Turkey Joins Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kazakhstan, Vietnam, Egypt, China, And More Countries In Accelerating Uzbekistan Tourism In 2025 Driven By A Powerful Rise In Overseas Trips And Soaring Regional Demand

Published on December 4, 2025

Turkey joins Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kazakhstan, Vietnam, Egypt, China and several other destinations in accelerating Uzbekistan tourism in 2025 because the country is witnessing a powerful surge in outbound travel that is reshaping regional mobility and strengthening global links. Uzbekistan’s outbound tourism has climbed sharply this year, with nearly 6.4 million citizens travelling abroad between January and October alone, marking a rise of twenty-five percent compared with the previous year. The growing movement of travellers toward both neighbouring nations and long-haul destinations underscores how improved connectivity, easier visa procedures, rising incomes, and a broader global outlook are transforming the way people in Uzbekistan experience the world.

Uzbekistan is stepping into 2025 with renewed confidence as outbound tourism climbs at a rate that underscores the country’s growing appetite for international travel. Between January and October alone, nearly 6.4 million citizens journeyed abroad, marking a remarkable twenty-five percent rise compared with the previous year. The latest figures from the National Statistics Committee confirm the growing mobility of Uzbek travellers and reveal how destinations across Central Asia, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia are benefiting from this surge.

The country recorded an additional one-point-three million outbound trips compared with the same period in 2024. This rapid upswing highlights Uzbekistan’s shifting travel culture: a population increasingly eager to experience new destinations, reconnect with regional partners, and take advantage of improved visa systems and expanding airline connectivity. As a result, countries such as Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kazakhstan, Vietnam, Egypt, China, Russia, and Tajikistan now form an interconnected web of travel relationships anchored by the Uzbek travel market.

Much of this movement continues to be shaped by regional proximity. Central Asia has emerged as the heart of Uzbekistan’s outbound travel traffic, with neighbouring nations absorbing the majority of trips. This reflects strong cultural bonds, cross-border work links, family ties, and the convenience of overland routes. Beyond the region, however, Uzbek tourists are increasingly exploring destinations in the Middle East, Europe, Africa, and East and Southeast Asia. The broadening travel footprint illustrates the nation’s expanding global mindset.

To capture the full scale of Uzbekistan’s outbound tourism wave, here is a consolidated list of all countries visited during the first ten months of 2025:

• Kyrgyzstan – 2.8 million
• Kazakhstan – 1.2 million
• Tajikistan – 1.1 million
• Russia – 370,100
• Saudi Arabia – 237,100
• Türkiye – 230,800
• United Arab Emirates (UAE) – 114,100
• Egypt – 56,200
• China – 39,600
• Vietnam – 32,800
• Other countries combined – 204,100

These numbers show how diverse Uzbekistan’s outbound travel landscape has become. Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Tajikistan remain the top three destinations, collectively hosting millions of visitors from Uzbekistan. Their shared borders, similar cultures, and robust transport networks make them easy and affordable choices for travellers seeking business opportunities, family reunions, or quick leisure trips.

Travel to Russia continues to be strong as well, supported by long-standing economic ties and labour migration channels. Many citizens travel for work, education, or commercial purposes, making Russia one of the most significant destinations outside Central Asia.

In parallel, the Middle East holds an increasingly important place in Uzbekistan’s outbound tourism map. Saudi Arabia attracted more than two hundred thirty-seven thousand visitors, driven largely by religious travel but also expanding interest in cultural tourism and short leisure trips. The UAE remains another favourite with more than one hundred thousand arrivals, thanks to its outstanding connectivity, retail appeal, desert attractions, and strong business ecosystem.

Türkiye also retains its role as a top destination, drawing over two hundred thirty thousand travellers from Uzbekistan. Its mix of heritage sites, beaches, bazaars, and modern urban attractions creates a travel experience that resonates strongly with Uzbek tourists. Frequent flights and familiar cultural connections further strengthen Türkiye’s position on the list.

Egypt’s presence demonstrates the growing desire among Uzbek travellers to explore destinations rich in archaeological heritage and coastal leisure. The rise in travel to Egypt signals increasing interest in North Africa’s historic sites, Red Sea resorts, and all-inclusive holiday packages.

East Asia is also gaining ground. China’s nearly forty thousand visitors show signs of growing commercial ties and an uptick in cultural exploration. Vietnam’s thirty-two thousand travellers reflect a rising preference for tropical escapes that offer a blend of nature, hospitality, and affordability.

The combined figure of over two hundred thousand trips to “other countries” confirms that Uzbek tourists are diversifying their travel choices more than ever, exploring regions far beyond their immediate neighbourhood. Whether these journeys involve study, work, leisure, or adventure, they illustrate a powerful shift toward global engagement.

This surge in outbound travel does not happen in isolation. It is tied to Uzbekistan’s broader economic and social developments. Rising disposable incomes, improved digital government services, streamlined border procedures, and new international flight routes are all contributing factors. The country’s expanding airline fleet and increased charter services are making travel more accessible for families, students, and young travellers. Tourism agencies are also stepping up marketing efforts, offering attractive packages to countries across Asia and the Middle East.

The boom is likewise creating diplomatic ripple effects. As millions of Uzbek travellers visit countries near and far, their journeys help strengthen bilateral relations, trade links, and cultural understanding. The growth in travel to Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, Kazakhstan, the UAE, Vietnam, Egypt, China, and Russia is deepening partnerships that extend well beyond tourism. Each trip contributes to people-to-people connections that underpin long-term cooperation in business, education, and regional stability.

Central Asia, in particular, continues to benefit as the region becomes more interconnected. Uzbekistan’s rising travel numbers reinforce the idea of a unified Central Asian travel corridor where movement is fluid and collaboration is encouraged. Countries like Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Kazakhstan welcome this influx, as it boosts their hospitality sectors, supports local commerce, and enhances regional tourism strategies.

At the same time, Uzbekistan’s growing outbound tourism is reshaping travel patterns across Asia and the Middle East. Countries such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia are increasing flight frequencies and simplifying entry rules to attract more travellers. Türkiye and Egypt, both popular holiday destinations, are catering to new markets through tailored packages and promotional campaigns. Meanwhile, Vietnam and China are tapping into Central Asia’s younger, adventure-seeking demographic by offering nature-rich and experience-driven itineraries.

If current trends continue, Uzbekistan is on track to close 2025 with record-breaking outbound travel figures. The rise reflects not just an increase in mobility, but a changing societal outlook—one where international travel is becoming an essential part of personal growth, economic opportunity, and cultural exploration.

Turkey joins Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kazakhstan, Vietnam, Egypt, China and more destinations in accelerating Uzbekistan tourism in 2025 because the country is experiencing a sharp rise in outbound travel driven by easier mobility, stronger regional links, and growing demand for diverse international experiences. This surge shows how millions of Uzbek travellers are reshaping travel patterns across Central Asia and beyond.

Uzbekistan’s outbound tourism boom is therefore more than a story of numbers. It marks a new chapter in how the country connects with the world. With millions journeying to destinations ranging from Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan to Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, China, Vietnam, Russia, and beyond, Uzbekistan is building a travel culture defined by curiosity, ambition, and global engagement. And as 2025 unfolds, the world’s most dynamic destinations are ready to welcome this new wave of explorers.