The New Rule Explained
In a move to strengthen tourism and bilateral ties, Uzbekistan has established a 30-day visa-free entry window for Indian citizens. This policy was announced following high-level talks between Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Indian Prime Minister
Narendra Modi in late August 2026. The initiative is part of a broader Tourism Cooperation Programme signed for 2026-2028, aimed at boosting people-to-people connections. Previously, most Indian travellers needed to apply for an e-visa, which, while straightforward, was an additional step in the travel planning process. This new rule simplifies entry, making spontaneous trips and planned holidays much easier.
Conditional Entry: What You Need to Know
While the term 'visa-free' is being widely used, it is important to note this is a conditional arrangement that took effect on September 1, 2026. To be eligible for the 30-day visa-free entry, an Indian citizen must hold a valid multiple-entry visa for one of several specific countries: the USA, UK, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, or the Schengen Area countries. In addition to holding one of these visas, travellers must also have a confirmed air ticket for a return flight to India or an onward flight to a third country. It is crucial for travellers to check with the Embassy of Uzbekistan for the latest updates before making non-refundable travel plans, as official notifications are key.
Preparing for Your Trip
Even with the simplified entry, standard international travel rules apply. Ensure your passport has at least six months of validity from your intended date of entry into Uzbekistan and contains at least two blank pages. You will also need to show a confirmed return or onward flight ticket. While not always mandatory to show at immigration, having proof of accommodation, such as hotel bookings, is highly recommended. It is also important to be aware of the hotel registration requirement: all foreign visitors staying for more than three days must be registered. Licensed hotels handle this automatically, providing a registration slip that you should keep until you depart.
Why This Matters for Indian Travellers
This policy shift is part of Uzbekistan's larger strategy to become a premier tourist destination. The number of Indian visitors to the country has already been on a steady rise, growing nearly 1.8 times between 2022 and 2025, with 80,900 visits recorded in 2025. Uzbekistan is actively targeting the Indian market, particularly family tourism, by launching new direct flights, like the one between Hyderabad and Tashkent, and engaging with influencers to showcase the country as a safe and attractive destination. Another significant development for Indian travellers is the integration of UPI. An agreement now allows Indian UPI apps to be used for merchant payments by scanning UZQR codes, making transactions seamless.
Exploring the Heart of the Silk Road
With the logistics of entry becoming simpler, Indian travellers can focus on the incredible experiences Uzbekistan offers. The country is a treasure trove of history, culture, and stunning Islamic architecture. The fabled cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva are living museums, with their grand mosques, madrasas, and mausoleums telling stories of centuries of trade and conquest. The capital, Tashkent, offers a blend of Soviet-era structures and modern development. The culinary scene is another major draw, with dishes like Plov (a rice pilaf), Manti (dumplings), and Shashlik (grilled skewers) offering flavours that are both unique and comfortingly familiar to the Indian palate.
