The New Visa-Free Rule Explained
In a move designed to boost tourism and strengthen ties, Uzbekistan now permits Indian passport holders to enter the country without a visa for a period of up to 30 days. This new regime was announced in August 2026 during a visit by Indian Prime Minister
Narendra Modi to Tashkent. Previously, Indian travellers needed to apply for an e-visa. While the visa itself is no longer required for stays under 30 days, travellers should still ensure their passport is valid for their entire period of stay and it is always wise to carry proof of accommodation and a return or onward ticket. This policy is aimed at tourists, business visitors, and those visiting family, making short trips significantly more spontaneous and affordable.
Why Uzbekistan Should Be on Your List
Uzbekistan is the heart of the ancient Silk Road, a land where empires rose and fell, leaving behind a staggering architectural and cultural legacy. For Indian travellers, it offers a fascinating blend of familiar and new. The country has deep cultural connections with India, evident in everything from shared words to a mutual appreciation for figures like Lal Bahadur Shastri, whose name graces a cultural centre in Tashkent. The country is a photographer's dream, with its grand mosques, madrasahs, and mausoleums covered in intricate blue tilework. It's also a destination that offers incredible value, with many finding a trip here to be more affordable than some domestic holidays in India.
Samarkand: Crossroads of Culture
No trip to Uzbekistan is complete without visiting Samarkand. The city’s name alone evokes images of grandeur, and it does not disappoint. The centerpiece is the magnificent Registan Square, a breathtaking plaza framed by three grand madrasahs adorned with mesmerising mosaics and azure domes. This was once the commercial and public heart of a vast empire. Another must-see is the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis, a stunning avenue of mausoleums that many consider the spiritual soul of the city. For a glimpse into the lineage of Mughal emperors like Babur, visit the Gur-e-Amir mausoleum, the final resting place of the conqueror Timur (Tamerlane).
Bukhara and Khiva: Living Museums
Beyond Samarkand, the cities of Bukhara and Khiva offer their own unique magic. Bukhara, one of Central Asia's best-preserved Islamic cities, feels like walking through a history book. Its historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site, packed with over a hundred architectural monuments, including the towering Kalyan Minaret and the massive Ark Fortress, a city within a city that was once home to Bukhara's emirs. Khiva offers an even more immersive experience. Its old town, Ichan Kala, is a walled fortress completely preserved as an open-air museum, where you can wander through narrow alleys, past ancient mosques and palaces, feeling as if you've stepped back in time.
Tashkent and Tastes of the Silk Road
Your journey will likely begin or end in Tashkent, the vibrant capital. It's a city of contrasts, where modern avenues and Soviet-era architecture coexist with old 'mohallas' or traditional neighbourhoods. Don't miss the bustling Chorsu Bazaar, housed under a giant green dome, where you can dive into local life and sample fresh produce and snacks. Uzbek cuisine is a highlight of any trip. The national dish, plov (a rice pilaf with meat, carrots, and spices), will feel comfortingly familiar to the Indian palate. Also be sure to try 'samsa', baked pastries filled with meat or pumpkin, and 'shashlik', grilled meat skewers that are popular across the region.
Practical Tips for Your Trip
Getting to Uzbekistan is straightforward, with direct flights from Delhi to Tashkent taking only about three hours. The best times to visit are during the spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) when the weather is pleasant for sightseeing. The local currency is the Uzbekistani Som (UZS). While Russian is widely spoken, especially in cities, learning a few basic Uzbek phrases will be warmly received. Throughout your stay, hotels are required to provide you with a small registration slip for each night. It's crucial to keep these slips, as border officials may ask to see them when you depart.
