Uzbekistan Issues New Visa-Free Travel Advisory for Indian Tourists in 2026, Tightens Passport Rules for US, UK and Schengen Visa Holders

Uzbekistan’s visa-free entry rules for Indian travellers have come under renewed attention following an advisory from the Embassy of India in Tashkent on 22 October 2026. The embassy has warned that Indian citizens relying on qualifying foreign visas must use their latest valid passport, as visas contained in old or expired passports are not accepted for the exemption. The conditional visa-free scheme, introduced on 1 September 2026, permits eligible Indians to stay for up to 30 days. However, visitors must hold a qualifying multiple-entry visa, a confirmed return or onward air ticket and the correct travel documents to avoid complications before departure.

Uzbekistan Visa-Free Entry Rules for Indians Receive Fresh Embassy Warning in October 2026

Indian passport holders planning to visit Uzbekistan should carefully examine their travel documents before booking international flights.

The Embassy of India in Tashkent has reiterated an important requirement concerning the country’s conditional visa-free entry programme.

The advisory, dated 22 October 2026, follows earlier communications issued on 14 and 22 September.

The most important clarification concerns the passport containing the qualifying foreign visa.

Indians who have renewed their passports but still hold a valid United States, United Kingdom, Canadian or Schengen visa in an older passport cannot assume that the visa will qualify them for Uzbekistan’s exemption.

The foreign visa must satisfy the applicable conditions, including the requirement associated with the traveller’s latest valid passport.

This distinction could affect frequent international travellers who previously used an old passport containing a valid foreign visa alongside their newly issued Indian passport.

Although some destinations permit that arrangement, travellers should not assume that Uzbekistan accepts it for this particular exemption.

The advisory does not introduce an entirely new visa policy.

Instead, it reinforces a condition attached to the visa-free arrangements introduced in September.

For Indian travellers planning holidays, business visits or short cultural trips, the message is to verify eligibility before departure rather than rely only on the validity of an existing foreign visa.

When Did Uzbekistan Introduce Visa-Free Entry for Indian Citizens?

Uzbekistan introduced the conditional 30-day visa-free entry arrangement for eligible Indian citizens from 1 September 2026.

The development formed part of broader efforts to strengthen tourism and travel cooperation between India and Uzbekistan.

The Uzbekistan Tourism Committee confirmed the arrangement in official information concerning bilateral tourism cooperation.

It explained that Indian citizens holding qualifying multiple-entry tourist or business visas from specified countries can enter Uzbekistan without obtaining a separate Uzbek visa.

The exemption is limited to a maximum stay of 30 days from entry.

The traveller must also possess an air ticket for departure to India or a third country.

In addition, the permitted visa-free period must fall within the validity of the qualifying foreign visa.

These requirements mean the scheme is conditional rather than a universal visa waiver for Indian nationals.

It is therefore inaccurate to state that all Indian passport holders can enter Uzbekistan without a visa.

The introduction of the programme nevertheless represents an important change for eligible travellers.

Those already holding suitable foreign visas may be able to visit Uzbekistan without making a separate visa application.

However, they must satisfy every condition of the exemption.

Which Foreign Visas Allow Indians to Enter Uzbekistan Without a Separate Visa?

Uzbekistan recognises valid multiple-entry tourist or business visas issued by eight specified countries or groups of countries.

The accepted issuers cover major international travel destinations in North America, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region.

List of Qualifying Visa-Issuing Countries

These are qualifying visa issuers, not countries that Indian travellers are required to visit before travelling to Uzbekistan.

For example, an Indian traveller holding a valid qualifying multiple-entry United Kingdom visa may potentially use the Uzbekistan exemption without first visiting the United Kingdom.

The important factors are the visa’s category, entry validity, passport status and the remaining conditions of the Uzbek programme.

A visa issued by a country outside the specified list does not automatically qualify.

Similarly, a foreign residence permit should not be assumed to satisfy the requirement for a multiple-entry tourist or business visa.

Travellers with different document types should seek clarification from the relevant Uzbek authorities.

Why Visas in Old or Expired Passports May Prevent Visa-Free Entry

The latest advisory places particular emphasis on travellers who have renewed their passports.

This is an important issue because some countries issue long-validity visas that remain valid after the passport containing them expires.

For example, an Indian citizen may hold a valid United States visa issued several years earlier.

If the traveller subsequently renews their Indian passport, the foreign visa may remain physically attached to the old document.

In certain countries, travelling with both passports can be acceptable under the destination’s immigration rules.

However, Uzbekistan’s conditional visa-free arrangement carries its own requirements.

