Uzbekistan Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Uzbekistan has significantly liberalized its entry requirements in recent years, making it much more accessible for tourists. Most travelers from Western nations can enter visa-free or obtain an electronic visa with relative ease. The immigration process at major airports like Tashkent (TAS) and Samarkand (SKD) is generally straightforward, though officials are meticulous about documentation. Travelers should ensure their passport has at least six months of validity from their date of entry and that they have all necessary supporting documents, including hotel bookings or a letter of invitation if required for their visa category. Registration with local authorities is mandatory for stays over three business days, but this is typically handled automatically by hotels.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

Uzbekistan offers visa-free entry to citizens of many countries, an eVisa for many others, and requires traditional visas for a smaller number. The eVisa system is efficient and widely used.

Visa-Free Entry

30 or 90 days, depending on nationality.

Citizens of these countries can enter Uzbekistan for tourism without obtaining a visa in advance.

Includes

Armenia Azerbaijan Belarus Georgia Kazakhstan Kyrgyzstan Moldova Russia Ukraine South Korea (60 days) Japan (30 days) Israel (90 days) Indonesia (30 days) Malaysia (30 days) Turkey (30 days)

The allowed duration is strict. Overstaying results in fines and potential bans. Always check the specific duration for your nationality.

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA/eVisa)

30 days

Citizens of eligible countries can apply for an electronic visa online. It is a single-entry tourist visa.

Includes

United States United Kingdom Canada Australia New Zealand European Union (all member states) United Arab Emirates Saudi Arabia China India

How to Apply: Apply via the official E-VISA portal (e-visa.gov.uz). Requires a scanned passport photo page and a digital passport-style photo. Processing typically takes 2-3 business days, but apply at least one week before travel.
Cost: Approximately $20-25 USD.

The eVisa is valid for 90 days from issue, but entry must be within that period for a 30-day stay. You must enter through designated ports (includes all major airports and many land borders). Print a copy to present upon arrival.

Visa Required

Varies (typically 30 days)

Citizens of countries not listed in visa-free or eVisa categories must apply for a traditional visa at an Uzbek embassy or consulate.

How to Apply: Requires an official invitation letter (Visa Support) from a tour operator or individual in Uzbekistan, submitted with application to an Uzbek embassy.

The process is more time-consuming and costly. It is strongly recommended to use a licensed tour operator to obtain the Visa Support.

Arrival Process

Upon arrival, you will go through passport control, collect baggage, and proceed through customs. The process is generally efficient at international airports.

1. Arrival Form

You may be given a small immigration form on the plane or in the arrival hall. Fill it out with your basic details and intended address in Uzbekistan.

2. Passport Control

Present your passport, completed arrival form (if used), and printed visa or eVisa (if required). The officer will stamp your passport and may ask about the purpose of your visit.

3. Baggage Claim

Proceed to collect your checked luggage.

4. Customs Declaration

If you are carrying currency over $5,000 USD (or equivalent) or items that must be declared, you must fill out a customs declaration form (two copies). One copy is stamped and returned to you; keep it for departure.

5. Green/Red Channel

After baggage claim, proceed through the Green "Nothing to Declare" channel if you have no declarable items, or the Red "Goods to Declare" channel if you do.

Documents to Have Ready

Passport

Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of entry.

Visa or eVisa Printout

If required for your nationality. The officer will check the visa and stamp your passport.

Customs Declaration Form

Needed only if carrying over $5,000 in currency/valuables, or restricted/prohibited goods.

Proof of Accommodation & Return Ticket

May be requested by immigration officers. Have printed or digital copies of hotel bookings and your onward/return flight ticket ready.

Tips for Smooth Entry

Have all documents (passport, visa printout, hotel booking, flight itinerary) organized and easily accessible.

Answer immigration questions clearly and concisely. Tourism is the expected answer for most visitors.

If you receive a customs declaration form upon entry, keep the stamped copy safe. You will need to present it upon departure, if you plan to take out more currency than you brought in.

Registration slips (from hotels) are for your records. You do not need to present them at passport control on exit, but keep them in case of any queries.

Customs & Duty-Free

Uzbekistan has specific customs regulations. Declaring items accurately is important to avoid fines or confiscation.

Alcohol

2 liters per adult

Traveler must be of legal drinking age (typically 18+).

Tobacco

200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco

For personal use only.

Currency

Unlimited import/export.

However, amounts exceeding $5,000 USD (or equivalent in other currencies) MUST be declared upon entry using a customs declaration form. Failure to declare can lead to confiscation. Export of declared currency is permitted up to the imported/declared amount.

Gifts/Goods

Goods for personal use with a total value not exceeding $1,000 USD.

Items exceeding this value may be subject to duty.

Prohibited Items

Narcotics and psychotropic substances
Firearms, ammunition, and explosives (without special permit)
Pornographic materials
Materials that threaten state security or public order
Fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy products (strict restrictions)

Restricted Items

Medications - Bring only a reasonable quantity for personal use, accompanied by a doctor's prescription. Some common Western medicines may be controlled substances.
Cultural artifacts and antiques - Require an export certificate from the Ministry of Culture to be taken out of the country.
Radio equipment - May require prior approval.

Health Requirements

There are few mandatory health requirements for entry into Uzbekistan, but certain vaccinations are recommended.

Required Vaccinations

None for most travelers

Recommended Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations (MMR, DTP, Polio, etc.)
Hepatitis A & B
Typhoid (for those visiting smaller cities or rural areas)
Rabies (for adventure travelers or those working with animals)

Health Insurance

Not mandatory for entry, but highly recommended. Medical facilities outside Tashkent may not meet Western standards, and medical evacuation can be extremely expensive. Ensure your travel insurance covers medical treatment and repatriation.

Current Health Requirements: As of October 2024, there are no COVID-19 testing, vaccination, or quarantine requirements for entry into Uzbekistan. This is subject to change, so check the latest advisories from your government and the Uzbek Ministry of Health before departure.

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Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Embassy/Consulate

Find your country's embassy or consulate

Check your government's travel advisory website (e.g., travel.state.gov for US, gov.uk for UK) for contact details and services.

Immigration Authority

Official immigration website

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan (mfa.uz) and the official E-VISA portal (e-visa.gov.uz) are key sources.

Emergency

Emergency services number

Dial 112 for police, ambulance, or fire services. For tourist police in Tashkent, dial +998 71 233 33 35.

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Children must have their own passport. If a child is traveling with only one parent or without parents, a notarized letter of consent from the non-accompanying parent(s) is strongly recommended, though not always requested. The letter should authorize travel to Uzbekistan and include contact details.

Traveling with Pets

Pets (dogs and cats) require an international veterinary health certificate issued within 5 days of travel, proof of rabies vaccination (at least 30 days but not more than 12 months prior), and a valid rabies antibody titer test (for EU entry). An import permit may also be required. Advance contact with the State Veterinary Committee of Uzbekistan is essential.

Extended Stays

Tourist visas (eVisa or visa-free) cannot be extended. To stay longer, you must exit the country (a popular 'visa run' is to Kazakhstan or Kyrgyzstan) and re-enter, subject to the rules of your nationality. For long-term stays (work, study), you must obtain the appropriate visa (business, student) before arrival, which involves sponsorship from a Uzbek entity.