Uzbekistan customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed October 1, 2026·Official source

Uzbekistan is one of the few countries where every arriving traveller must submit a written customs declaration — there is no verbal 'nothing to declare' lane. The biggest risk is currency: the som is not freely convertible, and undeclared excess cash in either direction is treated as a serious offence. Keep your stamped entry declaration — you will need it to take money or valuables back out.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol

2.0 L

2 litres of any alcoholic beverage (wine, beer, spirits combined) per adult aged 18+. Amounts above 2L are subject to duty at customs discretion.

Tobacco

200 cigarettes

or 50 cigars / 250 g

Cash to declare

$10,000

Declare if carrying foreign currency or som worth more than 100,000,000 UZS (approximately USD 8,000–10,000 depending on the rate). Use the customs declaration form handed out on the plane or available at the red channel. Undeclared excess can be confiscated and fined.

Goods duty-free

$1,000

Personal goods up to USD 1,000 in value are duty-free. Above that, a flat 30% duty applies to the excess amount. Gifts and personal items are included in this total.

Prohibited — banned from import

Narcotics and psychotropic substances (including cannabis, even in small amounts)
Weapons, ammunition, and explosives without special permit
Printed materials, films, or media that promote religious extremism, separatism, or undermine the state
Fresh meat, dairy, and unprocessed agricultural products from countries with animal disease outbreaks
Drone aircraft (unless pre-approved by Uzbek authorities)
Satellite phones and encrypted communication devices without a licence

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

Medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances — require a doctor's prescription and prior approval
Antiques and cultural artefacts — need an export permit from the Ministry of Culture
Precious metals, stones, and jewellery above personal-use quantities — must be declared
Pets and live animals — require a veterinary certificate and advance permission
Religious materials — may be inspected and can be confiscated if deemed extremist

Arriving: red vs green channel

Fill out the customs declaration form before landing — flight attendants distribute them, or pick one up in the arrivals hall. If you have nothing to declare and your cash is under the limit, you can use the green channel after submitting the form; otherwise go through the red channel. Keep your stamped copy — you will need it when you leave the country to prove what you brought in.

Tax-free shopping & VAT refunds

Uzbekistan operates a VAT refund scheme for tourists (VAT Refund), but it is limited to purchases at participating stores with a minimum spend of 1,000,000 UZS (about USD 80) in a single receipt. Claim at the VAT Refund counter in Tashkent International Airport before check-in, with the goods, receipt, and passport. Not all retailers participate — look for the 'Tax Free' sticker.

Bringing medication

Bring personal medication in original packaging with a doctor's prescription or letter. Narcotics, psychotropics, and strong painkillers (including codeine, tramadol, and some ADHD medications) require prior permission from the Ministry of Health and are otherwise treated as prohibited. Common Western cold remedies containing pseudoephedrine are restricted. Declare all medicines on your customs form.

Food, plants & animal products

Meat, dairy, fresh fruit, vegetables, seeds, and plants are banned or heavily restricted to protect local agriculture. Any food products must be declared and may be inspected or confiscated. Commercially packaged, shelf-stable items are usually allowed in small quantities for personal use, but you must declare them.

Rules worth knowing

Currency declaration is mandatory both ways

You must declare all foreign currency and som if the total exceeds 100,000,000 UZS (roughly USD 8,000–10,000). Keep the stamped declaration — you will need it to take out any currency you brought in. Exchanging money on the black market is illegal and heavily fined.

Green channel still requires a form

Unlike many countries, Uzbekistan does not have a 'nothing to declare' verbal lane. Everyone must submit a written customs declaration, even if you are only carrying clothes and a phone. Failure to submit the form can lead to fines or delays.

Alcohol and tobacco limits are combined

The 2L alcohol allowance covers all types together — you cannot bring 2L of wine plus 2L of spirits. Similarly, the tobacco allowance is a single combined limit of 200 cigarettes OR 50 cigars OR 250g tobacco, not each.

Drones are effectively banned

Bringing a drone into Uzbekistan without prior written permission from the State Committee for Tourism or aviation authorities is prohibited. Drones are confiscated at the border and you may face a fine. Do not pack one unless you have arranged approval in advance.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, all electronic devices should be listed on your customs declaration form, including laptops, tablets, and cameras. They are generally allowed duty-free as personal items, but you must declare them. If you are carrying multiple identical devices, customs may suspect commercial intent and charge duty.

No, Adderall and similar amphetamine-based medications are prohibited in Uzbekistan. Even with a foreign prescription, they are treated as narcotics. You need prior approval from the Uzbek Ministry of Health before travel. Bringing them without approval can lead to arrest. Alternative non-stimulant medications may be allowed with a prescription — check with the embassy first.

You can take out up to the amount you declared on entry, provided you have the stamped customs declaration. If you are a non-resident leaving with more than 100,000,000 UZS in foreign currency, you must have proof it was legally imported or exchanged. Undeclared excess cash is confiscated and fined.

Yes, there is a small duty-free shop in the arrivals area at Tashkent International Airport, but it is only accessible after clearing passport control and before customs. The selection is limited. You cannot buy alcohol or tobacco there and then exceed your customs allowance — the same limits apply.

You will pay a flat 30% duty on the amount exceeding USD 1,000. For example, if your goods are worth USD 1,200, you pay 30% on USD 200, which is USD 60. You must declare the excess on your customs form and go through the red channel. Undeclared excess can lead to higher fines.

Commercially packaged chocolate and hard cheese are usually allowed in small quantities for personal use, but you must declare them. Fresh cheese, meat, and homemade products are prohibited. If in doubt, declare it — customs will decide whether to allow it.

Yes, you must fill out a customs declaration when departing if you are carrying currency or goods that require declaration. Keep your entry declaration form — you will need to show it to prove you are not taking out more currency than you brought in. Without it, you may be limited to a small amount of cash on exit.

Official source

State Customs Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan