If you hold a passport from one of Uzbekistan’s 60-plus visa-free countries, the path to Tashkent is shorter than many buyers expect. You can enter Uzbekistan without a visa for up to 30 days. For hardware buyers heading to the Central Asia International Hardware Expo (CAIHE), 24–26 November 2026 at Uzexpocentre, that removes one of the biggest friction points in visiting a new market.
CAIHE is a first-edition fair, so there are no legacy attendance numbers to quote. What we can tell you is practical: for many international visitors, the visa rules are the simplest part of the journey.
The 30-Day Visa-Free Rule at a Glance
Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs lists more than 60 countries and territories whose citizens can enter visa-free for stays of up to 30 days. The 30-day count starts on the day you pass through border control, not on the first day of the fair.
For most CAIHE visitors, that is enough time. The event runs three days, leaving room for factory visits, distributor meetings, or a day in Tashkent before or after the show.
The visa-free stay covers business activities such as attending an exhibition, meeting suppliers, negotiating terms, and signing or reviewing contracts. It does not permit local employment or long-term work.
Who Qualifies for Visa-Free Entry?
Uzbekistan’s visa-free list spans several buyer regions that matter for CAIHE.
- Europe and the UK: most European Union countries plus the United Kingdom, among others.
- Asia and the Gulf: Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, and several Gulf states are common qualifying origins.
- China: Chinese ordinary passport holders are eligible for 30-day visa-free entry, making the trip simpler for buyers traveling from the Chinese hardware supply base.
- CIS and neighboring markets: passport holders from neighboring countries often benefit from simplified or visa-free entry.
Do not rely on memory. Before booking flights, check your passport against the official Uzbekistan e-visa portal or ask your local CAIHE contact. Rules can change, and airline staff will check your documents at departure.
Visa-Free Entry vs E-Visa: Which Route Is Faster?
If your passport qualifies, visa-free entry is the faster route. There is no visa fee and no online approval to wait for. You simply travel with your passport and supporting documents.
If your passport is not on the visa-free list, use Uzbekistan’s e-visa system. Start early, complete the application carefully, and keep a printed or digital copy of the approval. We recommend applying at least two weeks before departure to avoid any last-minute processing delay.
For buyers who qualify for visa-free entry, the only real task is making sure your passport and travel documents are ready.
What to Have Ready at the Border
A visa-free entry is not an automatic guarantee. Officers may ask practical questions and check your documents. Prepare a small folder, either physical or on your phone.
- Passport: aim for at least six months’ validity beyond your planned departure. Some airlines may not board passengers with shorter validity on international routes.
- Return or onward ticket: officers often ask how long you plan to stay and when you leave.
- Accommodation details: have your hotel booking or host address. Hotels normally complete temporary registration for foreign guests, but confirm at check-in.
- CAIHE visitor confirmation: your registration email or buyer badge confirmation makes the business purpose of the trip clear.
- Entry stamp: keep any stamp or immigration slip you receive. You may need it at registration and departure.
The goal is to show that the trip has a clear business purpose and a clear end date.
What You Can and Cannot Do on Visa-Free Entry
You can:
- Attend CAIHE and walk Uzexpocentre Pavilions 3 and 4.
- Meet Chinese, Uzbek, and regional hardware suppliers.
- Compare products, request quotations, and collect samples where exhibitors allow.
- Discuss pricing, minimum order quantities, lead times, and payment terms.
- Sign a memorandum, letter of intent, or preliminary contract.
You cannot:
- Take up local employment.
- Stay beyond 30 days without a valid extension or another entry route.
- Assume the visa-free period automatically covers work that requires a permit.
If you are visiting as a buyer, you fit squarely in the first group. Keep your schedule within the 30-day window and the trip stays simple.
Extending Your Stay Beyond 30 Days
Thirty days should be enough for most CAIHE trips, but some buyers combine the fair with supplier audits or regional travel. If you need more time in Uzbekistan, do not assume you can extend at the border.
Options vary by nationality and purpose. Some visitors apply for an e-visa before arrival if they already know the trip will exceed 30 days. Others leave and re-enter under the visa-free rule, but repeated short entries can draw questions. Keep evidence of your business purpose and an itinerary if you choose this route.
The safer path for a longer sourcing trip is to plan the extra time before you fly.
Combining CAIHE with Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan
Tashkent sits close to the wider Central Asian market. From Tashkent, Almaty and Bishkek are short flights, and combined trips are common.
Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan have their own visa rules. Many of the same international passports enter both countries visa-free for short stays, but never assume one rule carries over. Check each country separately before you build the itinerary. Border stamps in one country do not create a right of entry in another.
A practical route: fly into Tashkent for CAIHE from 24–26 November 2026, complete meetings, then move on to Kazakhstan or Kyrgyzstan for follow-up visits. That approach turns one airfare into a broader Central Asian sourcing trip.
Why the Visa-Free Advantage Matters for Hardware Buyers
Market access starts with being able to show up. Uzbekistan is running one of Central Asia’s most visible construction stories: more than 750 large-scale projects and more than 1 million new homes are planned through 2030. That creates demand for power tools, fasteners, building hardware, safety equipment, and industrial components.
For buyers, the visa-free policy lowers the cost and lead time of exploring that demand in person. You spend less energy on paperwork and more time comparing suppliers on the Uzexpocentre floor.
CAIHE is a first edition, and we are honest about that. But first editions reward early buyers with direct access to suppliers before routes become crowded. The visa regime already makes Uzbekistan one of the easier Central Asian markets to visit. The fair gives you a structured reason to use that access.
Need help with your visitor registration or travel planning? Contact the CAIHE buyer team at [email protected] and we will point you toward the right next step.
FAQ: Visa-Free Entry for CAIHE 2026
Do Chinese passport holders get 30-day visa-free entry to Uzbekistan?
Yes. Chinese ordinary passport holders are among the nationalities eligible for 30-day visa-free entry for short business and tourism visits. Keep your return ticket and CAIHE registration details available at the border.
What if my passport is not on the visa-free list?
Use Uzbekistan’s e-visa system. Select the purpose that matches your trip, upload the required documents, and allow enough processing time before your flight. Start early and avoid same-week applications.
How does temporary registration work after arrival?
Most hotels register foreign guests automatically within a few working days. If you stay in private accommodation, ask your host to complete the temporary registration. Keep any confirmation you receive, because you may be asked for it at departure.
Can I attend business meetings and sign contracts on visa-free entry?
Yes. A short business visitor can attend a trade fair, meet suppliers, negotiate prices, and sign or review contracts. Local employment or long-term work requires a different route.
What happens if I overstay my 30 days?
Overstaying can lead to fines and problems leaving the country. If your schedule changes, rearrange the trip before the 30-day window closes or consult an immigration service provider. Do not wait until the airport to fix it.
Does the 30-day period cover my whole CAIHE trip?
For most buyers, yes. If you arrive a few days before the fair and leave within 30 calendar days of your entry, you are within the visa-free window. Three days at Uzexpocentre leaves room for Tashkent market visits.
Plan Your Next Step
The visa-free policy removes a major barrier for international buyers. The next step is to register for CAIHE 2026, get your visitor badge, and build your supplier shortlist before the show.
Pre-register for CAIHE 2026 at Uzexpocentre, Tashkent, 24–26 November 2026. For buyer registration, the Hosted Buyer Programme, or travel guidance, email [email protected] or call +86-21-6390 6161 ext. 828.
