The New 30-Day Visa-Free Policy
Uzbekistan has opened its doors for a 30-day visa-free stay for certain Indian citizens, a move aimed at boosting tourism and strengthening ties between the two nations. The Embassy of India in Tashkent recently clarified the specifics of this new policy,
which was first announced by Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. While the initial announcement in August 2026 led to broad excitement, the rules now in effect are more specific and apply only to a particular group of travellers. It is not a universal visa-free regime for all Indian passport holders, but rather a targeted facilitation for those who already possess certain international visas.
Who Exactly Is Eligible?
The key to this new privilege lies in your existing travel documents. Indian citizens who hold a valid, multiple-entry Business or Tourist visa issued by one of the following developed countries are eligible for the 30-day visa-free stay. The list of qualifying visa-issuing countries includes: Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, Schengen Agreement member states, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America. This means if you have, for example, a multiple-entry US tourist visa or a Schengen visa in your passport, you can enter Uzbekistan without needing to apply for a separate Uzbek visa. The facility is designed for both leisure and business travellers who meet this specific requirement.
Crucial Conditions You Must Meet
Eligibility is not just about having the right visa. There is another mandatory condition that all travellers must meet to avail this facility. Every eligible Indian citizen must hold a confirmed return air ticket to India or an onward air ticket to a third country. Without this proof of departure, you may be denied entry despite having a qualifying visa from one of the listed nations. Before travelling, it is essential to ensure that your qualifying visa (e.g., from the US or UK) is still valid and that you carry a printout or digital copy of your confirmed flight itinerary. Indian citizens who do not meet both of these conditions—a valid multiple-entry visa from a specified country and a confirmed onward ticket—are not eligible for the visa-free stay.
What If I Don't Qualify?
For the vast majority of Indian passport holders who do not have a valid multiple-entry visa from one of the specified countries, the standard visa rules for Uzbekistan still apply. The Embassy of India in Tashkent has clarified that these individuals are required to obtain an appropriate visa as per Uzbekistan's existing guidelines before travelling. Fortunately, Uzbekistan offers a streamlined e-visa process for Indian nationals, which is a straightforward online application for short-term visits. Some travellers may also be eligible for a visa-on-arrival at Tashkent International Airport, but this too comes with its own set of prerequisites, including a visa confirmation from Uzbekistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Why the Change? A Push for Tourism
This policy is a significant part of Uzbekistan's broader strategy to attract more international visitors and strengthen its economy. By simplifying entry for seasoned travellers who already hold visas for countries like the US, UK, and Schengen nations, Uzbekistan hopes to capture a larger share of the outbound Indian tourist market. The move is part of a tourism cooperation programme between India and Uzbekistan for 2026-2028. President Mirziyoyev has stated the initiative aims to boost people-to-people contacts, business exchanges, and tourism. With bilateral trade exceeding USD 1 billion and 14 direct flights operating weekly between the countries, this visa facilitation is a logical next step in deepening the relationship.
