By Sparsh Saxena
New Delhi: Indian passport holders will now be able to travel to Uzbekistan without a visa for stays of up to 30 days, in a move expected to give a major boost to tourism and people-to-people ties between the two countries.
The announcement was made on August 30, 2026, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev announced the new visa free regime for Indian citizens, describing it as a step towards strengthening bilateral relations and encouraging tourism and business exchanges.
The decision is particularly significant for Indian travellers because before this announcement, Indian citizens generally had to obtain an electronic visa (e-Visa) to visit Uzbekistan. The single entry e-Visa cost US$20, allowed a stay of up to 30 days and was valid for 90 days from the date of issue.
Under the newly announced arrangement, Indian travellers will no longer need to go through the e-Visa application process for eligible 30 day visits. The visa-free period is counted from the date of entry into Uzbekistan, after which visitors are required to leave the country unless they obtain the appropriate visa for a longer stay.
For Indian tourists, the announcement could make Uzbekistan an even more attractive Central Asian destination. The country is known for its Silk Road heritage, historic cities such as Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, grand Islamic architecture and cultural links with the wider region.
For Indian travellers looking beyond conventional destinations, Uzbekistan’s new visa-free access could make the historic heart of Central Asia significantly easier to explore. However, travellers should check the implementation date and entry requirements before booking their trip, as visa free announcements can be followed by administrative guidelines regarding passports, registration and permitted length of stay.
This is amazing news for people thinking of traveling to Uzbekistan.