan, as long as their valid driving licence from their foreign country of origin is accompanied by an International Driving Permit (IDP).

An IDP is a document that was approved during the United Nations Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, to translate your home country license into 12 of the different widely spoken languages worldwide. And it doesn’t matter whether your driver’s license is in English; it can help translate it for local road traffic authorities and car rental companies to understand.

Is an international driver's license required in Uzbekistan?

Although it is not required to drive in the country to have an international driver’s license(idl)/International Driver’s Permit (IDP), it is highly recommended by tourists that want to fully explore the country.

That’s why your driver's license will be accepted if you come from the following countries:

• Japan
• Pakistan
• Canada
• Malaysia
• Laos
• Iceland
• Switzerland
• Cyprus
• Ireland
• Brunei
• Barbados
• Honduras
• Malta
• Kenya
• Cameroon
• Sudan
• Dominica
• Netherlands
• Italy
• Brazil
• Australia
• Tajikistan
• Panama
• Myanmar
• Moldova
• Qatar
• South Korea
• Cayman Island
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Slovakia

Top Destinations of Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan is a Central Asian country that borders Turkmenistan and Afghanistan in the north. Not only is it one of the biggest Central Asian nations, but it is also the only one neighboring the other four. To the south, Uzbekistan has a slight boundary with Afghanistan. The rest of Uzbekistan is made up of dry, rugged deserts and steppes. Uzbekistan is one of the two countries in the world surrounded by land.

Samarkand

Samarkand is among the most significant cities on the Silk Route, also referred to as the "Crossroad of Cultures." Poets and historians identified Samarkand as the "Pearl of the Eastern Muslim World," so it's no wonder that Samarkand is the most visited destination in Uzbekistan. The historic city center is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Centre, where you can find rare masterpieces of ancient art, glittering minarets, sparkling turquoise domes, and hypnotic mosaics.

Historic Center Of Shahrisabz

The ancient city of Shakhrisyabz, situated on the Silk Road in southern Uzbekistan, is around 2000 years old and was the historical and economic center of the Kesh city in the late centuries. A selection of remarkable temples and ancient units can be located inside the medieval walls. Development of the elements persisted in Shakhrisyabz throughout various periods of time, offering the position a distinct character via the sequence of different architectural types.

Tashkent

Tashkent is the capital of Uzbekistan and, with a community of 3 million residents, is the biggest city in Central Asia. This broad metropolis represents the historical history of the region, from its architectural monuments of oriental architecture to its Soviet-planned street grid to its new high-glass buildings. It was devastated many times in history; the most recent destruction was incurred by the earthquake of 1966 when several of its ancient architectural buildings were destroyed.

Bukhara

Bukhara was among the great trade towns along the Silk Road and Central Asia's holiest region, as it was a significant foundation for Islamic theology. The historic core of Bukhara is the ideal example of a medieval city in Central Asia and is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Although Bukhara's old center has undergone a lot of renovation over the last few years, the renovation of the buildings is far more gradual than in Samarkand.

Termez

Few visitors have ever gone as far south as Termez. It is a loss for you as it is a region of extraordinary historical significance and abundant in intriguing pre-Islamic archeological sites. Termez was already identified to the Achaemenids and was later captured by Alexander the Great. The medieval fortifications of the city ran for 10 miles, and the famous Moroccan traveler Ibn Battuta wrote of his vibrant bazaar, fine houses, canals, and gardens. You should visit archeological sites like Fayaz Tepa.

Most Important Driving Rules

Whether you're driving alone or with passengers in Uzbekistan, safety should always be your top priority. Follow the driving rules in Uzbekistan to ensure a safe journey.

Speeding

Like the traffic signs, you can still stick to the speed limit on the road you're driving. No matter where you are in Uzbekistan, hold the speed limit of the region at all times. You will see the speed limit on the lane that you're driving down at the road sign. Driving below the speed limit offers you plenty of time to respond in order to prevent a crash. The thrill of speedy driving is not worth the chance of death or penalty.

Parking

Bear in mind when parking your vehicle for disabled signs, fire hydrants, bus stop zones, parking restrictions for particular hours of the day, and parking spaces that require permits. Only take control of all the signs. Even if you're going to have to circle the street a bunch of times, you're guaranteed to beat up getting fined or seeing your car towed. Parking notices must also be read while parking.

Few places have a residential area, and you could be charged if you park in a suburban area or on a permit basis only. When you get to your car park where you are not allowed, your car would be clamped or even towed. Turn the engine off before you leave the car to make sure the hand brake is on. Make sure you have ample space to step out of the vehicle without bumping into the drivers around you. Take a minute to make sure that there are two to three vacant seats.

Age Requirements

Like most of the world, Uzbekistan has a legal driving age of 18. However, most car rental agencies do not allow drivers under 21 years of age to hire a car.