Uzbekistan Eases Entry for Select Indian Visa Holders

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Indian citizens holding valid multiple-entry tourist or business visas for select countries can now enter Uzbekistan without a visa for up to 30 days, following new entry rules that came into force on 1 September 2026.

According to the Ministry of Justice, the conditional visa-free arrangement was enacted under a presidential decree signed by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on 29 August 2026.

The policy applies to Indian nationals who possess a valid multiple-entry visa for Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, the Schengen Area countries, the United Kingdom or the United States. To qualify for visa-free entry, travelers must also hold an air ticket for onward or return travel to India or a third country. Meeting these conditions allows eligible Indian passport holders to remain in Uzbekistan for up to 30 days.

Initial plans for a visa-free entry system were disclosed following bilateral discussions between President Mirziyoyev and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Tashkent on 30 August 2026, though specific conditions were not outlined at the time.

The regulatory shift comes amid a steady increase in travel from India to Uzbekistan. Indian tourist arrivals rose from 45,500 in 2023 to 70,600 in 2024, before reaching 80,900 visits in 2025. By the end of 2025, India ranked as the ninth largest source market for inbound tourism to Uzbekistan, with overall visits growing nearly 1.8 times between 2022 and 2025.

Reciprocal arrangements remain unchanged, with Uzbek citizens still required to obtain a visa to travel to India. While visas can be processed online, certain categories require an application at the Indian Embassy. Additionally, Uzbek travelers must submit an electronic e-Arrival Card no later than 72 hours prior to entering India.