Got a US, UK or Schengen visa? Indian travellers get 30 days at this rising tourist destination visa-free

Indian citizens can now enjoy a 30-day visa-free stay in Uzbekistan if they possess valid multiple-entry business or tourist visas from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, the Schengen Agreement states, the United Kingdom, or the United States. The Indian Embassy in Tashkent has announced this change. Travelers must also have a confirmed return or onward air ticket to their home country.

However, Indian citizens who do not fall under this category will need to obtain an Uzbekistan visa as per the standard visa procedures. Uzbekistan's popularity as a tourist destination has been growing due to its rich Silk Road heritage, historic cities, distinctive architecture, cuisine, and cultural traditions. Key attractions include UNESCO-listed cities like Samarkand, Bukhara, Shakhrisabz, and Khiva, each featuring centuries-old mosques, madrasas, mausoleums, and other landmarks.

Uzbekistan's varied landscape also includes mountains, plains, rivers, and lakes, offering opportunities for skiing, hiking, and other outdoor activities. The recent development of high-speed rail networks, such as the Afrosiyob line, has made travel between key tourist destinations more convenient.