Uzbekistan and Malaysia Accelerate Bilateral Ties with Revolutionary Visa-Free Agreement and Dynamic Growth in Cultural, Religious, and Tourism Collaborations

Published on December 9, 2025

Uzbekistan and Malaysia have taken a monumental step in strengthening their bilateral ties through a revolutionary visa-free agreement, allowing citizens of both countries to travel freely for up to 30 days. This landmark policy is designed to fuel the growth of tourism, enhance cultural exchanges, and promote religious tourism, particularly through the shared heritage of Islamic history. With Uzbekistan’s rich historical cities like Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva attracting a growing number of Malaysian visitors, this partnership not only facilitates easier travel but also deepens cultural understanding and cooperation. By improving air connectivity and introducing initiatives like the “Umrah Plus” programme, both nations are positioning themselves to benefit from a surge in tourism, economic exchange, and mutual growth in the years to come.

Tourism has emerged as a powerful driver of diplomatic and cultural ties between Uzbekistan and Malaysia, forging a closer relationship between the two nations. In recent years, both countries have made significant strides to promote travel, exchanges, and a deeper understanding of each other’s cultures. The introduction of a new visa-free policy for citizens of both countries is the latest milestone in this growing partnership. Citizens can now travel between Malaysia and Uzbekistan for stays of up to 30 days without the need for a visa, further encouraging tourism and fostering stronger connections.

Uzbekistan, with its rich historical and cultural heritage, serves as an attractive destination for tourists, particularly for those interested in Islamic history and culture. Cities like Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva are renowned for their intellectual legacy, offering a glimpse into the ancient Islamic world. These cities are an essential part of Uzbekistan’s tourism appeal, drawing significant numbers of Muslim visitors from Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei Darussalam. The historical sites, combined with Uzbekistan’s unique cultural offerings, provide a compelling reason for travelers to visit and explore the country.

In line with this growing interest in religious and cultural tourism, the Uzbek Tourism Committee has been collaborating with Malaysia’s Islamic Tourism Centre. This partnership aims to enhance the Muslim-friendly tourism experience by ensuring that Uzbekistan is well-equipped to cater to the specific needs of Muslim travelers. Efforts are being made to improve facilities, services, and cultural experiences that are appealing to the Muslim community, ensuring that Uzbekistan becomes a top choice for religious tourism.

The steady rise in Malaysian tourist arrivals to Uzbekistan can also be attributed to improved air connectivity between the two nations. With the launch of direct flights by Uzbekistan Airways, Batik Air, and AirAsia, the Kuala Lumpur–Tashkent route is now served seven times a week, making travel between the two cities more convenient and accessible. The addition of a weekly direct flight between Tashkent and Langkawi, starting from December 14, will further enhance connectivity, offering more travel options for tourists and fostering even greater cross-border mobility.

In addition to facilitating direct flights, Uzbekistan has been active in working with Malaysian travel agencies to promote tourism. One of the key initiatives is the “Umrah Plus” programme, which allows Malaysian pilgrims to visit Uzbekistan’s historical Islamic sites before traveling to Saudi Arabia for Umrah. This initiative not only strengthens religious and cultural ties but also boosts tourism by offering a unique combination of pilgrimage and cultural exploration.

The year 2025 witnessed several key visits between tourism and cultural delegations from both Uzbekistan and Malaysia, highlighting the growing importance of tourism cooperation between the two countries. One of the key events was the participation of a Malaysian delegation at the 2025 MATTA Fair in Kuala Lumpur, where Uzbekistan showcased its tourism offerings to a wider audience. The fair provided an excellent platform for Uzbek tourism officials to connect with Malaysian travel professionals and introduce them to Uzbekistan’s diverse attractions.

Another notable event during this collaboration was a cultural performance by a delegation from Uzbekistan’s Andijan Region at the MATTA Fair. The performance, featuring traditional Uzbek dances and music, captured the attention of visitors and demonstrated the country’s vibrant cultural heritage. These events not only promoted tourism but also helped raise awareness of Uzbekistan as a cultural destination, adding a unique aspect to the growing interest in the country’s historical and religious sites.

In terms of strategic tourism growth, Uzbekistan continues to prioritize the development of its tourism infrastructure, from improved air travel to better services for international visitors. With its rich cultural assets, diverse tourism offerings, and growing cooperation with Malaysia, Uzbekistan is positioning itself as a key player in the region’s tourism industry.

For Malaysia, Uzbekistan has become an increasingly attractive destination for travelers looking to explore the rich Islamic history of Central Asia. As the partnership continues to evolve, the two nations are likely to see continued growth in tourism and cultural exchange, creating new opportunities for mutual benefit. The visa-free policy is just the beginning, with both countries looking to deepen their cooperation in tourism, business, and cultural fields, further cementing the role of tourism as a powerful bridge between their peoples.

Uzbekistan and Malaysia have solidified their partnership with a groundbreaking visa-free agreement, boosting tourism and cultural exchange. This move is set to strengthen ties and enhance the flow of visitors, particularly in the realm of religious and historical tourism.

The increasing number of visitors from Malaysia, along with the growing number of direct flights and tourism initiatives, signals a bright future for the Uzbekistan-Malaysia tourism partnership. As both countries continue to work together to promote mutual understanding and cultural exchange, the tourism sector is set to play an even more vital role in their bilateral relations.