Tashkent Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, welcomes international travelers with increasingly streamlined entry procedures. Over recent years, Uzbekistan has significantly liberalized its visa policies, offering visa-free entry to citizens of over 90 countries and an efficient e-visa system for many others. The country has positioned itself as an accessible destination along the historic Silk Road, making entry requirements more traveler-friendly than ever before. The immigration process at Tashkent International Airport (TAS) is generally straightforward, though travelers should be prepared for thorough document checks and customs procedures. All visitors must present a valid passport with at least six months validity beyond their intended stay. The airport has modernized its facilities and processes, with most travelers clearing immigration within 30-60 minutes during normal traffic periods. Before traveling to Tashkent, it's essential to verify your specific country's visa requirements, ensure you have adequate travel insurance, and familiarize yourself with Uzbekistan's customs regulations, particularly regarding currency declaration. Registration requirements for stays longer than three days also apply, though hotels typically handle this automatically for their guests.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

Uzbekistan offers three main pathways for entry: visa-free access for eligible nationalities, electronic visa (e-visa) for most other countries, and traditional visa applications for a limited number of countries. The visa policy has been progressively liberalized to encourage tourism and business travel.

Visa-Free Entry

Up to 30 days (some countries have 60 or 90-day agreements)

Citizens of these countries can enter Uzbekistan without a visa for tourism or business purposes

Includes

European Union member states (all 27 countries) United Kingdom United States Canada Australia New Zealand Japan South Korea Israel Turkey Malaysia Singapore Brazil Argentina Chile CIS countries (Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, etc.)

Most countries receive 30 days visa-free. Some CIS countries have unlimited stay agreements. Passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond departure date. Visa-free travelers cannot extend their stay beyond the allowed period without leaving and re-entering.

Electronic Visa (e-Visa)

30 days (single or double entry)

Citizens of over 80 countries not eligible for visa-free entry can apply for an electronic visa online

Includes

China India Indonesia Philippines Thailand Vietnam South Africa Egypt Morocco Most African countries Most Asian countries not listed under visa-free

How to Apply: Apply online at e-visa.gov.uz. Processing typically takes 2-3 business days but can be up to 5 days. Upload passport copy, passport photo, and provide accommodation details. Approval is sent via email.
Cost: Approximately USD 20 for single entry, USD 35 for double entry (fees may vary)

E-visa must be printed and presented at immigration. Valid for 90 days from issue date, with stays up to 30 days. Can be used for tourism, business, or visiting family. Extension possible through local OVIR office but requires justification.

Traditional Visa Required

Varies by visa type (typically 30-90 days)

A small number of countries require traditional visa application through an embassy or consulate

How to Apply: Apply at nearest Uzbekistan embassy or consulate with completed application form, passport photos, hotel reservations, and invitation letter if required. Processing takes 5-10 business days.

Very few countries still require traditional visas. Check with your nearest Uzbekistan diplomatic mission. Some nationalities may require an invitation letter from a host organization or individual in Uzbekistan.

Arrival Process

Upon arrival at Tashkent International Airport, travelers proceed through immigration control, collect baggage, and pass through customs. The process is systematic but can be thorough, particularly regarding customs declarations.

Disembarkation and Health Screening

Exit the aircraft and follow signs to immigration. Temperature screening or health checks may be conducted depending on current health protocols.

Immigration Control

Present your passport, visa (if applicable), and completed arrival card to the immigration officer. Biometric data (fingerprints and photo) may be collected. Officers may ask about your purpose of visit and accommodation.

Baggage Claim

Collect your checked luggage from the designated carousel. Carts are available for a small fee or deposit.

Customs Declaration

Complete a customs declaration form if carrying items that require declaration. Proceed through either the 'Nothing to Declare' (green channel) or 'Goods to Declare' (red channel) line.

Final Exit

After clearing customs, exit to the arrivals hall where you can access taxis, hotel shuttles, and currency exchange services.

Documents to Have Ready

Valid Passport

Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay (3 months for some visa-free countries). Must have at least two blank pages for stamps.

Visa or e-Visa

If required based on nationality. E-visa must be printed; showing on phone may not be accepted.

Arrival/Departure Card

Distributed on the flight or available at immigration. Fill out completely with accommodation address in Uzbekistan.

Return/Onward Ticket

Proof of departure from Uzbekistan. May be checked at immigration.

Accommodation Confirmation

Hotel reservation or invitation letter showing where you will stay. Required for registration purposes.

Customs Declaration Form

Required if carrying more than USD 2,000 (or equivalent) in cash, valuable items, or restricted goods. Keep the stamped copy for departure.

Tips for Smooth Entry

Have all documents organized and easily accessible before reaching immigration to speed up the process

Keep your customs declaration form safe if you declared currency - you'll need to present it when departing to take the same amount out

Register your stay within 3 days of arrival. Hotels do this automatically, but if staying with friends/family, you must register at the local OVIR office

Download offline maps and translation apps before arrival, as airport WiFi may be limited

Exchange a small amount of currency at the airport for immediate needs (taxi, snacks), but better rates are available in the city

Be polite and patient with immigration officers. Avoid joking or making casual comments about sensitive topics

Take a photo of your passport, visa, and stamped customs declaration form as backup

Official taxis are located outside the terminal; agree on fare before departing or insist on using the meter

Customs & Duty-Free

Uzbekistan customs regulations are strictly enforced, particularly regarding currency declaration and prohibited items. All travelers must pass through customs control, and random baggage inspections are common. Proper declaration of cash and valuables is essential to avoid complications when departing the country.

