Planning Your Trip to Uzbekistan: What You Need to Know
An Uzbekistan visit visa is required for most foreign nationals entering the country, though several visa-free options exist based on nationality and age. Here’s what you need to know:
Quick Answer: Uzbekistan Visit Visa Options
- E-Visa: Available online for tourism (up to 30 days), costs $20-$50, processed in 3 working days
- Visa-Free Entry: Citizens from 80+ countries can enter without a visa for 30-90 days depending on nationality
- Physical Visa: Required for longer stays or non-tourist purposes, obtained from Uzbek embassies abroad
- Transit Visa: 5-day visa-free transit available at international airports with onward tickets
- Special Exemptions: U.S. citizens under 16 or over 55 can enter visa-free for tourism
Key Requirements:
- Passport valid for 3+ months beyond your stay
- At least one blank passport page
- Registration with local authorities within 3 days of arrival
- Printed e-visa confirmation (payment receipt is not approval)
The U.S. Embassy reminds travelers that “confirmation of payment is not confirmation of visa approval” – you must receive email confirmation that your e-visa was approved before traveling.
As Nariman Huseynov from Visato.uz, I’ve helped thousands of travelers steer the Uzbekistan visit visa process over the past 5 years, making online visa applications simple and stress-free. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get your Uzbekistan visit visa quickly and correctly.
Understanding Uzbekistan’s Visa Policy
Uzbekistan, at the crossroads of the ancient Silk Road, is more welcoming to travelers than ever. However, most foreign citizens and stateless persons still need an Uzbekistan visit visa to enter. Fortunately, Uzbekistan has modernized its visa system, making it straightforward. You have multiple options depending on your nationality and length of stay. The Official electronic visa portal of the Republic of Uzbekistan has the basics, but this guide will walk you through what really matters.
Who Needs a Visa to Enter Uzbekistan?
Generally, foreign citizens and stateless persons need a visa, but several key exceptions exist.
Citizens from over 80 countries can skip the visa entirely. The visa-free period varies; for example, citizens of Kyrgyzstan get 60 days, while those from Tajikistan and many European countries get 30 days for any purpose.
The 5-day visa-free transit is ideal for layovers. If you land at an international airport with an onward ticket to a third country, you can explore for up to five days without a visa.
U.S. citizens have special age-based rules. Those under 16 or over 55 can enter visa-free for tourism. Children under 16 must travel with legal guardians, and their stay is limited to the guardian’s visa duration (up to 90 days). Travelers over 55 can stay for up to 30 days.
Some countries, like Japan, have bilateral agreements that waive consular fees or offer special arrangements. Check if your country has a similar agreement.
For a complete list of who qualifies, see our guide: More info about Uzbekistan e-visa requirements.
Passport and Entry Requirements
Before applying for your Uzbekistan visit visa, ensure your passport is ready. This basic step prevents common border issues.
Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your stay in Uzbekistan. This is calculated from your planned departure date.
You need at least one blank page for entry and exit stamps. Without it, you may be denied entry.
Upon arrival, immigration will stamp your passport. Keep this stamp visible, as you’ll need it for local registration and upon departure.
If you are carrying $2,000 or more in any currency, you must declare it on your customs form.
Crucially, you cannot use a valid Uzbek visa if it’s in an expired or canceled passport, even if you carry a new one. The visa must be in the passport you are traveling with. If you renewed your passport after getting the visa, you must apply for a new visa.
Types of Visas Available for Uzbekistan
Getting your Uzbekistan visit visa is flexible, with several options for different travel needs, from tourism in Samarkand to business in Tashkent. The main categories are tourist, business, transit, crew member, and investment visas.
It’s vital to understand the difference between single-entry and multiple-entry visas. A single-entry visa is for one entry only; leaving Uzbekistan invalidates it, even if time remains. A multiple-entry visa allows for multiple entries and exits, which is essential if you plan side trips to neighboring countries. For more on business travel, see our guide at More info about Uzbekistan business e-visa.
The Electronic Visa (E-Visa)
The e-visa has revolutionized travel to Uzbekistan, making it possible to get your Uzbekistan visit visa by filling out a simple online form from home. It is designed exclusively for tourism purposes with a standard validity of 30 days.
