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Uzbekistan introduces visa-free regime for citizens of seven countries

20 February 2018

Starting from February 1 a visa-free regime is introduced for citizens of Israel, Indonesia, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Turkey and Japan. Citizens of these countries will be able to visit Uzbekistan without visa and stay for up to 30 days. All they will need is just to have a valid passport and upon arrival to Uzbekistan to pass a border control, procedure that takes on average 1-2 minutes.

In addition, a visa-free regime is introduced for the aircraft crews of airlines carrying out regular flights to Uzbekistan.

The new measure will bring the total number of countries with visa-free regime to 16. Currently, the visa regime is enjoyed by citizens of 9 countries: Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Russia, Ukraine and Kyrgyzstan (up to 60 days).

The decree also envisages the introduction of a simplified procedure for issuing tourist visas for 39 countries (see the list below) starting from February 10, whose citizens will no longer need provide a tourist voucher to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or an invitation from travel agency or physical person in Uzbekistan. Visa processing time for those citizens will take no more than two working days. Thus, the number of countries with a simplified visa regime will increase from 15 to 51.

In addition, the decree obliges to introduce electronic visas system from July 1, 2018.

Another improvement is the introduction of short-term transit visas upon arrival to foreign passengers transiting through Uzbekistan for a period of 72 hours since May 1, 2018. Authorities also plan to provide short-term (from 8:00 to 21:00) controlled (escorted) exit of transit passengers outside the border zone of the airport for a sightseeing tour from approved tourist programs.

The Cabinet of Ministers was instructed to take a decision on the implementation of the innovation within two months. In particular, to approve the list of countries whose citizens will be eligible for short-term transit visas upon arrival.

These passengers must have an air ticket and (if necessary) a visa to a third country, in addition consular fees will be charged.

All these measures are aimed at increasing the tourist flow to Uzbekistan and the transformation of inbound tourism into the significant part of national economy.

Countries with which a simplified visa procedure is introduced:
Australia
Albania
Andorra
Bulgaria
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Vatican
Hungary
Greece
Denmark
India
Ireland
Iceland
Kuwait
Canada
Lithuania
China, including the Hong Kong SAR
Liechtenstein
Luxembourg
Macedonia
Malta
Monaco
Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway
United Arab Emirates
Oman
Portugal
Romania
San Marino
Saudi Arabia
Serbia
Slovakia
Slovenia
USA
Finland
Croatia
Montenegro
Sweden
Estonia

Countries that already have a simplified mode
Austria
Belgium
United Kingdom
Germany
Spain
Italy
Latvia
Malaysia*
Poland
Thailand
Turkey*
France
Czech Republic
Switzerland
Japan*

* a visa-free regime is introduced

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Did you know?

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It is Uzbek tradition that the most respected guest be seated farthest from the house’s entrance.

Tashkent’s metro features chandeliers, marble pillars and ceilings, granite, and engraved metal. It has been called one of the most beautiful train stations in the world.

The Uzbek master chef is able to cook in just one caldron enough plov to serve a thousand men.

When you are a host to someone, it is your duty to fill their cups with for the whole time they are with you. What you must not do, however, is to fill their cup more than half-full. If you do that as a mistake, say it is a mistake immediately. Doing it means you want them to leave. Wow! Amazing, right?

To Uzbeks, respect means a whole lot. For this reason they love it if, even as foreigners, you endeavour to add the respectful suffix opa after a woman's name; and aka after a man's. Example: Linda-opa and David-aka. You could also use hon and jon respectively.

Having been an historic crossroads for centuries as part of various ancient empires, Uzbekistan’s food is very eclectic. It has its roots in Iranian, Arab, Indian, Russian and Chinese cuisine.

Though identified with the Persia, the Zoroastrism probably originated in Bactria or Sogdiana. Many distinguished scholars share an opinion that Zoroastrianism had originated in the ancient Khorezm. Indeed, today in the world there were found 63 Zoroastrian monuments, including those in Iran, India, Afghanistan and Pakistan. Thirty-eight of them are in Uzbekistan, whereas 17 of these monuments are located in Khorezm.

One of Islam's most sacred relics - the world's oldest Koran that was compiled in Medina by Othman, the third caliph or Muslim leader, is kept in Tashkent. It was completed in the year 651, only 19 years after Muhammad's death.

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Singapore
Norway
Iceland
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Uzbekistan

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