Uzbekistan Visa Guide 2026: Who Needs a Visa and How to Apply
Planning a trekking trip to Uzbekistan in 2026? The good news is that Uzbekistan has become significantly more accessible in recent years. Since 2026, US citizens enter visa-free for 30 days, and citizens of 86 countries enjoy visa-free access. For everyone else, the e-visa system is quick, affordable, and straightforward.
As a local guide who has welcomed over 2,800 travelers from around the world, I've helped countless guests navigate the visa process. Here's everything you need to know.
Visa-Free Countries (86 Countries)
Uzbekistan now offers visa-free entry for citizens of 86 countries for stays up to 30 days. This includes:
• United States (since 2026 — new! 30 days visa-free)
• United Kingdom
• All European Union countries
• Canada
• Australia
• New Zealand
• Japan
• South Korea
• Singapore
• Malaysia
• Israel
• Switzerland, Norway, Iceland
• Many other countries
If your country is not on the visa-free list, don't worry — the e-visa process is simple.
E-Visa: Fast and Affordable
Uzbekistan's e-visa system allows travelers from eligible countries to apply online. The process takes about 2 business days and costs $20 (standard processing). Here's how it works:
Step-by-Step E-Visa Application
Step 1: Visit the official Uzbekistan e-visa portal (e-visa.gov.uz).
Step 2: Fill out the application form with your passport details, travel dates, and purpose of visit (select "tourism").
Step 3: Upload a digital passport photo and a scanned copy of your passport bio page.
Step 4: Pay the $20 fee online by credit card.
Step 5: Receive your e-visa by email within 2 business days. Print it and present it at border control.
The e-visa is typically valid for 30 days from the date of entry and allows a single entry. Make sure your passport has at least 3 months of validity remaining beyond your planned departure date.
Visa on Arrival
Some nationalities can obtain a visa upon arrival at Tashkent International Airport (TAS). This option is available mainly for citizens of countries that have bilateral agreements with Uzbekistan. Check with the Uzbekistan embassy in your country before traveling. For most travelers, obtaining the e-visa in advance is the safer option.
Registration Requirements
Important: All foreign visitors staying in Uzbekistan for more than 3 days must register with the authorities. Hotels handle this automatically — they will register you upon check-in. If you're staying in private accommodation, your host must register you. When you're on a multi-day trek with us in the mountains, we will ensure your registration is handled correctly through our partner accommodations in Tashkent.
Travel Insurance
While not mandatory for the visa application, we strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance that covers trekking at altitude (up to 3,500m). Your policy should include emergency evacuation, medical expenses, and repatriation. See our Uzbekistan Travel Safety article for more details on staying safe during your trip.
Entering Uzbekistan
Most international visitors arrive at Tashkent International Airport (TAS), which receives flights from major hubs including Istanbul, Dubai, Moscow, Frankfurt, London, Seoul, and Delhi. The Chimgan region is just 85 km (1.5 hours) from Tashkent, so you can start your trekking adventure almost immediately after arriving.
Currency and Practical Tips
Uzbekistan is largely a cash-based economy. While major hotels and restaurants in Tashkent accept cards, you'll need Uzbek som (UZS) for local markets, taxis, and small vendors. The currency has been stable and you can exchange at official exchange points. We recommend using Yandex Go for taxis — it's the local equivalent of Uber and works well with a foreign SIM card or WiFi.
Can I Extend My Stay?
Yes, but you'll need to visit the OVIR (Department of Migration and Citizenship) office in Tashkent to apply for an extension. This is best done before your initial visa expires. We can help arrange this for guests who wish to combine multiple treks or extend their exploration of Uzbekistan.
Our Recommendation
For most of our guests, the process is simple: check if your country is on the visa-free list, or apply for an e-visa at least two weeks before your trip. Once that's sorted, you can focus on the exciting part — planning your trek! Browse our tours and contact us with any questions. We're here to help make your Uzbekistan mountain adventure seamless from start to finish.
For more on preparing for your trip, read our Complete Packing List for a Multi-Day Trek and our guide on when to come.