Uzbekistan Now Offers 30-Day Visa-Free Entry to Indians

Uzbekistan has introduced a 30-day visa-free entry scheme for Indian citizens with an aim to make holiday and business travel between the two countries much simpler. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev announced the initiative during delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Tashkent. The move aims to strengthen tourism, trade, and cultural ties between India and Uzbekistan as bilateral engagement continues to expand.

Key Highlights of the New Visa Exemption

30-Day Stay Limit: Indian passport holders can enter Uzbekistan without applying for a visa in advance for visits lasting up to 30 days.
Direct Air Connectivity: The two countries are currently connected by 14 direct flights every week, making travel to Central Asia quick and accessible.
Expanding Trade Relations: Bilateral trade between India and Uzbekistan recently crossed USD 1 billion, supported by a sevenfold growth in joint business ventures in recent years.
Cultural Connections: The decision builds on growing cultural exchanges, supported by institutions in Tashkent. This includes the famous Lal Bahadur Shastri Centre for Indian Culture.

Uzbekistan Visa Exemption Summary

The table below outlines the basic entry requirements for Indian passport holders under the new announcement.

Feature	Guideline Details
Visa Requirement	Visa-free entry for up to 30 days
Eligible Travellers	Indian citizens carrying valid ordinary passports
Allowed Purposes	Leisure tourism, family visits, and business exchanges
Flight Connections	14 weekly direct flights operating between India and Uzbekistan

What Tourists Should Prepare Before Flying

Although travellers will no longer need to fill out online visa forms or pay processing fees in advance, basic entry checks remain in place at airport immigration:

Passport Validity: Your Indian passport must have a minimum validity of of six months remaining from your arrival date.
Return Tickets: Keep a copy of your confirmed return or onward flight tickets to show immigration officers if requested.
Hotel Confirmations: Carry printed or digital proofs of your accommodation bookings for the duration of your stay.
Travel Funds: Ensure you have access to sufficient funds or payment cards to cover daily expenses.

The introduction of visa-free travel is expected to boost Indian tourism to Uzbekistan's historic Silk Road destinations, including Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva.