Uzbekistan Trip Just Got Easier for Indians: Check Who Can Stay Visa-Free for 30 Days

If Uzbekistan is on your travel list, there is an important visa rule you should know about. Eligible Indian travellers can stay in Uzbekistan for up to 30 days without taking a separate Uzbekistan visa.

But there is a catch. This facility is not available to every Indian passport holder. Travellers have to meet specific conditions related to the visa they already hold and their return or onward flight ticket.

Who Can Travel Visa-Free?

According to a travel update issued by the Embassy of India in Tashkent, Indian citizens holding a valid multiple-entry Business or Tourist visa from certain countries can stay in Uzbekistan for up to 30 days without an Uzbekistan visa.

The visa must have been issued by one of these countries or groups:

Australia
Canada
Japan
New Zealand
Republic of Korea
Schengen Agreement member states
United Kingdom
United States

So, if you are an Indian traveller with a valid multiple-entry tourist or business visa from any of these places, you may be eligible for the 30-day visa-free stay.

You Must Have a Confirmed Return Ticket

There is another condition that travellers should not miss. Passengers using this facility must have a confirmed return or onward air ticket to their country of origin or a third country. Those who do not meet these requirements will have to apply for the appropriate Uzbekistan visa under the country's existing rules.

Why Tourists Are Looking at Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan is known for its old Silk Road cities, striking Islamic architecture and traditional bazaars. For Indian tourists, it offers a mix of history, culture and sightseeing in one international trip. The 30-day stay also gives eligible travellers enough time to plan a longer holiday instead of rushing through the country in just a few days.

What Led to the 30-Day Visa-Free Rule?

The travel update follows an announcement by Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on a 30-day visa-free regime for Indian citizens. The announcement was made during delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Tashkent during his two-day state visit to Uzbekistan. Mirziyoyev said the move would help strengthen people-to-people contacts, tourism and business exchanges between the two countries.

India-Uzbekistan Travel Links

The two countries have also seen growth in trade and business ties. According to Mirziyoyev, bilateral trade crossed USD 1 billion last year, while the number of joint ventures between India and Uzbekistan increased sevenfold in recent years. There are also 14 direct flights between the two countries every week, according to the Uzbek president.

Check These Things Before Your Trip

• Whether their Business or Tourist visa is multiple-entry and valid
• Whether it was issued by one of the specified countries
• Whether they have a confirmed return or onward air ticket
• Whether they meet all the conditions for the 30-day visa-free facility

If these conditions are not met, travellers will need to follow the regular Uzbekistan visa process. For tourists who qualify, the rule could make planning a Uzbekistan trip simpler whether the plan is to explore its historic cities, experience its bazaars or spend more time discovering the country's Silk Road heritage.