The e-visa offers flexibility with single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry options. A single-entry e-visa costs $20, a double-entry is $35, and a multiple-entry e-visa is $50. These fees are non-refundable, so complete your application carefully.
E-visas cannot be extended in Uzbekistan. If you might stay longer than 30 days, you must apply for a physical visa before you travel.
The Physical (Sticker) Visa
For longer stays beyond 30 days or non-tourist purposes like studying or investment, you’ll need a traditional physical visa, which is a sticker placed in your passport. These are obtained through Uzbekistan’s consular missions abroad.
The physical visa application is more involved. It often requires an official visa support confirmation or invitation letter from Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), usually arranged by a host organization. Processing time is typically up to 10 working days after all documents are submitted.
Transit and Crew Visas
Uzbekistan offers specific visas for travelers passing through. The 5-day visa-free transit is a great option for layovers. Citizens of specific countries with an onward ticket can explore Uzbekistan for up to five days.
If you don’t qualify for visa-free transit, a regular transit visa (C category) is available. You’ll need to show a visa for your final destination and confirmed travel documents. A transit visa valid up to 72 hours costs $40, and a double-entry transit visa is $50. Processing usually takes 3 working days.
A dedicated crew member visa (D category) is available for airline and maritime personnel. For more details on all visa types, visit the Official electronic visa portal of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
How to Apply for an Uzbekistan Visit Visa: The E-Visa Process
Getting your Uzbekistan visit visa via the e-visa system is refreshingly straightforward. At Visato.uz, we’ve streamlined this process, helping thousands get their visas quickly and without stress.
The application is entirely online via the Official electronic visa portal of the Republic of Uzbekistan. It takes about 15 minutes, with no embassy visits. Processing is typically 3 working days.
The system is simple: fill out a form, upload your photo and passport scan, pay the fee, and wait for your approval email.
Step-by-Step E-Visa Application for Your Uzbekistan Visit Visa
Here is the exact process for getting your Uzbekistan visit visa online. Go to the official e-visa portal or use our streamlined service at Apply for your Uzbekistan e-visa now. Our platform simplifies the process and helps prevent common errors.
- Select your details: Choose your nationality, passport type, purpose of visit (e.g., tourism), and planned travel dates.
- Enter personal information: Fill in your details exactly as they appear in your passport. Any mismatch can cause delays or rejection.
- Upload documents: Provide a recent, passport-style digital photograph and a clear scan of your passport’s biographical page.
- Provide your email: Use a valid email address you check regularly, as all communications, including your approval, will be sent there.
- Pay the fee: Use a Visa or MasterCard to pay the non-refundable consular fee, which is $20 for single-entry, $35 for double-entry, or $50 for multiple-entry.
After payment, you’ll get a payment confirmation, but this is not your visa. You must wait for a separate email confirming your e-visa has been approved before you can travel.
E-Visa Requirements and Important Tips
Based on thousands of applications, here are the most important tips for applying for your Uzbekistan visit visa to avoid common mistakes.
Your digital photograph must be recent, in color, and on a plain white background, with your full face in focus. Selfies or photos with poor lighting will be rejected.
The passport scan is critical. Every detail on the biographical page must be sharp and readable, including the machine-readable zone. A blurry scan is a common reason for rejection.
Remember: confirmation of payment is not confirmation of visa approval. You must wait for the separate approval email before making travel arrangements.
Once approved, print your e-visa. While a digital copy might be accepted, some officials require a physical printout. Don’t risk issues at the border. Carry the printed e-visa with your passport and other travel documents.
At Visato.uz, we handle these details for you, delivering your e-visa in 2-3 business days with 24/7 support. Get started with your application today—we’ll ensure everything is perfect.
Key Information for Travelers
Getting your Uzbekistan visit visa is the first step. Once you arrive, you must follow a few important rules to ensure a smooth trip.
Mandatory Registration in Uzbekistan
A rule that surprises many visitors is the mandatory registration for all foreign nationals. The process is simple, especially for those staying in hotels.
You must register within three days of arrival (weekends excluded). If you’re staying at a hotel, hostel, or guesthouse, the staff will handle registration for you. They will provide a registration slip, which you must keep with your passport and show upon departure.
