Uzbekistan Announces Visa-Free Regime for U.S. Citizens from 2026

By presidential decree, Uzbekistan will lift visa requirements for U.S. citizens starting January 1, 2026.

Under the new policy, U.S. citizens will be able to stay in Uzbekistan visa-free for up to 30 days from the date of entry, The Caspian Post reports, citing Uzbek media.

Currently, most U.S. citizens must secure a visa, typically via the country’s e-Visa portal, to enter Uzbekistan for tourism or business purposes. However, there is an existing limited exemption: U.S. nationals aged 55 and older already enjoy a 30-day visa-free stay and those under the age of 16 can visit Uzbekistan visa-free for tourism purposes for a period not exceeding 90 days, provided that they present a valid passport or biometric travel document and are accompanied by their legal guardians.

The new visa-free regime for U.S. citizens aligns with Uzbekistan’s broader effort to liberalize entry controls and stimulate tourism. Currently, citizens from many countries already benefit from visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to Uzbekistan.

Such a liberal visa policy matters not only for tourism but also for diplomacy, business, and cultural exchange. By eliminating visa barriers for Americans, Uzbekistan signals openness to foreign investment, academic exchange, and deeper bilateral ties. Observers note that visa requirements can reduce tourism inflows by 50-75 percent, depending on how onerous the process is.

From the U.S. side, easing entry for U.S. citizens may also serve as diplomatic goodwill, especially since Uzbeks still face restrictive visa conditions when traveling to the United States. By leveling some of these barriers in one direction, Uzbekistan may gain leverage in negotiating more favorable terms for its own citizens.

Moreover, setting the precedent of offering visa-free access may encourage other countries to reciprocate, helping Uzbekistan improve its global mobility ranking and integrate more fully into international networks of travel, trade, and soft diplomacy.