Country Guide · 2026 Edition
Uzbekistan Travel &
Visa Guide
The heart of the Silk Road — ancient Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva, modern Tashkent, and some of Central Asia’s warmest hospitality. Since the 2018 visa reforms, Uzbekistan welcomes over 90 nationalities visa-free or via eVisa.
Quick Facts
CapitalTashkent
LanguageUzbek (Russian widely used)
CurrencyUzbekistani Som (UZS)
Time ZoneUZT (UTC+5, no DST)
Best Time to VisitMar–May & Sep–Nov
Calling Code+998
7
UNESCO Sites
90+
Visa-Free Nationalities
5
Silk Road Cities
300+
Sunny Days / Year
Discover Uzbekistan
The Heart of the Silk Road
Uzbekistan sits at the historic crossroads of the ancient Silk Road, where caravans once carried silk, spices, and ideas between China, Persia, and Europe. Today its turquoise-domed mosques, sprawling bazaars, and madrasas covered in intricate tilework make it one of Central Asia’s most rewarding — and still pleasantly uncrowded — destinations.
Double-landlocked and bordered by Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Afghanistan, the country combines four UNESCO-listed historic cities with a fast-modernising capital, a high-speed rail network connecting them, and a tourism sector that has expanded rapidly since the 2016 reforms simplified entry for foreign visitors.
The country’s remarkable landscapes range from the high-altitude passes of the Tian Shan foothills near Fergana to the flat, sun-baked desert around Khiva and the haunting ships-in-the-sand of the former Aral Sea shore — offering far more than a single route through the Silk Road cities.
Ancient Silk Road Cities
Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, and Shakhrisabz preserve centuries of Timurid architecture.
Living Islamic Heritage
Working mosques, madrasas, and shrines sit alongside Soviet-era landmarks and contemporary Tashkent.
Renowned Cuisine
Plov, samsa, and fresh-baked non bread anchor a food culture shared enthusiastically at every table.
Traditional Crafts
Hand-loomed silk in Margilan, ceramics in Rishtan, and suzani embroidery sold nationwide.
Points of Interest
Must-See Destinations in Uzbekistan
From the Registan to the Aral Sea, these regions define a first trip to Uzbekistan.
Entry Requirements
Do You Need a Visa for Uzbekistan?
It depends on your nationality. Since the 2018 reforms, Uzbekistan offers visa-free entry, eVisas, or visa-on-arrival to most travellers — always confirm against your own passport before booking.
Entry Categories by Nationality
✓ Updated June 2026
CIS countries — Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine
Visa-Free
Unlimited
Kyrgyzstan
Visa-Free
60 days
Tajikistan
Visa-Free
30 days
EU, UK, USA, Japan, China, South Korea, Australia, Canada, UAE, Turkey, Brazil & 70+ more
Visa-Free
30 days
Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar (with onward flight ticket)
Visa-Free
10 days
India, Egypt, Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Iran, Saudi Arabia & 40+ more
eVisa Available
Up to 30 days
All other nationalities
Embassy / VOA
Varies
Official Sources — Always Verify Before Booking
The full, authoritative visa list is published by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
Apply for an eVisa at the official portal: e-visa.gov.uz.
Detailed consular fee schedules and the complete country list are available at mfa.uz.
Information on this page is based on the MFA’s published regulations and is updated regularly, but conditions can change — confirm your specific passport category directly with the MFA or the nearest Uzbek embassy before travel.
Apply for an eVisa
Apply online at e-visa.gov.uz: upload a passport scan and photo, pay USD 20 (single), USD 35 (double), or USD 50 (multiple entry). Decisions typically arrive within 3 business days. Print the PDF — a phone screenshot is not accepted at most check-in desks.
Go to e-visa.gov.uz →
Visa Support / Letter of Invitation
If your nationality requires an embassy visa, a licensed Uzbek tour operator can request a Letter of Invitation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) via evisa.mfa.uz. Processing by the MFA takes up to 4 working days after submission by the inviting party.
MFA official site →
Visa-Free Transit (5 days)
Citizens of around 48 countries — including India, USA, Vietnam, Thailand, and Saudi Arabia — may transit Uzbekistan visa-free for up to 5 days, provided they fly in and out on Uzbekistan Airways and present an onward ticket on arrival at Tashkent.
Transit rules at mfa.uz →
Consular Fee Schedule (non-eVisa)
Source: MFA of Uzbekistan
Single-Entry
- Up to 7 days$40
- Up to 30 days$60
- Up to 1 year$160
Multiple-Entry
- Up to 6 months$150
- Up to 1 year$250
- Up to 3 years$350
Tourist & eVisa
- Tourist visa, 30 days$40
- eVisa single-entry$20
- eVisa multiple-entry$50
Transit & Group
- Transit up to 72 hrs$40
- Group visa (≥5) 30 days$25/person
- Investment visa (INV)Contact MFA
Fees correct per the official MFA schedule. Additional processing fees may apply depending on location of visa issuance. Japan and Uzbekistan waive consular fees for each other’s citizens by mutual agreement.
