The Visa Situation: Easier Than Ever
In a significant move to boost tourism, Uzbekistan announced a 30-day visa-free entry policy for Indian citizens in late August 2026. This development, part of a broader tourism cooperation program between the two nations, aims to simplify travel and
strengthen cultural ties. While this policy has been announced, travellers are advised to check the official start date and specific rules with the Embassy of Uzbekistan before making non-refundable bookings. In another recent update from September 2026, the Indian Embassy in Tashkent confirmed that Indian citizens holding valid multiple-entry visas from countries like the USA, UK, Canada, and Schengen states can also enter Uzbekistan visa-free for up to 30 days, provided they have a confirmed onward or return ticket. For those not covered by these new rules, Uzbekistan's well-established e-visa system remains an excellent option. The online process is straightforward: fill out a form, upload your passport and photo, and pay a fee of around $20 USD. The visa is typically processed within a few working days and sent via email.
Getting There: Direct Flights on the Rise
Connectivity between India and Uzbekistan is expanding rapidly. Direct flights are the most convenient way to travel, significantly cutting down journey time. Uzbekistan Airways has long operated direct flights from Delhi to Tashkent, a journey of about three to four hours. Joining them, Centrum Air now operates five weekly flights from Delhi and recently launched a new direct service from Hyderabad to Tashkent in September 2026. This new 'air bridge' provides much-needed connectivity for travellers from South India. With about 14 direct flights now connecting the two countries weekly, options are plentiful. For those in other Indian cities like Mumbai or Bengaluru, connecting flights via hubs like Dubai or Istanbul remain a popular and often cost-effective choice.
On the Ground: What to Expect
Upon arrival in Tashkent, you'll find a country that is welcoming and generally safe for tourists. The crime rate is low, and in major tourist cities like Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva, dedicated tourist police are available to assist visitors. The local currency is the Uzbekistani Som (UZS). While credit cards are accepted in larger hotels and restaurants in Tashkent, it is highly advisable to carry cash, especially when travelling to other cities and for shopping in local bazaars. The main languages spoken are Uzbek and Russian. English is not widely spoken outside of the main tourist hubs and hotels, so learning a few basic Russian or Uzbek phrases like 'Salom' (Hello) and 'Rahmat' (Thank you) will be appreciated. For transport, app-based taxis like Yandex Go are reliable and commonly used in cities.
A Land of Silk Road Wonders
Uzbekistan offers a journey back in time. The country's main draw lies in its three legendary Silk Road cities. Samarkand, the 'Crossroad of Cultures', is home to the magnificent Registan Square, a breathtaking ensemble of madrasahs. Bukhara's ancient, maze-like old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, centered around the iconic Kalon Minaret. And the walled city of Khiva, known as Ichan-Kala, feels like an open-air museum, perfectly preserved and best explored on foot. Beyond the architecture, Indian travellers may find a sense of cultural familiarity. The food, with its emphasis on rice dishes like Plov, grilled meats (shashlik), and stuffed dumplings (manti), shares distant culinary roots with Indian cuisine. The historical ties, including the legacy of the Mughal dynasty which originated here, add another layer of connection for visitors from India.
Key Things to Remember Before You Go
To ensure a smooth trip, a few final points are worth noting. The best times to visit are during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) when the weather is pleasant. Summers can be extremely hot and winters very cold. One crucial administrative detail is registration. All foreign tourists staying for more than three days must be registered. Hotels automatically handle this and provide you with a small registration slip for each night's stay. It is very important to keep these slips, as they may be checked by immigration officials when you depart the country. Finally, a recent agreement will soon enable the use of India's UPI payment system in Uzbekistan, which will make transactions even more convenient for Indian tourists in the near future.
