Uzbekistan Visa-Free Entry Announced for Indian Travelers

August 31, 2026|Joshua

Uzbekistan visa-free entry has been announced for Indian citizens, allowing reciprocal stays of up to 30 days once implementation begins.

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Uzbekistan visa-free entry is planned as a reciprocal arrangement with India, covering visits of up to 30 days once it is put into force. The announcement comes alongside 14 direct flights a week, but travelers cannot yet use the exemption because no start date or operating rules have been published.

What changed

Uzbekistan has announced the change, but it remains announced rather than effective. According to President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the planned exemption would replace the current visa or eVisa requirement for regular Indian visits. No effective date has been set. As of August 31, 2026, Uzbekistan’s official visa rules had not added India to its general 30-day visa-free list. Entry limits, eligible travel purposes and other conditions are also unannounced.

Who is affected

For Indian passport holders, the announcement describes reciprocal visa-free stays of up to 30 days. It refers to citizens, while eligible passport categories, including formal coverage for ordinary passports, have not been published. Uzbekistani passport holders would be covered by the reciprocal plan, but implementation on India’s side remains undocumented. Indian diplomatic passport holders already have visa-free access for up to 60 days, and nothing says that arrangement will change. Indian citizens holding a third-country ticket issued by Uzbekistan Airways can still use visa-free airport transit for up to five days.

Why Uzbekistan made the change

Uzbek authorities say the step is intended to increase tourist flows, boost mutual travel and expand tourism cooperation under the 2026-2028 program. The Tourism Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan reports that program, while India’s official visit outcomes and the bilateral joint statement confirm it without mentioning the visa exemption.

What travelers should do

Travelers should follow current rules until both governments publish an effective date and implementation conditions. Indian ordinary passport holders can currently seek an Uzbekistan eVisa. Before the exemption takes effect, Uzbekistan lists single-entry eVisas at USD 20, double-entry eVisas valid for up to 30 days at USD 35, and multiple-entry eVisas valid for up to 30 days at USD 50. Uzbekistani travelers to India can currently apply through India’s official eVisa system. Check passport eligibility and travel-purpose rules before booking, as neither has been confirmed for the announced visa-free arrangement.