As of January 1, 2026, U.S. citizens traveling to Uzbekistan for short-term visits are visa-exempt. Under a presidential decree, all American passport holders can now enter Uzbekistan for tourism or business for up to 30 days without prior authorization or an E-Visa.
While the majority of visitors will no longer need to use the digital portal to obtain an E-Visa, there are still specific circumstances where a visa is required to enter Uzbekistan. This guide details the current entry rules, special circumstances that require an E-Visa, and the specific procedures for U.S. citizens to ensure a compliant entry and stay in Uzbekistan.
To ensure your documentation meets all government standards, especially for long-term stays or specialized permits, you may choose to use an assisted service like iVisa for an expert application and travel documents review.
On This Page
- Understanding the Uzbekistan Visa-Free Policy
- Do I Need an Uzbekistan E-Visa?
- Visa Types, Fees, and Stay Limits
- Application Methods: DIY vs. Assisted Service
- Authorized Ports of Entry
- Step-by-Step Entry Process
- Additional Uzbekistan Entry Requirements
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Understanding the Uzbekistan Visa-Free Policy
The Uzbekistan visa-free policy allows U.S. citizens to enter the country by simply presenting a valid U.S. passport at any border crossing. This new entry policy replaces the previous system, which required a $20 E-Visa for most foreign travelers.
The new visa-free policy is designed to encourage Silk Road tourism (e.g., Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, and Tashkent) and streamline business exchanges, allowing for multiple entries as long as each individual stay does not exceed 30 days.
Do I Need an Uzbekistan E-Visa?
For stays of 30 days or less, U.S. citizens do not need an E-Visa. However, you are required to obtain a visa in the following exact circumstances:
- Stays Exceeding 30 Days: If you plan to remain in Uzbekistan for more than 30 consecutive days, you must apply for a long-term E-Visa or traditional visa through an embassy.
- Work or Employment: The visa-free entry strictly prohibits engaging in paid labor. If you are moving to Uzbekistan for a job, a specific Work Visa is required.
- Study or Research: Students enrolling in academic institutions must obtain a Student Visa before arrival.
- Double or Multiple Entry Requirements: While you can re-enter Uzbekistan visa-free, travelers with complex regional itineraries may still choose to apply for an E-Visa for a guaranteed Double Entry status on a single authorization.
Note: Holders of U.S. Diplomatic or Official passports are also visa-exempt for up to 30 days, but should confirm protocols with the Uzbek Embassy for longer official missions.
Uzbekistan Visa Types, Fees, and Stay Limits
For U.S. citizens with travel plans that fall outside the 30-day visa-free exemption, the following visa tiers apply:
| Entry Type | Validity | Maximum Stay | Gov. Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa-Free Entry | N/A | 30 Days | $0 USD |
| Single Entry E-Visa | 90 Days | 30 Days | $20 USD |
| Double Entry E-Visa | 90 Days | 30 Days | $35 USD |
| Multiple Entry E-Visa | 90 Days | 30 Days | $50 USD |
E-Visa Application Methods: DIY vs. Assisted Service
If your travel plans require a visa, the Government of Uzbekistan manages the process through its official E-Visa portal.
- Direct Application (DIY): Travelers may apply directly through the official Uzbekistan E-Visa portal. The process requires uploading a high-quality digital passport-style photo and a clear scan of your passport bio-page. All information on your application must match your U.S. passport exactly. Any discrepancies could result in being denied boarding by your airline.
- Assisted Service (iVisa): For travelers who prefer expert application guidance, iVisa provides a comprehensive review. Their team ensures your application, travel documents, digital photo, and passport scan meet the exact specifications required by the Uzbek Ministry of Foreign Affairs. iVisa offers 24/7 bilingual support.
To enter Uzbekistan, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date and have at least one blank visa page. If you do not meet these requirements, renew your passport before applying for your visa.
Check Expedited Passport Renewal Options (1-Week Service Available)
Authorized Ports of Entry
Uzbekistan E-Visas are accepted at all international checkpoints:
- Air: Tashkent (TAS), Samarkand (SKD), and Bukhara (BHK) airports.
- Land: All border crossings with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Afghanistan.
Step-by-Step Uzbekistan E-Visa Application Process
For U.S. citizens planning a stay longer than 30 days, or those traveling for work or study, a formal E-Visa is required. The application should be submitted at least 3-5 business days before your intended departure.
Step 1: Prepare Your Documents
- Valid U.S. Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date and have at least one blank visa page.
- Digital Passport Photo: You need a recent color photo (35x45 mm) with a white background in JPG format (300 DPI resolution, file size under 1 MB).
- Bio-Page Scan: A clear, color scan of your passport's information page in JPG format (file size under 500 KB).
Step 2: Submit the Online Application
Access the official Uzbekistan E-Visa portal or use an assisted service like iVisa. You will be required to:
- Select your nationality, U.S. passport type, and the purpose of your visit.
- Enter your travel dates and personal biographical information.
- Upload your digital photo and passport scan.
- Provide a valid email address to receive an activation code.
Step 3: Pay the Consular Fee
After activating your application via the link sent to your email, you must pay the non-refundable consular fee. Currently, the portal accepts payments via Visa card. The fees are:
- Single Entry: $20 USD
- Double Entry: $35 USD
- Multiple Entry: $50 USD
Step 4: Receive and Print Your E-Visa
- Processing: The standard processing time is 3 business days.
- Confirmation: Once approved, your E-Visa will be sent to your email as a PDF.
- Physical Copy: You must print a physical copy of the E-Visa to present to immigration officials upon arrival to receive your entry stamp.
Additional Uzbekistan Entry Requirements
The E-Visa allows you to travel to Uzbekistan, but does not guarantee final admission. Final entry is determined by immigration officers at the border. Additionally, you must ensure you meet these additional local laws:
- Mandatory Registration: All foreigners must be registered within 3 days of arrival. Hotels and licensed guesthouses handle this automatically and provide a registration slip. Keep your registration slip(s) until you exit the country.
- Currency Declaration: If you are carrying more than $2,000 USD in cash, you must declare it upon entry to Uzbekistan, so you can take it out of the country when you leave.
- Minors: Children under 16 are visa-exempt for up to 90 days, provided they have their own U.S. passport. If a minor is traveling with only one parent, a notarized consent form is recommended.
Uzbekistan E-Visa Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
No. As of January 1, 2026, U.S. citizens can stay for up to 30 days visa-free. No E-Visa is required.
No. Visa-free stays cannot be extended. If you need to stay longer than 30 days, you must exit and re-enter or obtain an E-Visa before arrival.
Yes. While a visa is not required for short stays, the E-Visa portal remains available for those who require a double or multiple-entry visa for specific regional travel.
No. Only your valid U.S. passport is required. However, if you applied for an E-Visa, you must carry a printed copy.
Overstaying the 30-day limit without an approved visa can result in significant fines and potential bans from future entry.
Secure your Uzbekistan requirements with iVisa today to ensure your long-term or regional travel plans are fully compliant.
