Planning Your Journey to Uzbekistan? Here’s What You Need to Know
An E-visa to Uzbekistan is an electronic travel authorization that allows citizens from over 70 countries to visit for tourism, business, or medical purposes without visiting an embassy. Since July 2018, this streamlined digital system has made it possible for travelers from India, the United States, Canada, and many other nations to apply online in minutes.
Quick Facts:
- Cost: $20 USD (single-entry), $35 USD (double-entry), $50 USD (multiple-entry)
- Processing Time: 2-3 working days
- Validity: 90 days from issue date
- Stay Duration: Up to 30 consecutive days
- Application: 100% online at the official portal
- Requirements: Valid passport + digital photo
The process is simple: fill out an online form, upload your documents, pay the fee, and receive your approved visa via email. You just print it and present it at the border with your passport.
As Nariman Huseynov from Visato.uz, I’ve helped thousands of travelers successfully obtain their E-visa to Uzbekistan over the past five years. Our team processes applications daily and stays updated on every requirement change to ensure smooth approval for our clients.
What is the Uzbekistan E-Visa and Who Can Apply?
Getting to the Silk Road treasure of Uzbekistan used to mean embassy visits and long waits. Not anymore. The Uzbekistan e-visa has transformed how travelers reach this historic destination.
Simply put, an e-visa is an electronic travel authorization processed entirely online. No embassy appointments or mailing your passport. You apply from home, receive approval via email, and you’re ready to explore ancient cities and vibrant bazaars.
This digital visa works for tourism, business trips, and medical visits. Whether you’re planning to photograph the turquoise domes of Samarkand or attend a conference in Tashkent, the e-visa is your key. For leisure travelers, we’ve put together detailed guidance here: More info about e-visa for tourism.
Understanding the E-visa to Uzbekistan
The e-visa comes in three types. A single-entry visa is for one trip. The double-entry option is perfect if you plan to visit neighboring countries and return. For multiple visits, the multiple-entry visa offers the most flexibility.
Each visa type allows a stay of up to 30 consecutive days. Your visa is valid for 90 days from its issue date, giving you a three-month window to enter the country.
It’s important to know that the e-visa is non-extendable and non-convertible. You cannot extend a 30-day tourist e-visa while in Uzbekistan or convert it to a work or study visa. For longer stays or different purposes, you must apply for a traditional visa at an Uzbek embassy. For most tourists, however, 30 days is ample time to experience the country’s highlights.
Eligibility: Who Needs an E-Visa?
The e-visa system is available to citizens from over 70 countries, including India, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and many European and Asian nations. If you’re from an eligible country and planning a short visit, the e-visa is your best option.
Uzbekistan also offers visa-free entry to numerous nationalities for limited stays, and a 5-day visa-free transit at international airports is available to citizens of many countries with a confirmed onward flight. Children under 16 do not need a visa if traveling with legal guardians; their stay is limited to the guardian’s permitted duration and cannot exceed 90 days. Rules can change, so always verify the latest requirements.
To check your specific situation and start your application, visit the Official Uzbekistan E-Visa Portal.
Your Step-by-Step Guide to the E-visa to Uzbekistan Application
Getting your Uzbekistan e-visa is refreshingly simple. The process is designed to be as painless as possible, so you can focus on planning your trip. No embassy appointments or long queues—just a few minutes on your computer.
The entire application happens online. You fill out a form, upload documents, pay the fee, and receive your approved visa by email. For a complete breakdown of the requirements, see our detailed guide: More info about e-visa requirements.
Required Documents and Specifications
Before you start, gather a digital photo and a passport scan. Your digital photo must meet ICAO standards: 35×40 mm, 300 dpi resolution, with your face taking up 70-80% of the frame against a plain background. No casual selfies—it needs to be a clear, professional-style image.
The passport scan must be of the main data page, with all information clearly readable. Both files must be in JPEG format and under 500 KB each.