The Indian Embassy’s October advisory warns that a visa in an old or expired passport cannot be relied upon for this exemption.

Example of a Traveller Who May Not Qualify

Consider an Indian traveller who has:

• A newly issued Indian passport valid until 2036.
• An older Indian passport that has expired.
• A valid multiple-entry United Kingdom tourist visa in the expired passport.
• A confirmed return flight from Tashkent to India.

Despite possessing a valid British visa and a return ticket, the traveller should not assume eligibility for Uzbekistan’s visa-free arrangement.

The qualifying foreign visa is located in the old passport.

That is the problem identified in the embassy advisory.

The traveller should obtain official clarification or arrange an appropriate Uzbekistan visa before departure.

Carrying both passports is not, by itself, a confirmed solution under the new exemption.

What Does the Latest Valid Passport Requirement Mean for Indian Tourists?

The requirement means that visitors must pay attention to the passport used for international travel and the document containing their qualifying foreign visa.

It is not enough to check whether a United States, United Kingdom or Schengen visa has expired.

The traveller must also determine whether that visa is accepted under Uzbekistan’s passport rules.

For many international travellers, this creates an important difference between ordinary visa validity and eligibility for a third country’s visa exemption.

A visa may remain legally valid for travel to the country that issued it.

However, that does not necessarily mean another country will accept it as the basis for visa-free entry.

Uzbekistan’s conditional programme illustrates this distinction.

The visa’s validity for travel to the United States, for example, is a separate question from whether Uzbekistan accepts that visa for its exemption.

Passport Checks Travellers Should Complete

Before departure, Indian visitors should examine the following:

1. Whether their Indian passport is currently valid.
2. Whether it is the latest passport issued to them.
3. Whether the qualifying foreign visa is associated with the latest valid passport.
4. Whether the foreign visa permits multiple entries.
5. Whether it is issued for an accepted tourist or business category.
6. Whether the visa remains valid throughout the intended Uzbekistan stay.
7. Whether the traveller holds the required confirmed departure air ticket.

These checks should be completed before purchasing non-refundable travel services.

They are particularly important for travellers who have recently renewed their passports.

A Valid Multiple-Entry Visa Is Essential Under Uzbekistan’s New Exemption

The type of foreign visa matters just as much as the country that issued it.

Uzbekistan’s conditional waiver specifically refers to valid multiple-entry tourist or business visas.

A single-entry visa does not satisfy the stated multiple-entry condition.

Similarly, travellers should not assume that a double-entry visa qualifies merely because it permits more than one entry.

The requirement is for multiple-entry authorisation.

Different issuing countries display entry conditions in different formats.

Some visas explicitly state that multiple entries are permitted.

Others use abbreviated entry classifications.

Travellers should read the official visa details carefully rather than relying on assumptions about the visa’s duration.

For example, a long-validity visa is not necessarily a multiple-entry visa.

The two terms describe different things.

Visa validity indicates the period during which the document may be used.

Entry conditions establish how many entries the visa permits.

Both must satisfy Uzbekistan’s requirements.

The visa must also fall within an accepted category.

A work permit, residence document or other immigration authorisation cannot automatically be treated as an eligible tourist or business visa.

Confirmed Return or Onward Air Tickets Remain Mandatory

Another important requirement concerns the traveller’s departure from Uzbekistan.

The conditional exemption requires a confirmed air ticket showing that the traveller intends to leave Uzbekistan for India or another country.

This condition helps establish that the proposed visit falls within the short-term entry framework.

A traveller with an eligible foreign visa but without the required confirmed departure ticket may not qualify for the exemption.

The rule applies even when the traveller intends to remain in Uzbekistan for fewer than 30 days.

What Type of Ticket Should Travellers Carry?

The official arrangement refers to an air ticket for departure to the traveller’s country of citizenship or a third country.

For Indian nationals, this means a qualifying departure flight to India or an onward international destination.

The ticket should be confirmed rather than merely proposed.

A travel itinerary without a confirmed booking should not be assumed sufficient.

Travellers should retain accessible confirmation of their booking, including the flight date and destination.

It is sensible to keep the details available during airline check-in and immigration inspection.

However, a confirmed flight ticket does not replace the other entry requirements.

The passport, qualifying visa and permitted length of stay must also comply.

Uzbekistan’s 30-Day Visa-Free Stay Must Remain Within Foreign Visa Validity

The visa-free scheme permits eligible Indians to stay in Uzbekistan for up to 30 days.

However, the permitted stay is also limited by the validity of the qualifying foreign visa.

