Uzbekistan Expands Tax Free System Across Nine Regions

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbekistan has expanded its value-added tax refund system for foreign citizens, known as Tax Free. According to a decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan dated March 5, 2026, new Tax Free service points have been launched across nine regions of the country, marking a significant expansion of the previously existing infrastructure.

Until now, the Tax Free mechanism was available only at the international airports of Tashkent and Samarkand. The updated system now extends to additional regions, where nine new service points have been opened for foreign tourists.

The expansion allows VAT refunds on purchases to be processed not only in the capital and major tourism hubs, but also in a wider range of regions, making the system more accessible and geographically balanced.

The decision is aimed at simplifying VAT refund procedures for foreign visitors and increasing their spending activity during their stay in the country. Authorities view the move as part of a broader strategy to develop the tourism sector and enhance Uzbekistan’s attractiveness as an international travel destination.

The Tax Free system is considered one of the tools for stimulating tourist consumption, as it allows visitors to reclaim a portion of the VAT paid on goods purchased in the country when exporting them abroad. The introduction of new regional points is expected to reduce administrative and logistical barriers for travelers and expand shopping opportunities beyond major cities.

According to officials, the expansion of the tax refund system is part of ongoing efforts to modernize tourism infrastructure and create a more comfortable environment for international visitors, which in the long term is expected to contribute to higher tourist inflows and strengthen the country’s position in the global tourism market.