Your Gateway to the Silk Road
Visit Uzbekistan visa requirements depend on your nationality. Since 2018, Uzbekistan has dramatically simplified its entry process, introducing visa-free travel and a fast e-visa system. This change has made the legendary Silk Road cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva more accessible than ever.
Quick Answer: How to Visit Uzbekistan
| Entry Method | Who It’s For | Duration | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa-Free | Citizens of 80+ countries including EU, Japan, South Korea, Turkey | 30-60 days | Free |
| E-Visa | Citizens of 76 countries for tourism | Up to 30 days | $20 USD |
| Physical Visa | Long-term stays, business, students, or countries not eligible for e-visa | Varies | $40-$250 USD |
| Age Exemptions | Travelers over 55 (US, Vietnam); Under 16 (with guardians) | 30-90 days | Free |
Most tourists can now apply online for an e-visa with just a passport scan, a photo, and a $20 payment, receiving approval by email within days. Whether you’re exploring turquoise-domed mosques or busy bazaars, understanding your visa options is the first step.
I’m Nariman Huseynov, and at Visato.uz, I’ve helped thousands of travelers steer the Visit Uzbekistan visa process. This guide will walk you through every option to ensure your journey starts smoothly.
Do You Need a Visa? Uzbekistan’s Visa-Free Policy
If you’re from one of over 80 countries, you may not need a Visit Uzbekistan visa at all. The government’s visa-free policy, introduced in 2018, has opened the country’s Silk Road heritage to the world. This policy applies to all passport types for tourism, but not to stateless persons residing in visa-exempt countries.
- Unlimited Stay: Citizens of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Russia, and Ukraine enjoy unlimited visa-free entry.
- 60-Day Stay: Kyrgyz citizens can stay for up to 60 days and may enter with just an ID card.
- 30-Day Stay: The largest group, including all EU member states, Australia, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Turkey, the UAE, and the UK, can stay for 30 days visa-free.
Crucially, your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned stay (six months is recommended). You can verify your country’s status on the Official visa policy information page.
Short-Term Visa-Free Stays
Some countries have special arrangements for shorter visits. Citizens of China, Hong Kong, and Macau can visit visa-free for up to 10 days, typically as part of a tour group. Additionally, transit travelers from certain countries can enjoy a 5-day visa-free stay if they hold an onward flight ticket, usually with Uzbekistan Airways.
Age-Related Visa Exemptions
Uzbekistan offers special exemptions based on age:
- Travelers over 55 from the United States and Vietnam can visit for tourism for up to 30 days without a visa.
- Children under 16 from the United States can also travel visa-free for tourism, provided they have a valid passport and are with their legal guardians. Their stay is limited to their guardian’s visa period, up to a maximum of 90 days.
Your Guide to the Visit Uzbekistan Visa Process
If you’re not eligible for visa-free entry, getting a Visit Uzbekistan visa is easier than ever. Most travelers can apply entirely online, with approval often granted in just a few days. The right visa depends on your nationality, length of stay, and purpose of visit.
For most tourists, the e-visa is the best option: it’s fast, affordable, and convenient. For longer stays, business, or if your country isn’t in the e-visa program, a physical visa from an embassy is required. Let’s explore both.
Step-by-Step: Applying for Your Visit Uzbekistan Visa Online (E-Visa)
The e-visa system, launched in July 2018, is the simplest way to get your tourist visa. Citizens from 76 countries can apply online for a single-entry visa valid for up to 30 days.
How to apply:
- Start your application: Go to the official e-visa portal or use our streamlined service at Visato.uz for expert assistance.
- Enter your details: Select your country, passport type, and travel dates. Fill in your personal information, ensuring it exactly matches your passport to avoid rejection.
- Upload documents: Provide a clear scan of your passport’s information page and a recent passport-style photo. Blurry images are a common cause of delays.
- Pay the fee: The cost is a flat $20 USD, payable online with Visa or MasterCard. Payment confirmation is not visa approval; you must wait for the official approval email.
Processing officially takes 2-3 business days. We recommend applying at least three working days before your trip. Once approved, you’ll receive the e-visa by email. Print a copy to carry with you. For a full checklist, see our Uzbekistan e-visa requirements guide.
Traditional Visit Uzbekistan Visa: The Physical Sticker
A traditional physical Visit Uzbekistan visa (a sticker in your passport) is necessary if you plan to stay longer than 30 days, if your country is not eligible for an e-visa, or if you are traveling for business, study, or work. Crucially, e-visas cannot be extended in Uzbekistan, so if you might stay longer than 30 days, apply for a physical visa from the start.
The process involves applying at an Uzbek embassy or consulate. For some visa types, a Letter of Invitation (LOI) approved by Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs may be needed. However, this is often waived for tourists from many countries.
Required documents typically include the application form, a photo, your original passport, and fees. Processing can take as little as two working days for some, but longer for others. Physical visas offer more flexibility, including multiple-entry options and longer validity periods.
Special Requirements for US Citizens
- Tourism (30 days or less): The e-visa is the fastest and easiest option.
- Longer Stays or Non-Tourism: Apply for a physical visa at an Uzbek consular mission, like the Embassy in Washington D.C.
- Age Exemptions: Travelers over 55 and children under 16 can visit for tourism visa-free for up to 30 days and 90 days, respectively.
