🇺🇿 Uzbekistan visa requirements

Most passports get 30 days visa-free in Uzbekistan. Some need an eVisa, and a few are out of luck.

Who walks in visa-free and who doesn't

Uzbekistan keeps it simple for many. If you hold a passport from the EU, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, or the USA, you get 30 days visa-free entry. This is fantastic. No applications needed, just show up. This applies to most of the developed world, actually.

A few more countries get a similar 30-day visa-free treatment, including places like Turkey and Singapore. These are often reciprocal agreements.

Then there's the eVisa system. This covers a much wider net. Citizens of over 50 countries, including nations in South America and Southeast Asia, can apply online for a tourist visa. It’s a straightforward process, usually taking a few business days. You’ll need to check the official government portal for the exact list of eligible countries.

A smaller bloc of countries still requires a traditional visa application through an Uzbek embassy or consulate before travel. This is less common now with the eVisa, but it’s worth double-checking if your nationality isn't on the visa-free or eVisa lists. The process here can be slower and more involved.

How long can you actually stay?

Your standard visa-free or eVisa grants you 30 days. This is usually a single entry. What trips people up is the exit stamp rule. You must register your stay within 3 days of arrival if you're staying in a hotel. If you're staying in private accommodation, the host needs to register you. Failure to do so can lead to issues on exit, especially if you plan to return soon. The penalties for overstaying are steep. You can face fines of $20 per day†, and this can complicate future entries. It’s not worth risking. Keep track of your days. Double-checking your entry stamp and understanding the registration process is critical.

Working remotely on a tourist stamp

This is where things get murky. Officially, working remotely for a foreign company while on a tourist visa isn't explicitly permitted or prohibited in Uzbekistan. There's no specific digital nomad visa yet. Most travellers in this situation operate in a grey area. Enforcement seems to be minimal for short-term tourists simply using Wi-Fi. You won't be setting up an office in a co-working space and broadcasting your remote work activities. If you're discreet, using cafes or your hotel room for occasional work, you're unlikely to encounter problems. The focus for immigration officials is usually on your purpose of visit and ensuring you have the means to support yourself. Don't expect to be able to legally contract with Uzbek companies or pay local taxes. Your status is strictly tourist.

What's new in Uzbekistan's entry rules?

Uzbekistan has been actively modernizing its entry policies. The biggest change in recent years was the full rollout of the eVisa system for many nationalities. This replaced the old, more cumbersome visa application process for a significant number of countries. Fees for the eVisa have also been adjusted; a 30-day tourist eVisa currently costs $35†. They've also expanded the list of countries eligible for visa-free entry and the eVisa program. There haven't been major suspensions or negative changes in the last 18 months, indicating a positive trend towards easier access for tourists and remote workers on short stays. Keep an eye on the official Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for the most current information, as policies can shift.