Planning a trip to Uzbekistan? Indians can now stay visa-free for 30 days

Indian travellers could soon have an easier route to exploring Central Asia, with Uzbekistan announcing visa-free entry for Indian citizens for stays of up to 30 days.

The announcement was made by Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev during delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Tashkent on August 30, during Modi's two-day state visit to Uzbekistan.

The new regime is aimed at strengthening travel, trade and cultural ties between India and Uzbekistan.

For Indian passport holders, the announcement could make it easier to plan everything from a quick city break to a longer journey across Uzbekistan's historic Silk Road cities. However, as the policy has only recently been announced, travellers should check with the Uzbek authorities for the final implementation date and applicable entry requirements before booking their trip.

What Uzbekistan's new visa-free rule means for Indians

Under the announced arrangement, Indian citizens will be permitted to enter Uzbekistan without obtaining a visa for stays of up to 30 days.

The move comes as the two countries look to deepen their economic and cultural relationship. During his meeting with Modi, President Mirziyoyev described India as a reliable strategic partner and said bilateral trade had crossed US$1 billion for the first time last year.

He also said the number of joint ventures between India and Uzbekistan had increased sevenfold in recent years.

The relationship extends beyond business. Uzbekistan is home to institutions including the Lal Bahadur Shastri Centre for Indian Culture and the Mahatma Gandhi Centre for Indian Studies. Yoga has also gained popularity in the country, which established a dedicated Yoga Federation in 2018.

For travellers, the new 30-day window could mean more time to experience the country's cities, architecture, food and landscapes without having to fit the itinerary into a conventional short holiday.

What to explore in Uzbekistan

• Begin in Tashkent

Uzbekistan's capital offers a mix of contemporary city life and centuries of history.

One of its most distinctive attractions is the Tashkent Metro, whose stations are known for elaborate interiors featuring mosaics, chandeliers, sculptures and murals.

The city can serve as a starting point for understanding Uzbekistan's Uzbek, Islamic and Soviet-era influences before heading towards the country's historic cities.

• Visit the Registan in Samarkand

For many visitors, Registan Square is the image that immediately comes to mind when Uzbekistan is mentioned.

Samarkand's historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the Registan among its most famous landmarks. Other major attractions include the Bibi-Khanum Mosque, Shahi Zinda and Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum.

The city offers a glimpse into Uzbekistan's importance along the historic Silk Road and is one of the country's key stops for first-time visitors.

• Explore the old streets of Bukhara

Another important Silk Road destination, Bukhara is known for its historic architecture and traditional trading quarters.

Its old centre features madrasahs, mosques, bazaars, caravanserais and trading domes, making it particularly suited to travellers who prefer exploring historic neighbourhoods at a leisurely pace.

Rather than rushing between individual attractions, visitors can spend time walking through the old city and taking in its architecture and markets.

• Try Uzbekistan's traditional food

Uzbekistan also offers plenty for food-focused travellers.

The country's signature dish is plov, a rice-based preparation that comes in hundreds of regional variations.

Other dishes worth trying include manti, steamed dumplings that may be filled with meat or pumpkin, and shashlik, grilled skewers commonly served as part of Uzbek cuisine.

A longer stay could allow visitors to sample regional variations rather than limiting themselves to the most familiar dishes.

• Head to the Fergana Valley

Travellers looking beyond the standard Tashkent-Samarkand-Bukhara route can consider the Fergana Valley.

The region is particularly known for its craft traditions. In Rishtan, visitors can explore Uzbekistan's renowned ceramic-making heritage.

In Margilan, the Yodgorlik Silk Factory offers visitors an opportunity to see traditional silk production.

A 30-day window could change the itinerary

The visa-free announcement could give Indian travellers greater flexibility in planning a Uzbekistan holiday.

Instead of limiting a trip to a handful of major cities, visitors could potentially build a longer itinerary covering Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, the Fergana Valley and desert regions, depending on the final rules governing the visa-free regime.

However, Indian travellers should confirm when the new arrangement officially comes into effect, along with passport-validity requirements, permitted purposes of travel and other entry conditions, with the Uzbek authorities before making travel arrangements.

For now, the announcement marks a significant easing of travel access for Indian passport holders and could make Uzbekistan an increasingly attractive option for those looking to explore Central Asia.