Indian citizens will get 30-day visa-free entry to Uzbekistan as both countries expand tourism cooperation. India and Uzbekistan are already connected by 14 direct flights every week.
Highlights:
- Uzbekistan announces 30-day visa-free entry for Indian citizens
- Move announced during PM Modi’s August 29–30 state visit
- Tourism Cooperation Programme signed for 2026–2028
- India and Uzbekistan currently have 14 direct flights every week
- Bilateral trade has crossed $1 billion
- Both countries aim to increase trade to $5 billion by 2030
Story
Uzbekistan has announced a 30-day visa-free regime for Indian citizens, making travel easier and potentially giving a major boost to tourism, business travel and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.
Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev announced the decision during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to Uzbekistan on August 29–30, 2026.
Alongside the visa-free announcement, India and Uzbekistan signed a Tourism Cooperation Programme for 2026–2028 aimed at expanding tourism exchanges and creating new opportunities for collaboration.
According to Uzbekistan’s Tourism Committee, the visa-free regime is expected to increase tourist flows between the two countries. The tourism programme also envisages cultural weeks, film festivals, tourism events and the development of new joint tourist routes.
Air connectivity is already in place between India and Uzbekistan. According to the Uzbek President’s Office, the two countries are currently connected by 14 direct flights every week. These flights are part of the existing connectivity and were not newly announced alongside the visa-free regime.
The tourism push comes as India and Uzbekistan expand their broader bilateral relationship. During Modi’s visit, the two countries elevated their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Both sides agreed to deepen cooperation across trade, investment, energy, critical minerals, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, education, technology and connectivity.
Economic relations have also gained momentum. Bilateral trade crossed $1 billion for the first time last year, according to Uzbekistan. The number of joint ventures involving the two countries has increased sevenfold in recent years.
India and Uzbekistan have now set a target of increasing bilateral trade to $5 billion by 2030.
Educational and cultural links are also expanding, with four Indian universities currently operating in Uzbekistan.
The 30-day visa-free facility could make Uzbekistan a more accessible destination for Indian travellers while supporting business visits and wider exchanges. The Tourism Cooperation Programme for 2026–2028 is expected to further strengthen these links through tourism promotion, cultural events and new travel routes.
