Uzbekistan Visa Guide 2026: E-Visas, US Visa-Free Entry, Registration

(UZBEKISTAN) From January 1, 2026, U.S. citizens can enter Uzbekistan visa-free for up to 30 days, so most short trips no longer need an E-Visa. Travelers from other countries still have a fast online E-Visa route, often approved in three working days. The big change saves money and paperwork, but it doesn’t remove entry rules like passport validity, customs declarations, and mandatory registration within 72 hours.

Uzbekistan has widened visa-free access to citizens of over 90 countries, part of a tourism drive that counted 7.5 million visitors in 2024 and targets 15 million by 2030. The list includes Japan, South Korea, Turkey, much of Europe, the UK, Canada, Australia, and—after a November 3, 2025 decree—the United States 🇺🇸. Before booking, confirm your nationality on the Uzbekistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs site or through the official e-visa portal.

Think of Uzbekistan’s entry process as two tracks: visa-free entry for eligible nationals staying 30 days or less, and the E-Visa track for everyone else or for longer stays. Both tracks end at the same place: border control, then registration with local authorities, then keeping your documents until departure. If you plan to work, study, or stay long-term, you’ll need a physical visa from an Uzbek consulate, not an online approval.

Fast entry for U.S. travelers after January 1, 2026

For Americans, the border officer generally asks for a valid passport and basic travel details, then stamps entry for up to 30 days. The U.S. State Department advises a passport valid for at least three months beyond your stay and at least one blank page for stamps. Carry proof of onward travel, especially if your plans look open-ended.

VisaVerge.com reports that the 30-day clock resets on re-entry, which makes short repeat business trips easier.

Two common traps still catch people:
– If you stay more than 30 days, you must switch to an E-Visa or another visa type, even if your passport is on the visa-free list.
– Dual nationals should enter on the passport that gives the easiest rules. U.S.-Uzbek dual citizens can face extra questions; many consult the U.S. Embassy in Tashkent before travel.

The E-Visa track: application to landing

Uzbekistan launched its E-Visa system in 2019, and it now handles the bulk of short-stay visas online. The government says 95% of applications are processed in three working days. You apply, pay by card, then receive an approval PDF by email. Print it and carry it with your passport when you travel.

Follow these five steps on the official E-Visa application site:
1. Pick your visa (tourist, business, transit) and confirm your travel dates.
2. Fill the form with passport details, purpose of visit, and entry point.
3. Upload files in JPEG or PDF, each under 5MB, with sharp scans.
4. Pay online and keep the payment record.
5. Print the E-Visa PDF and show it at check-in and on arrival.

Documents and fees that decide approval speed

Most applicants need the same core uploads:
– A passport scan
– A recent photo sized 3.5 x 4.5 cm on a white background
– Basic trip details such as flight and hotel bookings

Business travelers often add an invitation from an Uzbek company. In 2026, the portal lists standard processing at about three days with fees that typically run $20 to $50, depending on visa type and stay length.

Other important notes:
– Minors usually need extra paperwork, including a birth certificate and written consent from a parent or guardian.
– Travelers applying for longer stays should check whether an HIV test result is required before submitting.
– Digital mistakes slow cases down; use high-resolution scans and make sure every name and passport number matches exactly.

Arrival day: border control, customs, then local registration

At the airport or land border, expect routine questions about your itinerary and where you will stay. Uzbekistan requires an electronic customs declaration on entry, and travelers should keep the QR code for exit checks. The government posts the declaration process on the Uzbek customs website.

Declare:
– Cash over $10,000
– High-value items
– Restricted goods (drones need permits)

Next comes the critical rule after landing: registration within three days (72 hours). Hotels and guesthouses usually file registration for guests and can hand you the registration slip if asked. If you stay in a private home or short-term rental, you must register yourself through local police or the ov.gov.uz registration portal.

Be aware:
– Fines can reach 1 base unit (about $30).
– Gaps in registration complicate extensions.

Choosing the right visa type for your purpose

Uzbek authorities issue different visas based on purpose of stay. Short visits usually fall into these categories:
– Tourist: sightseeing and cultural trips, often up to 30 days by E-Visa for non-exempt nationals.
– Business: meetings, conferences, and trade; some travelers qualify for multiple-entry E-Visas up to one year.
– Private: visiting family or friends, often tied to a local invitation.
– Transit: short stopovers, including some multi-entry options for land travel.

Work, study, and investor categories usually require a physical visa issued by a consulate, plus supporting paperwork from an employer or school.

Note on entries:
– If you expect to leave and re-enter, confirm whether your approval allows multiple entries. A single-entry permission ends when you exit.

Timeframes and costs you can plan around

Typical processing and cost expectations:
– E-Visa processing: advertised as three working days for most cases; urgent options exist.
– Sample fees:
– $20 for a tourist E-Visa
– $15–$30 for a transit visa
– $50–$100 for some business E-Visas
– Physical visas: commonly take 5–10 days and can cost $100+, plus courier or travel expenses to a consulate.

Visa-free entry removes the E-Visa fee for eligible travelers, which is why Americans will notice the change immediately after January 1, 2026.

Money and insurance:
– Budget for travel insurance; Uzbekistan expects visitors to carry comprehensive coverage.
– U.S. Medicare does not apply abroad.
– Many travelers keep cash in USD or EUR because the Uzbek som can swing and ATMs can be unreliable.

Practical checks that prevent last-minute problems

Before departure, run through this checklist:
– Confirm your passport validity meets the applicable rule.
– Save a copy of your hotel booking to show where you will register.
– Keep a printed E-Visa if you needed one, even if your phone works.
– Bring vaccination and health records if staying longer or having medical needs.
– Read local laws and safety notices, including rules affecting LGBTQ+ travelers.

“Uzbekistan welcomes travelers with open arms, splendid Silk Road treasures, and a simple visa process to ensure a smooth visit,” the Uzbek Ministry of Tourism said.

Reform milestones:
– Gulf states added on October 21, 2025 (Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Jordan).
– United States added by decree on November 3, 2025, with visa-free entry effective January 1, 2026.

For travelers who manage immigration cases across borders, the lighter rules change trip planning. Uzbek diaspora families in the United States 🇺🇸 can visit relatives on short notice, then return without waiting for an appointment. Business visitors scouting suppliers can do the same.

Talks about easier travel for Uzbeks to the United States have been reported, but the U.S. entry rules are separate. Monitor official updates, including any Diversity Visa announcements, on the U.S. Department of State’s website, and keep copies of every entry stamp and registration slip. That paper trail helps if you need an extension.