Why is this important
The visa-free regime for the USA will open Uzbek tourism to the largest market — Americans spend more than $100 billion annually on foreign trips. Now they are getting a visa because of the complexity of the procedure. The abolition of visas will attract thousands of tourists, investors, and businesspeople, increasing the industry’s revenue (1+ billion dollars per year). The reciprocal simplification will make it easier for Uzbek citizens to travel to the USA for work, study, and business.
What happened
- From January 1, 2026, US citizens will enter Uzbekistan without a visa for up to 30 days;
- The Presidential Decree of November 3 (UP-203) has not yet been published;
- Part of the strategy for increasing tourist flow (May 2025);
- In response, visa requirements for Uzbek citizens are expected to be eased.
Visa-free regime conditions
- Period: up to 30 days from the moment of entry.
- No extension: after 30 days, you need to leave the country or get a visa.
- Purpose: tourism, business, short-term visits.
Tourism Development Strategy
In May 2025, Mirziyoyev approved measures to increase tourist flow. One of them is the visa-free regime for citizens of the largest markets (USA, Great Britain, Canada, Australia). Uzbekistan has already abolished visas for 90+ countries (EU, Japan, South Korea, UAE, Turkey).
U.S. Response
Uzbekistan expects visa requirements to be eased for its citizens. Now it’s difficult to get an American visa: getting an interview at the embassy takes 6-12 months, refusals are frequent, the cost is $160+. It is expected that the procedure will be simplified, the waiting time will be reduced.
Tourist potential
Americans spend more than $100 billion annually on foreign trips. Uzbekistan is an exotic destination with ancient cities (Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva), the Great Silk Road, and hospitality. The visa-free regime will attract thousands of tourists, increasing the industry’s revenue (1+ billion dollars per year).
Context
- Visa regime now: US citizens receive visas through the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Washington (consular fee $160, processing time 5-10 days). The complexity of the procedure intimidates tourists.
- Visa-free regime for 90+ countries: Uzbekistan canceled visas for EU, Japan, South Korea, UAE, Turkey, Russia, Kazakhstan. The US is the next step.
- Tourist flow: In 2024, Uzbekistan was visited by 7+ million foreigners (income $1.5 billion). The goal is 10 million by 2030. Americans make up less than 1% due to visas.
- US response: easing visa requirements for Uzbek citizens will open access to American education, work, business, and tourism. Now, refusal of American visas is 30-50%.