Your passport must be valid for at least 90 days beyond your intended stay in Uzbekistan. We recommend having at least three months of validity beyond your visa’s expiration date. You also need one blank page for entry and exit stamps.
The Online Application Walkthrough
Ready to apply? Start by selecting your citizenship, passport type, and travel purpose. Enter your planned travel dates for a stay of up to 30 consecutive days.
Next, fill in your personal information. Accuracy here is critical. Enter your details exactly as they appear on your passport—full name, date of birth, passport number, etc. Every letter and number must match.
Upload your prepared digital photo and passport scan. You will also need to provide a valid email address, as this is where your activation code and approved e-visa will be sent.
Finally, pay the consular fee using Visa or MasterCard through the secure portal. Once payment is confirmed, your application is submitted. Within 2-3 working days, you’ll receive your approved e-visa as a PDF. Print it out, and you’re ready to go.
Note for dual citizens: use the passport you plan to travel with for the application to avoid confusion.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Most applications are smooth, but a few common errors can cause delays or rejection. Here’s how to avoid them:
- Incorrect personal details: Double-check that your name and passport number exactly match your passport.
- Mismatched passport info: The passport used for the application must be the one you travel with. A renewed passport requires a new e-visa.
- Poor photo quality: A blurry photo or one that doesn’t meet ICAO standards will be rejected. Use a clear image with a plain background.
- Expired passport: Ensure your passport has at least 90 days of validity beyond your stay. We recommend three months beyond your visa’s expiry.
- Applying too late: Apply at least three working days before your trip to avoid last-minute stress.
- Not checking spam: Your approved e-visa arrives by email. Check your spam folder and add info@evisa.gov.uz to your safe senders.
- Remembering fees are non-refundable: If your application is rejected or you cancel your trip, the fee is not returned. Accuracy is key.
- Errors on the approved visa: An approved e-visa cannot be amended. If you find a mistake, you must submit and pay for a new application.
Costs, Processing Times, and Validity
Let’s cover the practical details: how much the Uzbekistan e-visa costs, how long it takes, and how it works. We believe in transparency so you can plan your Silk Road trip without any surprises.
E-Visa Fees and Payment Methods
The cost depends on the number of entries you need. A single-entry visa is $20 USD. For a quick side trip and return, the double-entry visa is $35 USD. For maximum flexibility with multiple border crossings, the multiple-entry visa is $50 USD.
Payment is made securely online with Visa or MasterCard. Your bank may add a small processing charge of around 2.5%.
These fees are non-refundable. If your application is denied or your plans change, the fee will not be returned. This makes getting every detail right on the first try essential to avoid losing money over simple typos.
Processing Time and Visa Validity
One of the best features of the e-visa system is its speed. Applications are typically processed in just 2-3 working days. No more weeks of anxious waiting.
While processing is fast, we recommend applying at least 3 working days before your planned departure. This provides a buffer for any unexpected delays. For regular paper visas, urgent processing is available for a 50% extra fee, but the e-visa’s standard timeline is sufficient for most travelers.
Once issued, your e-visa is valid for 90 days from the issue date. This is your entry window, giving you three months to begin your trip. Upon entry, the visa allows a maximum stay of up to 30 consecutive days. This 30-day limit applies whether you have a single, double, or multiple-entry visa and must be completed within the 90-day validity window.
For a more comprehensive look at the entire process, we’ve prepared an in-depth resource: More info about the e-visa process.
Beyond the Application: Other Entry Requirements
Getting your e-visa is a major step, but a few more details will ensure your arrival and stay are smooth. This is your final checklist before you begin your Silk Road adventure.
We want you to feel prepared, so let’s cover what happens at the border, registration rules, and other practicalities. For a complete overview, check our detailed information page: More info about what you need to know.
Arrival and Registration in Uzbekistan
Here’s what to expect upon arrival to comply with local regulations.
- At border control: Have your passport and a printed copy of your e-visa ready. While a digital copy might be accepted, a physical printout is the most reliable way to ensure a smooth entry. The immigration officer will verify that your e-visa and passport details match perfectly.
