Uzbekistan allows Indian passport holders 30 days of visa-free entry

Uzbekistan will allow Indian passport holders to enter visa-free for stays of up to 30 days, replacing the mandatory electronic visa application system in place for Indian travelers.

Moving from paid e-visas to passport entry

Under the bilateral announcement made during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Tashkent in late Aug. 2026, Indian citizens will no longer need to apply online or pay government processing fees for short visits. Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev confirmed the measure to promote bilateral tourism and short business travel.

Previously, Indian passport holders had to secure a single-entry or multiple-entry e-visa before departure. The new policy permits direct entry at border checkpoints for up to 30 days across all travel purposes, though stays exceeding that window still require formal residence documentation under Uzbekistan's residency rules.

Implementation gaps at airline desks and border gates

While Uzbek leadership announced the policy on Aug. 30, 2026, the formal government decree and operational directives remain pending. The Uzbek Ministry of Foreign Affairs and national carrier databases haven't yet updated their systems to reflect visa-free boarding for Indian passport holders.

Indian remote workers and tourists scheduling immediate trips must verify requirements with airlines and consular officials before departure.

Until Uzbek border authorities formally issue the administrative order, travelers risk boarding denials unless they hold an active e-visa. For those planning stays beyond the 30-day threshold, standard long-stay visas and work authorization rules continue to apply without changes.