Uzbekistan to simplify entry rules and expand visa-free access for tourists

The measures are outlined in a presidential decree signed on November 20 – “On organizing the activities of the Tourism Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan and measures for the rapid development of the tourism sector”. The decree introduces a deputy chairman position for the Tourism Committee responsible for promoting national tourist products worldwide, and establishes the committee’s foreign representative offices.

Within two months, the committee, together with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Transport, and other relevant agencies, will propose:

• An expanded list of countries eligible for visa-free entry;
• Simplified procedures for entering and staying in Uzbekistan;
• Development of tourism-transport logistics.

In coordination with the Agency for Strategic Development and Reforms, the committee will also prepare a draft Uzbekistan Tourism Development Strategy until 2040 by March 1, 2026.

Additionally, in cooperation with the Ministry for Digital Technologies and the Ministry of Economy and Finance, the committee will submit a marketing strategy for tourism services markets through 2030 to the Cabinet of Ministers by April 1, 2026. The strategy will focus on:

• Promoting national tourism products in countries with a high volume of outbound travelers;
• Expanding the use of targeted advertising in the tourism sector.

The decree sets key objectives for the tourism sector through 2030, including:

• Increasing tourism’s share in GDP from 3.5% to 7%;
• Doubling the number of foreign tourists from 10 million to 20 million annually, including increasing high-spending travelers;
• Raising annual tourism service exports above $6 billion;
• Enhancing transport connections between tourist cities, increasing domestic flights, and reducing travel time by at least threefold;
• Doubling the number of 4- and 5-star hotels;
• Fully leveraging Uzbekistan’s tourism potential through diversification of services and products;
• Creating a globally recognized tourism brand and introducing new instruments to promote national tourist products.