China And Uzbekistan Set To Finalize Mutual Visa-Free Entry For A Month

Published on April 11, 2025

Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has officially announced that the country is in the final stages of coordinating internal formalities with China to launch a 30-day visa-free travel arrangement. The forthcoming agreement will grant citizens of both nations the ability to travel without a visa for short-term visits lasting up to one month.

Contrary to earlier reports that questioned the existence of such an initiative, the Ministry clarified that both governments are actively working on implementing the necessary legal and procedural steps.

Earlier, unverified claims surfaced online suggesting that Uzbekistan and China were not engaged in discussions regarding a visa-free travel arrangement. These rumors sparked uncertainty and widespread speculation across digital platforms.

In response, the Uzbek Foreign Ministry reaffirmed to Gazeta.uz that the agreement is indeed in progress and awaiting the completion of required domestic approvals before coming into effect.

Background on the Visa-Free Travel Arrangement

The foundations for the visa-free travel deal between Uzbekistan and China were laid on December 1, 2024, during a business forum held in Chengdu. At the event, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Uzbekistan’s Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov signed a pivotal agreement allowing Uzbek nationals to enter China visa-free for stays of up to 30 days.

This development builds upon earlier diplomatic commitments made during Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s official visit to China in the spring of 2023. During that trip, both sides pledged to streamline visa regulations and deepen bilateral cooperation.

Notably, since March 2021, Uzbekistan has already permitted Chinese nationals to visit the country without a visa for up to 10 days, laying the groundwork for a reciprocal arrangement.