What Is the Uzbekistan Tourist Visa?
The Uzbekistan tourist visa is an official travel document that allows foreign nationals to enter the Republic of Uzbekistan for leisure, sightseeing, visiting friends and family, or other non-work purposes. Uzbekistan offers several pathways for tourists — including a convenient electronic visa (e-Visa) system, visa-free entry for citizens of over 90 countries, and a traditional embassy sticker visa for those who do not qualify for the other options.
Since Uzbekistan opened its doors wider to international tourism in recent years, the country has become one of Central Asia’s most popular destinations. Cities like Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva draw visitors with their Silk Road heritage, stunning Islamic architecture, and vibrant bazaars. The visa process reflects this welcoming approach — most travelers can secure entry quickly and affordably through the online e-Visa portal.
For a broader overview of all Uzbekistan visa types, see our Uzbekistan eVisa Complete Guide.
Who Needs a Tourist Visa for Uzbekistan?
Whether you need a visa depends on your nationality, age, and length of stay. Uzbekistan has significantly expanded its visa-free regime in recent years, and many travelers can enter without a visa at all.
Visa-Free Countries
Citizens of more than 90 countries can visit Uzbekistan without a visa for tourism purposes. The following countries enjoy a particularly generous visa-free regime:
| Country | Visa-Free Duration |
|---|---|
| United States | 30 days |
| United Kingdom | 30 days |
| Canada | 30 days |
| Australia | 30 days |
| Japan | 30 days |
| South Korea | 30 days |
| Turkey | 30 days |
| Israel | 30 days |
| Indonesia | 30 days |
| Malaysia | 30 days |
| Singapore | 30 days |
For the complete list of all visa-free nationalities, visit our Uzbekistan Visa-Free Countries page.
US Citizens — Special Rules
US citizens benefit from particularly favorable entry conditions:
- All US citizens (as of January 1, 2026): visa-free for business and tourism for up to 30 days
- US citizens under 16: visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism, provided they carry an international passport or biometric travel document and are accompanied by a legal guardian
- US citizens over 55: visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism (this provision predates the broader 2026 policy)
If a US citizen needs to stay longer than 30 days or requires multiple entries, they must apply for an e-Visa or embassy visa. For more details, see Uzbekistan Visa for US Citizens.
Uzbekistan Tourist Visa Types & Fees
For travelers who are not visa-free eligible — or who need longer stays or multiple entries — Uzbekistan offers two main visa channels: the electronic visa (e-Visa) and the embassy sticker visa.
E-Visa Options
The e-Visa is the fastest and most convenient option for most tourists. You apply entirely online through the official portal at e-visa.gov.uz.
| E-Visa Type | Fee (USD) | Validity | Entries |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-entry | $20 | 30 days | 1 entry |
| Double-entry | $35 | 30 days | 2 entries |
| Multiple-entry | $50 | 30 days | Multiple entries |
The e-Visa becomes active from the date of issuance, so it is advisable to apply close to your intended travel dates. Each entry allows a stay of up to 30 days.
Embassy Sticker Visa
If you are not eligible for the e-Visa or prefer a traditional visa sticker in your passport, you can apply at an Uzbekistan embassy or consulate. Embassy visa fees vary by nationality:
| Applicant Nationality | Single Entry | Double Entry | Triple Entry |
|---|---|---|---|
| US citizens | $185 | — | — |
| Non-US citizens | $65 | $75 | $85 |
The embassy sticker visa is a physical visa that is glued into your passport. It requires mailing or presenting your original passport and supporting documents in person.
For a full breakdown of all visa fees, including business and transit visas, see our Uzbekistan Visa Fee guide.
Requirements for the Uzbekistan Tourist Visa
Before applying, make sure you have all the necessary documents and that your passport meets the validity requirements.
Documents Needed
For the e-Visa:
- A valid passport (must have at least one blank page)
- A recent passport-style digital photograph
- A working email address to receive the e-Visa
- A credit or debit card for payment
For the embassy sticker visa:
- Two completed and signed visa application forms (filled out at visa.mfa.uz)
- Two passport-size photographs with a white background
- Original passport — must be in good condition (not torn or damaged) with at least one blank page
- Passport photocopy — the main page with personal data and photo
- Visa fee in the form of a money order (personal checks are not accepted)
- A self-paid return envelope (Priority USPS or FedEx recommended)
Passport Validity Rules
Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended date of departure from Uzbekistan. Additionally, it must have at least one blank page available for the visa sticker or entry/exit stamps.
