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Uzbekistan Visa-Free for Indians Opens 30-Day Travel
Uzbekistan visa-free for Indians is now available under a new conditional entry arrangement that allows eligible Indian passport holders to stay in the Central Asian country for up to 30 days without obtaining a separate Uzbekistan visa.
The facility applies to Indian citizens who hold valid multiple-entry business or tourist visas issued by Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Schengen Agreement member states, the United Kingdom or the United States.
Travellers must also have a confirmed return or onward air ticket to their country of origin or a third country. The new arrangement took effect on September 1, 2026.
Who Qualifies for Uzbekistan Visa-Free Travel?
The Uzbekistan visa-free for Indians facility is not available automatically to every Indian passport holder.
Indian travellers must meet specific conditions before using the new entry arrangement.
The traveller must:
- Hold an Indian passport
- Have a valid multiple-entry business or tourist visa
- Have that visa issued by one of the eligible countries
- Carry a confirmed return or onward air ticket
- Stay within the permitted 30-day period
The qualifying countries are:
| Country or region issuing the visa | Accepted |
|---|---|
| United States | ✅ |
| United Kingdom | ✅ |
| Schengen Agreement member states | ✅ |
| Australia | ✅ |
| Canada | ✅ |
| Japan | ✅ |
| New Zealand | ✅ |
| South Korea | ✅ |
The Indian Embassy in Tashkent confirmed that eligible Indian citizens can stay in Uzbekistan for up to 30 days without an Uzbekistan visa under these conditions.
For travellers planning their trip, it is important to check that the foreign visa is multiple-entry and valid at the time of entering Uzbekistan.
Uzbekistan Visa-Free for Indians Requires a Return or Onward Ticket
One of the most important conditions is the confirmed air ticket requirement.
Eligible Indian travellers must have a confirmed return ticket to India or an onward ticket to a third country.
For example, a traveller could have:
India → Uzbekistan → India
or
India → Uzbekistan → Kazakhstan
or
India → Uzbekistan → Another destination
The ticket requirement means travellers should not assume that holding a qualifying US, UK or Schengen visa alone is sufficient for entry.
The Indian Embassy’s travel update specifically mentions the confirmed return or onward ticket requirement.
Which Visas Can Indians Use?
US Visa
Indian citizens holding an eligible multiple-entry US tourist or business visa can use the new Uzbekistan visa-free facility, subject to the other conditions.
UK Visa
A valid multiple-entry UK business or tourist visa is also included in the eligible list.
Schengen Visa
Travellers holding qualifying multiple-entry visas issued by Schengen Agreement member states are also covered.
Canada, Australia, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea
The arrangement also includes valid multiple-entry business or tourist visas issued by Canada, Australia, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea.
This makes the new arrangement particularly relevant for Indian travellers who already have international travel plans involving these destinations.
What If You Don’t Have a Qualifying Visa?
The new Uzbekistan visa-free for Indians rule does not mean that every Indian passport holder can enter Uzbekistan without a visa.
Indian citizens who do not meet the qualifying conditions remain subject to Uzbekistan’s existing visa procedures.
Uzbekistan’s official visa information provides details about its visa and e-visa arrangements.
Official visa information: Uzbekistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Visa Information
Travellers should check their individual circumstances before booking flights because visa requirements can depend on nationality, passport type, visa status and travel purpose.
Why Uzbekistan Is Becoming Popular With Indian Travellers
The new Uzbekistan visa-free for Indians facility comes as the two countries are expanding tourism cooperation.
Uzbekistan and India signed a Tourism Cooperation Programme for 2026–2028, aimed at increasing tourist exchanges, developing joint tourism projects and creating new tourism routes.
Uzbekistan’s government said the 30-day visa-free arrangement is expected to support tourism and people-to-people travel between the two countries.
Official tourism update: Uzbekistan Government – Tourism Cooperation Programme with India
For Indian visitors, Uzbekistan offers a combination of historic architecture, Silk Road heritage, traditional food, markets, cultural sites and mountain landscapes.
Explore Samarkand’s Silk Road Heritage
Samarkand is one of Uzbekistan’s most famous tourist destinations and a major attraction for visitors interested in history and architecture.
The city was an important centre along the Great Silk Road and is home to landmarks including:
- Registan Square
- Bibi-Khanym Mosque
- Shahi Zinda
- Gur Emir Mausoleum
- Ulugh Beg Observatory
- Ancient Afrasiab
The official Uzbekistan tourism portal describes Samarkand as a historic crossroads of cultures and notes that its cultural heritage includes several major monuments.
Explore more: Official Uzbekistan Tourism – Samarkand
Bukhara Offers Another Historic Experience
Bukhara is another important stop for travellers exploring Uzbekistan.
The city’s historic centre is included on the UNESCO World Heritage List, while its attractions include ancient mosques, madrasas, minarets, mausoleums and traditional trading areas.
The official tourism authority describes Bukhara as a city with more than 2,500 years of history.
Visitors can explore sites such as:
- Poi-Kalon Complex
- Kalyan Minaret
- Ark Fortress
- Bolo-Khauz Mosque
- Chor-Minor
- Historic trading domes
Official destination guide: Uzbekistan Tourism – Bukhara
Tashkent Combines Modern and Traditional Uzbekistan
Tashkent provides a different side of the country.
The capital combines modern city life with historic neighbourhoods, markets, museums, restaurants and cultural attractions.
Travellers can use Tashkent as the starting point for a wider Uzbekistan trip before continuing to Samarkand, Bukhara or other destinations.
