American tourists could soon enjoy visa-free entry to Uzbekistan as the country is seeking to drop the visa requirements for short-term stays.
The President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, has already instructed the government to develop a framework for a 30-day visa-free entry for US passport holders. Through this move, the Central Asian country wants to attract more visitors and reduce travel barriers, VisaGuide.World reports.
While the authorities did not give a specific date when the visa-free travel for American tourists will enter into force, it has been explained that the officials have three months’ time to put the plan together, Eurasianet explains.
US Passport Holders Currently Need an e-Visa for Entry to Uzbekistan
Currently, all US passport holders under the age of 55 need to obtain a $20 electronic visa in order to be permitted entry into the territory of Uzbekistan, while Americans over 55 are permitted visa-free entry.
As for Uzbekistan passport holders, they all, regardless of their age, need to obtain a visa to be allowed entry into the US.
By lifting the visa requirement for all American citizens, Uzbekistan wants to align its policy with the one being applied to seniors, as well as a number of other countries.
The inclusion of the US in the list of countries whose citizens are permitted visa-free entry to Uzbekistan would change the passport ranking.
According to the VisaGuide Passport Index, the US passport currently ranks 42nd in the world. US passport holders are eligible for visa-free travel to a total of 140 countries. On the other hand, they need to obtain a visa for entry into 18 countries.
In addition, US passport holders need an ETA for eight countries, a visa on arrival for 31 countries, and an electronic visa for 28 countries.
Uzbekistan Will Introduce Visa-Free Entry for Chinese Passport Holders Too
In its attempt to promote tourism to the country, Uzbekistan announced just recently that it will also drop the visa requirements for passport holders of China.
As explained by Uzbekistan authorities, starting June 1, 2025, all nationals of China will enjoy visa-free entry to the country for stays of up to 30 days.
From the same date, China will also drop visas for Uzbekistan passport holders, as this is an intergovernmental agreement.
This agreement between the two countries is expected to make travel between the two nations easier, and at the same time, also contribute to the tourism sector. In the future, Uzbekistan plans to attract up to one million Chinese tourists.