Uzbekistan: Authorities tighten COVID-19-related entry and domestic measures as of July 1 /update 28

Event

Uzbekistan has tightened COVID-19 countermeasures, as of July 1, amid an increase in case numbers. Authorities have reintroduced mandatory COVID-19 PCR tests for all those entering the country from permitted travel locations. The test must have been taken within the previous 72 hours. A second PCR test must be taken after seven days.

Authorities have also closed all land border crossings with Afghanistan except for the Termez-Avtoyul border checkpoint. Only freight transporters, citizens, and permanent residents of Uzbekistan and diplomats may enter Uzbekistan through the Termez-Avtoyul border checkpoint. Permitted travelers must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test no more than 72 hours old to border officials. Travelers will also be subject to a rapid antigen test at the border. Uzbek nationals who fail the test will be quarantined in a government facility, while foreign nationals who fail the test will be barred from entry. All persons permitted to enter the country must take a COVID-19 PCR within seven days. Additionally, Uzbekistan Airways (HY) has reduced flights with India.

Authorities have introduced access restrictions in Tashkent until July 12 to limit the spread of COVID-19.

While international travel is permitted, flight suspensions with several countries, including the UK, remain in place. Additionally, due to low demand, flights from several other destinations have been effectively suspended.

Authorities have designated countries Green, Yellow, or Red, depending on their assessment of the epidemiological threat in each. As of the most recent review, the designations are as follows:

Arrivals from Green locations must provide a PCR test no more than 72 hours old. Green locations include China, Thailand, Malaysia, South Korea, Georgia, Hungary, Finland, Latvia, Austria, and Japan.
Travelers who have visited any Yellow location within the previous 10 days must self-isolate for 14 days on arrival in addition to taking two PCR tests seven days apart. Yellow locations include Azerbaijan, Belarus, UAE, and most of the EU.
All other countries have been designated as Red locations. Passengers who have visited a Red country within the previous 10 days must present a negative PCR test no more than 72 hours old, take two PCR tests seven days apart, and self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival in Uzbekistan. Persons who fail either test may be quarantined in a state facility. Arrivals must also complete a passenger form specifying their accommodations for the self-isolation period. While flights with several of these countries have been suspended, travelers from Red locations may enter Uzbekistan by transiting a Yellow or Green location. Uzbek nationals returning from a Red country will be quarantined in a state facility for 14 days.

Domestic Measures
Authorities have reintroduced a color-coded system to denote epidemiological risk in the country. Regions are classified as "red," "yellow," or "green" in descending order of risk. As of July 1, Tashkent is in the red zone, while the wider Tashkent Region and the Samarkand Region are in the yellow zone. Authorities have restricted access to the city of Tashkent until July 12. Only permanent residents of the city may enter. Exceptions will be made for those seeking urgent medical treatment, international air travelers who possess a valid air ticket, freight transporters, and essential workers. Catering facilities and entertainment venues may only operate from 08:00-20:00 and may not exceed 50 percent capacity.

Authorities have also introduced additional nationwide restrictions. Face masks must be worn on public transport. Residents must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test no more than 72 hours old to access tourist resorts and leisure facilities.

Most nonessential businesses, including restaurants, hotels, and houses of worship, are operating with strict sanitization and social distancing protocols in place. Weddings and other private events may not exceed 100 persons. Concert events in enclosed spaces are prohibited. Private gatherings of up to 30 persons are permitted. Public transport vehicles may not exceed 50 percent capacity. All persons must comply with social distancing guidelines of 2 meters (6.5 feet) and wear facemasks while in public. Medical screenings may be conducted before entering grocery stores and markets.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.