Types of Visa for Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan has different visa categories for tourists, business travellers, students, workers, visitors, transit passengers, and other types of travellers. The correct visa depends on the purpose of the trip, nationality, and length of stay.

Some travellers can enter Uzbekistan without a visa, while eligible foreign nationals can apply for an Uzbekistan eVisa online. Others may need to apply through an Uzbek diplomatic mission or consular office.

Knowing the main types of visa for Uzbekistan can help travellers choose the right option before making travel arrangements.

Tourist Visa for Uzbekistan

The tourist visa is intended for foreign citizens travelling to Uzbekistan for tourism.

It is suitable for trips that include visiting cities such as Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva, as well as sightseeing, cultural visits, and other leisure activities.

The official information lists the standard tourist visa as a T visa and states that it can be issued for up to one month.

Eligible nationalities may instead use the electronic visa system for tourism. Before applying, travellers should check the current Uzbekistan visa requirements for their nationality.

Uzbekistan eVisa

The electronic visa is one of the most convenient options for eligible travellers.

An Uzbekistan Visa is applied for online rather than through a traditional visa application at a diplomatic mission. The official information states that the electronic visa system is available to citizens of countries included in the applicable eligibility list.

The applicable option depends on the traveller's eligibility and travel requirements.

Travellers should check the Uzbekistan visa online requirements before submitting an application because nationality-specific rules can differ.

Business Visa

A business visa is intended for people travelling to Uzbekistan for business-related activities.

This can include business meetings, negotiations, signing contracts, conferences, forums, exhibitions, and similar professional activities.

The official visa categories include B-1 for certain accredited representatives of foreign commercial organisations and B-2 for representatives of business circles temporarily staying in Uzbekistan. The B-2 business visa can be issued for up to one year.

A tourist visa should not automatically be treated as a business visa. Travellers should select the category that matches the actual purpose of their visit.

Transit Visa

A transit visa is intended for travellers passing through Uzbekistan on their way to another country.

The official visa categories include a TRAN transit visa, which is issued for up to three days.

Some nationalities may also qualify for visa-free transit under specific conditions. The official information includes a five-day visa-free transit arrangement for eligible citizens travelling through international airports and holding a qualifying onward ticket issued by Uzbekistan Airways.

Because transit rules depend on nationality and travel arrangements, travellers should check the applicable conditions before booking a route through Uzbekistan.

Group Tourist Visa

Uzbekistan also has a group tourist visa category.

The official rules state that a group must generally include at least five people, excluding children under 16, to qualify for the group visa category. Group tourist visas can be issued for stays of up to 15 or 30 days depending on the selected period.

This option may be relevant to organised tours where several travellers are visiting Uzbekistan together.

Pilgrimage Visa

A pilgrimage visa is available for foreign citizens visiting Uzbekistan to study or experience the country's cultural, historical, religious, and spiritual heritage.

The official category is known as the PLG pilgrimage visa and can be issued for up to two months. Applications are supported through the relevant tourism and religious authorities.

Uzbekistan has several historic religious sites, so this category is particularly relevant to travellers whose main purpose is religious or spiritual tourism.

Work Visa

Foreign nationals travelling to Uzbekistan for employment may require a work visa.

The official visa categories include an IS work entry visa, issued on the basis of the relevant licence from the Foreign Labor Migration Agency. The period of the visa depends on the approval granted for the employment.

A tourist visa or ordinary Uzbekistan eVisa should not be assumed to provide permission to work.

People taking up employment should check the applicable employment and immigration requirements before travelling.

Student and Education Visas

Uzbekistan has separate visa categories for foreign students.

The official categories include STD for temporary study under educational exchange arrangements and A-1 for students studying at educational institutions on a longer-term basis. These visas can generally be issued for up to one year, subject to the applicable conditions.

There are also separate categories for teachers and academics.

The A-2 teacher visa is intended for foreign teaching staff employed by qualifying educational institutions, while the A-3 academic visa is intended for temporary research and teaching activities.

Visitor Visa

A visitor visa is intended for people travelling to Uzbekistan to visit friends, relatives, or other individuals under the applicable invitation arrangements.

The official system includes PV-1 and PV-2 visitor visa categories. Depending on the category and invitation, a visitor visa can be issued for up to one year.

Travellers visiting family or friends should therefore check whether a visitor visa is more appropriate than a tourist visa.

Medical Visa

Uzbekistan also provides a medical visa category for foreign citizens travelling to the country for medical treatment.

The official medical entry visa can be issued for up to three months when the traveller is invited by a medical or treatment institution.

Applicants should have the appropriate supporting documentation from the medical institution when applying.

Investment Visa

Foreign investors may qualify for an investment visa when they meet the applicable investment conditions.

The official INV investment visa is a multiple-entry category that can be valid for up to three years. The rules also provide for visitor visas for eligible family members of investors for the corresponding period.

This category has specific investment requirements, so it is different from a standard business or tourist visa.

Diplomatic and Official Visas

Uzbekistan also issues visa categories for diplomatic, service, and official travel.

These include diplomatic visas for accredited diplomatic personnel, service visas for certain representatives of foreign organisations, and official visas for official or state visits.

These categories are generally linked to the traveller's official position or the purpose of the visit rather than ordinary tourism.

Media, Crew and Driver Visas

There are additional categories for specific professional groups.

Foreign media representatives may require a J-1 or J-2 visa, depending on their accreditation status. Separate categories also exist for aircraft and railway crew members and for drivers of freight vehicles.

These travellers should check the category that applies to their professional role before departure.

Which Uzbekistan Visa Do You Need?

The right visa depends mainly on why you are travelling.

Visa-free entry is also available to citizens of many countries under specific conditions. The official information also lists simplified electronic visa arrangements for eligible nationalities.

Before submitting an Uzbekistan visa application, travellers should confirm whether they actually need a visa, whether they qualify for an eVisa, and whether the selected visa matches their travel purpose.

The requirements can differ between tourism, business, work, study, transit, and other categories. Checking the applicable Uzbekistan visa information before booking travel can help avoid applying for the wrong type.