Uzbekistan announced visa-free stays of up to 30 days for Indian citizens. The implementation date and detailed entry rules are still awaited, so travellers should verify requirements before departure.

Uzbekistan has announced a 30-day visa-free entry facility for Indian passport holders, opening the way for easier tourism, business travel and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.

Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev announced the decision during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Tashkent on Sunday. He said the new arrangement would contribute to stronger tourism, commercial engagement and direct contact between Indian and Uzbek citizens.

Indian travellers previously needed to secure an electronic visa before visiting Uzbekistan. Once the newly announced system becomes operational, eligible visitors will be able to enter the Central Asian country without completing the e-visa process for stays of up to 30 days.

However, the formal implementation order, commencement date and detailed eligibility conditions were not immediately available. Travellers should not assume that visa-free boarding is already permitted until Uzbekistan’s authorities and airlines update their official guidance.

Removing the advance visa requirement could make Uzbekistan more attractive to Indian tourists looking for history, architecture, food and comparatively affordable international travel.

A visa-free stay of up to 30 days would be sufficient for most short holidays, family visits and business trips. It could also reduce planning time and eliminate the cost and paperwork involved in applying for an e-visa.

The announcement reflects Uzbekistan’s wider effort to expand international tourism and improve connectivity. Its official tourism portal promotes the country’s architectural heritage, ancient cities, cultural traditions and year-round travel experiences.

The new arrangement could particularly benefit first-time visitors, group travellers and families who may have been discouraged by additional entry formalities.

The visa-free policy has been announced, but travellers should wait for confirmation of when it will take effect. Uzbekistan had not immediately published all operational rules, including passport-validity requirements, permitted travel purposes and possible conditions relating to return tickets, accommodation or proof of funds.

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs’ visa-facility list should also be checked before booking. At the time of review, Uzbekistan was not yet displayed among the countries offering operational visa-free entry to ordinary Indian passport holders, indicating that official implementation details may still be pending. MEA visa information for Indian nationals

Until authorities confirm the commencement date, travellers may still need to use Uzbekistan’s existing e-visa system. Airlines can refuse boarding when passengers do not meet the rules in force on their date of travel, even if a future visa exemption has already been publicly announced.

Visitors should verify the latest conditions through Uzbekistan’s official visa portal, its diplomatic mission in India and their airline before making non-refundable bookings.

Mirziyoyev described India as a reliable strategic partner and highlighted expanding trade, joint ventures and air connectivity. Bilateral trade reportedly crossed $1 billion in the previous year, while the number of joint ventures has increased substantially.

The two countries currently have 14 direct flights each week, according to the Uzbek president. Easier entry could help airlines attract more leisure and business passengers while encouraging additional services between Indian cities and Tashkent.

The measure was announced during a visit in which India and Uzbekistan discussed their broader strategic partnership. Stronger travel access can support cooperation in tourism, education, healthcare, technology and commerce in addition to conventional diplomatic engagement.

The visa waiver may also help Uzbekistan compete with other short-haul international destinations that have simplified entry procedures for Indian citizens.

Uzbekistan occupies a central place in Silk Road history and offers a combination of Islamic architecture, lively markets, museums and traditional cuisine.

Samarkand is known for Registan Square, Shah-i-Zinda and its turquoise-tiled monuments. Bukhara offers historic mosques, madrasas and trading domes, while Khiva’s walled old city provides one of the country’s most distinctive heritage experiences.

Tashkent combines Soviet-era planning, modern development, museums and a growing restaurant scene. Visitors can also try local dishes such as plov, samsa, shashlik and traditional breads.

A six-to-eight-day trip can cover several major destinations, although costs depend on airfare, accommodation and travel style. High-speed trains connect key cities, making multi-city itineraries relatively convenient.

The visa-free announcement significantly improves Uzbekistan’s appeal, but the practical benefit will begin only after the rules formally enter into force. Indian travellers should monitor official updates and confirm all requirements before leaving for the airport.