Visa

Hello everyone,

I am planning a Central Asian backpacking trip as part of my gap year. I've got most issues sorted out because it seems that visa requirements for Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan are very light for UK citizens; the Tajik visa doesn't seem to be too much of a bother either.
However, I'm a bit worried about the Uzbek one. I have read stories of people waiting three weeks in Bishkek for their visa to process, while the Tajik one took half an hour. Bishkek is the place where I'd like to pick both visas up.
Does anyone have any tips regarding minimising the wait for this? Apparently, if you have a Letter of Invitation (even though you don't need one if you're a UK citizen) it makes it a lot quicker.
Thank a lot!

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I had similar difficulties 6 years ago. A tour company called 'Stantours' were very helpful, You could try them. I have also heard that 'Advantours' is also a very good company for helping with this type of query.

Hey James:
Don't wish to alarm you, just the facts.
I just came back from CA. I was stuck in Bishkek for 9 days waiting for my visa (Canadian AND I had an LOI).
I met a German woman who was there for 14 days - she did NOT have an LOI - and regretted not having one.
Some people were only waiting four or five days. It was beyond frustrating.
The woman (I use the term lightly) who controls access to the consulate is hostile, aggressive, nasty and unhelpful. She has a reputation for a reason.

All I can say is this: Go to the consulate and look for the information sheet on the gate (English). Follow the directions exactly and have every document it states in your possession. Call the minute you can - there is a phone number on the instruction sheet and the nasty woman will book an appointment for you. If you are lucky, you will not be there during a time when they are closed for three days or more. Once you have the appointment, arrive an hour early and wait outside the gate. She will appear from the doorway and call out your name close to the appointment time. Do NOT miss your appointment. Wear warm clothes as you have to wait outside. I waited for three hours outside. On the day I was to get my VISA their printer broke. It took three (yes 3) days to fix the printer - nobody could get a VISA because of this. Incredible.

Other people were getting their appointment in two days, then two days processing. Me, not so lucky.

Uzbekistan is outstanding by the way - by far my favourite country in CA. Don't let the hostile, narrow minded goat who works at the embassy turn you off. The people are amongst the nicest on the planet.

So, even if you do not need an LOI, I would get one if I were you. It seems to really grease the process.
Good luck and enjoy UZ.

I agree with the above poster's last two paragraphs.
Uzbekistan was a great experience with stunning architecture and very easy going people. Do not be put off with the difficulties in obtaining a visa

is it easier to get the visa in embassy (in france or england?)before starting?

As a Canadian, I could not get one ahead of time as there is no embassy for UZ in my country. I met a French couple who arranged all their visas from home and it saved them a TON of effort and wasted time waiting in KYG and KAZ etc. They said it was definitely worth the effort. I arranged my KAZ visa in Canada and it was a breeze. Just my opinion for what it is worth.

I am sorry, I have no idea. I bought my visas in transit.