Uzbekistan Entry Requirements
Visa, immigration, and customs information
Visa Requirements
Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.
Uzbekistan offers three main pathways for entry: visa-free access for eligible nationalities, electronic visa (e-Visa) for most other countries, and traditional visa application for a limited number of nations. The visa policy has been progressively expanded to facilitate tourism and business travel.
Citizens of these countries can enter Uzbekistan without a visa for tourism or business purposes
Duration varies by nationality: most countries receive 30 days, while some receive up to 60 days. Passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the intended departure date. Visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, and short-term visits only.
Citizens of approximately 76 countries not eligible for visa-free entry can apply for an electronic visa online
Cost: Approximately USD 20 for tourist visa (single entry), USD 35 for double entry. Payment accepted via international credit/debit cards.
E-visa must be printed and presented upon arrival. Valid for entry within 90 days of issuance. Ensure your email address is correct as the e-visa will be sent electronically. Some travelers report instant approval.
A small number of countries require traditional visa application through an Uzbek embassy or consulate
This applies to countries not covered by visa-free or e-visa arrangements. Contact the nearest Uzbek diplomatic mission for specific requirements. Business visas and long-term visas always require embassy application regardless of nationality.
Arrival Process
Upon arrival in Uzbekistan, travelers will proceed through immigration control, collect baggage, and pass through customs. The process is generally efficient at major entry points like Tashkent International Airport, though land border crossings may take longer. Having all documents prepared and organized will facilitate a smooth entry.
Documents to Have Ready
Tips for Smooth Entry
Customs & Duty-Free
Uzbekistan has specific customs regulations that all travelers must follow. Currency declaration is particularly important, as failure to declare amounts over the threshold can result in confiscation and penalties. The country has modernized its customs procedures but maintains strict controls on certain items. Understanding these regulations will help avoid delays and complications at the border.
Prohibited Items
- Narcotics and illegal drugs - Uzbekistan has zero tolerance with severe penalties including lengthy imprisonment
- Weapons and ammunition - Including replicas, parts, and ammunition without proper authorization
- Pornographic materials - Broadly defined; includes magazines, videos, and digital content
- Materials deemed extremist or threatening national security - Religious materials may be scrutinized
- Endangered species products - Items made from protected animals, including ivory, certain furs, and exotic leather
- Counterfeit goods - Fake branded items, pirated media, and counterfeit currency
- Psychotropic substances - Without proper medical documentation and prescription
- Unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) - Prohibited without special government permits, which are difficult to obtain
Restricted Items
- Prescription medications - Bring only what you need with original packaging and a doctor's letter. Some medications legal elsewhere may be controlled in Uzbekistan
- Religious literature - Islamic materials are particularly scrutinized. Bring only for personal use and be prepared to explain
- Professional photography/video equipment - May require declaration and temporary import documentation
- Antiques and cultural artifacts - Cannot be exported without special permission from the Ministry of Culture. Purchases from bazaars should come with proper documentation
- Large amounts of cash - Over USD 2,000 must be declared. Consider using bank transfers or cards instead
- Satellite phones and certain communication equipment - May require permits
- Plants and agricultural products - Subject to phytosanitary inspection and may be prohibited
Health Requirements
Uzbekistan does not currently require specific vaccinations for entry for most travelers, though this can vary based on your country of origin and recent travel history. Health requirements may change, particularly in response to disease outbreaks, so checking current requirements before travel is essential.
Required Vaccinations
- Yellow Fever - Required only if arriving from or transiting through a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Proof of vaccination must be presented if applicable.
Recommended Vaccinations
- Routine vaccinations - Ensure you're up to date on routine vaccines including MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis), polio, and influenza
- Hepatitis A - Recommended for all travelers as the disease can be contracted through contaminated food or water
- Hepatitis B - Recommended for travelers who may have contact with blood or body fluids, or those staying for extended periods
- Typhoid - Recommended for travelers eating outside major hotels and restaurants
- Rabies - Consider for travelers spending time outdoors, working with animals, or staying in rural areas
- Tuberculosis - Consider for long-term travelers or those working in healthcare settings
Health Insurance
Travel health insurance is strongly recommended but not mandatory for entry. Uzbekistan's healthcare system is developing, and serious medical issues may require medical evacuation to facilities in other countries. Ensure your insurance covers medical evacuation and repatriation. Medical facilities in Tashkent are adequate for routine care, but options are limited outside the capital. Many facilities require cash payment upfront, even with insurance.
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Special Situations
Additional requirements for specific circumstances.
Children must have their own passport (included on parent's passport is not accepted). If a child is traveling with only one parent or with guardians, carry a notarized letter of consent from the non-traveling parent(s) in English and Russian. This letter should include: permission for the child to travel, travel dates, destination, and contact information for the non-traveling parent(s). Divorced or separated parents should carry custody documentation. Birth certificates may be requested to prove relationship. Children follow the same visa requirements as adults - check if they qualify for visa-free entry or require an e-visa.
Pets entering Uzbekistan require: a valid pet passport or health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian no more than 10 days before travel; proof of rabies vaccination administered at least 30 days but not more than 12 months before entry; microchip identification (recommended); and an import permit from Uzbekistan veterinary authorities (apply in advance). Upon arrival, pets must undergo veterinary inspection at the port of entry. Some airlines have specific requirements for pet travel. Certain breeds may be restricted. Consider that pet-friendly accommodations are limited in Uzbekistan, and traveling with pets can be challenging.
Tourist visas typically allow 30-day stays and are difficult to extend. For stays longer than your visa allows, you must: apply for a visa extension through the local OVIR office before your current visa expires (not guaranteed and can be expensive); or exit and re-enter the country if you have a multiple-entry visa or qualify for visa-free entry. For long-term stays, consider applying for a business visa, student visa, or work visa through an Uzbek embassy before traveling - these allow longer stays and can be extended. Overstaying your visa results in fines, detention, and potential entry bans. Always register your stay within 3 days of arrival at each new location.
Business travelers may enter visa-free or with tourist visas for short business meetings and conferences. For longer business stays or employment, a business visa is required, which needs an invitation from an Uzbek company or organization. Business visas allow multiple entries and longer stays (up to 90 days or more). You'll need: invitation letter from Uzbek partner company; business letter from your employer; proof of business activities; and completed visa application. Business visas must be obtained through an embassy before travel (not available as e-visa). Register with local authorities within 3 days. Keep documentation of your business activities.
Uzbekistan does not officially recognize dual citizenship. If you hold Uzbek citizenship (including by birth) and another nationality, you must enter and exit Uzbekistan using your Uzbek passport. Attempting to enter on a foreign passport when you're also an Uzbek citizen can cause complications. Former Uzbek citizens who have renounced citizenship should carry proof of renunciation. Dual nationals may face restrictions on leaving the country and could be subject to Uzbek laws regarding military service and other obligations.
Professional journalists, film crews, and media professionals require special accreditation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before arrival. Tourist or business visas do not permit journalistic activities. Apply well in advance (at least 30 days) through an Uzbek embassy with: detailed description of your project; filming locations; letter from your media organization; and equipment list. Unauthorized journalistic activities can result in detention, equipment confiscation, and deportation. Photography of government buildings, military installations, airports, and metro systems is restricted.