The official Uzbekistan tourism portal highlights Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva and Shakhrisabz among the country’s major tourism destinations.
Plan your destination: Uzbekistan Travel – Official Tourism Portal
Mountains and Outdoor Attractions
Uzbekistan is not only about historic cities.
The country also offers mountain landscapes, lakes, valleys and outdoor activities.
The Tien Shan mountain region and areas around Chimgan and Charvak can appeal to travellers looking for hiking, scenic landscapes and outdoor experiences.
The southern regions also combine archaeological attractions with mountains and historic settlements.
This gives travellers the option of combining cultural sightseeing with nature-based experiences during the same trip.
High-Speed Trains Make Multi-City Trips Easier
Transport is another reason Uzbekistan can work well for a multi-city holiday.
The Afrosiyob high-speed railway connects important destinations including Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara.
Official Uzbekistan tourism itineraries feature routes combining these cities and use Afrosiyob trains for parts of the journey.
A traveller could therefore create an itinerary such as:
Day 1–2: Tashkent
Day 3–4: Samarkand
Day 5–6: Bukhara
Day 7: Return to Tashkent
Travellers with additional time could extend the trip to Khiva, Chimgan, Charvak or other destinations.
Suggested 7-Day Uzbekistan Itinerary
Days 1–2: Tashkent
Explore the capital, visit historic sites, markets and museums, and experience the city’s food scene.
Days 3–4: Samarkand
Travel to Samarkand and explore Registan Square, Bibi-Khanym Mosque, Shahi Zinda and Gur Emir.
Days 5–6: Bukhara
Explore the historic centre, traditional markets, mosques, madrasas and architectural landmarks.
Day 7: Return to Tashkent
Return to Tashkent by train or another suitable transport option and prepare for the onward flight.
The official tourism portal also publishes multi-day Uzbekistan itineraries covering Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara.
Uzbekistan Visa-Free for Indians: Travel Checklist
Before travelling, eligible Indian passport holders should check the following:
1. Check your foreign visa
Confirm that your US, UK, Schengen or other qualifying visa is accepted.
2. Confirm that it is multiple-entry
The new arrangement specifically refers to valid multiple-entry business or tourist visas.
3. Check the visa’s validity
The qualifying visa needs to be valid when you enter Uzbekistan.
4. Book your return or onward ticket
A confirmed ticket to India or another country is required.
5. Check your passport
Make sure your passport meets Uzbekistan’s entry requirements.
6. Keep travel documents accessible
Carry your passport, qualifying visa, flight ticket, hotel information and other relevant travel documents.
7. Stay within 30 days
The visa-free facility permits eligible travellers to stay for up to 30 days.
Uzbekistan Visa-Free for Indians: Key Facts
| Travel requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligible nationality | Indian citizens |
| Maximum visa-free stay | Up to 30 days |
| Uzbekistan visa | Not required if all conditions are met |
| Foreign visa | Valid multiple-entry business or tourist visa |
| Eligible visa countries | US, UK, Schengen, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea |
| Return/onward ticket | Required |
| Rule effective | September 1, 2026 |
| Other Indian travellers | Existing Uzbekistan visa rules apply |
The conditional entry arrangement was reported by the Indian Embassy in Tashkent and covered by recent reports on the new rule.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Uzbekistan visa-free for Indians?
Uzbekistan visa-free for Indians is available conditionally. Eligible Indian passport holders with valid multiple-entry business or tourist visas from specified countries can stay for up to 30 days without obtaining a separate Uzbekistan visa.
Can Indians with a US visa visit Uzbekistan without an Uzbek visa?
Yes, if the US visa is a qualifying valid multiple-entry business or tourist visa and the traveller meets the other requirements, including having a confirmed return or onward ticket.
Can Indians with a UK visa travel to Uzbekistan visa-free?
Yes. The United Kingdom is included among the countries whose qualifying multiple-entry visas can be used under the new arrangement.
Can Indians with a Schengen visa enter Uzbekistan without a visa?
Yes, eligible Indian citizens holding a qualifying valid multiple-entry Schengen business or tourist visa can use the 30-day facility.
How long can eligible Indian travellers stay?
The maximum visa-free stay is 30 days.
Is a return ticket required?
Yes. Travellers must have a confirmed return or onward air ticket to their country of origin or a third country.
Is Uzbekistan completely visa-free for all Indians?
No. The facility is conditional and does not apply to every Indian passport holder. Those who do not meet the specified conditions must follow Uzbekistan’s normal visa requirements.
What are the main places to visit in Uzbekistan?
Popular destinations include Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva and Shakhrisabz. The country’s official tourism portal highlights its historic architecture, cultural heritage, natural landscapes and Silk Road history.
Final Takeaway
The new Uzbekistan visa-free for Indians arrangement gives eligible Indian travellers a simpler way to explore Central Asia.
From September 1, 2026, Indian passport holders with qualifying multiple-entry business or tourist visas issued by the US, UK, Schengen member states, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand or South Korea can stay in Uzbekistan for up to 30 days without obtaining a separate Uzbek visa.
A confirmed return or onward air ticket is also required.
Beyond the visa change, Uzbekistan offers a mix of Silk Road history, impressive architecture, traditional cuisine, mountain landscapes and modern transport connections.
For travellers planning a Central Asian holiday, Samarkand, Bukhara and Tashkent can form the core of a multi-city itinerary, with destinations such as Khiva and the Chimgan mountain region providing additional options.