Documents
What to Bring for Entry
✓
Valid Passport
Minimum 6 months’ validity from your entry date. For visa applications at embassies, validity must be at least 3 months beyond the visa expiry date.
✓
eVisa or Visa Printout
Print a hard copy of your eVisa PDF — check-in desks and border officers may not accept a phone screenshot.
✓
Return or Onward Ticket
Required for visa-free entry, most eVisa categories, and transit passengers.
✓
Hotel or Host Confirmation
Hotels register your stay automatically at check-in. Keep booking confirmation handy for the border form.
✓
Travel Insurance
Not mandatory for most visitors, but strongly recommended — rural medical facilities are limited outside Tashkent and Samarkand.
✓
Proof of Funds (if requested)
Border officers can ask for evidence of sufficient funds. A bank card or a small amount of USD in cash helps.
When to Go
Best Time to Visit Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan has a hot, dry continental climate. Spring and autumn bring the mildest weather and the best golden light for the Silk Road cities. Summers run extremely hot — Bukhara and Khorezm regularly exceed 40 °C. Winters are cold with occasional snow in Tashkent and Samarkand.
Spring
March – May
Best all-round season — blossoming gardens and mild 15–25 °C days. Peak tourist season starts in April.
Summer
June – August
Hot and dry. Travel early in the day. Melons and stone fruits at their peak in bazaars.
Autumn
September – November
Harvest season — warm afternoons, cool evenings, grapes and pomegranates everywhere.
Winter
December – February
Cold and quiet. Occasional snow in Tashkent and Samarkand. Low season pricing across hotels.
Good to Know
Practical Information
Money & Costs
- Currency Uzbekistani Som (UZS)
- Cards Hotels & malls in Tashkent
- Cash Needed for bazaars & regions
- ATMs Widespread in cities
- Budget level Affordable by global standards
Getting Around
- High-speed rail Afrosiyob & Sharq trains
- Domestic flights Tashkent → Samarkand, Bukhara, Urgench
- City taxis Yandex Go app widely used
- Intercity Shared taxis between regions
- Metro Tashkent only
Connectivity & Safety
- SIM cards Beeline, Ucell, Uzmobile
- Coverage Good 4G in all major cities
- Safety Low violent crime, tourist-friendly
- Tap water Bottled water recommended
- Power 220V, Type C/F sockets
Common Questions
Uzbekistan Travel FAQ
Do I need a visa to visit Uzbekistan? +
It depends on your passport. Citizens of CIS countries (Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine) enter visa-free with no time limit. Kyrgyzstan gets 60 days; Tajikistan 30 days. Citizens of 90+ other countries — including the EU, UK, USA, Japan, China, South Korea, Australia, Canada, UAE, Turkey, and Brazil — enjoy 30-day visa-free entry. Travelers from around 50 more countries, including India, Egypt, Vietnam, Thailand, and Sri Lanka, can apply for an eVisa. Everyone else needs an embassy visa or visa on arrival at Tashkent airport. Always confirm the current rule for your specific nationality at mfa.uz before booking.
How do I apply for an Uzbekistan eVisa? +
Apply at the official portal, e-visa.gov.uz. Fill in your details, choose single (USD 20), double (USD 35), or multiple entry (USD 50), upload a passport scan and photo, then pay the fee. Decisions typically arrive by email within about 3 business days. Print the PDF — a phone screenshot is generally not accepted at check-in or the border. Note that the portal also allows group eVisa applications for parties of five or more.
What is the best time of year to visit Uzbekistan? +
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are the most comfortable seasons, with mild days and the clear light that makes the tilework of Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva glow. Summer is very hot — especially in Bukhara and Khorezm where temperatures regularly exceed 40 °C — while winter is cold with occasional snow in Tashkent and Samarkand. Winter is the quietest, cheapest option if you can brave the chill.
Is Uzbekistan safe for tourists, including solo female travellers? +
Uzbekistan is generally considered one of the safer countries in the region, with low rates of violent crime and a strong culture of hospitality toward visitors. As anywhere, take standard precautions: watch your belongings in crowded bazaars, dress modestly at religious sites, and keep copies of important documents. Solo female travellers commonly report positive experiences, and tourist infrastructure has improved substantially since 2018.
Can I use US dollars or cards in Uzbekistan? +
Most everyday purchases — bazaars, local taxis, small cafés — require cash in the local currency, the Uzbekistani Som (UZS). Cards are increasingly accepted in Tashkent’s hotels, restaurants, and malls, but acceptance drops off quickly outside the capital. ATMs are common in major cities but scarce in rural areas, so carry sufficient som for regional travel. It is worth exchanging a small amount of USD or EUR before leaving Tashkent.
Do I need to register with authorities during my stay? +
Hotels and registered guesthouses register guests automatically at check-in — this is the standard way travellers comply with Uzbekistan’s registration requirement. If you stay with a private host, they are legally required to register you at the local Internal Affairs (MVD) office within three days. Keep your registration slips: they may be checked at the border on departure, though enforcement has relaxed significantly in recent years.
Ready to Discover Uzbekistan?
Check your visa eligibility, then start planning your Silk Road route through Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva.