Uzbekistan offers a dedicated transit visa for travelers passing through the country en route to a third destination. The transit visa is valid for up to 72 hours and does not require an invitation letter or tourist voucher. If you are connecting through Tashkent or another Uzbek city and need to clear immigration, the transit visa – or in some cases the transit e-Visa – is the correct document. Many nationalities can also transit without any visa at all thanks to Uzbekistan’s visa-free and 5-day airport transit policies.
What Is a Uzbekistan Transit Visa?
A Uzbekistan transit visa is a short-stay visa issued to foreign nationals who are traveling through Uzbekistan to reach another country. It allows you to enter Uzbekistan, pass through immigration, and continue your journey within a limited time frame – typically up to 72 hours (3 days).
Unlike the Uzbekistan tourist e-Visa, which is designed for leisure travel and allows stays of up to 30 days, the transit visa is specifically for pass-through travelers. You do not need a hotel booking, invitation letter, or tourist voucher to obtain one.
Key characteristics of the Uzbekistan transit visa:
- Validity: Up to 72 hours from the date of entry
- Purpose: Traveling through Uzbekistan to a third country
- No invitation required: Unlike some Central Asian visa types, no sponsor or voucher is needed
- Available via e-Visa: Eligible nationalities can apply online through the official e-Visa portal
- Single entry: The transit visa allows one entry into Uzbekistan
For a complete overview of all visa types, see our Uzbekistan eVisa Complete Guide.
Who Needs a Transit Visa for Uzbekistan?
Whether you need a transit visa depends on two factors: your nationality and whether you need to leave the airport transit area.
You May NOT Need a Transit Visa If:
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Your nationality is visa-free for Uzbekistan. Citizens of over 60 countries – including the United States, United Kingdom, all EU member states, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and most CIS nations – can enter Uzbekistan visa-free for up to 30 days. If you fall into this category, you do not need a transit visa at all. Simply enter Uzbekistan with your passport and continue your journey. Check our Uzbekistan Visa-Free Countries guide for the full list.
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You are transiting through an international airport without clearing immigration. If your connecting flight does not require you to pass through passport control or leave the sterile transit zone, no visa is needed regardless of nationality.
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You qualify for the 5-day airport transit exemption. Uzbekistan offers a visa-free transit stay of up to 5 days for citizens of select nationalities arriving and departing through international airports, provided the outbound flight is on Uzbekistan Airways. This is separate from the standard transit visa.
You DO Need a Transit Visa If:
- Your nationality requires a visa to enter Uzbekistan
- You need to clear immigration during your transit (e.g., switching airports, collecting and re-checking luggage, or having a long layover where you want to leave the airport)
- You are not eligible for visa-free entry or the 5-day airport transit exemption
For citizens of countries that are eligible for the e-Visa, the transit e-Visa can be obtained online. For others, a transit visa must be obtained through an Uzbek embassy or consulate. See our Uzbekistan eVisa Requirements page for details on eligibility.
Transit e-Visa vs. Regular Transit Visa
Uzbekistan offers two pathways for transit travelers who need a visa:
| Feature | Transit e-Visa | Embassy Transit Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Application method | Online (e-visa.gov.uz) | Uzbek embassy/consulate |
| Eligible nationalities | 70+ countries | All nationalities |
| Processing time | 3 business days | 5-10 business days |
| Cost | $20 USD (consular fee) | Varies by embassy |
| Validity | Up to 30 days (transit stay up to 72 hours) | Up to 72 hours |
| Invitation required | No | No |
| Payment method | Visa card only | Cash/card at embassy |
The transit e-Visa is the faster and more convenient option if your nationality qualifies. You can apply entirely online and receive your visa by email. However, the e-Visa portal only accepts Visa cards for payment – Mastercard and other payment methods are not currently supported.
For a full breakdown of fees, see our Uzbekistan eVisa Fee Guide.
