🇺🇿 Drive Uzbekistan with Confidence
An IDP is required in Uzbekistan. Navigate Silk Road routes and desert highways safely.
Do You Need an IDP in Uzbekistan?
Required — Legally Mandatory for Foreign Drivers
Uzbekistan requires all foreign drivers to carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national license. Police checkpoints are common on intercity routes, and officers will request your IDP during stops.
Key Warning
The highways between Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva cross vast desert stretches. Fuel stations can be 100+ km apart. Always fill up before leaving cities. Road conditions deteriorate significantly outside main corridors.
Driving Rules in Uzbekistan
Drive on the Right
Uzbekistan drives on the right. Road signs follow international conventions but text is in Uzbek. GPS navigation is essential for intercity driving.
Silk Road Routes
The M39 highway connects major Silk Road cities. It is generally well-maintained between Tashkent and Bukhara. Secondary roads to smaller sites can be unpaved.
Desert Highways
Long stretches between cities cross the Kyzylkum Desert. Carry extra water, food, and fuel. Sandstorms can reduce visibility to near zero.
Speed Limits
Urban: 50–70 km/h. Highways: 100–110 km/h. Police radar traps are common outside cities. Fines are payable on the spot.
Renting a Car in Uzbekistan
What you need to know before picking up your rental vehicle.
Required Documents
IDP (mandatory), valid license, passport. Rental options are limited compared to Western countries. Book well in advance.
Typical Costs
Cars from $30–60/day depending on vehicle type. Limited insurance options. Fuel around $1/liter.
Top Rental Companies
Europcar — Tashkent airport (limited). UzRent — Local agency. Caravanistan — Recommended for Silk Road itineraries.
“Police stopped us four times between Samarkand and Bukhara. Every time they asked for our IDP. The RoadSeal document was accepted each time. Without it, we would not have made it through.”
Get Your IDP for Uzbekistan — From $29
Delivered digitally in as little as 2 hours. Physical copy shipped worldwide. Valid for 1 year.
Apply Now →Uzbekistan IDP FAQ
Yes. An IDP is legally required for all foreign drivers in Uzbekistan. Police checkpoints are frequent on intercity routes and officers routinely check documentation.
Main highways between Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara are reasonably well-maintained. Secondary roads can be poor. Driving at night is not recommended due to lack of lighting and livestock on roads.
Car rental is available in Tashkent through international and local agencies. Options outside the capital are very limited. Booking in advance is strongly recommended.