USA Citizens Can Now Visit Uzbekistan Visa-Free for 30 Days

US citizens no longer need a visa for a short trip to Uzbekistan. Since 1 January 2026 every US passport holder can enter visa-free and stay up to 30 days, whatever their age. This guide explains the Uzbekistan visa requirements for US citizens in 2026, the registration rule that still applies, and what to do if your trip is longer or your travel companions hold other passports.

Key facts

• Rule: US citizens can enter Uzbekistan without a visa for up to 30 days (as of October 2026).
• In force since: 1 January 2026, under Presidential Decree No. 203 of 3 November 2025.
• Who: all US citizens; before 2026 the exemption covered only tourists aged 55 and over.
• Registration: within 3 days of arrival, not counting weekends and holidays; hotels do it for you.
• Longer stays: more than 30 days needs a visa — apply on the official portal e-visa.gov.uz.
• Before you fly: check the US State Department's Uzbekistan page for passport validity and current advice.

What changed in 2026

On 3 November 2025 the President of Uzbekistan signed Decree No. 203. It states that from 1 January 2026, citizens of the United States can enter Uzbekistan without a visa for up to 30 days. The government presented it as a step to strengthen trade, cultural and tourism ties between the two countries.

Before this decree, the rules were narrower. Since 2021 only US citizens aged 55 and over, travelling as tourists, could stay visa-free for 30 days; most other Americans applied for an e-visa. The 2026 rule removes the age limit. As of October 2026 we have found no later change to the 30-day period.

What you still need

A visa waiver does not remove the other entry formalities.

• A valid US passport. Check the validity requirement on the US State Department's country page for Uzbekistan before you book flights, as airlines may refuse boarding with a passport that is close to expiry.
• Registration. Every foreign visitor must be registered at their place of stay within 3 days of arrival, not counting weekends and public holidays. Hotels and licensed guesthouses register you automatically through the national E-Mehmon system. If you stay with friends or in a private apartment, you or your host must register you, online through E-Mehmon or at the migration office.
• Keep your registration slips. Hotels usually give you a slip or confirmation; keep them until you leave the country, as officials may ask how you were registered.

Longer trips and travel companions

The visa-free period is up to 30 days. If you plan to stay longer, apply for the appropriate visa before you travel on the official e-visa portal, e-visa.gov.uz.

If you travel with people who hold other passports, their rules may differ. Many nationalities can visit Uzbekistan visa-free or with an e-visa — check the current rules for each passport on e-visa.gov.uz before you book.

Planning a side trip to Tajikistan, for example the Seven Lakes from Samarkand? Many nationalities can visit Tajikistan visa-free or with an e-visa — check the current rules for your passport on the official e-visa portal before you book. Coming back into Uzbekistan counts as a new entry.

What 30 days in Uzbekistan can cover

Thirty days is more than most visitors use. One week is enough for the classic route of Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva by fast train; two weeks lets you add mountain villages, a desert yurt camp or the Fergana Valley. Our Afrosiyob high-speed train guide explains how the cities connect, and if you are short of time, read what you could skip in 7 days.

Practical tips

• Check the official sources shortly before you travel: rules can change, and this page reflects October 2026.
• Keep a printed or offline copy of your hotel bookings for the entry check.
• Carry your passport when you travel between cities; it is needed for trains and hotel check-in.
• If you stay in a private home for a night, make sure your host registers you.
• Bring a bank card and some cash to exchange at banks for markets and small cafés.
• Travel insurance with medical cover is strongly recommended.

Plan it with TravelBliss

We are a Samarkand-based tour operator and plan private and small-group trips for American travellers, with English-speaking guides, hotels that handle your registration, and train tickets between the cities. For a first visit, look at the Classic Silk Road 8-day small-group tour or the guided Uzbekistan Discovery 7-day tour. Prices depend on group size and season — see the tour page or contact us.