Table of Contents
Indian travellers planning a trip to Uzbekistan have a new reason to check their travel documents before applying for a visa.
From 1 September 2026, Indian citizens holding certain valid multiple-entry Business or Tourist visas can enter Uzbekistan without obtaining a separate Uzbekistan visa and stay for up to 30 days. The facility applies only if the traveller meets the specified visa and air-ticket requirements.
The Embassy of India in Tashkent has also confirmed the arrangement and clarified that travellers must have a confirmed return or onward air ticket.
Who can Enter Uzbekistan Without a Visa?
Indian citizens may use the 30-day visa-free facility if they hold a valid multiple-entry Business or Tourist visa issued by one of these:
- Australia
- Canada
- Japan
- New Zealand
- Republic of Korea (South Korea)
- A Schengen Agreement Member State
- United Kingdom
- United States of America
The qualifying visa must be valid when the traveller uses the visa-free entry facility.
When did the new Uzbekistan visa-free rule for eligible Indians start?
- The simplified entry procedure came into effect on 1st September 2026.
How Long Can Indians Stay in Uzbekistan Without a Visa?
Eligible Indian passport holders can stay in Uzbekistan for up to 30 days from the date of entry without obtaining a separate Uzbekistan visa.
The 30-day facility is subject to the conditions attached to the new entry arrangement.
Is a Return Flight Ticket Required?
Yes. Travellers using this visa-free facility must have a confirmed air ticket to their country of origin or to a third country. It is an important requirement, so Indian travellers should make sure their onward or return flight is confirmed before travelling to Uzbekistan.
What if an Indian Traveller does not have a Qualifying Visa?
Indian citizens who do not hold one of the specified valid multiple-entry visas cannot use this particular visa-free facility. They will need to obtain the appropriate Uzbekistan visa according to the country’s applicable visa rules.
Uzbekistan’s official visa information also provides details about its visa and e-visa procedures for eligible nationalities.
What Should Indian Travellers Carry?
Before travelling, eligible passengers should keep these documents readily available:
- Valid Indian passport
- Valid qualifying multiple-entry Business or Tourist visa
- Confirmed return or onward air ticket
- Travel booking details
- Other supporting documents normally required for international travel.
It is sensible to check the latest entry requirements with the relevant official authorities or airline before departure, particularly because visa and border procedures can change.
Why this Matters for Indian Travellers?
The new arrangement can simplify travel for Indians who already hold valid international visas from countries such as the US, UK, Canada, Australia or Japan, as well as qualifying Schengen visas.
Instead of applying separately for an Uzbekistan visa, eligible travellers can use the new 30-day visa-free arrangement, provided they satisfy all conditions.
Uzbekistan and India are also expanding tourism cooperation. In August 2026, the two countries signed a 2026–2028 Tourism Cooperation Programme aimed at increasing tourist exchanges and developing new tourism initiatives.
FAQ
1. Can Indians travel to Uzbekistan without a visa in 2026?
- Yes, some Indian citizens can travel to Uzbekistan without obtaining a separate Uzbekistan visa. They must hold a valid multiple-entry Business or Tourist visa issued by one of the specified countries and have a confirmed return or onward air ticket.
2. Does a single-entry US or UK visa qualify?
- The announced facility specifically refers to valid multiple-entry Business or Tourist visas. Therefore, travellers should not assume that a single-entry visa qualifies.
3. Do I need a return ticket for Uzbekistan visa-free entry?
- Yes. A confirmed return or onward air ticket to the country of origin or a third country is part of the stated requirement.
4. What if I don’t have a US, UK, Schengen or other qualifying visa?
- If you do not meet the conditions for the special visa-free arrangement, you need to follow the applicable Uzbekistan visa procedure for Indian citizens.