Planning Your Trip to Uzbekistan? Here’s What You Need to Know
Tashkent e visa applications are now completely online. Here’s a quick overview:
How to Get Your Uzbekistan E-Visa:
- Visit the official e-visa portal (e-visa.gov.uz)
- Complete the online application form.
- Upload your passport copy and a passport-style photo.
- Pay the fee ($20 single-entry, $35 double-entry, or $50 multiple-entry).
- Receive your approved e-visa via email in 2-3 business days.
Key Details:
- Valid for: 90 days from issue date
- Maximum stay: 30 consecutive days per entry
- Eligible: Citizens from 77 countries, including the USA
- Processing time: 2 working days (apply at least 3 days before travel)
Launched in July 2018, the Uzbekistan e-visa system simplifies travel by replacing embassy visits with a streamlined online process. Your approved e-visa arrives as a PDF in your email.
Important: Some US citizens have visa exemptions. Americans under 16 can stay visa-free for up to 90 days (with a legal guardian), and those over 55 get 30 days visa-free. If you’re between those ages, you’ll need an e-visa.
The e-visa is your electronic travel authorization for tourism or business. You must print it and present it at immigration upon arrival. A payment confirmation is not an approval; wait for the email with a “GRANTED” status before booking travel.
As an expert at visato.uz, I’ve guided thousands of travelers through the Tashkent e visa process. This guide covers everything you need for a successful application.
Tashkent e visa terms to remember:
What is the Uzbekistan E-Visa and Who Can Apply?
The Uzbekistan e-visa is an official electronic travel authorization that allows entry without visiting an embassy. Instead of a traditional visa stamp, you receive a PDF document via email. Launched in 2018, this Tashkent e visa system simplifies travel for tourism, business, or family visits.
Citizens from 77 countries are eligible to apply, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and most European nations. However, it’s worth checking if you qualify for Uzbekistan’s generous visa-free policies first.
Who needs a Tashkent e-visa?
You’ll need a Tashkent e visa for short-term tourism or business if your nationality isn’t covered by a visa-free agreement. This applies to exploring Silk Road heritage, attending conferences, or meeting business partners. The main requirement is a passport valid for at least three months beyond your planned stay, though six months is recommended to be safe. US citizens between 16 and 55 must apply for the e-visa.
Who can enter Uzbekistan visa-free?
Many travelers can enter Uzbekistan without a visa.
- Citizens of most CIS countries (Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Ukraine) can enter visa-free for up to 60 days.
- Citizens of most EU nations, Canada, and Australia enjoy 30 days of visa-free travel.
- Citizens of China, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman get 10 days visa-free with an onward international flight ticket.
- US citizens under 16 can stay visa-free for up to 90 days with a legal guardian, while US citizens over 55 get 30 days visa-free.
- Transit passengers from 101 countries can enjoy a 5-day visa-free transit period if flying through Tashkent International Airport with an onward ticket. This allows for a short exploration of the city.
Note on Passport Validity: Whether entering with an e-visa or visa-free, your passport must have at least three months of validity beyond your intended departure date from Uzbekistan. This is a strictly enforced immigration requirement.
Understanding Your E-Visa Options: Types, Validity, and Fees
The Uzbekistan e-visa system offers clear options to suit different travel plans. Understanding the types, validity, and fees will help you choose the right one.
Single-Entry vs. Multiple-Entry E-Visas
When applying for your Tashkent e visa, you must choose the number of entries you need.
- A single-entry e-visa allows you to enter Uzbekistan once. If you leave the country for any reason, you cannot re-enter on the same visa. This is ideal for travelers who plan to stay within Uzbekistan for their entire trip.
- A double-entry e-visa is suitable for travelers planning one short trip to a neighboring country and returning to Uzbekistan.
- A multiple-entry e-visa offers unlimited entries and exits within the visa’s validity period. It’s the best choice for business travelers or tourists planning a complex itinerary across Central Asia.
Carefully consider your itinerary before choosing, as upgrading from a single-entry visa is not possible after it’s issued.
E-Visa Validity and Maximum Stay
It’s crucial to understand the difference between visa validity and duration of stay.
- Validity: Your e-visa is valid for 90 days from its issue date. This is the window during which you must make your first entry into Uzbekistan.
- Maximum Stay: Once you enter Uzbekistan, you can stay for a maximum of 30 consecutive days per entry.
For example, if your visa is issued on January 1st, you can enter any time until late March. However, your stay cannot exceed 30 days from your arrival date. This system provides flexibility for your travel dates while accommodating short-term visits.
Tashkent E-Visa Fees and Payment
The fees for the Tashkent e visa are standardized for all eligible nationalities.
- Single-entry e-visa: $20
- Double-entry e-visa: $35
- Multiple-entry e-visa: $50
Payment is made online via the official e-visa portal using a Visa card. A key point to remember is that all fees are non-refundable. If your application is denied due to an error or if you cancel your trip, the fee will not be returned. This makes it essential to double-check all information for accuracy before submitting your application to avoid paying again.
| E-Visa Type | Cost | Number of Entries | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-Entry | $20 | 1 entry | Staying only in Uzbekistan for your entire trip |
| Double-Entry | $35 | 2 entries | One side trip to a neighboring country with return to Uzbekistan |
| Multiple-Entry | $50 | Unlimited entries | Frequent travelers or complex regional itineraries |
How to Apply for Your Tashkent E-Visa: A Step-by-Step Guide
The Tashkent e visa application is a straightforward online process. By gathering your documents beforehand, you can complete it quickly and efficiently.
Required Documents for Your Application
Have these items ready before you begin:
- Digital Passport Copy: A clear scan or photo of your passport’s main information page. All text must be legible. Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned stay (six months is recommended).