If your passport is damaged, torn, or does not meet these requirements, your application may be rejected. Make sure to check your passport well in advance of your trip.
For a complete list of all visa requirements, visit Uzbekistan Visa Requirements.
How to Apply for an Uzbekistan Tourist Visa
There are two main ways to obtain a tourist visa for Uzbekistan: the online e-Visa system and the traditional embassy application.
Option 1 — Online e-Visa (Recommended)
The e-Visa is the fastest and simplest method. Here is how to apply:
- Visit the official portal — Go to e-visa.gov.uz and select your language
- Create an account — Register with your email address
- Fill out the application form — Enter your personal details, passport information, and travel dates
- Upload your photo — Follow the photo requirements specified on the portal (passport-style, white background)
- Pay the fee — Use a credit or debit card to pay the applicable visa fee ($20, $35, or $50)
- Wait for processing — The e-Visa is typically processed within 2-3 business days
- Download and print — Once approved, download the e-Visa from the portal and print a copy to carry during travel
If you encounter technical problems with the e-Visa portal (photo upload issues, payment failures), you can contact the hotline at (+998 71) 200-00-88 or email [email protected].
Option 2 — Embassy/Consulate Sticker Visa
If you are not eligible for the e-Visa, or if you encounter issues with the online system, you can apply for a sticker visa at an Uzbekistan embassy:
- Complete the application form — Fill out the form online at visa.mfa.uz and print two copies
- Gather your documents — Prepare your passport, photos, passport copy, and payment
- Submit by mail or in person — Send your documents via FedEx to the embassy, or visit in person
- Pay the fee — Money order only, payable to the Embassy of Uzbekistan
- Receive your visa — Processing takes approximately 3 business days
For a step-by-step walkthrough, see our How to Apply for Uzbekistan Visa guide.
Uzbekistan Tourist Visa Processing Time
Processing times depend on the visa type and how you apply:
| Visa Type | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| E-Visa (online) | 2-3 business days |
| Embassy sticker visa | 3 business days |
| E-Visa issues/hotline resolution | Varies |
The e-Visa is generally the fastest option. Embassy processing may take longer if additional documentation is requested or if there are mailing delays. It is recommended to apply at least two weeks before your travel date to account for any unexpected delays.
For more details on processing timelines, visit Uzbekistan Visa Processing Time.
Ports of Entry
Tourists with a valid visa or visa-free eligibility can enter Uzbekistan through the following international airports and land border crossings:
International Airports:
- Islam Karimov Tashkent International Airport (TAS)
- Samarkand International Airport (SKD)
- Bukhara International Airport (BHK)
- Urgench International Airport (UGC)
- Fergana International Airport (FEG)
- Nukus International Airport (NCU)
- Navoi International Airport (NVI)
- Termez International Airport (TMJ)
- Andijan Airport (AZN)
Land Border Crossings:
- Uzbekistan–Kazakhstan border
- Uzbekistan–Kyrgyzstan border
- Uzbekistan–Tajikistan border
- Uzbekistan–Turkmenistan border
- Uzbekistan–Afghanistan border
Tashkent and Samarkand are the most commonly used entry points for international tourists, with the best flight connections from Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
Tips for a Smooth Application
Here are some practical tips to avoid common pitfalls when applying for your Uzbekistan tourist visa:
- Apply early — Even though e-Visa processing is fast, submit your application at least two weeks before departure to allow time for any issues
- Check your passport — Ensure it has at least one blank page and is valid for three months past your departure date from Uzbekistan
- Use the official portal — Always apply through e-visa.gov.uz to avoid third-party service fees and potential scams
- Print your e-Visa — Although the e-Visa is electronic, carry a printed copy as some border officials may request it
- Photo requirements matter — Follow the photo specifications exactly; this is one of the most common reasons for e-Visa application delays
- Keep your money order ready — If applying at the embassy, only money orders are accepted — personal checks and cash are typically not processed
- Travel insurance — While not always mandatory, having valid travel insurance is strongly recommended for all visitors to Uzbekistan
