Uzbekistan slashes Big visa rules for 90+ nations, boosting tourism to Tashkent & Samarkand

Image generated with Ai

Travelling to Uzbekistan, especially its capital city of Tashkent and ancient Samarkand, is becoming increasingly easier due to an increase in visa-free options to the country by countries that are friendly towards tourism. American visitors can enjoy a visa-free trip to Uzbekistan for 30 days, while the citizens of Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman can enjoy a visa-free trip to this Central Asian country that is fast becoming a key tourist destination. But there is one important thing that tourists should know about Uzbekistan.

US Travellers Get 30 Days Visa-Free

The headline change is for the United States.

Under Uzbekistan’s Presidential Decree No. 203, US citizens can enter the country without a visa for stays of up to 30 days. The measure took effect on 1 January 2026 and applies to US citizens without an age restriction. Uzbekistan’s government specifically linked the decision to developing tourism, cultural exchanges and broader cooperation between the two countries.

For American travellers, the change removes a major administrative step before visiting destinations such as Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva.

And yes, the itinerary can get ambitious quickly.

A visitor can begin in Tashkent, travel by high-speed rail to Samarkand, continue towards Bukhara and then head west towards Khiva, creating a multi-city Silk Road journey within a 30-day stay.

Gulf Access Expands Tourism Opportunities

Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman are also included in Uzbekistan’s visa-free framework, although the conditions differ by country and travellers should check the latest official requirements before departure.

Uzbekistan introduced 30-day visa-free entry for citizens of Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman from 1 June 2025. The policy was designed to support tourism and strengthen international visitor flows.

Qatar is currently listed among the countries whose citizens receive visa-free entry for up to 30 days.

The Gulf market is particularly relevant to Uzbekistan’s tourism plans because the country combines Islamic heritage, historic cities, halal-friendly food traditions and cultural attractions with increasingly accessible international transport.

Saudi Arabia and Jordan Need a Closer Look

Here comes the detail travellers should not miss.

Saudi Arabia and Jordan should not currently be described as enjoying the same 30-day visa-free access as the US, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman.

Uzbekistan’s official visa information currently lists Saudi Arabia and Jordan among countries eligible for the simplified electronic visa system rather than the 30-day visa-free list.

That distinction matters when planning a holiday. Travellers holding Saudi or Jordanian passports should therefore check eligibility and apply through the official e-visa process where required.

More Than 80 Countries Already Have Access

Uzbekistan’s visa-free network now covers a large international market.

The government’s current list includes European destinations such as the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy and Spain, alongside Japan, South Korea, Australia, Canada, Malaysia, New Zealand, the United Arab Emirates and numerous countries across the Americas and Asia.

The result is a broad tourism access framework spanning Europe, North America, Asia, the Middle East and other major travel markets.

For travellers, that means Uzbekistan can increasingly be planned as a straightforward standalone holiday or as part of a wider Central Asian itinerary.

Why Tashkent and Samarkand Matter

Tashkent remains the country’s principal international gateway and an important starting point for visitors. Its attractions include Chorsu Bazaar, the Tashkent Metro, museums and historic religious architecture.

Samarkand is the major heritage draw, with Registan Square, Shah-i-Zinda, Gur-e-Amir and Bibi-Khanym Mosque forming the core of many visitor itineraries.

Bukhara adds another layer of Silk Road heritage, with the Ark Fortress, Poi-Kalyan complex, Lyabi-Hauz and historic trading domes.

Further west, Khiva’s Ichan Kala offers a compact historic centre filled with mosques, madrasas, minarets and traditional streets.

Key Stats

• 30 days: Visa-free stay for US citizens.
• 30 days: Visa-free access for citizens of Qatar.
• 30 days: Visa-free access for Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman.
• 80+: Countries included in Uzbekistan’s broader visa-free framework.
• 4 major tourism cities: Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva form a popular Silk Road circuit.
• 6 months: Passport validity required under Uzbekistan’s current visa-free entry rules.

Travel Information for Visitors

Uzbekistan uses the Uzbekistani som. Tashkent International Airport is the principal international entry point, while high-speed rail provides connections between major destinations including Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara.

Visitors should carry a passport meeting the current validity requirement and confirm entry conditions before travel. Visa-free stays begin when travellers cross Uzbekistan’s international border, and visitors must leave before their permitted period expires.

FAQ

1. Can US citizens visit Uzbekistan without a visa?
Yes. US citizens can enter visa-free for up to 30 days, with no age restriction.

2. Which Gulf countries currently have visa-free access?
Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman are included in Uzbekistan’s visa-free arrangements, subject to the applicable conditions.

3. Are Saudi Arabian and Jordanian citizens visa-free for 30 days?
No. Current official information lists Saudi Arabia and Jordan for simplified e-visa access rather than the 30-day visa-free category.

Timeline and Events

3 November 2025: Uzbekistan announced the new 30-day visa-free regime for US citizens.

1 January 2026: The US visa-free regime officially took effect.

1 June 2025: Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman received 30-day visa-free access under Uzbekistan’s tourism development measures.

Conclusion

The increasing visa exemption policy of Uzbekistan is providing easier access for visitors from America, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman, whereas a greater number of nations have been enjoying the facilities of visa exemption. As a result, Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva provide an opportunity for tourists to enjoy a concentrated Silk Road tour in Uzbekistan.