If staying with friends or relatives, your host is legally responsible for registering you at the local passport registration center (OVIR or IIB) within three days. Ensure this is done to avoid penalties.
You need uninterrupted registration for your entire stay. This means you must re-register every time you change accommodations in a new city. Failure to register can lead to fines, penalties, or even deportation. For more tips, see More info about what you need to know.
Rules for a Single-Entry Uzbekistan Visit Visa
A common, costly mistake involves the single-entry Uzbekistan visit visa. It allows for one entry only. Once you leave Uzbekistan, the visa is void and cannot be used for re-entry.
This is critical for travelers planning a Central Asian adventure with side trips to neighboring countries. If you plan to leave and return to Uzbekistan, you must obtain a multiple-entry visa from the start.
Fortunately, e-visas are available in double-entry ($35) and multiple-entry ($50) options. It’s much cheaper to get the correct visa upfront than to sort out a new one mid-trip. The U.S. Embassy confirms this rule on its Uzbekistan International Travel Information page.
Where to Find Assistance
Knowing who to call can resolve unexpected issues. For visa-related problems, contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan at +998 71-233-28-28 or their visa issues line at +998 71-236-27-07.
U.S. citizens can contact the U.S. Embassy in Tashkent at +(998) (78) 120-5450 or ACSTashkent@state.gov. Their address is 3 Moyqorghon Street, 5th block, Yunusobod District, 100093 Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
Before you travel, enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). This free service for U.S. citizens helps the embassy contact you in an emergency.
Of course, Visato.uz offers 24/7 support for your Uzbekistan visit visa application. We’re here to make the process smooth and answer any questions.
Frequently Asked Questions about Uzbekistan Visas
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Uzbekistan visit visa to help you prepare for your trip.
Can I get a visa on arrival in Uzbekistan?
The straightforward answer is: no, tourist visas are not available upon arrival in Uzbekistan. You must get an e-visa or a physical visa from a consulate in advance.
A rare exception exists for citizens of countries without an Uzbek consulate. They may obtain a visa on arrival at Tashkent International Airport, but only with prior approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, arranged by an inviting party in Uzbekistan. This is not a standard procedure and should not be relied upon.
Our advice is to use the simple and quick e-visa process. We can help you get your Uzbekistan visit visa approved in just 2-3 business days.
What happens if my e-visa is not approved?
While most e-visa applications are approved, denials can happen. If your application is rejected, you will be notified by email that your Uzbekistan visit visa was not approved.
Unfortunately, the consular fee is non-refundable, regardless of the outcome. This is standard practice for visa applications worldwide.
If your application is denied, you will need to apply for a physical visa at an Uzbek embassy or consulate, which involves a different process and fees. To improve your chances of success, our team at Visato.uz reviews your application for common errors before submission.
How long does my passport need to be valid to travel to Uzbekistan?
This is a critical requirement. Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended stay in Uzbekistan. For example, for a 30-day trip, your passport needs at least four months of validity from your entry date.
Additionally, you’ll need at least one blank page in your passport for entry and exit stamps. Check your passport’s expiry date as soon as you start planning your trip to avoid last-minute renewal issues.
If your passport is close to the three-month validity threshold, it’s best to renew it before applying for your Uzbekistan visit visa.
Conclusion
Now you have the essential information for getting your Uzbekistan visit visa and planning your trip to this remarkable Silk Road destination. The process is simpler than it seems. The key is to choose the right visa type and ensure you meet all requirements before you go.
To recap: the e-visa is ideal for tourism stays under 30 days. Visa-free entry is available for citizens of 80+ countries. For longer stays or other purposes, you’ll need a physical visa from an embassy.
Key reminders: your passport needs at least three months of validity beyond your stay, you must register within three days of arrival (hotels handle this), and a single-entry visa is voided once you leave the country.
At Visato.uz, we’ve helped thousands of travelers get their Uzbekistan visit visa without stress. Our mission is to make the process fast, simple, and secure, delivering your e-visa in 2-3 business days with 24/7 support.
The ancient cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva are waiting. Don’t let visa paperwork prevent you from exploring one of the world’s most fascinating destinations.
Ready to start your Uzbekistan adventure? Get started with your Uzbekistan e-visa application today! We’ll be with you every step of the way.
