Uzbekistan grants 30-day visa-free travel for US citizens from 2025

Key Takeaways

• Starting June 1, 2025, all U.S. citizens can visit Uzbekistan visa-free for up to 30 days.
• Visitors must register with local authorities within three days of arrival to comply with the new policy.
• Uzbekistan launches a Golden Visa program offering five-year residence permits to investors from June 2025.

Uzbekistan Opens Doors: 30-Day Visa-Free Travel for U.S. Citizens Starting June 2025

Uzbekistan 🇺🇿 will introduce a 30-day visa-free travel policy for all United States 🇺🇸 citizens beginning June 1, 2025. This major change, confirmed by a presidential decree signed in late May 2025, marks a new chapter in the country’s efforts to boost tourism and deepen ties with the United States. The move removes previous age restrictions and makes travel to Uzbekistan easier and more affordable for all American tourists.

This article explains what the new policy means, how it works, and what travelers and stakeholders should expect. It also looks at the background, the reasons behind the change, and the possible effects for both countries.

What’s Changing: Visa-Free Entry for All U.S. Citizens

Who is affected?
All U.S. citizens holding a valid U.S. passport.

What is changing?
Starting June 1, 2025, U.S. citizens can enter Uzbekistan 🇺🇿 for up to 30 days without needing a visa. This applies to tourism visits only.

Where does this apply?
The policy covers all entry points into Uzbekistan, including airports, land borders, and seaports.

When does it start?
The new rule takes effect on June 1, 2025.

Why is Uzbekistan making this change?
The government wants to attract more American tourists, encourage business visits, and strengthen its relationship with the United States 🇺🇸.

How does it work?
U.S. travelers simply arrive in Uzbekistan with a valid passport. No visa application or fee is needed for stays up to 30 days. However, all visitors must register with local authorities within three days of arrival.

Step-by-Step: How U.S. Citizens Can Enter Uzbekistan Visa-Free

Here’s a simple guide for Americans planning to visit Uzbekistan 🇺🇿 after June 1, 2025:

1. Arrive with a valid U.S. passport.
2. No visa required for stays up to 30 days for tourism.
3. Register with local authorities within three days of arrival. Most hotels do this for guests, but independent travelers must handle registration themselves.
4. Keep registration up to date for the entire stay.
5. Leave Uzbekistan within 30 days or apply for an extension or an e-visa if you want to stay longer or for non-tourism reasons.

Important:
If you plan to stay longer than 30 days or visit for reasons other than tourism (like work or study), you’ll need to apply for an Uzbekistan e-visa or another appropriate visa.

Background: How the Policy Has Changed

Before this new rule, only U.S. citizens under 16 or over 55 could enter Uzbekistan visa-free for up to 30 days. All others had to apply for a visa, usually through the e-visa system, which required an online application and a fee.

The new policy removes all age restrictions. Now, every U.S. passport holder—regardless of age—can enjoy visa-free travel to Uzbekistan for up to 30 days.

This change is part of a series of reforms aimed at making Uzbekistan more open and welcoming to international visitors. In recent years, the country has eased visa rules for many nations, hoping to become a top destination in Central Asia.

Why Uzbekistan Is Making This Move

Uzbekistan’s government, led by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, sees tourism as a key driver of economic growth. The country has set ambitious goals:

• Attract 15.8 million international tourists by the end of 2025
• Generate $4 billion in tourism exports

By making it easier for Americans to visit, Uzbekistan hopes to increase the number of U.S. tourists, boost spending in local businesses, and encourage cultural exchange.

Saida Mirziyoyeva, a senior government official, recently met with a U.S. delegation to discuss broader cooperation, including education and technology. These talks show that the visa-free policy is part of a larger effort to build stronger ties with the United States 🇺🇸.

What U.S. Tourists Need to Know

No visa needed for up to 30 days
From June 1, 2025, all U.S. citizens can enter Uzbekistan for tourism without a visa for up to 30 days.

Registration is required
All visitors must register with local authorities within three days of arrival. Hotels usually handle this for their guests, but if you’re staying in a private home or Airbnb, you’ll need to register yourself.

E-visa still available for longer stays
If you want to stay longer than 30 days or visit for work, study, or other reasons, you can still use the Uzbekistan e-visa portal to apply for the right visa.

No visa fees for short visits
Visa-free travel means you save both time and money—no need to pay for a visa or wait for approval.

Bring a valid U.S. passport
Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay.

Departure within 30 days
If you overstay, you could face fines or problems with future travel to Uzbekistan.

What This Means for Uzbek Citizens

While the new policy is great news for Americans, it does not immediately change visa rules for Uzbek citizens traveling to the United States 🇺🇸. However, the presidential decree instructs Uzbek officials to start talks with the U.S. government about making it easier for Uzbek citizens to visit America.

Negotiations are expected to begin soon, but for now, Uzbek travelers must still apply for a U.S. visa through the usual process. Any changes will depend on the outcome of these talks.

Impact on the Tourism Industry

Uzbekistan’s tourism sector is preparing for a possible surge in American visitors. The government is investing in new hotels, tour operators, and travel services. In 2025 alone, 378 new tour operators are expected to launch, offering more choices for tourists.

The country’s rich history, stunning architecture, and unique culture are big draws. Cities like Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva are famous for their ancient sites and welcoming atmosphere.

Tourism targets for 2025:
– 15.8 million international tourists
– $4 billion in tourism exports

By making travel easier for Americans, Uzbekistan hopes to reach these ambitious goals.

