Tashkent Airport Introduces On-Spot IMEI Code Registration for Travelers
Arriving passengers can now register their mobile devices brought from abroad at the Tashkent capital airport. A new IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) registration desk has been set up in the arrivals hall by Uzbekistan Airports. The desk is operated by employees of the Republican Center for the Management of Telecommunication Networks, and it allows passengers to register both new and used mobile devices they are bringing into the country.
The registration service comes at a cost of 20% of the Base Calculating Amount (BCA), which is equivalent to 68,000 UZS. This fee has been in place since December 2019, and it is mandatory to register devices within 30 days of import to avoid them becoming non-functional on local networks.
In October 2023, there were updates to the IMEI registration process to simplify it for citizens and foreigners. Now, individuals can register up to two mobile phones duty-free when bringing them in from abroad. The usage period for non-residents without registration has also been extended to 60 days. However, mandatory declaration of imported devices is now required, and there is a limit of $2,000 for duty-free imported phones per trip.
These changes aim to streamline the process for registering mobile devices brought from abroad and ensure compliance with regulations while traveling to Uzbekistan. Travelers are encouraged to take advantage of the IMEI registration desk upon arrival to avoid any issues with using their mobile devices on local networks.
