Uzbekistan Airways New York

Starting January 1, 2026, U.S. citizens will be able to visit Uzbekistan without a visa for up to 30 days, marking a big change that further simplifies travel to this fascinating Central Asian destination. It is one of the most traveler-friendly moves in the region and a reason to visit (or, in my case, revisit) this often-overlooked gem of history, culture, and Silk Road splendor.

U.S. Citizens To Visit Uzbekistan Visa-Free Beginning 2026

Under a presidential decree signed in November 2025 by Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Americans will be able to enter Uzbekistan for tourism and short business trips without obtaining a visa in advance, staying for up to 30 days from the date of entry. Previously, only U.S. citizens over the age of 55 enjoyed visa-free access, with others required to apply for a $20 e-visa or a consular visa for tourism or business (and even that was an improvement from the hoops I had to go through less than a decade ago when I traveled there).

Uzbekistan’s push to liberalize its entry requirements is part of a broader effort to grow tourism and international ties. The country has seen its visitor numbers surge over the last decade as more travelers discover the architectural grandeur of Samarkand, the historic bazaars of Bukhara, and the modern vibe of Tashkent. Before this change, Uzbekistan’s modest e-visa requirements were already easier than many destinations, but removing the visa entirely for U.S. travelers eliminates a barrier that will encourage even more trips.

I first ventured into Uzbekistan in 2016 with One Mile At A Time and was captivated by its blend of ancient and Soviet-era history, its warm hospitality, and its unique culture. In that trip, we flew Uzbekistan Airways’ 787 from New York to Tashkent, which may not have been my favorite Dreamliner seat or flight, but was a great experience that took us nonstop to a part of the world that most Americans have never visited.

Perhaps one of the most memorable moments from that trip was meeting local residents at random on the train between cities, including one unforgettable encounter with an Uzbek man who insisted on engaging with us despite the language barrier. That kind of unexpected cultural exchange is what makes a place like Uzbekistan so special.

I still regret not flying on the IL-114 on that trip…

My Uzbekistan Money Pile

And yes, a confession. I am still sitting on a stack of Uzbek Som from that trip, a curious mix of notes that may have appreciated or languished in value over the years. I haven’t checked their exchange rate recently, so it’s a question whether that cash is now worth more or less than when I bartered for these in a park in Tashkent.

CONCLUSION

Visa-free travel for U.S. citizens to Uzbekistan beginning in 2026 is a welcome development that should open the door for many Americans to experience a truly distinctive travel destination. I’m very pleased to see any country make it easier for U.S. citizens to visit and can personally testify that it is a destination worth visiting.

Hey Ben, time to return?

3 Comments

Cy Reply

December 12, 2025 at 7:51 am

Most of Central Asia is visa free these days thankfully. Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan also all visa free for Americans.
- Matthew Klint Reply
  
  December 12, 2025 at 7:58 am
  
  Now we just need Turkmenistan…
Ricardo Reply

December 12, 2025 at 8:58 am

It’s visa-free, but Americans entering the country must show all their social media accounts and prove that they venerate and idolize the great Uzbek leader.