This means that holding a multiple-entry visa does not guarantee that every traveller can remain for the full 30 days.

For example, consider an Indian tourist arriving in Uzbekistan on 10 November 2026 with a qualifying foreign visa expiring on 20 November.

The traveller should not assume that the normal 30-day exemption allows a stay beyond the foreign visa’s validity.

The official Uzbek conditions state that the visa-free stay must remain within that validity period.

Accordingly, travellers should calculate their intended departure date carefully.

This is especially important when the foreign visa is close to expiry.

How the Validity Restriction Works

Illustrative examples. Actual entry eligibility also depends on passport, visa category, ticket and immigration requirements.

Travellers should not interpret the visa-free arrangement as permission to work, study or reside in Uzbekistan beyond the authorised period.

Those planning activities requiring another immigration status must obtain the appropriate permission.

What Happens if an Indian Traveller Does Not Qualify for Visa-Free Entry?

Indian citizens who do not satisfy the conditional exemption must use another appropriate Uzbekistan entry route.

For many short-term visitors, the electronic visa system provides a practical alternative.

Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirms that India is among the countries eligible to use the electronic visa facility.

The system enables eligible applicants to submit an online application without visiting an Uzbek diplomatic mission for a conventional visa.

The availability of this alternative is important for travellers whose foreign visas are located in old passports.

It also helps Indian citizens who do not possess any qualifying United States, United Kingdom, Schengen or other accepted foreign visa.

Uzbekistan Electronic Visa Options

These are the fees published by Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The ministry also states that additional expenses may apply depending on the relevant visa procedures.

An electronic visa is a separate Uzbek entry authorisation.

It does not depend on holding one of the eight qualifying foreign visas listed under the conditional waiver.

However, applicants must satisfy the electronic visa requirements, and approval is not automatic.

How Can Indian Citizens Apply for an Uzbekistan Electronic Visa?

Uzbekistan operates an official electronic visa portal under the supervision of its Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Applicants can submit the required personal information, upload documents and complete the visa application process online.

The government explains that electronic visas are issued against a valid travel document.

Information entered in the application must match the passport that the traveller intends to use.

Electronic Visa Application Process

1. Access Uzbekistan’s official government electronic visa service.
2. Select the appropriate visa application category.
3. Enter personal details exactly as shown in the latest valid passport.
4. Upload the required passport information and photograph.
5. Review the application carefully before submitting it.
6. Pay the applicable consular fee.
7. Follow the application status through the official portal.
8. Obtain the electronic visa if the application is approved.
9. Carry the approved visa and matching passport when travelling.

The official electronic visa guidance states that an issued visa can be presented in electronic or printed form.

However, discrepancies between the passport and electronic visa can make the authorisation invalid.

This makes careful data entry essential.

The electronic visa fee is charged for processing the application and is not refunded simply because an application is refused.

The government’s foreign-visitor guidance indicates that processing generally takes two to five working days.

Applicants should therefore avoid assuming that approval will be immediate.

They should also check the approved visa’s validity and permitted entry conditions before booking flights.

Uzbekistan Requires Travellers to Follow Passport Validity Rules

The latest-passport warning is not the only passport requirement Indian visitors need to consider.

Uzbekistan’s official foreign-visitor guidance states that travellers generally require an international passport with at least six months of remaining validity from the date of entry.

The passport must also be suitable for international travel.

Travellers should therefore examine their passport expiry date independently of the foreign visa.

A person may hold a qualifying multiple-entry visa but still face problems if their Indian passport does not satisfy Uzbekistan’s passport validity requirements.

The important distinction is that the passport and foreign visa are separate documents with separate conditions.

Both must be acceptable.

For example, a traveller’s United Kingdom visa might remain valid for several years while their Indian passport expires within a few months.

The visa’s remaining validity would not automatically resolve the passport validity concern.

Tourists should avoid making assumptions based on previously successful trips to other countries.

Uzbekistan’s requirements must be checked specifically.

Travellers Must Register Their Stay After Arriving in Uzbekistan

Entry permission is only one part of the country’s immigration framework.

Uzbekistan also has rules requiring foreign visitors to register their place of temporary stay.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs has published guidance explaining that registration is generally required after arrival.

Uzbekistan’s government foreign-visitor service states that travellers must normally register within three working days.

Hotels and other recognised accommodation establishments generally handle registration for their guests.

Visitors staying in private accommodation may need their host to complete the relevant registration procedure.

This requirement applies independently of whether a visitor entered with an electronic visa or under an applicable visa-free arrangement.

