Why Getting a Tourist Visa for Uzbekistan Is Simpler Than Most Travelers Think
How to get tourist visa for Uzbekistan depends on your age, nationality, and length of stay. Here are your three main options:
Quick Answer for U.S. Citizens:
- Visa-Free Entry – If you’re over 55 or under 16, you can enter without a visa for up to 30 days (over 55) or 90 days (under 16).
- e-Visa (Most Common) – Apply online at e-visa.gov.uz for $20-$50, receive approval in 3-12 business days, and stay up to 30 days.
- Sticker Visa – Apply by mail through the Uzbekistan Embassy ($185 for U.S. citizens) if you need to stay longer than 30 days.
Most travelers choose the e-Visa because it’s fast, affordable, and entirely online—no embassy visit required.
Forget what you’ve heard about complicated visa requirements. Uzbekistan has dramatically simplified its entry process, introducing an electronic visa system and expanding visa-free travel. What once took weeks and required invitation letters can now be done in minutes from your laptop.
Most e-visa applications are approved within 12 business days, with many travelers receiving theirs in as little as 3 days. The key is knowing which visa option applies to you and getting the application details right the first time.
I’m Nariman Huseynov, and at Visato, I’ve helped thousands of travelers steer the process. This guide provides clear instructions and current requirements for each visa option to help you avoid common mistakes.
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Do You Even Need a Visa? Check for Exemptions First
Before starting an application, check if you even need a visa. Many U.S. citizens can enter Uzbekistan visa-free, saving time and money.
Uzbekistan offers visa exemptions for specific groups of American travelers for tourism purposes. The rules are straightforward: if you’re over 55 or under 16, you can enter without a visa. However, these exemptions do not apply to work, study, or business travel.
One rule applies to everyone: your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date from Uzbekistan. Immigration officers will check this, so ensure your passport has sufficient validity.
For a deeper dive into visa-free travel, see our guide on Uzbekistan Visa Free Travel 2025: New Rules and Tips for US and China Citizens.
Visa-Free Entry for U.S. Citizens Over 55
U.S. citizens aged 55 or older can enter Uzbekistan without a visa for tourism and stay for up to 30 days. No advance registration is required. Simply present your valid U.S. passport upon arrival. An immigration officer will verify your age from your passport and grant you entry.
This policy allows travelers in this age group to focus on planning their trip instead of worrying about visa applications. For more details, visit our page on Uzbekistan visa-free rules.
Visa-Free Entry for U.S. Citizens Under 16
Uzbekistan also makes family travel easier. U.S. citizens under 16 years old can enter without a visa for tourism.
Young travelers must have a valid U.S. passport and be accompanied by their legal guardians. Their stay is limited to their guardian’s visa period and cannot exceed 90 days.
One important detail: if a child turns 16 during the stay, they will need an exit visa to leave the country. This is a procedural step that the authorities will facilitate, but it’s important to be aware of if your child’s birthday falls during your trip.
The Easiest Option: Applying for the Uzbekistan e-Visa
For those who don’t qualify for visa-free entry, the Uzbekistan e-Visa is the simplest and most popular option. The entire process is online, eliminating the need for embassy visits or mailing your passport.
The e-Visa is available for tourism or business purposes and allows a stay of up to 30 days. You can choose between single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry options. Once issued, the e-Visa is valid for 90 days, giving you a three-month window to enter the country.
Official processing time is up to 12 business days, but many travelers receive approval in 3 business days or less. To be safe, apply at least two weeks before your trip. Learn more in our Uzbekistan E-Visa Complete Guide.
Step-by-Step Guide to the e-Visa Application
The online application is straightforward and can be completed in about 15 minutes.
- Visit the official portal at e-visa.gov.uz.
- Select your country, passport type, and purpose of visit (e.g., tourism).
- Enter your planned travel dates. These are for estimation purposes.
- Fill in your personal information exactly as it appears on your passport. Typos can cause delays or rejection.
- Upload a digital photo and a clear scan of your passport’s main page. Ensure all details are readable.
