Uzbekistan expands visa-free entry for foreign citizens

The list of countries whose citizens can enter Uzbekistan without a visa is set to be expanded, with the newly established Tourism Committee taking responsibility for implementation. This is outlined in the decree signed today, November 20, by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on the organization of the Tourism Committee’s activities and measures to rapidly develop the tourism sector.

The committee, together with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Transport, and other relevant agencies, is tasked within two months with simplifying procedures for entry into and stay within Uzbekistan.

Key responsibilities include:

•  Developing well-prepared proposals to enhance the country’s tourism-transport logistics;
•  In cooperation with the Agency for Strategic Development and Reforms, preparing a draft Uzbekistan Tourism Development Strategy through 2040 by March 1, 2026.

Additionally, in collaboration with the Ministry of Digital Technologies and the Ministry of Economy and Finance, the committee must submit by April 1, 2026, a draft marketing strategy for tourist service markets through 2030. This strategy will focus on:

•  Promoting national tourism products in foreign countries with a high volume of active travelers;
•  Expanding targeted advertising systems within the tourism sector.

The Culture and Arts Development Fund, the Cultural Heritage Agency, and the Tourism Committee will jointly implement the following projects and initiatives between 2026 and 2028 to attract more tourists:

•  The “Samarkand Heritage Route” project, establishing a 6.6 km tourist route connecting the city’s most important historical sites;
•  Transforming the Itchan-Kala complex in Khiva into a globally unique, immersive, “smart” museum-city while integrating local lifestyle, trade, services, and communication systems with the historical environment.

In Tashkent, initiatives include:

•  Submitting materials to include modernist landmarks in the UNESCO World Heritage List;
•  Promoting the city as globally recognized for its extensive mosaic heritage.
• The Ministry of Investments, Industry, and Trade, together with the committee and local authorities, will attract globally recognized clothing brands to shopping and entertainment complexes and establish modern outlet centers based on national architectural styles on the outskirts of cities.

 The first phase (by 2030) will target Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva;
 The second phase (starting after 2030) will expand to other high-potential tourist locations.