Outbound tourism from Uzbekistan gained strong momentum in January 2026, with nearly 590,000 citizens traveling abroad - a 6.9 per cent increase compared to the same month last year.

The undisputed leader among destinations was Kyrgyzstan, which welcomed more than 232,000 Uzbek visitors. Neighboring Tajikistan and Kazakhstan also ranked among the top three, hosting 98,600 and 88,000 travelers respectively, The Caspian Post reports via Uzbek media.

The enduring popularity of these regional destinations is largely driven by geographic proximity, family ties, simplified border procedures, and active cross-border trade.

Beyond Central Asia, Saudi Arabia recorded the largest influx of Uzbek travelers among long-haul destinations, attracting more than 62,600 visitors in the first month of the year. Russia, Türkiye, and United Arab Emirates also remained key travel hubs.

Rounding out the top ten were Thailand, China, and Egypt.

In total, 589,647 Uzbek citizens left the country in January alone - nearly 40,000 more than during the same period in 2025 - underscoring a steady rise in international mobility and regional tourism activity.

photo: Uzbek National Statistics Committee