Uzbekistan and US Discussing Visa-Free Regime

Tashkent and Washington are discussing significantly simplifying travel for citizens and members of the business community. A major agreement to purchase U.S. aircraft is serving as a catalyst for this process.

This agreement is opening up new opportunities in direct flights and tourism. Uzbekistan and the United States are considering simplifying the visa-free regime.

This information was revealed by Uzbekistan's Deputy Minister of Transport, Jasurbek Choriev, during an interview with the Uzbekistan 24 television channel. According to him, negotiations between the two countries to facilitate travel for citizens and business representatives are a logical continuation of strategic agreements in the aviation sector.

The foundation for expanding cooperation lies in the contract between Uzbekistan Airways, the national airline, and Boeing Corporation for the delivery of 22 modern 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. According to the Ministry of Transport representative, the acquisition is a key element in the strategy to expand the geography of long-distance routes.

Specifically, attention will be focused on U.S. cities, which will not only strengthen business ties but also provide a significant impetus for the development of inbound tourism. “Tourism here will also develop – especially considering the recent decision to abolish the visa-free regime for U.S. citizens.

Now, the matter of simplifying the visa regime for our citizens and business representatives is being considered,” emphasized Jasurbek Choriev. He referred to the President’s decision on this issue.

As per the decision, starting January 1, 2026, U.S. citizens will be able to enter Uzbekistan without a visa for up to 30 days from the date of entry. This decision was made as a result of a policy aimed at increasing the country's appeal as a tourist destination.

In May of this year, Shavkat Mirziyoyev approved a set of measures to increase tourist traffic and instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to work on implementing a visa-free regime for U.S. citizens. Tashkent is expecting reciprocal measures from the U.S. to ease visa procedures for Uzbek citizens.

The issue of liberalizing visa regimes has also been actively discussed at a diplomatic level. Komil Allamjonov, an advisor to the Head of the Presidential Administration of Uzbekistan, reported that in October, during a meeting with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau and U.S. Presidential Special Representative for South and Central Asia Sergio Gor, the issue of a visa-free regime for U.S. citizens was raised.

Allamjonov assured U.S. partners of Uzbekistan's complete openness to tourists arriving from the United States. He also expressed hope for a constructive approach from the U.S. in easing visa requirements for Uzbek citizens.

Specifically, the extension of the validity of B1/B2 multiple-entry visas (for personal and business travel) from one year to ten years was highlighted as a major step toward further strengthening relations between Uzbekistan and the United States. Read “Zamin” on Telegram!