From: 76702.1202@CompuServe.COM (Charlie Smith)
Newsgroups: rec.travel
Subject: *NEW* TRAVEL INFORMATION -- Uzbekistan
Date: 14 Oct 1992 09:27:44 -0500
Organization: UTexas Mail-to-News Gateway
NNTP-Posting-Host: cs.utexas.edu

STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Uzbekistan
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Uzbekistan - Consular Information Sheet
 October 7, 1992

Embassy Location:  The U.S. Embassy in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, is 
located at 82 Chelanzar; telephone (7) (3712) 771-081.  

Country Description: Uzbekistan is a nation undergoing profound 
political and economic change.  It is a newly independent nation 
still in the process of stabilizing its relations with neighboring 
countries.  Street demonstrations and other disturbances related to 
outstanding disputes may occur without warning.  Tourist facilities 
are not highly developed, and many of the goods and services taken 
for granted in western countries are not yet available.  Internal 
travel, especially by air, may be disrupted by fuel shortages and 
other economic difficulties.

Entry Requirements:  All travelers to Uzbekistan must have a visa.  
Travelers who do not have a visa cannot register at any hotel and 
will be required to leave the country immediately via the route by 
which they entered.  Visas for Azerbaijan are issued by a Russian 
Embassy or Consulate.  U.S. citizens may contact the consular 
section of the Russian Embassy at 1825 Phelps Place NW, Washington, 
DC  20036, tel (202) 939-8918, or the Russian Consulate in San 
Francisco for further information on visa requirements.

Medical Facilties:  Medical care in Uzbekistan is limited.  There 
is a severe shortage of basic medical supplies, including disposable 
needles, anesthetics, and antibiotics.  Elderly travelers and those 
with existing health problems may be at risk due to inadequate 
medical facilities.  Doctors and hospitals expect immediate cash 
payment for health services.  U.S. medical coverage is not always 
valid outside the United States.  Travelers have found that in some 
cases supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage 
has proved to be useful.  Additional medical information in the 
region can be found in the Department of State's brochure, "Tips for 
Travelers to Russia," which includes information on Uzbekistan, and 
is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government 
Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402.  Further information on 
health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease 
Control's international travelers hotline on (404) 332-4559.

Crime Information: Uzbekistan has a low rate of violent crime.  
Recently, however, street crime has increased, especially at night.  
The Department of State's pamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad" is available 
from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing 
Office, Washington, DC 20402.  It provides useful information on 
guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling 
abroad.

Currency Regulations: Uzbekistan is a cash-only economy.  Travelers 
checks and credit cards are rarely accepted.

Drug Penalties:  Penalties for possession, use, and dealing in 
illegal drugs are high, and convicted offenders can expect jail 
sentences and heavy fines.

Registration: Americans who register at the Consular Section of the 
Embassy can obtain updated information on travel and security within 
the country.

 No. 92-054