Uzbeki Visa Interview

[Tiffany]

Is it just me??
I've been told by Travcour that Mr Sultan at the Uzbeki Embassy doesn't like the look of my application - he feels there are some discrepancies and therefore wants to talk directly to me and will probably invite (I think that means summon) me for an interview.
As it will mean a return journey of almost 700 miles, I don't really want to go to London if I can avoid it but obviously needs must - particularly as my Turkmenistan visa depends on me getting this one first (whoops!).

Has anyone else had this problem? If so what did the Embassy ask??

[MotoEdde]

I had a similar interview request when I applied in Istanbul.
They wanted to know the standard stuff...why are you travelling etc. 20 minutes later I got my passport back with the visa stamped.

Again, I think you should consider picking up your visas enroute...it ends up being more convenient and quicker than you think.

Also,before the interview...research heavily about UZbek and its rich history and spend a lot of time telling them how UZbek is the most country in Central Asia, and the one you want to spend the most time/$$$s in...play the game

HTH

[sashadidi]

Originally Posted by MotoEdde

I had a similar interview request when I applied in Istanbul.
They wanted to know the standard stuff...why are you travelling etc. 20 minutes later I got my passport back with the visa stamped.

Again, I think you should consider picking up your visas enroute...it ends up being more convenient and quicker than you think.

Also,before the interview...research heavily about UZbek and its rich history and spend a lot of time telling them how UZbek is the most country in Central Asia, and the one you want to spend the most time/$$$s in...play the game

HTH

got my in moscow with
'help
' from a travel agent
(us$ I think) but they are relaxed really, and learn about them like has been mentioned and NO politics at all, just travel

[Tiffany]

After a long chat with Mr Sultan at the Uzbek embassy by phone, followed up by a fax establishing my work credentials (had to be a touch creative on that one) I am now the proud owner of the visa. Thanks for the advice MotoEdde as I did wax lyrical about the many attractions of Uzbekistan - reading directly out of my LP guide!

But what have the Azeris done? I asked David at Stantours for the LOI (letter of invitation) to get the Azeri visa and I find that My name is on someone else's LOI - a bunch of guys who are nothing to do with me and more worryingly, they are not travelling through Azerbaijan until July and I'm going to be there in two weeks - eeek.

stantours have assured me there is no problem as there are no dates on the LOI and that I will be fine just turning up by myself at the border - they think the Ministry at Baku don't like the idea of me travelling on my own and have added my name onto the other list to look better.

As a reply to the getting the visas on the road- yes, I've done that a lot as well but as I am actually setting off from my home country and have the time to get the necessary ones in advance then that's what I'm doing.
I'm not a big fan of major cities, I prefer to explore the countryside, so not having to go to capital cities to hunt down consulates and visas while I'm travelling is a big plus - especially as they are not always very keen to issue visas to lone women in other countries, as I have found out on several occasions.

There are definitely many advantages to being female and travelling but the pursuit of visas is more difficult.

[colebatch]

Have been having a ball in Uzbekistan at present Tiff ... PM me for more info but I can put you in touch with the local bikers in Tashkent. There were a couple of russian female bikers here last week

see also my blog posts on Sibirsky Extreme for more info

There are no cash machines in Uzbekistan, and foreign sim cards dont work here. Take plenty of USD cash in and considere spending about 3 of them to buy a local sim card.

[Bjorn]

A late reply to this topic (now you already have the Uzbekistan Visa), but for the records/future travellers:

I had minor difficulties at the time (2008) to get the Uzbek visa in London, but it worked out alright. What REALLY helped (and actually put a big(!) smile onto the Uzbek Embassy guy's face) was the fact that I travelled by motorbike.
Seriously: His facial expression went from bored to enthusiastic within a fraction of a second.
What he couldn't understand is WHY someone would want to do this kind of thing, and if I was part of the "Mongol Rallye". So if everything else fails, iut might be worth saying that you ARE part of the Mongol Rallye.