Uzbekistan Announces 30-Day Visa-Free Entry for Indian Citizens

Uzbekistan has announced a 30-day visa-free regime for Indian citizens, giving a major boost to travel between the two countries and making the Central Asian destination more accessible to Indian tourists.

The announcement was made on August 30 during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Tashkent, where he held talks with Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The Uzbek president said the move would help strengthen people-to-people ties and encourage greater tourism and business exchanges between the two countries.

Visa-free travel to boost tourism

The new arrangement is expected to make Uzbekistan a more attractive destination for Indian travellers, particularly those interested in exploring Central Asia’s historic cities, architecture and cultural heritage.

Indian tourists will be able to visit Uzbekistan for up to 30 days without obtaining a visa, significantly simplifying travel arrangements. The move comes as India and Uzbekistan seek to deepen their economic, cultural and people-to-people ties.

Uzbekistan is home to several major tourist destinations, including Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva and Tashkent, which are known for their historic sites and links to the ancient Silk Road.

India-Uzbekistan ties gain momentum

The visa decision was among several developments announced during Modi’s visit. India and Uzbekistan also agreed to strengthen cooperation in areas including trade, investment, digital connectivity, defence, energy and critical minerals. The two countries have also upgraded their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

The latest visa move is expected to further encourage tourism and business travel while strengthening cultural exchanges between the two countries.

Uzbekistan’s decision also comes as direct air connectivity between India and the Central Asian nation expands, with reports indicating 14 direct flights operating between the two countries each week.

What Indian travellers should know

The visa-free facility allows eligible Indian passport holders to enter Uzbekistan without obtaining a visa for stays of up to 30 days. Travellers planning longer stays would need to follow the applicable visa requirements.

Uzbekistan’s official immigration information confirms that visa-free regimes are subject to specific country-by-country conditions and durations, so travellers should check the latest requirements before departure.

For Indian tourists, the announcement is likely to make Uzbekistan one of the more convenient Central Asian destinations for short holidays, cultural trips and business travel.