- Provide your email address for updates and to receive the approved e-Visa.
- Pay the consular fee with a Visa or MasterCard.
- Receive an email confirmation after payment. Save this email as proof of your application.
e-Visa Requirements, Fees, and Processing Time
The most common reasons for application delays are incorrect photos and data entry mistakes. To avoid them, follow these guidelines:
- Digital Photograph: Use a recent, clear headshot with a neutral expression and a plain, light-colored background. It should meet passport photo standards (no sunglasses or hats, unless for religious reasons).
- Passport Scan: Provide a high-resolution scan or photo of your passport’s main page. All details must be sharp and readable. Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure from Uzbekistan.
Fees are non-refundable and paid online:
- Single-entry: $20
- Double-entry: $35
- Multiple-entry: $50
For a full cost breakdown, see our Uzbekistan E-Visa Fees Complete Guide.
While most approvals arrive in 3 business days (many within 24-72 hours), the official processing time is up to 12 business days. Apply well in advance to avoid stress.
How to get a tourist visa for Uzbekistan if you need more than 30 days
The e-Visa is strictly for stays of up to 30 days and cannot be extended within Uzbekistan. If you plan to stay longer, you must apply for a physical “sticker” visa at an Uzbek embassy or consulate before you travel.
Overstaying an e-Visa can result in fines, deportation, and future travel bans. If your plans are uncertain, either apply for a sticker visa from the start or limit your trip to 30 days. For more information, see our Uzbekistan Visa Extension Guide.
How to Get a Tourist Visa for Uzbekistan: The Traditional “Sticker” Visa
If you plan to stay longer than 30 days or are traveling for purposes other than short-term tourism or business (e.g., study), you will need a traditional “sticker” visa. This physical visa is placed in your passport by an Uzbek embassy or consulate and requires a more involved mail-in application process.
Here’s how the sticker visa compares to the e-Visa:
| Feature | e-Visa | Sticker Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Processing Time | 3-12 business days | Varies, generally longer |
| Cost (US Citizen) | $20 (single), $35 (double), $50 (multiple) | $185 (single entry 30 days) |
| Duration of Stay | Up to 30 days | Can be longer than 30 days (depending on type) |
| Application Method | Online | Mail-in or in-person at Embassy/Consulate |
| Best Use Case | Tourism/short business trips (up to 30 days) | Long-term stays, specific purposes (e.g., study) |
The higher cost makes the sticker visa less common for short-term tourists, but it’s the only option for extended stays. For detailed guidance, see our guide on the Uzbekistan Visa for US Citizens.
Requirements for a Physical Tourist Visa
To get a sticker visa, you must mail a packet of documents to the embassy. The requirements include:
- Two completed visa application forms: Fill them out online at visa.mfa.uz, then print and sign them. Include your contact information.
- Original passport: It must be in good condition, have at least one blank page, and be valid for at least three months beyond your intended stay.
- Two recent passport-size photos: Glue one to each application form.
- Photocopy of your passport’s main page.
- Money Order for the visa fee. Personal checks are not typically accepted for mail-in applications.
- Prepaid, self-addressed return envelope: Use a trackable service like USPS or FedEx to ensure your passport is returned safely.
Fees and Application Process for a Sticker Visa
The sticker visa fee for U.S. citizens is $185 for a single-entry 30-day visa. Urgent processing costs 50% more.
For non-U.S. citizens, fees are lower, typically starting at $65 for a single-entry 30-day visa, due to reciprocal agreements.
Mail your complete application packet to the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Washington D.C. or the Consulate General in New York, depending on your jurisdiction. Always use a trackable shipping service for both sending and receiving your passport. Ensure the return envelope lists you as the sender. Processing times are longer than for the e-Visa, so apply well in advance. For a complete fee breakdown, see our Uzbekistan Visa Fees Guide.
After You Apply: Key Steps for a Smooth Arrival
After your visa is approved, a few key steps before you travel and upon arrival will ensure a smooth entry into Uzbekistan.
