Uzbekistan and India Plan Reciprocal 30-Day Visa-Free Travel

Uzbekistan has announced plans for a 30-day visa-free regime with India, a move Tashkent describes as reciprocal and aimed at boosting tourism between the two countries. The announcement came during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's state visit to Uzbekistan on August 29 and 30, 2026, when the two governments signed several agreements including a tourism cooperation program for 2026-2028.

What was announced

In its account of talks between President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Modi, the Uzbek presidency pointed to a 30-day visa-free regime, alongside 14 weekly flights linking the countries, as a way to lift tourist numbers. Uzbekistan's Tourism Committee was more direct, naming the "introduction of a 30-day visa-free regime for citizens of the two countries" as a planned measure.

Under the arrangement as described by Tashkent, Indian citizens would be able to stay in Uzbekistan visa-free for up to 30 days, with Uzbek citizens receiving an equivalent exemption for travel to India.

Not yet in effect

Despite the announcement, travelers should not assume the exemption is live. As of August 31, 2026, Uzbekistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs had not added India to its list of countries eligible for 30-day visa-free stays. India's side was similar: the official list of agreements from the visit confirms the tourism cooperation program but does not mention a visa exemption, and the joint statement makes no reference to a visa-free regime.

For now, existing rules still apply. Indian ordinary passport holders remain eligible for an Uzbekistan e-Visa and for visa-free transit of up to five days under certain conditions, while Indian diplomatic passport holders already have a 60-day exemption. On the Indian side, Uzbek citizens can apply for an Indian e-Visa, and India's visa portal states that foreign nationals need a visa unless exempt under a bilateral agreement.

What it means for nomads

If you are an Indian passport holder eyeing Central Asia, or an Uzbek national planning time in India, this signals easier access ahead but nothing you can rely on yet. The two governments have not clarified the effective date, which passport categories are covered, or any conditions attached to the 30-day stay.

Until the official visa lists are updated on both sides, continue to apply for an e-Visa or plan around current rules. Watch the respective foreign ministry and visa portal pages for confirmation before booking non-refundable travel, and keep proof of onward travel and accommodation ready in case entry conditions apply once the regime launches. Reciprocal visa-free arrangements typically cover tourism and short stays rather than long-term remote work, so anyone planning to base themselves for the full 30 days should still check what activities are permitted on visa-free entry.

Originally reported by VisasNews.