Uzbekistan’s Outbound Tourism Growth Reaches As Central Asia Dominating the List

Published on December 4, 2025

According to the National Statistics Committee of Uzbekistan, the country’s outbound tourism has surged by 24.7% in the past year, marking a significant increase of nearly 1.3 million trips compared to the same period in 2024. The surge in outbound tourism reflects the growing interest of Uzbek citizens in international travel, with a wide range of destinations around the world becoming increasingly popular.

Top destinations for Uzbek tourists include neighbouring Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Tajikistan, which remain key travel spots for citizens of Uzbekistan. In addition to Central Asian countries, other international destinations such as Russia, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the UAE also saw significant numbers of Uzbek visitors. This increase in travel is a positive sign of the nation’s expanding tourism habits and the growing ease of cross-border travel.

Outbound Tourism Figures for Uzbekistan

The National Statistics Committee reported a total of 5.2 million outbound trips made by Uzbek tourists in the most recent reporting period. This marks a 24.7% increase compared to the same period in 2024, demonstrating a significant boost in the volume of international travel.

The top destinations for Uzbek tourists during this period included:

• Kyrgyzstan: 2.8 million trips
• Kazakhstan: 1.2 million trips
• Tajikistan: 1.1 million trips
• Russia: 370,100 trips
• Saudi Arabia: 237,100 trips
• Turkey: 230,800 trips
• United Arab Emirates (UAE): 114,100 trips
• Egypt: 56,200 trips
• China: 39,600 trips
• Vietnam: 32,800 trips

Other countries collectively accounted for 204,100 trips during this period.

Central Asia Leading the Way

As expected, Central Asian countries remain the most popular destinations for Uzbek tourists. Kyrgyzstan continues to lead the pack, with 2.8 million trips recorded, reflecting the strong cultural, historical, and economic ties between the two countries. Uzbekistan’s proximity to Kyrgyzstan, along with relaxed travel regulations and the ease of land transportation, makes it an accessible and appealing destination for Uzbek travelers.

Kazakhstan and Tajikistan also saw significant numbers of visitors from Uzbekistan, with 1.2 million and 1.1 million trips, respectively. These countries, which share deep cultural and historical connections with Uzbekistan, are important travel destinations for Uzbeks seeking familiar cultural experiences, family visits, or business opportunities.

Russian Influence and Growing Interest in the Middle East

Despite the close ties with Central Asian neighbors, Uzbekistan’s outbound tourism also showed a strong inclination toward Russia, with 370,100 trips recorded. Many Uzbek nationals have historical and familial connections to Russia, contributing to the ongoing popularity of the destination for both tourism and employment-related travel.

In addition to neighboring countries, the Middle East has emerged as a growing tourism hub for Uzbek citizens. Saudi Arabia and Turkey were among the most popular destinations outside of Central Asia, with 237,100 and 230,800 trips recorded, respectively. For Uzbek Muslims, Saudi Arabia is a significant destination due to the spiritual importance of Mecca and Medina, and the number of Uzbek citizens traveling for Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage has consistently been high.

Turkey, with its rich cultural heritage, historical landmarks, and proximity to Uzbekistan, is also a highly favored destination. Turkish destinations such as Istanbul, Antalya, and Cappadocia have become increasingly popular with Uzbek tourists seeking cultural experiences and leisure activities.

Other Popular Global Destinations

The UAE has also seen considerable tourism activity from Uzbekistan, with 114,100 Uzbek tourists visiting the region in 2025. The UAE, particularly Dubai, is a popular destination for Uzbek travelers due to its modern infrastructure, luxury shopping, and vibrant cultural scene.

Additionally, Egypt recorded 56,200 Uzbek visitors, indicating growing interest in historical and cultural travel experiences. The ancient monuments, such as the Pyramids of Giza, continue to attract Uzbek tourists seeking connections to global history.

China and Vietnam also saw an increase in Uzbek visitors, with 39,600 and 32,800 trips, respectively. While the figures are smaller compared to the Central Asian and Middle Eastern destinations, these numbers show an expanding curiosity about East Asian cultures and environments.

The Role of Travel Agencies and Changing Travel Patterns

With the continued growth of outbound tourism, travel agencies in Uzbekistan have been actively involved in organizing group tours, cultural exchanges, and religious pilgrimages. Agencies are also working to meet the increasing demand for more diverse travel experiences, from leisure trips to cultural exploration.

The rise in outbound tourism is also linked to the growing availability of affordable international travel options. Many Uzbek nationals now have easier access to budget airlines and travel packages that make international travel more accessible. This is a sign of a growing middle class in Uzbekistan that is increasingly able to afford international travel, which was not always the case in previous years.

As tourism continues to grow, the shift towards more international destinations is expected to continue, especially as economic development in Uzbekistan provides more disposable income for travel.

Economic Impacts of the Surge in Outbound Tourism

The increase in outbound tourism has important implications for Uzbekistan’s economy. While the surge in travel represents more spending on international tourism, it also presents an opportunity to improve tourism infrastructure and services within Uzbekistan to make the country a more attractive destination for inbound tourism.

Local tourism officials have expressed hope that, as outbound travel increases, more international tourists will be drawn to Uzbekistan’s rich cultural heritage, including its ancient Silk Road cities like Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva. Uzbekistan’s government has also been investing in tourism infrastructure, such as hotels, transportation networks, and tourist attractions, to support both inbound and outbound tourism growth.

Conclusion: The Growing Trend of Uzbek Outbound Tourism

Uzbekistan’s outbound tourism has seen impressive growth in 2025, with a 25% increase in international trips compared to the previous year. The rise in travel to neighboring Central Asian countries and growing interest in destinations such as Russia, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the UAE signal a shift towards more global travel patterns among Uzbek nationals. This surge also reflects the increasing economic prosperity in Uzbekistan, enabling more people to travel abroad for leisure, business, and religious purposes. With improved infrastructure and a growing interest in global destinations, Uzbekistan’s outbound tourism is poised for continued growth in the years to come.