Exciting news for American travellers: Uzbekistan has officially confirmed that U.S. citizens will be able to visit the country visa-free starting 1st January 2026. This follows a presidential decree signed on November 3, 2025, first reported by UzA, Uzbekistan’s state news agency, and later covered internationally.
Under this new policy, American passport holders can stay in Uzbekistan for up to 30 days without a visa, making travel far simpler and more accessible than before.
What the New Visa-Free Rule Means for Americans
From January 2026, the rule is straightforward:
- All U.S. citizens qualify, with no age restrictions
- Maximum stay is 30 days
- No visa, e-visa, or invitation letter is required
- Applies to all entries starting 1 January 2026
This replaces previous, more limited exemptions, expanding access for travellers of all ages.
Looking Back: Limited Visa-Free Access
Before this change, visa-free entry for U.S. citizens was restricted:
- Children under 16 traveling for tourism could enter without a visa if accompanied by a legal guardian. Their stay was tied to the guardian’s visa and capped at 90 days.
- Travellers aged 55 and over could visit Uzbekistan for tourism for up to 30 days without a visa.
The new regulation removes these age-based restrictions, opening Uzbekistan to all American tourists and short-term business travellers.
Why This Change Matters
The Uzbek government sees this as more than just a visa update. The policy is designed to:
- Attract more American tourists
- Encourage business and investment travel
- Promote cultural, educational, and people-to-people exchanges
- Strengthen long-term relations between the U.S. and Uzbekistan
It’s part of Uzbekistan’s ongoing effort to modernize entry processes and make the country more appealing for long-haul visitors.
Uzbekistan’s Broader Visa Liberalisation
The U.S. is not the only country benefiting. In October 2025, Uzbekistan also introduced visa-free entry for six Middle Eastern countries: Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan. Combined, these steps make Uzbekistan one of Central Asia’s most accessible destinations.
For travellers who are not eligible for visa-free entry, Uzbekistan still offers a quick and simple e-visa system. Many European and Asian nationals can apply online at https://e-visa.gov.uz/main. E-visas are processed in 1–3 working days, valid for 90 days, and allow stays of up to 30 days. Payment is online, and the visa is emailed directly to the applicant.
Full details are available here:
- https://www.youngpioneertours.com/uzbekistan-tourist-visa/
- https://www.youngpioneertours.com/getting-your-travel-visa-faqs/
Planning Your Trip to Uzbekistan
Young Pioneer Tours offers Central Asia trips that combine Uzbekistan with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan, making it easier to experience the region in one journey. With Uzbekistan now more accessible, 2026 is the perfect time to plan a visit. Explore the historic Silk Road cities of Samarkand and Bukhara, savor the rich local cuisine, or venture into the mountains of Kyrgyzstan to admire alpine lakes like Issyk-Kul. In Kazakhstan, the dramatic Charyn Canyon near Almaty offers breathtaking natural landscapes, while Turkmenistan’s Gates of Hell – a fiery crater that has been burning for decades – provides an unforgettable sight.
Central Asia offers a rich mix of history, landscapes, and culture, and traveling through multiple countries gives a fuller sense of the region’s diversity. You can see the full range of Central Asia trips here:
https://www.youngpioneertours.com/international-tours/central-asia-tours/
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