Uzbekistan introduces unified rules for providing state assistance to businesses

Indian citizens who possess valid multiple-entry tourist or business visas to certain countries can now enter Uzbekistan visa-free for up to 30 days. These new rules came into effect on September 1, 2026.

According to the Ministry of Justice, this visa-free entry condition was approved by a presidential decree signed by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on August 29, 2026.

The policy applies to Indian citizens who hold a valid multiple-entry visa to Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, Schengen area countries, the United Kingdom, or the United States. To meet the requirements for visa-free entry, travelers must also have an airline ticket for onward or return travel to India or a third country. Meeting these conditions allows eligible Indian passport holders to stay in Uzbekistan for up to thirty days.

Initial plans for the visa-free entry system were announced following bilateral talks between President Mirziyoyev and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Tashkent on August 30, 2026, although specific conditions were not detailed at that time.

This regulatory change occurs against the backdrop of stable growth in tourist travel from India to Uzbekistan. The number of tourists arriving from India increased from 45,500 in 2023 to 70,600 in 2024, and then reached 80,900 visits in 2025. By the end of 2025, India ranked ninth among the main inbound tourism markets to Uzbekistan, with the total number of visits growing almost 1.8 times between 2022 and 2025.

Mutual agreements remain unchanged: Uzbek citizens still require a visa to travel to India. Although visas can be obtained online, some categories require an application to be submitted at the Indian embassy. Furthermore, travelers from Uzbekistan are required to submit an electronic arrival card (e-Arrival Card) no later than 72 hours before entering India.

Uzbekistan has announced the introduction of a 30-day visa-free entry regime for Indian citizens. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev stated that this step will contribute to strengthening people-to-people contacts, developing tourism, and expanding business cooperation between the two countries.

Mirziyoyev made this statement during delegation-level meetings with Prime Minister Modi in Tashkent, which took place as part of the Prime Minister's two-day state visit to Uzbekistan.

Highlighting the growing momentum in relations between India and Uzbekistan, the President of Uzbekistan characterized India as a 'reliable strategic partner' and noted the growth in bilateral trade, joint ventures, and ties between the countries.

Mirziyoyev said: 'India is our reliable strategic partner. Last year, our bilateral trade exceeded 1 billion US dollars for the first time. Over the past years, the number of joint ventures has increased sevenfold. Currently, 14 direct flights fly between our countries weekly.'

He also emphasized the role of cultural institutions, such as the Lal Bahadur Shastri Indian Culture Center and the Mahatma Gandhi Indian Research Center, in strengthening humanitarian ties. The President of Uzbekistan noted that the philosophy and practice of yoga are becoming increasingly popular in Uzbekistan, where a special Yoga Federation has been operating since 2018. Furthermore, a nationwide Yoga Festival was held across Uzbekistan this June.

Diplomatic relations between India and Uzbekistan were established on March 18, 1992, following the signing of a protocol on establishing diplomatic relations in Tashkent. India was one of the first countries to recognize Uzbekistan's sovereignty after it gained independence. In 2011, both countries elevated their relationship level to Strategic Partnership, which is supported by several institutional mechanisms at the political and official levels to ensure regular interaction.

The current visit of Prime Minister Modi, which will last from August 29 to 30, followed his previous visit to Uzbekistan in 2015, as well as visits in 2016 and 2022 to participate in Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summits. Bilateral relations have also been marked by high-level meetings, including President Mirziyoyev's state visit to India in 2018 and his participation in the 'Vibrant Gujarat' Global Summit in 2019.

After completing his visit to Tashkent, Prime Minister Modi will travel to Bishkek at the invitation of Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov to attend the 26th SCO Summit, which will mark the 25th anniversary of the organization.