Travelling with children

Documents

Every child needs their own passport. According to the note to the official visa list, a child under 16 with a biometric document travelling with a legal guardian may stay visa-free for the length of the guardian's visa, up to 90 days.

If a child is travelling with only one parent, carrying a notarised consent letter from the other is recommended — it smooths things over if questions arise at the border. Children are registered at hotels along with you.

On the move

The Afrosiyob is the easiest way to travel with kids: roomy, clean and fast. On long routes, a sleeper compartment on a night train works well for families.

Taxis almost never have child seats — bring your own or pre-book a transfer and request one.

The old towns of Bukhara and Khiva have uneven paving, so a baby carrier beats a pushchair.

Food and supplies

Kids usually love the round bread, samsa, shashlik, manti, dairy products and fresh fruit. Almost every child falls for a warm loaf straight from the tandoor.

Baby food, nappies and toiletries are sold in larger supermarkets and pharmacies; stock up before heading to small towns and villages.

What kids enjoy

In Tashkent: Magic City park, the zoo, the botanical garden and the metro stations. In Samarkand and Bukhara children enjoy the craft workshops in madrasa courtyards; in Khiva, walking along the city walls.

The mountains of Tashkent Region, the shores of the Charvak Reservoir and a desert yurt camp — camels, an evening by the fire and a sky full of stars — stay with adults and children alike.

Heat and attention

In summer, keep children out of the midday sun: plan outings for mornings and evenings, and always carry hats and water.

Locals make a great fuss of children — they may pinch a cheek or offer a treat. It is a sign of genuine hospitality.