Uzbekistan Transit e-Visa Requirements
To apply for a transit e-Visa, you will need the following documents:
Required Documents
- Valid passport – Must have at least 6 months of remaining validity from the date of entry into Uzbekistan
- Passport scan – A clear, readable scan of your passport’s main data page (maximum file size: 500 KB)
- Digital photograph – A facial photo that complies with ICAO DOC 9303 standards (passport-style, white background, no glasses)
- Onward ticket – Proof of a confirmed flight or travel booking to a third country (your final destination)
- Visa for final destination – If your destination country requires a visa, you must present proof of a valid visa or entry authorization
- Email address – Your e-Visa will be delivered as a PDF to the email address you provide during the application
Photo Requirements
The digital photograph uploaded during the e-Visa application must meet these specifications:
- White or light-colored background
- Face clearly visible, looking directly at the camera
- No head coverings (except for religious purposes)
- No tinted glasses or sunglasses
- Minimum resolution: 600 × 600 pixels
- File format: JPEG or PNG
These requirements follow the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) DOC 9303 machine-readable travel document standards. Photos that do not comply may result in application rejection.
How to Apply for a Uzbekistan Transit e-Visa: Step-by-Step
The application process for a transit e-Visa is straightforward and can be completed in about 15 minutes.
Step 1: Visit the Official Portal
Go to the official Uzbekistan e-Visa portal at e-visa.gov.uz. The portal is available in English, Uzbek, and Russian. Make sure you are on the official government site – avoid third-party sites that charge additional service fees.
Step 2: Select Your Country and Visa Type
In the “Country” section, select your nationality, choose your travel document type, and select “Transit” as the purpose of visit.
Step 3: Enter Your Travel Dates
In the “Dates” section, select your planned entry date. The transit visa is valid for up to 72 hours, so plan accordingly. If you need a longer stay in Uzbekistan, consider the tourist e-Visa instead.
Step 4: Fill In Your Personal Data
Complete the biographical information section. All personal data must be entered in English and must match your passport exactly. Any discrepancy between your e-Visa and your passport will render the visa invalid.
Step 5: Upload Documents
Upload your facial photograph and a clear scan of your passport’s main data page. The passport scan must be legible and the file size must not exceed 500 KB.
Step 6: Verify Your Email
Enter your email address. You will receive a digital verification code that you must enter on the portal to activate your application.
Step 7: Pay the Consular Fee
Pay the $20 USD consular fee using a Visa card. The fee is non-refundable, even if your application is denied. Note that only Visa cards are accepted – Mastercard, American Express, and other payment methods are not supported.
Step 8: Wait for Processing
Standard processing takes 3 business days (excluding weekends and Uzbek national holidays). You will receive your e-Visa as a PDF attachment via email. Print a copy or save it on your mobile device for presentation at the border.
For more details on processing timelines, see our Uzbekistan Visa Processing Time guide.
Transit Visa vs. Tourist Visa: Which Do You Need?
Choosing between a transit visa and a tourist visa depends on the purpose and duration of your stay in Uzbekistan.
| Feature | Transit Visa | Tourist e-Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Passing through Uzbekistan | Tourism and sightseeing |
| Maximum stay | 72 hours | 30 days |
| Cost | $20 USD | $20 USD |
| Entry type | Single entry | Single, double, or multiple entry |
| Invitation letter | Not required | Not required |
| Validity | 90 days from issue | 90 days from issue |
| Can be extended | No | No |
| Activities allowed | Transit only | Tourism, visiting friends/family |
Key distinction: If you plan to stay in Uzbekistan for more than 72 hours or your primary purpose is sightseeing, visiting historical sites like Samarkand, Bukhara, or Khiva, you need a tourist e-Visa – not a transit visa. The cost is the same ($20 USD), so if there is any chance you might want to extend your stay, the tourist e-Visa offers significantly more flexibility.
You cannot convert a transit visa to a tourist visa while in Uzbekistan. If you arrive on a transit visa and decide you want to stay longer, you would need to exit the country and apply for a new visa. To avoid this, consider applying for the tourist e-Visa from the start.
