Uzbekistan customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026·Official source

Uzbekistan enforces strict customs rules: all personal electronics (laptops, cameras) may be registered in your passport to avoid exit duty, and currency declarations are mandatory above 100 million UZS. Non-resident adult travellers arriving in 2026 must comply with these regulations.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
1.0 L
1 litre of spirits (over 22% ABV) OR 2 litres of wine/beer. Must be 18+.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,000
Any amount exceeding 100 million UZS (approx. $8,000 USD) must be declared on the customs declaration form. Maximum allowed to bring in or take out is 200 million UZS (approx. $16,000 USD). Foreign currency over $10,000 USD equivalent must also be declared.
Goods duty-free
$800
Duty-free allowance for personal goods and gifts up to $800 USD (or equivalent in UZS). Above that, a flat 30% duty applies on the excess value.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotics and psychotropic substances (including marijuana in any form)
  • Weapons, ammunition, explosives, and military-style gear
  • Pornographic materials (including digital files)
  • Radioactive materials and hazardous waste
  • Any printed or digital materials that insult the state, religion, or national symbols
  • Live animals without a veterinary permit (except cats/dogs with proper paperwork)

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Medications containing narcotic or psychotropic ingredients (require a prescription and permit)
  • Plants, seeds, and agricultural products (require a phytosanitary certificate)
  • Drones and satellite phones (require prior approval from the Ministry of Defence)
  • Cultural artifacts and antiques (require an export permit from the Ministry of Culture)
  • Precious metals and gemstones in commercial quantities (require declaration and permits)

Arriving: red vs green channel

After landing, fill out a customs declaration card (one per family). Use the green channel if nothing to declare; red channel for goods over allowance, cash to declare, or restricted items. Keep the stamped card until exit to prove you brought in valuables.

Bringing medication

Personal medications for up to 3 months allowed without prescription. Controlled substances (narcotics, psychotropics) require a doctor's prescription and a permit from the Ministry of Health. Some common Western medications (e.g., codeine-based painkillers, certain antidepressants) may be restricted — check with the Uzbek embassy before travel.

Food, plants & animal products

Meat and dairy products from most countries banned unless accompanied by a veterinary certificate. Fresh fruits, vegetables, seeds, and plants require a phytosanitary certificate. Honey and live animals need special permits. Declare all food items.

Rules worth knowing

Passport registration of valuables

Customs officers may register expensive personal items (laptops, cameras, jewellery) in your passport or on the declaration card. This proves you brought them in and avoids duty when you leave. If you don't do this, you could be charged duty on exit.

Currency export limit

You can take out up to 200 million UZS (approx. $16,000 USD) in local currency. Any foreign currency over $10,000 USD equivalent must be declared on entry and can only be taken out up to the declared amount. Keep your exchange receipts.

No duty-free on arrival at land borders

Duty-free allowances apply only to air travellers arriving at international airports. At land borders, the allowances may be more restrictive — check with the State Customs Committee before crossing by road.

Alcohol and tobacco import age

You must be 18 or older to bring in alcohol or tobacco. There is no duty-free allowance for minors.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, it's strongly recommended. Customs officers can register them in your passport or on the declaration card. If you don't, you may be asked to pay duty when leaving the country, as they may assume you bought them in Uzbekistan.
Yes, but only up to 200 million UZS (approx. $16,000 USD). Any amount over 100 million UZS must be declared on the customs form. You cannot take out more than 200 million UZS when you leave.
You must keep the stamped card until you exit Uzbekistan. If lost, you may face delays and fines at departure. Make a photocopy or take a photo of it as backup.
Yes. Any printed or digital materials that could be seen as insulting to Islam or the state are prohibited. Missionary activities are also restricted — do not bring large quantities of religious texts without prior approval.
Drones require prior approval from the Ministry of Defence. Without a permit, they will be confiscated at customs. Apply well in advance through the Uzbek embassy.
No, Uzbekistan does not offer a VAT refund for tourists. There is no tax-free shopping scheme.
You must declare them on the red channel. Duty is charged at 30% on the value exceeding $800. Keep receipts to prove the value.

Official source

State Customs Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan

For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with State Customs Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan before travelling.