Indian passport holders will be able to enter Uzbekistan without a visa for stays of up to 30 days, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev announced on August 30 during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Tashkent, news agency ANI reported. The measure removes the earlier requirement for an e-visa for short visits, though the Uzbek authorities have yet to publish the formal implementation order and an effective date.
What the change means
The Kremlin of Central Asian history, Uzbekistan is famed for turquoise-tiled mosques, caravanserais and bustling bazaars, and the new arrangement is intended to accelerate travel, cultural exchange and trade between the two countries. Mirziyoyev framed the announcement as a boost to direct contacts between citizens and a facilitator for tourism and business activities.
"The introduction of a 30-day visa-free regime for Indian citizens will make a significant contribution to the development of people-to-people contacts, tourism, and business exchanges," Mirziyoyev said, according to ANI.
During the same talks, the Uzbek president described India as a "reliable strategic partner" and highlighted recent economic ties. He noted that bilateral trade surpassed USD 1 billion last year, that the number of joint ventures had risen sevenfold in recent years, and that there are now 14 direct flights between the two countries each week.
Practical travel details
- Visa-free period: 30 days for Indian passport holders (formal commencement date pending official Uzbek order).
- Prior rule: Indian travellers previously needed an Uzbek e-visa for entry.
- Flights: 14 direct weekly services reported between India and Uzbekistan.
Uzbekistan offers a compact itinerary for first-time visitors: a 6–8 day trip allows exploration of the key Silk Road cities. Popular highlights include Samarkand with its glazed domes, the ancient streets of Bukhara, the walled city of Khiva and the unexpectedly modern capital, Tashkent. The nation’s hearty cuisine — notably plov and samsa — is part of the appeal.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Visa-free stay | 30 days (implementation date to be announced) |
| Reported trade milestone | USD 1 billion in bilateral trade last year |
| Direct flights | 14 per week |
Budget and planning
Travel writers and guides frequently describe Uzbekistan as a budget-friendly destination. The source reporting suggests that a well-planned 6–8 day trip can be undertaken for under ₹1 lakh, including flights, though actual costs will vary with season, airline choice and class of travel. With visa formalities simplified for short stays, travellers may find it easier to arrange last-minute cultural escapes or long-weekend city-hopping across the region.
For Indians considering Uzbekistan for the first time, the announcement removes a bureaucratic hurdle and should encourage a wider range of travellers — from independent backpackers and food-focused travellers to families and small business delegations — to consider the Silk Road nation.
What to watch next
- Official Uzbek notification on the effective date and any implementing instructions for border control and airlines.
- Whether the visa-free regime will carry conditions (such as permitted activities, single vs multiple entries, or registration requirements for longer stays).
- Air connectivity expansion between Indian metros and Uzbek cities following the change.
Until the Uzbek government publishes the formal order and date of effect, travellers should check with airlines and official Uzbek consular channels before booking. The easing of entry requirements, once activated, promises to make Uzbekistan a more accessible and economical option for Indian tourists and business visitors alike.
