WHEN TO TRAVEL TO Uzbekistan

Location

Climate

Uzbekistan, a Central Asian country with impressive cultural and historical riches, is attracting more and more curious visitors from all over the world. Situated on the ancient Silk Road, it is brimming with must-see sites such as Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva.

Ideal time to visit Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan's continental climate is characterized by hot, dry summers and cold winters. As a result, the best time to visit this country is generally during the Spring (April to June) and theautumn (September to November). During these seasons, temperatures are pleasant and rainfall infrequent, offering ideal conditions for discovering Uzbekistan's architectural and natural treasures.

Spring in Uzbekistan

In spring, the gardens are in full bloom and the green landscapes offer a magnificent spectacle. Temperatures vary between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius, so you can enjoy your visits without suffering from the heat. Visit Persian New Year, Navrouzis celebrated during this period, usually around March 21. This ancestral festival marks the spring equinox and gives rise to numerous festivities throughout the country.

Autumn in Uzbekistan

Autumn is also a great time to discover Uzbekistan, with temperatures ranging from 10 to 25 degrees Celsius. The autumn colors make the landscapes even more magical, and the abundant harvests provide an opportunity to sample local delicacies. This is also the season for the famous Sharq Taronalari International Music Festivalheld every two years in Samarkand, bringing together artists from all over the world to perform traditional Central Asian music.

Major cultural events and public holidays

In addition to the favorable seasons, it can be interesting to plan your trip to Uzbekistan around certain cultural events and public holidays. Here are some key dates to consider:

• New Year's Day (January 1) Public holiday in Uzbekistan, marked by festivities and fireworks in major cities.
• Defenders of the Homeland Day (January 14) military parades and ceremonies to commemorate the efforts of the Uzbek armed forces.
• Navrouz (approx. March 21) Persian New Year, a celebration of the spring equinox with performances, dances and traditional food.
• Labour Day (May 1) Public holiday in Uzbekistan, marked by popular demonstrations and celebrations.
• Independence Day (September 1) Uzbekistan: commemoration of Uzbekistan's independence from the Soviet Union, with parades, concerts and fireworks.
• Sharq Taronalari International Music Festival (September, every two years) A meeting of traditional music from Central Asia and around the world in Samarkand.

High and low tourist season

As mentioned above, the peak tourist season in Uzbekistan is spring and autumn. It's therefore advisable to book your accommodation and activities in advance to make the most of your stay. On the other hand, if you prefer to avoid the crowds and benefit from more advantageous rates, you can opt for a visit during the low season, either summer or winter.

Low season in summer

Summer in Uzbekistan is marked by high temperatures, which can exceed 40 degrees Celsius in some regions. However, if you can stand the heat well, this can be a great time to explore the country's mountains and lakes, and enjoy adventure sports such as trekking. What's more, tourist sites are less crowded and accommodation rates are often more affordable.

Low season in winter

In winter, temperatures can drop below freezing and precipitation is more frequent, especially in the mountains. However, winter sports enthusiasts can enjoy the local ski resorts, while history and culture buffs can visit the iconic monuments without too many crowds. Prices are also generally lower during this period.

A steady increase in the number of immigrants to Uzbekistan

According to the latest available data, there has been a steady increase in the number of immigrants to Uzbekistan. This increase can be explained by several factors such as the low cost of living, the quality of infrastructure and the country's political and economic stability. It is also worth noting that Uzbekistan has introduced incentive measures to attract immigrants, including tax breaks and installation subsidies.

Main countries of origin of immigrants

The majority of immigrants to Uzbekistan come from other Central Asian countries, in particular from Kyrgyzstanfrom Tajikistan and Kazakhstan. In recent years, however, there has also been a trend towards increasing numbers of immigrants from other parts of the worldsuch as Europe, North America and East Asia.

Most popular visas in Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan offers different types of visa to meet the needs of immigrants and tourists. Here are the main visas issued by the country :

• Tourist visa Uzbekistan visa: this is the most commonly requested visa in Uzbekistan. It is valid for a maximum of 30 days, and can be extended if necessary. This visa enables foreigners to visit the country for tourist, cultural or sporting purposes.
• Business Visa This visa is intended for people wishing to visit Uzbekistan to work, invest or take part in conferences and other professional events. The duration of validity of this visa varies according to the activities planned.
• Student Visa Student visa: granted to foreign students enrolled in higher education in Uzbekistan. This visa is generally valid for the duration of studies.
• Work visa This visa is reserved for foreigners who have obtained an employment contract with a local company. The duration of validity of this visa is linked to that of the employment contract.
• Family reunion visa Uzbek visa: issued to family members of immigrants legally residing in Uzbekistan. This visa enables them to join a close relative and settle in the country.

More flexible visa requirements

In order to facilitate access to the country, Uzbekistan has recently simplified visa procedures. As a result, since 2018, a large number of nationalities have been able to benefit from the visa-free regime for short-term tourist stays. What's more, it is now possible to apply for a visa electronically, saving applicants a trip to the embassy.

International tourism development in Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan's rich history and unique cultural heritage make it a prime tourist destination. Government figures show that the number of international tourists continues to risefrom 2 million in 2016 to nearly 5 million in 2019.

Uzbekistan's main tourist attractions

Uzbekistan offers a wealth of tourist attractions, including the following:

• Samarkand This ancient city on the Silk Road is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is home to the Registan, an architectural ensemble comprising three medersas with richly decorated facades.
• Bukhara Bukhara: another essential stop on the Silk Road, Bukhara boasts numerous historic monuments, including the Samanid mausoleum, the Kalon mosque and the Liab-i Hauz complex.
• Khiva Tach Khaouli: this city-museum is surrounded by a fortified wall and features a number of remarkable buildings, including the Tach Khaouli palace, the Mohammed Amin Khan medersa and the Kalta Minor minaret.
• The Ferghana Valley The region is renowned for its lush green landscapes, orchards and silk and ceramics handicrafts.

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