Alcohol

Up to 2 liters of alcoholic beverages (wine, spirits, or beer combined)

Must be 18 years or older. Alcohol may be subject to inspection. Larger quantities subject to duty.

Tobacco

Up to 600 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco products

Must be 18 years or older. For personal use only.

Currency

Amounts over USD 2,000 (or equivalent in any currency) must be declared on arrival

CRITICAL: Declare all cash over USD 2,000. Keep the stamped declaration form - you cannot take out more than you declared bringing in. Undeclared currency may be confiscated. This includes all currencies combined.

Gifts/Goods

Personal goods and gifts up to USD 1,000 in value

Items for personal use during stay are generally exempt. Commercial quantities will be questioned and may incur duties.

Electronics

Personal electronics (laptop, camera, phone) for personal use

Multiple identical items may be questioned as commercial goods. Professional camera equipment may require declaration.

Prohibited Items

Narcotics and psychotropic substances - severe penalties including long prison sentences
Weapons, ammunition, and explosives - including realistic replicas
Pornographic materials - broadly defined, includes magazines and digital content
Materials deemed extremist or threatening to national security - political or religious materials may be scrutinized
Endangered species products - ivory, certain furs, exotic animal products
Counterfeit goods - fake designer items, pirated media
Drones - without prior permission from authorities
Satellite phones - require special permits

Restricted Items

Prescription medications - bring original packaging, prescription letter, and only quantities for personal use during stay
Antiques and cultural artifacts - require export permits; items over 50 years old cannot be exported without special permission
Gold and precious metals - amounts over 500g must be declared
Professional video/photography equipment - may require temporary import documentation
Religious materials - large quantities may be questioned; for personal use only
Certain food products - fresh fruits, vegetables, meat products may be restricted

Health Requirements

Uzbekistan does not currently require specific vaccinations for most travelers, but health precautions are recommended. Health requirements may change, particularly in response to global health situations.

Required Vaccinations

Yellow Fever - only if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (certificate required)

Recommended Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations - ensure MMR, DTP, and polio are up to date
Hepatitis A - recommended for all travelers due to food and water safety
Hepatitis B - recommended for travelers who may have contact with blood/body fluids or require medical treatment
Typhoid - recommended, especially if visiting smaller cities or rural areas
Rabies - consider for travelers spending time outdoors or in rural areas
Tuberculosis - TB rates are higher than in Western countries; long-term travelers should consider screening

Health Insurance

Travel health insurance is strongly recommended but not mandatory for entry. Ensure your policy covers medical evacuation, as specialized medical care may require transfer to neighboring countries. Some e-visa applications may request proof of insurance. Medical facilities in Tashkent are adequate for basic care but may not meet Western standards for serious conditions.

Current Health Requirements: Check current COVID-19 requirements before travel, as testing, vaccination, or quarantine rules may apply. Visit the official Uzbekistan government website or contact your nearest embassy for the latest health entry requirements. Some countries may require specific health documentation for return travel.

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Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Embassy/Consulate

Contact your country's embassy or consulate in Tashkent for citizen services

Register with your embassy if staying for extended periods. Check your government's travel advisory website (travel.state.gov for US, gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice for UK, smartraveller.gov.au for Australia)

Immigration Authority (OVIR)

Main Office for Visas and Registration - handles registration, visa extensions, and immigration matters

Located in Tashkent. Required for registration if not staying in hotels and for visa extensions. Website: mehnat.uz (Ministry of Employment and Labor Relations)

E-Visa Portal

Official e-visa application website: e-visa.gov.uz

For electronic visa applications and status checks

Emergency Services

Emergency number: 112 (unified emergency number) or 01 (fire), 02 (police), 03 (ambulance)

English may be limited; have your hotel or a local contact call if possible

Tashkent International Airport

Airport information: +998 78 140 28 01

For flight information and airport services

Tourist Police

Special tourism police service available in major tourist areas

Can assist with tourist-related issues and translation

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Children must have their own passport (cannot be added to parent's passport). If traveling with one parent or without parents, carry a notarized letter of consent from the non-traveling parent(s) in English and Russian, stating permission for the child to travel. Birth certificates may be requested. Children follow the same visa requirements as adults. For unaccompanied minors, special arrangements with airlines are required.

Traveling with Pets

Pets require an international veterinary health certificate issued within 5 days of travel, proof of rabies vaccination (at least 30 days before travel but not more than 12 months), and microchip identification. Import permit may be required - check with Uzbekistan's veterinary service before travel. Some breeds of dogs may be restricted. Airlines have specific requirements for pet transport. Quarantine is generally not required if documentation is in order.

Extended Stays

Tourist visas/visa-free stays are typically limited to 30 days. For longer stays, apply for a business visa (up to 90 days) with an invitation from an Uzbek organization, or a private visa if visiting family. Extensions are possible but must be applied for before your current visa expires through the local OVIR office. Work, study, and long-term residence require specific visa categories obtained before arrival. Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, and future entry bans.

Business Travelers

Business visitors can use visa-free entry or tourist e-visa for short business trips (meetings, conferences). For longer business stays or work activities, obtain a business visa with an invitation letter from an Uzbek company or organization. The invitation must be registered with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Business visa holders must register within 3 days and may need to provide proof of business activities.

Dual Nationals

If you hold Uzbek citizenship (including by birth), you must enter and exit Uzbekistan on your Uzbek passport, regardless of other nationalities held. Dual nationals may face restrictions on certain activities and should check with the Uzbek embassy regarding their specific situation.

Journalists and Media

Professional journalists and media workers require special accreditation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before arrival. Tourist visas do not permit professional journalism activities. Bring documentation of your media organization and purpose of visit. Filming in certain areas may require additional permits.