Planning travel to Tashkent? Speak with a security consultant.
Tashkent is the capital of Uzbekistan and the most populous city in Central Asia, with approximately 3 million residents. It is the political and commercial centre of a country undergoing significant economic transformation, with growing international business activity in energy, infrastructure, agriculture, and manufacturing.
Uzbekistan’s opening
Under President Islam Karimov (1991-2016), Uzbekistan was one of the most closed economies in the post-Soviet space. Since 2016, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has pursued consistent liberalisation: currency reform, foreign investment law reform, sector opening, and engagement with international institutions. This has made Uzbekistan increasingly relevant for international business. It also means the infrastructure of an open economy (legal predictability, regulatory clarity, dispute resolution) is still being built, creating risk alongside opportunity.
Physical security versus institutional risk
Tashkent is unusual in this network in that the physical crime environment is relatively low-risk. The more significant risks for business visitors are institutional: surveillance, legal unpredictability, and the influence of state and politically connected interests in commercial matters. These risks require legal, intelligence, and due diligence preparation that sits alongside conventional physical security planning.
Sources: FCDO Uzbekistan travel advice. US State Department Level 1 advisory Uzbekistan. EBRD Uzbekistan transition assessment. For comparable operating environments in our network, see our Almaty city briefing and Baku city briefing.
What are the main security threats in Tashkent?
State Surveillance
Uzbekistan's security services (SNB) conduct extensive surveillance of foreign visitors, particularly those with business or government connections. Communications should be treated as monitored. Sensitive commercial discussions should be conducted with awareness of surveillance capability. Source: FCDO Uzbekistan travel advice; Freedom House Uzbekistan assessment.
Legal and Regulatory Risk
Uzbekistan's legal system operates under limited rule of law. Commercial disputes can involve state intervention, politically connected interests, and outcomes that do not follow legal processes predictably. Corporate due diligence and local legal advice are important protective measures. Arbitrary detention of foreign nationals, while not common, has occurred.
Petty Crime
Pickpocketing and opportunistic theft occur in Tashkent's bazaars (Chorsu, Eski Juva), around metro stations, and in crowded public areas. The risk level is low compared to most cities in this network but is not negligible.
Road Safety
Traffic accidents are common in Tashkent. Road discipline is inconsistent. A professional driver with local knowledge is appropriate for corporate movement.
Vetted operators with direct experience in Tashkent
What security services are available in Tashkent?
Security Drivers
Vetted drivers for Islam Karimov International Airport transfers and in-city business movement.
Bodyguard Hire
Close protection for senior executives and higher-profile visitors operating in Uzbekistan's energy, mining, and infrastructure sectors.
Executive Protection
Security arrangements for principals with exposure to Uzbekistan's rapidly evolving and state-connected business environment.
Risk Assessment
Pre-travel assessment covering Uzbekistan's current business risk landscape, surveillance environment, and operational protocols.
What are the rules for private security in Tashkent?
Key regulatory requirements for operating security services in Tashkent.
Firearms Policy
Under Article 23 of Law ZRU-778, staff of departmental paramilitary and departmental watch security units may carry service weapons and special equipment on duty, and may use force, special equipment or weapons only in the cases and manner the law provides; Article 26 bars the use of service weapons in large crowds. Ask how any armed element would be provided, and under which unit, before an assignment starts.
Licensing
Security activity in Uzbekistan is governed by Law ZRU-778 'On security activity' of 15 June 2022. Article 9 lists who may carry it out: the security units of state bodies, departmental paramilitary security units and departmental watch security units, and Article 13 allows the National Guard, the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Internal Affairs to provide security under contract. Article 4 includes protecting the life and health of individuals among the tasks of security activity. The Ministry of Internal Affairs issues permits for technical security services at especially important and categorised sites (Article 71).
Foreign Operators
Article 9 of Law ZRU-778 does not allow security activity in Uzbekistan by natural persons or by the security organisations of foreign states, including private organisations, except to ensure the security of high-level guests on a short visit. Confirm with the provider, in writing and with local legal advice, the legal basis for any protection arranged in Uzbekistan.
Sources, checked : Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan 'On security activity', No. ZRU-778 of 15 June 2022 (Articles 3, 4, 9, 13, 23, 26 and 71), lex.uz.
Which areas of Tashkent carry elevated risk?
Lower-Risk Areas
- Mirzo-Ulugbek district: Home to many international hotels, embassies, and corporate offices. Primary zone for business visitors.
- Yakkasaray district: Business and residential area with international hotel presence.
- Yunusabad district: Upmarket residential area with lower crime profile.
Elevated-Risk Areas
- Chorsu Bazaar area: Major market, elevated petty crime risk.
- Old City (Eski Shahar): Historic area, manageable during the day with awareness.
- Peripheral residential districts: Lower security infrastructure.
Deploying to Tashkent? Get a vetted close protection detail.
Request ConsultationWho do you call in an emergency in Tashkent?
Emergency (all services)
112
Police
102
International SOS Tashkent
+998 71 120 6240
British Embassy Tashkent
+998 71 120 5550
US Embassy Tashkent
+998 71 120 5450
Tashkent International Clinic (English-speaking, 38 Sarikul Street)
+998 78 120 1144
Tashkent International Clinic, out-of-hours emergency line
+998 90 327 3378
Republican Science Centre of Emergency Medical Service (2 Farkhad Street, Chilanzar district)
+998 78 150 4600
AkfaMedline hospital call centre (5A Kichik Khalqa yuli, Almazar district)
+998 71 203 3003
Republican Specialized Center of Surgery named after V. V. Vakhidov (Small Ring Road 10, Chilanzar district), call centre
+998 55 588 80 01
Ambulance
103
What travel advisories apply to Tashkent?
- Currency regulations: Uzbekistan has liberalised currency exchange but some restrictions remain. Declare foreign currency above USD 2,000 on entry. Retain all exchange receipts. Do not use unofficial currency exchange.
- Photography restrictions: Do not photograph government buildings, military installations, police, or border infrastructure. This is enforced and can result in detention and confiscation of devices.
- The surveillance environment means sensitive commercial discussions should not be conducted in hotel rooms, vehicles you do not control, or any venue that could be monitored. This is particularly relevant for energy sector, government contract, or politically sensitive business.
- Medical facilities in Tashkent are limited by international standards. International SOS provides the best available private care. For complex cases, evacuation to Istanbul or Dubai is the standard option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Tashkent on the radar for international business?
Is Tashkent safe for business travel?
What is the visa situation for Uzbekistan?
What are the medical facilities in Tashkent?
How does Uzbekistan's business environment differ from Kazakhstan?
This page is published by CloseProtectionHire.com and written to editorial standards overseen by James Calloway, Senior Security Consultant (regulation, licensing, vetting and risk frameworks) and Marcus Webb, Security Operations Adviser (operational close protection, secure transport and city-specific safety).
Threat, regulatory and emergency information is sourced to named, dated authorities such as the FCDO, the US State Department and national licensing bodies. Last updated . See how we verify.