Tashkent/New Delhi: Indians can now visit Uzbekistan without visas for 30 days. The announcement was made by Uzbek president Shavkat Mirziyoyev during his delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Tashkent on August 30.
The goal of this new policy is to boost travel, trade, and cultural ties between the two nations.
Under the newly announced rule, Indian passport holders will be allowed to enter Uzbekistan without getting a visa for stays of up to 30 days. For those who have a stop at Uzbekistan, Indian citizens must show an onwards ticket (within 5 days), and the airline must inform Uzbekistan border authorities of eligible passengers.
After his meeting with PM Modi, president Mirziyoyev described India as a reliable strategic partner and said that bilateral trade crossed US$1 billion for the first time last year, as reported by News18.
The number of joint ventures between the two countries has increased 7 times in the past few years, he said. There is also a growing link between the two cultures, including the Lal Bahadur Shastri Centre for Indian Culture and the Mahatma Gandhi Centre for Indian Studies.
A visit to Uzbekistan feels incomplete without seeing the Registan Square in Samarkand, one of the country’s most recognisable landmarks. Surrounded by three magnificent madrassas, the square showcases the intricate blue, turquoise and gold tilework associated with Central Asian architecture.
Samarkand was a major centre along the ancient Silk Road and is today recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site. While here, one can explore other historic attractions including the Shah-i-Zinda complex, Gur-Emir Mausoleum and Bibi-Khanym Mosque.
Exploring Itchan Kala, the historic walled inner city of Khiva can feel like walking through an open-air museum. One can wander through narrow lanes surrounded by centuries-old mosques, madrassas, minarets and traditional buildings.
The Kunya-Ark Fortress, Juma Mosque and distinctive Kalta Minor Minaret are among the sights worth seeing. Khiva is particularly appealing for travellers who enjoy photography, as its ochre-coloured walls and richly decorated monuments create striking views throughout the old city.
Food is an important part of the Uzbekistan travel experience, so one can make time for the country’s lively bazaars. In Tashkent, Chorsu Bazaar is a great place to experience local produce, spices, breads and everyday food culture.
Tourists may try traditional dishes such as plov, manty and freshly baked Uzbek bread, while exploring stalls selling dried fruits, nuts and sweets. Bazaars also offer an opportunity to see the everyday rhythm of Uzbek life rather than experiencing the country only through its historic monuments.
The Uzbek capital offers a different side of the country, blending Soviet-era architecture, modern city life and traditional neighbourhoods. One of the easiest ways to explore the capital is by taking a ride on the Tashkent Metro, whose stations are known for distinctive mosaics, chandeliers and decorative designs.
Nature lovers can head towards the Chimgan Mountains and Charvak Lake. The mountain region offers scenic views and opportunities for hiking, while Charvak provides a picturesque setting surrounded by the Tian Shan foothills. The area can be visited as a day trip from Tashkent, making it a convenient addition to an itinerary focused on the country’s major cities. Depending on the season and operating conditions, visitors can also experience a chairlift ride in Chimgan