What Visitors Should Know About Accommodation Registration

• Hotel guests should confirm that the accommodation provider completes the required registration.
• Visitors staying with friends or relatives should check the applicable host-registration procedure.
• Travellers using several accommodation properties should ensure their stay is recorded as required.
• Visitors should retain relevant registration confirmations where provided.
• Short stays and transit arrangements may be subject to specific exemptions.

The government warns that failure to comply with applicable registration requirements can result in administrative penalties.

Tourists should therefore treat registration as an important part of their legal stay rather than an optional formality.

Why the New Advisory Matters for Indian Travellers With US and UK Visas

The passport clarification is particularly relevant to Indian citizens who already hold long-validity foreign visas.

A multiple-entry United States or United Kingdom visa may remain valid for years.

During that period, an Indian passport holder may need to renew their passport.

It is therefore possible for the traveller to possess a valid foreign visa inside an expired Indian passport.

The October advisory highlights the risk of assuming that this arrangement will automatically satisfy Uzbekistan’s exemption.

For eligible travellers whose qualifying visa is in their latest valid passport, the conditional programme can remove the need for a separate Uzbek visa application.

For those holding the visa in an older passport, additional preparation may be necessary.

They may need to obtain an Uzbekistan electronic visa or seek specific clarification from the authorities.

The distinction matters because airline check-in staff and border officials must assess eligibility against the relevant entry requirements.

A traveller who cannot demonstrate eligibility could experience difficulties before departure or on arrival.

The embassy’s warning is therefore principally about avoiding document-related problems, not about withdrawing the visa-free facility.

Why This Matters

The October 2026 advisory has practical implications for Indian outbound tourism, international aviation and travel planning.

Uzbekistan’s conditional visa-free programme offers a simpler entry pathway for Indian citizens who already possess qualifying foreign visas.

However, the benefit depends on meeting every requirement.

For travellers, the most important issue is avoiding incorrect assumptions about old passports.

For travel agencies, the advisory highlights the need to verify the actual location and category of a qualifying foreign visa.

For airlines, the rules are relevant when passengers present their documents before boarding.

The development also matters for Uzbekistan’s tourism industry.

Easier entry for eligible visitors can reduce administrative steps and make shorter trips more attractive.

Nevertheless, no official evidence establishes how many travellers have been refused boarding or entry specifically because of the October passport clarification.

It would therefore be inaccurate to present widespread travel disruption as a confirmed consequence.

The advisory should instead be understood as preventive guidance intended to help visitors comply with the rules.

India and Uzbekistan Strengthen Tourism Cooperation for 2026–2028

The visa-free arrangement forms part of a wider period of cooperation between India and Uzbekistan.

On 30 August 2026, Uzbekistan’s Tourism Committee announced the signing of a Tourism Cooperation Programme covering 2026–2028.

The programme aims to expand tourist exchanges between the two countries.

It also provides a framework for joint tourism projects, cultural events and the development of new tourist routes.

Both governments have identified tourism as an area for strengthening bilateral relations.

The introduction of conditional visa-free travel for Indian citizens is part of this broader framework.

The programme also includes plans for cultural weeks, film festivals and other tourism-related activities.

These initiatives are intended to create additional opportunities for people-to-people exchanges.

However, announced cooperation programmes should not be confused with completed tourism projects.

Specific events, routes or commercial arrangements require separate confirmation before being presented as available to travellers.

For the tourism industry, the combination of policy cooperation and simplified entry arrangements creates opportunities for travel businesses to develop new products.

Actual visitor growth will depend on demand, transport connectivity and the implementation of the announced initiatives.

Direct Flights Between Hyderabad and Tashkent Strengthen Travel Connectivity

Air connectivity is another relevant development.

Uzbekistan’s Tourism Committee reported that Centrum Air began operating regular direct flights between Tashkent and Hyderabad on 28 September 2026.

The service provides an additional travel connection between India and Uzbekistan.

For travellers based in southern India, direct connectivity can reduce the need for journeys involving additional international airport connections.

The route also has potential relevance for business travellers and tourism operators.

However, the availability of a direct flight does not remove the need to satisfy immigration rules.

Passengers using this service must still hold the appropriate passport, visa or exemption documents.

Flight schedules, operating days and ticket availability should be checked directly with the airline before booking.

The government announcement confirms the launch of the route but does not establish that every date has the same operating frequency or fare.

Travellers should therefore avoid relying on an assumed daily schedule.

Uzbekistan’s Cultural Heritage Adds Appeal to Indian Leisure Travel

Uzbekistan’s tourism appeal is closely associated with its historic cities, Silk Road heritage, architecture and traditional culture.

