Have U.S. Visa Requirements Been Eased for Uzbek Citizens?

According to the Presidential Decree “On measures to sharply increase the flow of tourists and rapidly expand the scope of tourism services in 2025–2026 in order to enhance the role and importance of tourism in the economy,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has been tasked with initiating negotiations within three months to establish a visa-free regime for U.S. citizens to enter Uzbekistan for up to 30 days. Additionally, they are to begin discussions and submit proposals regarding the easing of U.S. visa requirements for Uzbek citizens.

Furthermore, it is planned to introduce a regime allowing citizens of Russia, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan to enter Uzbekistan for up to 30 days using internal documents or ID cards, including “kinder passports” for citizens under the age of 16.

According to the presidential decree, starting from June 1, 2025, citizens of Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman will also be allowed to enter Uzbekistan without a visa for up to 30 days. The goal is to organize trips for 15.8 million foreign tourists to Uzbekistan and increase tourism service exports to $4 billion.

For reference, from June 1, a mutual visa-free regime between Uzbekistan and China will also come into effect, allowing citizens of both countries to travel without a visa for up to 30 days.