U.S. tourists may soon experience visa-free travel to Uzbekistan.

On May 15, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev issued a decree mandating his government to establish a 30-day visa-free travel period for American tourists. This move comes as part of a larger initiative to reduce travel barriers, both for foreign visitors and Uzbek citizens alike. Officials have been given three months to propose a comprehensive plan involving both American travelers to Uzbekistan and Uzbek tourists in the United States.

Previously, Americans over the age of 55 had enjoyed a 30-day visa-free stay. However, those under 55 were required to apply for a $20 e-visa via a government portal before visiting the country. Meanwhile, Uzbek citizens wishing to enter the United States must secure a tourist visa. According to data from the State Department, during Fiscal Year 2024, nearly two-thirds of applications from Uzbek citizens were rejected—the highest rate in the region.

Tourism in Uzbekistan has witnessed significant growth over the past decade, having become an important part of Mirziyoyev's economic reform strategy for the country. The government has tirelessly promoted tourist destinations like Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva, as well as lesser-known sites. In 2024, approximately 8.2 million foreign tourists visited Uzbekistan, surging from 1 million in 2016 and climbing from 6.6 million in 2023.

In April 2025, Mirziyoyev announced that the goal of attracting 15 million foreign tourists per year, previously set for 2030, could be achieved sooner. At present, only a small fraction—0.3% or 23,000 tourists—of the total number of foreign visitors in 2023 were American. By removing obstacles to travel, such as a visa-free period, Uzbekistan hopes to increase the number of American tourists.

Research studies have shown that visa requirements, even minimal ones like an e-visa, can reduce tourism from affected countries by up to 75%. In contrast, countries like Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan in Central Asia already offer a 30-day visa-free period to American travelers, while Uzbekistan will soon join their ranks.

Recent diplomatic efforts have seen Uzbekistan engage in critical minerals deals with the United States, as well as hosting undocumented Central Asian migrants on behalf of the Trump administration. Moving forward, the country has finalized agreements to expand visa-free travel for Uzbek citizens to China, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain. The visa-free regime with China is due to commence on June 1.

In addition to improving travel opportunities for American tourists, Mirziyoyev also aims to ease visa requirements for Uzbek citizens visiting the United States through negotiations with the U.S government, although no definite changes have been made thus far. Moreover, the president has instructed officials to establish a system for citizens of Russia, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan to visit Uzbekistan using a domestic passport or alternative ID—a precedent already implemented for Kyrgyz citizens.

By granting visa-free travel to American tourists while actively seeking reciprocal benefits for Uzbek citizens visiting the United States, Uzbekistan aims to foster closer ties with its Western counterparts, while simultaneously positioning itself as an attractive destination for foreign travelers.

The visa-free travel policy for American tourists in Uzbekistan is part of a larger initiative aimed at reducing travel barriers and fostering closer ties with Western counterparts.
Research studies indicate that even minimal visa requirements can reduce tourism from affected countries by up to 75%, and countries like Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan in Central Asia already offer a 30-day visa-free period to American travelers.
Uzbekistan hopes to increase the number of American tourists by removing obstacles to travel, while also aiming to ease visa requirements for Uzbek citizens visiting the United States through negotiations with the U.S government.
In addition to improving travel opportunities for American tourists, Uzbekistan has also finalized agreements to expand visa-free travel for Uzbek citizens to China, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain, with the visa-free regime with China set to commence on June 1.