Uzbekistan grants Indian passport holders 30-day visa-free entry

Uzbekistan plans to waive visa requirements for Indian passport holders travelling for up to 30 days, scrapping the mandatory electronic visa that Indian citizens previously needed for short trips. The change was announced during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Tashkent in late August 2026, and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev confirmed the measure as a way to boost tourism and short business travel between the two countries.

What changed

Until now, Indian travellers had to obtain a single-entry or multiple-entry e-visa online, paying government processing fees and waiting for approval before departure. Under the new policy, Indian citizens can enter directly at border checkpoints for stays of up to 30 days, covering all travel purposes including tourism and short business visits.

The waiver removes both the application fees and the processing delays that came with the e-visa system. Stays longer than 30 days still fall under Uzbekistan's standard residency rules, and long-stay visas plus any required work authorisation remain unchanged.

An important caveat

The announcement came on 30 August 2026, but the formal government decree and operational instructions were still pending at the time of reporting. According to the source, Uzbekistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and national carrier databases had not yet updated their systems to reflect visa-free boarding for Indian passport holders.

That gap matters. Until border authorities issue the administrative order and airline systems catch up, travellers could face boarding denials if they arrive without an active e-visa. Anyone with an imminent trip should confirm the current requirements directly with their airline and Uzbek consular officials before flying.

What it means for nomads

For Indian remote workers, the change makes Uzbekistan a far easier short-stay option. Central Asia has drawn growing interest from nomads for its low costs and increasingly relaxed entry rules, and dropping the e-visa hurdle lowers both the cost and the friction of a 30-day scouting trip or workation in cities like Tashkent and Samarkand.

The 30-day window suits testing a destination before committing to anything longer, but it is not a work or residence permit. Nomads planning to stay beyond a month, or to formally base themselves in the country, will still need to navigate Uzbekistan's regular long-stay and residency procedures.

The practical takeaway: the policy is a clear win once it is fully operational, but during this transition period, verify before you book and before you board.

Originally reported by Stamped Nomad.