What Exactly is the Big Change?
In a significant move to boost tourism and cultural ties, Uzbekistan has introduced a visa-free regime for Indian citizens, which came into effect on September 1, 2026. This policy allows for a stay of up to 30 days. However, there is an important condition:
this visa-free access applies to Indian citizens who hold a valid multiple-entry visa for several developed countries, including the USA, UK, Schengen states, Canada, Australia, Japan, and South Korea. For those who don't meet this specific criterion, the existing e-visa system remains a straightforward option for securing entry. The announcement was made following high-level talks between Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, signaling a deepening relationship between the two nations.
More Flights, More Convenience
Better visa access is only part of the story. Air connectivity, a crucial factor for travel, is also getting a major boost. Several airlines, including Uzbekistan Airways and IndiGo, operate direct flights from Indian cities like Delhi to Tashkent, with an average flight time of just over three hours. Further expanding this network, a new direct flight route is set to launch between Hyderabad and Tashkent on September 28, 2026. This new service by Centrum Air will operate twice a week, creating an 'air bridge' to South India and making Uzbekistan a more accessible gateway to Central Asia for a larger number of Indian travellers. This increased frequency and new routes are expected to make travel more convenient and potentially more affordable.
Seamless Payments and a Growing Welcome
Adding to the convenience, Uzbekistan has also signed an agreement to integrate India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI). While the system is still rolling out, this move will make day-to-day transactions for Indian tourists—from buying souvenirs at a bazaar to paying for a plate of delicious plov—much simpler. It’s a clear signal that Uzbekistan is rolling out the welcome mat for Indian visitors. The country’s Tourism Committee has identified India as a key market, with a focus on attracting families. The number of Indian tourists has already been on a steady rise, growing from 45,500 in 2023 to nearly 81,000 in 2025, and these new initiatives are designed to accelerate that trend.
Why You Should Go: A Land of Wonders
So, with the logistics simplified, what awaits you in Uzbekistan? The country is a treasure trove of history, architecture, and culture. You can wander through the awe-inspiring Registan Square in Samarkand, explore the 2,000-year-old walled city of Khiva, and get lost in the labyrinthine alleys of Bukhara. The capital, Tashkent, offers a blend of modern Soviet-era design and ancient Islamic heritage, including its stunning metro stations, which are like underground art galleries. The local cuisine is another highlight, with its famous rice dish 'plov', savoury 'samsa' pastries, and hearty 'lagman' noodles offering a delightful culinary journey. The best times to visit are during the pleasant spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) months.
