How to obtain a visa for visiting Uzbekistan

Once, visiting Uzbekistan was quite a challenge. Travelers struggled with complex and confusing visa processes, costly invitation letters, and intricate registration rules. Thankfully, those times are behind us. Uzbekistan now prioritizes ease for tourists, beginning with a simplified visa application process.

Thanks to these changes, traveling to Tashkent and exploring the magnificent Silk Road cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva has never been more accessible. Continue reading to find out if you need a visa for Uzbekistan and how to secure one.

Most nationalities can enjoy a one-month visa-free entry

Over 60 nationalities are now eligible for visa-free access to Uzbekistan. Whether arriving by air or land, most qualifying travelers can stay for up to a month. This includes visitors from the UK, EU nations, Turkey, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Israel, and numerous Latin American countries.

Citizens from former Soviet states like Russia, Ukraine, Georgia, and Armenia can stay for 90 days without a visa, while Kyrgyz nationals enjoy a 60-day exemption. Interestingly, US citizens aged 55 and older are also eligible for visa-free entry; however, those under 55 will need to secure a visa.

All travelers to Uzbekistan must ensure their passport is valid for at least six months from the date they arrive in the country.

E-visas are readily available for other nationalities

Nationals from approximately 70 countries not included in the visa-free travel list can apply for an e-visa online, making it far more convenient than visiting an Uzbekistan embassy. This group includes US citizens under 55, as well as travelers from India, China, and Thailand. The application process is typically straightforward and takes a few days, with a fee of US$20. For complete information, check the website of Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

When applying for an e-visa, you can choose between a single, double, or multiple-entry option. However, the overall validity is limited to 90 days from the date of application, with a maximum stay of 30 days per entry. You must enter and exit Uzbekistan within this 90-day period. It’s advisable to print your visa confirmation once received, as you will need to present it at airport check-in or at land borders.

Some travelers have encountered issues on the website when attempting to upload photos, make payments, or receive email activation codes. If the website fails to function, you'll need to obtain your visa from an Uzbekistan embassy overseas, where your visa will have set entry and exit dates that must be confirmed during your application. You can find information about Uzbekistan’s diplomatic missions online.

In theory, nationals from most countries can transit through Uzbekistan for up to five days without a visa, as long as they arrive and depart on Uzbekistan Airways. However, many find it more straightforward to apply for an e-visa instead.

Obtaining visa extensions can be quite complicated

Regrettably, obtaining visa extensions in Uzbekistan remains quite challenging, so it's advisable to avoid situations where you might need to prolong your stay. It’s typically easier to travel to a neighboring country and reapply for another 30-day visa; Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and, to a lesser degree, Tajikistan, all allow visa-free entry for most visitors.

Don’t forget to register with your place of accommodation

Most travelers opt for B&Bs, hostels, or hotels, where the reception staff will usually register guests with the authorities automatically. You’ll receive a small paper registration receipt—keep this seemingly insignificant slip, as you may need to present it when departing the country, although it’s rare for anyone to be asked for it.

If you’re staying in private homes or camping in a tent or campervan, the process becomes more complicated. You’ll need to register at least every three days using the Emehmon online guest registration system. In practice, you'll likely need assistance from a local, as only Uzbekistan-issued bank cards can be used to pay the daily fee of 10,000 som.

Alternatively, you can choose to stay in a hotel every three days. Each time you arrive in a new city, allow the hotel staff to handle your registration. You may also be able to pay hotels a small fee to register you, even if you are not a guest.