Important: A valid Uzbek visa must be in a valid, current US passport. E-visas cannot be extended. For the latest details, check the US State Department travel advice.
Special Visa Categories and Transit Rules
Beyond tourism, Uzbekistan offers specialized visas for business, study, and other purposes, as well as convenient rules for transit passengers.
Business Visas for Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan has streamlined its business visa procedures, making it easier for international professionals to visit. A simplified process for citizens of 39 countries means faster approvals, often within two working days.
A key advantage is the multiple-entry option, allowing business representatives to obtain visas valid for up to one year. This is ideal for managing ongoing projects or building partnerships. Requirements typically include an invitation from an Uzbek entity, though this may be waived for some nationalities. For the most current details, check the Official visa policy information or contact an Uzbek embassy.
Transiting Through Uzbekistan
If you have a layover in Uzbekistan, you may be able to explore the country without a visa. The 5-day visa-free transit policy is available to citizens of certain countries who hold an onward air ticket to a third country, typically on Uzbekistan Airways. Your airline must inform border authorities in advance, so confirm the specific conditions before booking.
If you don’t qualify for visa-free transit, a 72-hour transit visa is another option. This allows enough time to see some of the capital city. You must apply for this visa in advance at an Uzbek embassy, providing proof of onward travel. The fee is typically around $40.
Arriving and Staying in Uzbekistan: Key Traveler Tips
With your Visit Uzbekistan visa sorted, a few final preparations will ensure a smooth arrival and stay.
Entry Checklist
Before you fly, double-check these essentials:
- Printed E-Visa: Always carry a physical printout of your e-visa approval. Don’t rely only on your phone.
- Passport Validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date (six months is recommended).
- Entry Type: Understand if your visa is single-entry or multiple-entry. A single-entry e-visa is used up the moment you exit Uzbekistan, even for a day trip to a neighboring country. You would need a new visa to re-enter. Plan accordingly if your itinerary involves multiple border crossings.
Mandatory Registration
Every foreign visitor must register their location within three days of arrival. This is a strict legal requirement.
If you stay in licensed hotels, guesthouses, or hostels, they will register you automatically and provide small registration slips for each night. Collect and keep these slips carefully, as you must present them upon departure.
If you stay in private accommodation (like an unregistered Airbnb or with friends), you or your host must register you at the local OVIR office (Department of Internal Affairs). For most tourists, staying in licensed accommodation is far simpler.
Failure to register can lead to significant fines, deportation, or a ban on future entry. Don’t risk it.
Handling Issues and Overstays
E-visa verification problems at immigration are rare but can happen. Stay calm and have the Ministry of Foreign Affairs hotline numbers ready: (+998 71) 233-28-28 or (+998 71) 236-27-07. More contacts are at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs hotline.
Overstaying your visa is a serious violation with penalties including large fines (hundreds of dollars), deportation, and future entry bans. There is no grace period. Track your dates carefully and plan to leave on or before your visa’s expiration date to avoid severe consequences.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Visit Uzbekistan Visa
Here are answers to some of the most common questions about the Visit Uzbekistan visa process.
Can I get a visa on arrival in Uzbekistan?
No, tourist visas are not issued on arrival at airports or land borders. You must secure your Visit Uzbekistan visa in advance, either through the e-visa system or from an embassy. The only exception is for travelers holding a pre-approved Visa Confirmation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which is not a standard option for tourists. Plan ahead to avoid being denied entry.
What happens if I overstay my visa-free period?
Overstaying is a serious violation of immigration law. You will face heavy fines (potentially hundreds of U.S. dollars) and may be banned from re-entering Uzbekistan for several years. To avoid this, carefully track your permitted duration of stay and depart on time. If you think you might need more time, apply for the correct visa from the beginning.
What documents do I need to carry with me in Uzbekistan?
Police may conduct occasional document checks, so it’s wise to be prepared. Always carry:
- Your original passport.
- A printed copy of your e-visa approval (if applicable).
- All hotel registration slips. These small papers are proof of your legal registration and are essential.
Keeping these documents together in a secure travel wallet will make any checks quick and hassle-free, allowing you to focus on enjoying your trip.
Conclusion: Your Uzbek Adventure Awaits
The ancient cities of the Silk Road are more accessible than ever. Uzbekistan has transformed its visa policies, welcoming millions of new visitors to explore the turquoise domes of Samarkand, the living history of Bukhara, and the ancient streets of Khiva. For many travelers, entry is as simple as packing a bag or completing a quick online application.
This guide has covered everything from visa-free entry and the e-visa process to the critical importance of registration slips. The key takeaway is that modern Uzbekistan travel is simple. Most tourists will spend just $20 and a few minutes online to secure their e-visa, receiving approval in 2-3 business days.
Beyond the paperwork lies a country of extraordinary warmth and hospitality, eager to share its treasures with you. Before you go, run through this final checklist:
- Have you confirmed your visa status (visa-free, e-visa, or physical visa)?
- Is your passport valid for at least three months (six is better) beyond your trip?
- Do you understand the single-entry limitation of the e-visa?
At Visato.uz, we’ve helped thousands of travelers from over 60 countries turn their Silk Road dreams into reality. We handle the details so you can focus on the adventure ahead. The Silk Road is alive and waiting for you.
Start your Uzbekistan e-visa application with us today, and let’s get you on your way to the journey of a lifetime!