- The three-day registration rule: All foreign nationals must register with local authorities within three days of arrival. If you’re staying in a hotel or registered guesthouse, the staff will handle this for you. They will provide a registration slip, which you must keep safe, as you’ll need to present it upon departure.
- Staying with friends or in private accommodation? If not in a hotel, you must register yourself. Uzbekistan offers an online self-registration portal to manage this: Online registration portal. Complete it within the first three days and keep your confirmation.
- Proof of registration matters: Always keep your registration documents with you. Border officials may request them when you depart, and missing proof can cause significant delays.
- Currency declaration: You must declare foreign currency exceeding the equivalent of $2,000 USD upon entry. You cannot leave with more foreign currency than you declared on arrival without proper documentation.
- Health requirements: For most tourists on an e-visa, health requirements are minimal. However, longer stays or different visa types may require additional medical documentation. Confirm with the Embassy of Uzbekistan if your plans involve a longer visit.
- Understanding local laws: We recommend checking your government’s travel advisories before departure. Be aware of local laws and customs, and always carry a copy of your passport and e-visa for identification.
- Medical facilities and insurance: Medical facilities may be below Western standards, especially outside major cities. We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance that includes medical coverage and evacuation.
- When you need more than an e-visa: The e-visa is for stays up to 30 days. For studying, working, or longer visits, you’ll need a regular visa from an Uzbek embassy. This process is more involved and requires additional documentation. Official documents may need an apostille certification to be legally recognized in Uzbekistan.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Uzbekistan E-Visa
As you prepare for your journey, you might have a few questions. At Visato.uz, we’ve heard them all, and we’re here to provide clear answers.
Do I need to register with local authorities if I have an e-visa?
Yes, registration is mandatory for all foreign visitors, even with an e-visa. You must register within three days of arrival. Hotels and registered accommodations will handle this for you; just be sure to get the registration slip. If staying in private accommodation, you must register yourself online at reg.emehmon.uz. Always keep proof of registration, as it may be checked upon departure.
What happens if my e-visa application is rejected?
Rejections usually happen due to inaccuracies in the application or documents that don’t meet requirements, like a poor-quality photo or an unclear passport scan.
If your application is rejected, you will be notified by email. Unfortunately, the consular fees are non-refundable. However, you can review the rejection reason, correct the issue, and submit a new application. This is why we stress the importance of double-checking every detail before submitting.
Can I enter Uzbekistan by land with an e-visa?
Absolutely. The e-visa is valid for entry through all international airports as well as designated land border crossing points. Whether you’re flying into Tashkent or crossing overland from a neighboring country, your e-visa is accepted. Just have your printed e-visa and valid passport ready for border officials to ensure a smooth entry.
Conclusion
You’ve reached the end of our guide, and we hope you’re feeling confident about your upcoming adventure. The journey to Uzbekistan, with its stunning architecture and rich history, is now more accessible than ever.
The e-visa has transformed travel to this remarkable country. What once required embassy visits and long waits is now a simple online process you can complete in minutes, with approval arriving by email in just 2-3 business days.
As Nariman Huseynov from Visato.uz, I’ve seen how this system has opened Uzbekistan’s doors to thousands of travelers. Our team is passionate about making your application experience smooth, offering 24/7 support for guidance and reassurance. We handle the visa complexities so you can focus on the exciting parts of your trip.
Before you go, here is a final preparation checklist:
- Check passport validity: Ensure it’s valid for at least 90 days beyond your intended stay.
- Print your e-visa: A physical copy is strongly recommended for border control.
- Remember registration: You must register within three days of arrival (your hotel usually handles this).
- Declare currency: If carrying over $2,000 USD or its equivalent, declare it upon entry.
- Check travel advisories: Stay informed by checking your government’s latest advice before you fly.
The magic of Uzbekistan awaits—from the turquoise domes of Samarkand to the ancient lanes of Bukhara and the modern buzz of Tashkent. With your e-visa secured, you’re ready to experience it all.
