Indian citizens will soon be able to travel to Uzbekistan without a visa, following an announcement made during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to the Central Asian nation on August 29–30, 2026. Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev confirmed that Indian passport holders will be allowed to stay in the country for up to 30 days without going through the usual visa or e-visa process.
Until now, most Indian travellers needed a tourist visa or e-visa even for short trips to Uzbekistan. The new exemption removes that requirement, at least for stays within the one-month window, making it considerably simpler for Indians to plan holidays or business visits.
Backed by growing air links
The policy shift comes as connectivity between the two countries improves. India and Uzbekistan are currently served by around 14 direct flights a week, and officials expect the easier entry rules to complement this growing air network in drawing more Indian travellers to the region.
Alongside the visa announcement, the two governments also signed a Tourism Cooperation Programme spanning 2026 to 2028, aimed at deepening tourism, business and cultural exchanges between the countries.
What travellers can expect
A month-long stay gives visitors enough time to take in Uzbekistan’s Silk Road heritage at a relaxed pace — from Samarkand’s grand monuments to Bukhara’s old quarters, as well as Khiva and the capital, Tashkent. The country also has existing cultural ties to India, including institutions such as the Lal Bahadur Shastri Centre for Indian Culture and the Mahatma Gandhi Centre for Indian Studies, and yoga has reportedly gained a following there in recent years.
Food-wise, Uzbek cuisine centres on rice dishes, grilled meats, fresh bread and regional spices — some of which may feel familiar to Indian palates, though many traditional dishes are meat-based. Vegetarian travellers are advised to check ingredients carefully, since meat stock is common even in dishes that appear vegetarian.
A word of caution
While the announcement marks a clear policy shift, the formal rules and implementation date have not yet been published. Travel advisories suggest holding off on non-refundable bookings until Uzbekistan’s government confirms the official start date and procedural details.
If broader tourism ties are working, this move could position Uzbekistan as a more accessible destination for India’s fast-growing outbound travel market in the years ahead.
