The Big News: A 30-Day Visa-Free Regime
In a move set to boost tourism and strengthen ties, Uzbekistan has announced a 30-day visa-free entry policy for Indian citizens. This significant development, unveiled during high-level talks in late August 2026, means Indian passport holders will be able
to enter the country for up to a month for tourism or business without needing to apply for a visa beforehand. Previously, travellers had to secure an e-visa online. This change removes a key step in the planning process, making spontaneous trips to explore the fabled cities of Samarkand and Bukhara much more feasible for Indian tourists.
Important: Check Before You Book
While the announcement of the 30-day visa-free access is exciting, it is crucial for travellers to exercise patience. As of early September 2026, an official start date for this new policy has not yet been implemented. Government and airline systems need to be updated before the rule takes full effect. Therefore, before you book any non-refundable flights or hotels based on this news, it is essential to verify the policy's operational status. The best course of action is to check for the latest updates from the Embassy of Uzbekistan in India or its official Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
What if You Can’t Wait to Go?
For eager travellers, there are still excellent and easy ways to visit. Firstly, a separate visa-free rule took effect on September 1, 2026. This allows Indian citizens who hold a valid visa for developed countries like the USA, UK, or the Schengen Area to enter Uzbekistan for 30 days without an Uzbek visa, provided they have a return ticket. Secondly, the existing e-visa system remains a reliable and straightforward option. For a fee of around $20 USD, you can apply online through the official government portal, with approvals often arriving within a few working days. This ensures that, regardless of the new policy's start date, a trip to Uzbekistan is still very much within reach.
Getting There and Around
Connectivity between India and Uzbekistan is excellent, with around 14 direct flights operating weekly. Airlines like Uzbekistan Airways and Centrum Air offer non-stop services from Delhi and Mumbai to Tashkent, the nation's capital, with a flight time of just over three hours. Once there, the country is well-connected by modern and efficient high-speed trains, making it easy to travel between the main tourist hubs of Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara. Booking these trains in advance, especially during peak season, is highly recommended.
A Taste of the Silk Road
Uzbek cuisine shares delightful similarities with North Indian food, making it a treat for the Indian palate. The national dish, plov, is a flavourful rice pilaf with meat and carrots, reminiscent of our own pulao. You will also find familiar dishes like shashlik (grilled kebabs), samsa (baked pastries similar to samosas, often filled with meat or pumpkin), and a wide variety of fresh bread called non. While the cuisine is meat-heavy, vegetarian options like pumpkin manti (dumplings) and lentil soups are often available in tourist-friendly restaurants. A recent development that will further ease travel is the planned integration of UPI, which will allow Indian tourists to make payments directly through their apps at many local merchants.
Essential Tips for Indian Travellers
Uzbekistan is widely regarded as an extremely safe country for tourists, with low crime rates and a welcoming attitude towards Indians. However, there are a few local rules to be mindful of. The most important is the mandatory registration slip. Every hotel you stay at will provide you with a small paper slip as proof of your stay. You must collect and keep these for your entire trip, as immigration officials may ask to see them when you depart. Also, when visiting mosques and other religious sites, remember to dress modestly, covering your shoulders and knees. Exchanging currency at official bank counters is advised over informal exchanges.