5-Day Visa-Free Airport Transit
Uzbekistan offers a special visa-free transit arrangement for travelers connecting through its international airports. Under this policy, citizens of certain countries can stay in Uzbekistan for up to 5 days without a visa, provided they:
- Arrive at and depart from an international airport in Uzbekistan
- Hold a confirmed onward ticket to a third country
- Their outbound flight is operated by Uzbekistan Airways
This arrangement is particularly useful for travelers with long layovers at Tashkent International Airport (TAS) who want to briefly explore the city without obtaining a visa.
Important: This visa-free transit option is only available at international airports and requires travel on Uzbekistan Airways. If you are arriving by land, train, or on a different airline, you will need a proper transit visa or qualify for visa-free entry based on your nationality.
Transit Visa Processing Time and Tips
Processing Times
| Application Method | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Transit e-Visa (online) | 3 business days |
| Embassy transit visa | 5-10 business days |
| Airport visa on arrival (if eligible) | Same day |
Tips for a Smooth Transit
- Apply early. Submit your e-Visa application at least one week before your travel date to account for any processing delays or technical issues.
- Check your passport validity. Your passport must have at least 6 months of remaining validity. Applications with passports expiring sooner will be rejected.
- Print your e-Visa. While electronic copies are accepted, carrying a printed copy of your e-Visa is recommended as a backup.
- Keep your onward ticket accessible. Border officers may ask to see proof of your onward travel when you arrive in Uzbekistan.
- Verify the 72-hour window. The transit visa allows a maximum stay of 72 hours from the time of entry, not from the date printed on the visa. Plan your departure accordingly.
- Check Uzbek national holidays. The e-Visa portal does not process applications on weekends or Uzbek public holidays, which can add delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for a Uzbekistan transit visa on arrival?
Visa on arrival is available at Tashkent International Airport for citizens of countries that are not eligible for the e-Visa, provided they have a Visa Confirmation (stamp) issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan. For most travelers eligible for the e-Visa, applying online before departure is the recommended approach. See our Uzbekistan Visa on Arrival guide for more information.
How long can I stay in Uzbekistan on a transit visa?
The transit visa allows a maximum stay of 72 hours (3 days) from the time of entry. If you need a longer stay, apply for the tourist e-Visa, which allows up to 30 days.
Is the transit visa the same as the e-Visa?
No. The e-Visa is an electronic visa that can be issued for tourism or transit purposes. The transit e-Visa is specifically for travelers passing through Uzbekistan. Both cost $20 USD and are applied for through the same portal, but the transit e-Visa is limited to a 72-hour stay.
Do I need a transit visa if I am not leaving the airport?
If you are staying in the airport’s international transit zone and not clearing immigration, you generally do not need a transit visa regardless of your nationality. However, if you need to pass through passport control – for example, to collect and re-check luggage or switch terminals – you will need either a transit visa or to qualify for visa-free entry.
Can I extend my transit visa while in Uzbekistan?
No. Transit visas cannot be extended beyond the 72-hour limit. If you need more time in Uzbekistan, you must exit the country and apply for a new visa. To avoid this situation, consider applying for the tourist e-Visa instead, which allows stays of up to 30 days.
What happens if I overstay my transit visa?
Overstaying your visa in Uzbekistan is a violation of immigration law. Penalties can include fines, detention, deportation, and a ban on future entry. Always ensure you depart Uzbekistan before your transit visa expires. If you encounter an emergency that prevents timely departure, contact the nearest immigration office or your embassy immediately.
Can I use the transit visa to visit cities like Samarkand or Bukhara?
Technically, the transit visa allows you to be in Uzbekistan for up to 72 hours, and there are no restrictions on where you go within the country during that time. However, the transit visa is intended for travelers passing through – not for sightseeing. If your goal is to explore Uzbekistan’s cities and historical sites, the tourist e-Visa is the appropriate choice, as it allows a full 30-day stay.
Do children need a transit visa?
Foreign citizens under 16 years of age are eligible for a visa-free regime in Uzbekistan when accompanied by a legal guardian. They may enter and stay for the duration of the accompanying person’s visa validity, up to a maximum of 90 days. No separate transit visa is needed for children under 16.