Economic and Diplomatic Effects

Boosting the economy
Visa-free travel is a proven way to increase tourist numbers and spending. More visitors mean more business for hotels, restaurants, guides, and local shops.

Strengthening U.S.-Uzbek ties
The policy is also a sign of growing friendship between Uzbekistan and the United States 🇺🇸. By making it easier for Americans to visit, Uzbekistan shows its commitment to closer cooperation.

Setting a regional example
Other countries in Central Asia have also relaxed visa rules to attract Western tourists. Uzbekistan’s move keeps it competitive and helps it stand out as a welcoming destination.

Multiple Perspectives

Uzbek Government:
Sees the new policy as a way to grow the economy, create jobs, and build international partnerships.

U.S. Travelers:
Will find it easier and cheaper to visit Uzbekistan, making the country a more attractive destination for vacations and business trips.

Uzbek Citizens:
Hope that talks with the United States 🇺🇸 will lead to easier travel in the future, though no immediate changes are in place.

Tourism Industry:
Prepares for more demand by expanding services and improving infrastructure.

Golden Visa Program: Another Step Toward Openness

Alongside the visa-free policy, Uzbekistan will launch a Golden Visa program on June 1, 2025. This program offers a five-year residence permit to foreign nationals who invest $250,000 or more in the country. The goal is to attract not just tourists, but also long-term investors and skilled professionals.

This move signals Uzbekistan’s openness to international visitors and its desire to become a regional hub for business and tourism.

Registration Process: What You Need to Do

All foreign visitors, including Americans, must register with local authorities within three days of arrival. Here’s how it works:

• Hotel guests: Registration is usually automatic. The hotel will handle the paperwork and give you a registration slip.
• Independent travelers: If you’re staying in a private home or Airbnb, you must register yourself. You can do this online or at a local office.
• Keep your registration slip: You may be asked to show proof of registration when you leave the country.

Failure to register can result in fines or problems with future visits.

For more details on registration and entry requirements, visit the U.S. Department of State’s Uzbekistan Travel Information page.

E-Visa Option: For Longer or Non-Tourism Stays

If you want to stay in Uzbekistan for more than 30 days, or if your visit is for business, study, or other non-tourism reasons, you’ll need to apply for an e-visa. The process is simple:

1. Go to the Uzbekistan e-visa portal.
2. Fill out the online application.
3. Pay the required fee.
4. Wait for approval (usually within a few days).
5. Print your e-visa and bring it with you when you travel.

The e-visa system remains available for all travelers who need it.

What Experts Say

Tourism experts agree that making it easier for Americans to visit will likely increase tourist numbers and spending. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, visa liberalization often leads to more foreign investment, cultural exchange, and stronger international relationships.

Diplomats see the move as a positive step in U.S.-Uzbek relations. While it may take time for the United States 🇺🇸 to offer similar visa-free access to Uzbek citizens, the new policy lays the groundwork for future cooperation.

Summary Table: Uzbekistan Visa-Free Policy for U.S. Citizens

Looking Ahead: What’s Next?

• Negotiations for Uzbek travelers: Talks will soon begin between Uzbekistan and the United States 🇺🇸 to make it easier for Uzbek citizens to visit America. Any changes will be announced after these discussions.
• Tourism expansion: Uzbekistan continues to invest in hotels, tour operators, and travel services to welcome more visitors.
• Golden Visa program: Starting June 1, 2025, foreign investors can get a five-year residence permit by investing $250,000 or more.

Practical Tips for U.S. Travelers

• Check your passport: Make sure it’s valid for at least six months after your planned departure.
• Plan your stay: Remember the 30-day limit for visa-free travel.
• Register on arrival: Don’t forget to register with local authorities within three days.
• Consider travel insurance: It’s always a good idea when visiting a new country.
• Explore Uzbekistan: Take advantage of the easier entry to discover the country’s rich history, culture, and natural beauty.

Where to Get More Information

• Uzbekistan e-visa portal: For e-visa applications and registration details.
• U.S. Department of State – Uzbekistan Travel Information: For official travel advisories and entry requirements.
• Embassy of Uzbekistan in Washington, D.C.: For the latest updates and official guidance.

Final Thoughts

Uzbekistan’s decision to offer visa-free travel to all U.S. citizens for up to 30 days is a big step toward making the country more open and welcoming. It reflects a broader strategy to boost tourism, attract investment, and build stronger ties with the United States 🇺🇸. While Uzbek citizens still need visas to visit America, upcoming talks may lead to easier travel in the future.

For now, Americans can look forward to simpler, cheaper, and more flexible travel to Uzbekistan 🇺🇿—a country rich in history, culture, and opportunity. If you’re planning a trip after June 1, 2025, you can leave the visa paperwork behind and focus on enjoying everything Uzbekistan has to offer.

Learn Today

Visa-free Travel → Entering a country without needing a visa for a specified short period, usually for tourism.
E-Visa → An electronic visa applied for online, enabling entry for longer or non-tourism stays.
Registration → The mandatory process where visitors report their presence to local authorities within a time limit.
Golden Visa → A special residence permit for foreign investors meeting financial investment criteria in a country.
Presidential Decree → An official order issued by a country’s president to enforce new laws or policies.

This Article in a Nutshell

From June 2025, U.S. travelers can enjoy 30-day visa-free entry to Uzbekistan, boosting tourism and bilateral ties. Registration within three days upon arrival is mandatory. This policy supports economic growth and invites American tourists to explore Uzbekistan’s rich history and culture without visa fees or age restrictions.
— By VisaVerge.com