Before You Travel: Printing and Verifying Your Visa
Wait for the official email confirming your e-Visa has been approved; the payment receipt is not your visa. Once you receive the approval:
- Print your e-Visa. While a digital copy may be accepted, a physical printout prevents issues with phones or internet at immigration.
- Verify all details. Carefully check that your name, passport number, and date of birth on the e-Visa exactly match your passport. Even a small typo can cause problems.
- Note your entry type. Confirm whether you have a single, double, or multiple-entry visa. A single-entry visa does not permit re-entry, even for a short side trip to a neighboring country.
You can track your application status online while you wait. For guidance, see our article on How to Check Uzbekistan Visa Status Online.
Upon Arrival: Registration Requirements for Foreigners
All foreign nationals must register with local authorities within three days of arriving in Uzbekistan. This is mandatory.
- If staying at a hotel, guesthouse, or hostel: The accommodation will handle your registration automatically. They will provide a small paper slip as proof. Keep this slip with your passport, as you will need to show it upon departure.
- If staying in private accommodation (e.g., with friends, unregistered Airbnb): You or your host must register your stay at the local Ministry of Interior office or online via the Emehmon system at emehmon.uz.
You must maintain uninterrupted registration for your entire stay. This means you must re-register every time you change accommodation. Always carry your registration slips. For more details, read our guide on Registration in Uzbekistan.
What to Do if Your e-Visa Isn’t Verified
In the rare event that an immigration officer cannot find your e-Visa in their system upon arrival, stay calm and follow these steps:
- Present your printed e-Visa. This physical copy often resolves the issue immediately.
- Contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. They operate hotlines for visa verification issues. Save these numbers: main hotline at +998 71-200-00-88 and visa issues desk at +998 71-236-27-07.
- Seek assistance. U.S. citizens can contact the U.S. Embassy in Tashkent for guidance. If you applied through Visato, our 24/7 support team is available to help. Contact us via our contact page.
Being prepared with organized documents and contact numbers can turn a potential problem into a minor inconvenience.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Uzbekistan Tourist Visa
Here are answers to some common questions about how to get tourist visa for Uzbekistan.
How long can I stay in Uzbekistan with a tourist e-Visa?
A tourist e-Visa permits a stay of up to 30 days per entry. The visa itself is valid for 90 days from its issue date, which is the window you have to enter Uzbekistan. Your 30-day countdown begins upon entry.
A single-entry e-Visa is voided once you leave the country. To re-enter, you must apply for a new visa. If you plan to visit neighboring countries and return, apply for a double or multiple-entry e-Visa.
Can I get a tourist visa on arrival in Uzbekistan?
No. Uzbekistan does not offer a visa on arrival for U.S. citizens or most other nationalities. You must secure an e-Visa or sticker visa before you travel, unless you qualify for visa-free entry (over 55 or under 16). Arriving without a valid visa or exemption will likely result in denied entry.
What is the most common reason for an e-Visa application to have problems?
The two most common issues that cause delays or rejections are:
- Photo Problems: The uploaded photo must meet passport standards (clear, front-facing, neutral expression, plain background). A poor-quality or non-compliant photo is a frequent reason for rejection.
- Data Entry Errors: Your application information must match your passport details exactly. Even a small typo in your name, passport number, or date of birth can lead to problems. Always double-check your information before submitting.
Conclusion
Getting a tourist visa for Uzbekistan is more straightforward than ever. The country’s flexible system offers several paths for travelers.
U.S. citizens over 55 or under 16 may qualify for visa-free entry. For most other tourists, the e-Visa is the fastest and most convenient option, with applications processed online in as little as a few business days. For stays longer than 30 days, the traditional sticker visa is available through the embassy.
This simplified process allows you to focus on planning your adventure. At Visato, we specialize in making visa applications seamless. Whether you use this guide to apply on your own or prefer our expert assistance, we are here to help. Your Silk Road journey awaits!
For a comprehensive overview, visit our Uzbekistan Tourist Visa Complete Guide and start planning your trip.