The country has long occupied an important position along historical trading networks connecting different parts of Asia.

Its cultural attractions include Islamic architecture, historic urban centres, traditional markets and craft traditions.

For Indian visitors, these experiences provide opportunities to explore a Central Asian destination with a distinctive cultural identity.

The official tourism cooperation programme also recognises the importance of developing new tourist routes.

The country’s growing attention to tourism reflects an effort to make its cultural assets more accessible to international audiences.

However, an easier visa process does not guarantee that every visitor will find the same travel arrangements suitable.

Transport, accommodation, weather, accessibility and individual interests remain important considerations.

Travellers should plan their itineraries around confirmed services and realistic travel distances.

The 30-day exemption provides a maximum permitted stay for eligible visitors, not a recommendation that every tourist should spend an entire month in the country.

What Travellers Should Know

Indian citizens planning to visit Uzbekistan should confirm whether they qualify for the conditional visa-free programme before making travel arrangements.

The exemption applies only to travellers who meet the specified visa, passport and ticket requirements.

Visitors who cannot satisfy those conditions should arrange an appropriate Uzbekistan visa.

Before Booking

• Scheme start date: 1 September 2026.
• Latest embassy advisory: 22 October 2026.
• Nationality: The conditional scheme covers eligible Indian citizens.
• Maximum stay: Up to 30 days, subject to qualifying visa validity.
• Accepted visas: Valid multiple-entry tourist or business visas issued by the eight specified countries or regions.
• Passport condition: The qualifying foreign visa must satisfy the latest-valid-passport requirement.
• Old passport warning: Do not assume that carrying a valid visa in an expired passport qualifies for the exemption.
• Departure ticket: A confirmed onward or return air ticket is required.
• Passport validity: Check Uzbekistan’s applicable passport validity requirements before departure.
• Accommodation registration: Visitors must comply with temporary-stay registration rules.
• Alternative authorisation: Eligible Indian citizens who do not qualify for the waiver can consider Uzbekistan’s electronic visa system.

Travellers should verify the documents for every member of their travelling party.

One person’s qualifying foreign visa does not automatically establish eligibility for other family members.

Children may be covered by separate Uzbek immigration provisions, depending on their age, travel documents and accompanying adults.

Families should therefore check the applicable rules rather than assume that the adult exemption applies identically to everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions About Uzbekistan Visa-Free Entry for Indians

Is Uzbekistan visa-free for all Indian passport holders in 2026?

No. The 30-day conditional exemption applies to Indian citizens who hold an accepted valid multiple-entry tourist or business visa and satisfy the additional passport and departure-ticket requirements.

Can Indians use a valid US or UK visa in an expired passport?

The Embassy of India’s 22 October 2026 advisory warns that foreign visas in old or expired passports cannot be relied upon for the conditional exemption. Travellers should obtain an appropriate Uzbekistan visa or official clarification before departure.

How long can eligible Indians stay in Uzbekistan without a visa?

The maximum permitted stay is 30 days. However, the visit must also fall within the validity of the qualifying foreign visa.

Is a confirmed return ticket required?

Yes. The conditional exemption requires a confirmed air ticket showing departure to India or a third country. Holding an eligible foreign visa alone is insufficient.

Can Indian travellers apply for an Uzbekistan e-visa instead?

Yes. Uzbekistan’s official electronic visa system remains available to eligible Indian citizens. It offers single-entry, double-entry and multiple-entry categories, subject to the relevant application requirements and approval.

Uzbekistan’s Passport Advisory Reinforces the Importance of Checking Visa Eligibility

Uzbekistan’s October 2026 passport warning highlights an important condition of its new visa-free entry arrangement for Indian citizens.

The conditional exemption, introduced in September, allows eligible travellers to visit the country for up to 30 days without obtaining a separate Uzbekistan visa.

However, eligibility depends on holding a valid multiple-entry tourist or business visa from an accepted country or region, satisfying the latest-passport requirement and carrying the necessary departure ticket.

The warning is particularly relevant to Indians who have renewed their passports while retaining valid foreign visas in older documents.

For these travellers, obtaining official clarification or applying through Uzbekistan’s electronic visa system may prevent problems before departure.

As India and Uzbekistan strengthen tourism cooperation, the exemption offers additional convenience to those who meet its conditions.

The essential message for travellers remains straightforward: a valid foreign visa alone is not sufficient unless every requirement of Uzbekistan’s conditional visa-free scheme is met.

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