🇺🇿 Uzbekistan visa for Indians

Most nationalities get visa-free entry to Uzbekistan for 30 or 60 days. If you're from a country not on the list, it's a straightforward eVisa process, taking about 3 business days.

Who gets to walk in visa-free?

Uzbekistan has been generous with its visa policies, especially for remote workers and tourists. Citizens of the EU, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and the US can stay for 60 days visa-free. That's a solid two months to explore the Silk Road cities without needing to apply for anything beforehand.

For citizens of many other countries, including most of South America, Southeast Asia, and some Middle Eastern nations, a visa-free stay of 30 days is standard. If your country isn't on either of these lists, don't sweat it. Uzbekistan rolled out an eVisa system that's pretty efficient. You can apply online for a 30-day tourist visa, and it typically takes around 3 working days to process. The fee is $35†. It’s a simple online form, and you’ll get an approval letter to print and present at the border.

How long can you actually stay?

The standard visa-free stays are 30 or 60 days, depending on your nationality. The eVisa is for 30 days. Here's where it gets a little tricky. If you overstay your welcome, even by a day, you'll face penalties. The official line is that overstays require a special permit, and failing to get one can result in fines and even deportation. While enforcement can be inconsistent, especially in Tashkent, it's not worth the risk. Fines can be steep, often calculated per day of overstay, and can add up quickly. For instance, a few days' overstay could cost you $200† or more, plus the hassle of dealing with local authorities.

Double-entry visas used to be a thing, but they're largely phased out with the eVisa system and the generous visa-free periods. Stick to the days allocated on your visa or visa-free entry. When you arrive and depart, make sure you get an exit stamp in your passport. This is proof you left on time and can be important if you plan to re-enter Uzbekistan later. Losing this stamp can cause complications.

Can you actually work remotely on a tourist stamp?

Technically, no. Uzbekistan's tourist visas and visa-free entries are for tourism. Working remotely, even if you're just typing away on your laptop in a cafe or co-working space, falls into a legal grey area. Most remote workers do it without issue, especially in Tashkent and Samarkand where there's a growing expat and digital nomad scene. You're unlikely to be questioned if you're discreet and not advertising your services locally.

However, if you're asked by immigration officials about your purpose of stay, it's best to stick to "tourism" or "visiting friends." The authorities are more concerned with people taking local jobs or engaging in business activities that would require a different type of visa. For short stays, the risk is minimal. If you plan to stay long-term or engage in any business activities beyond basic remote work, you'll need to look into more appropriate visa categories, though these are less common for short-term digital nomads.

What’s new in Uzbekistan’s visa policy?

Uzbekistan has significantly reformed its visa regime over the past few years, making it much more accessible. The most significant change was the introduction of the eVisa system in 2020, which replaced the old, more cumbersome visa application process for many nationalities. This eVisa system has been expanded and refined.

More recently, they've continued to adjust the list of countries eligible for visa-free entry, generally expanding it. For example, in 2021†, they added several countries to the 60-day visa-free list. While there haven't been drastic changes in the last 12 months, the trend is towards liberalization. Fees for the eVisa have remained relatively stable, hovering around $35†, but it’s always wise to check the official Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for the most current figures before applying. The focus remains on encouraging tourism and business visitors.