- Digital Passport-Style Photo: The photo must meet ICAO standards. This means it should be a recent, color photo (35×40 mm at 300 dpi) with your face centered against a plain white background. You should have a neutral expression, and your face must be fully visible without sunglasses or hats.
Important Tip: Ensure both your passport copy and photo files are under 500KB each. Use a free online image compressor if they are too large, as this is a common cause of application errors.
The Online Application Process
The application is completed on the official Uzbekistan e-visa portal. Be sure to use only this official government website.
- Fill in Personal Data: Enter your full name, date of birth, nationality, and contact details. Ensure this information matches your passport exactly.
- Enter Travel Document Details: Input your passport number, issue date, and expiry date precisely as they appear on your passport.
- Specify Visit Details: Select your purpose of visit (tourism or business) and your planned entry date.
- Upload Documents: Upload your prepared passport copy and passport-style photo.
- Pay the Fee: Select your visa type (single, double, or multiple-entry) and pay the non-refundable fee with a Visa card.
- Submit Application: After submission, you will receive an email confirming your application has been received.
Processing Time and Checking Your Status
The standard processing time is just 2 business days, but it’s wise to apply at least 3 working days before your travel date to account for any potential delays.
You will receive email notifications about your application’s progress. A payment confirmation email is not the same as a visa approval. You must wait for the final email stating your e-visa has been “GRANTED.”
If you encounter technical issues with the portal, such as photo upload or payment errors, contact the official e-visa support at (+998 71) 200-00-88 or info@evisa.gov.uz. For assistance with the entire application, Visato.uz offers 24/7 support to ensure your Tashkent e visa application is correct and processed smoothly.
After You Apply: Approval, Arrival, and Registration in Uzbekistan
Once you’ve submitted your application, the final steps involve receiving your visa, arriving in Uzbekistan, and completing the mandatory registration.
My Tashkent E-Visa is Approved (or Denied) – What’s Next?
Within 2-3 business days, you’ll receive an email with the outcome of your application.
- If approved: Your email will contain a PDF of your official e-visa. You must print a physical copy of this document. Immigration officers at the border will not accept electronic versions on a phone or tablet. Keep the printed e-visa with your passport.
- If denied: Denials are often due to simple errors like incomplete information, a non-compliant photo, a poor-quality passport scan, or a typo in your passport details. There is no appeal or correction process. You must submit a completely new application and pay the fee again. This underscores the importance of carefully checking all details before submission.
For technical problems with the portal, contact the official e-visa support at (+998 71) 200-00-88 or info@evisa.gov.uz. They can assist with system glitches but cannot alter visa decisions.
Arriving in Tashkent and Presenting Your E-Visa
The arrival process at Tashkent International Airport is efficient if you are prepared. Approach the immigration counter with your valid passport and your printed e-visa. The officer will verify your documents, scan your e-visa, and stamp your passport.
As of June 10, 2022, Uzbekistan has lifted all COVID-19 related entry requirements, so no vaccination certificates or tests are needed. Your Tashkent e visa is valid at all international entry points, including land borders and railway stations. Visas are not available on arrival, so you must have your approved e-visa before you travel.
Mandatory Registration for Foreigners
All foreign nationals must register their presence with local authorities within three days of arrival (excluding weekends and holidays).
- If staying in hotels: The hotel will handle your registration automatically during check-in and provide you with a registration slip. Collect and keep these slips from every hotel you stay at.
- If staying in private accommodation: If you are staying with friends, family, or at an unregistered rental, you must register yourself through the Emehmon online system. This platform is designed for self-registration.
When you depart Uzbekistan, immigration officers may ask to see your registration slips for your entire stay. Failure to provide them can result in fines or delays. Keep all registration documents organized with your passport to ensure a smooth departure.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Tashkent E-Visa
Here are answers to common questions about the Tashkent e visa.
Can I extend my e-visa once I am in Uzbekistan?
No, you cannot extend an e-visa. The e-visa is designed for short-term stays (up to 30 days per entry) and is not renewable from within Uzbekistan. If you wish to stay longer, you must leave the country and apply for a different type of visa through an Uzbek embassy or consulate before your trip.
What happens if there is a mistake on my e-visa?
An e-visa with any mistake—such as a misspelled name, incorrect passport number, or wrong date of birth—is considered invalid. Immigration officials will not accept it. The e-visa system does not permit corrections or amendments after issuance. Your only option is to submit a new application and pay the fee again. Double-checking all information before submission is critical to avoid this extra cost and potential travel delays.
Can I transit through Tashkent without a visa?
Yes, citizens of 101 countries can transit through Uzbekistan for up to 5 days without a visa. To qualify, you must be flying through an international airport in Uzbekistan, hold a confirmed onward flight ticket to a third country, and your airline must inform the border authorities of your transit. This policy is perfect for travelers with long layovers who wish to explore Tashkent. If your transit is longer than 5 days or you are not from an eligible country, you will need to secure a transit or e-visa beforehand!
Conclusion
The Tashkent e visa has made traveling to Uzbekistan easier than ever. This guide has walked you through the entire process, from checking eligibility and visa-free options to understanding the different visa types and fees. We’ve covered the step-by-step application, post-approval procedures, and mandatory registration.
The system is efficient, with a 2-3 day processing time and fees from $20 to $50. Remember the key rules: double-check your application for accuracy, apply a few days before your trip, and always print your approved e-visa. While registration is required, hotels handle it automatically, and the Emehmon online system simplifies the process for other stays.
At Visato.uz, we specialize in making your Tashkent e visa application seamless. Our fast, secure online service and 24/7 support are designed to get you on your way to exploring Samarkand, Bukhara, and Tashkent without hassle. The Silk Road is waiting.
