Short answer: If your passport is from one of the 60+ countries on Uzbekistan’s visa-free list, you can enter for up to 30 days without applying for a visa before departure [1]. That covers the majority of international buyers planning to attend CAIHE 2026 in Tashkent, 24–26 November at Uzexpocentre. If your passport is not on the list, the official e-visa route is a faster alternative than a consular visa in most cases [2].
This is a planning guide, not embassy advice. Entry rules can change, and the final decision always belongs to the border officer. Check the official list before booking.
Who Gets the 30-Day Visa-Free Entry?
Uzbekistan’s visa-free policy is broad and designed to make short business travel straightforward. The official list includes more than 60 eligible countries across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the CIS [1]. For eligible passports, entry is normally granted for up to 30 calendar days from the date you receive your entry stamp.
| If you hold | Likely route |
|---|---|
| A passport from most EU member states, the UK, Switzerland, Norway, or other listed European countries | 30 days visa-free [1] |
| A passport from China, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, or other listed Asian countries | 30 days visa-free [1] |
| A CIS or immediate-neighbor passport | Simplified or visa-free entry in most cases [1] |
| A passport not on the visa-free list | E-visa or consular visa [2] |
This table is a planning shortcut, not the official list. Nationality rules can include conditions, so verify your passport on the current list before paying for flights.
The 10-Minute Passport Check
Do this before you book.
- Open the official Uzbekistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs visa-free country list or the Uzbekistan e-visa portal.
- Select your nationality and confirm whether “visa-free” applies to your passport type.
- Check the allowed stay: for eligible visitors it is normally up to 30 days [1].
- Confirm your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned entry date, with blank pages for stamps [3].
- Save a screenshot or printout of the official result to keep with your travel documents.
Do not rely on a hotel booking, an exhibition badge, or a flight ticket as proof of eligibility. Only the official list matters.
Visa-Free vs E-Visa at a Glance
| Route | Processing | Stay | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa-free | No visa application before travel; you receive an entry stamp at the border | Up to 30 days [1] | Eligible passport holders traveling to CAIHE |
| E-visa | Online application; typically processed within three working days [2] | Up to 30 days, depending on the issued visa | Buyers whose passports are not on the visa-free list |
The e-visa portal is the safest route because it gives you a decision before departure. Apply early enough to avoid travel-date pressure.
What Border Officers Will Likely Ask
Visa-free does not mean document-free. At Tashkent International Airport, an immigration officer may ask:
- The purpose of your visit: “CAIHE 2026 trade fair” is a clear answer; keep your visitor-registration confirmation or badge email accessible.
- Where you will stay: have the hotel name and address ready.
- How long you will stay: match this to the fair dates and your return ticket.
- Whether you have a return or onward ticket: yes, have it available.
You will still receive a border entry stamp. Keep it until you leave.
Registration After You Land
Uzbekistan has a temporary residence registration system for foreign visitors. Hotels normally handle registration at check-in; confirm this when you hand over your passport. If you stay in private accommodation, the host must complete registration, and the deadline is short. Ask your host the same day.
The registration slip can matter later, so keep a photo of it on your phone.
If You Need More Than 30 Days
For visa-free visitors, an extension is possible only in limited cases. If you plan a longer regional trip after CAIHE, apply before the 30-day period expires and do not assume a border re-entry will reset the clock automatically. Overstaying can lead to fines, exit complications, and future entry problems.
Need to confirm your passport situation before booking? Send your nationality and planned arrival date to [email protected] or call +86-21-6390 6161 ext. 828. We can point you to the correct official route and help with CAIHE visitor registration.
CAIHE 2026 in Tashkent
Once entry rules are clear, the fair logistics are simple. CAIHE 2026 runs 24–26 November at Uzexpocentre, Pavilions 3 and 4. It is the first dedicated international hardware and tools trade fair for Central Asia, organized by Koelnmesse with Inter Dialog and partners including the China Chamber of Commerce for Machinery and Electronic Products (CCCME) and CCI Uzbekistan.
The event is built around a market reason, not a venue reason: Uzbekistan and Central Asia are in a construction-led hardware expansion. If you are an international buyer, this is the entry point to meet Chinese manufacturers and regional distributors in one place.
Your Next Step: Pre-Register for CAIHE 2026
Confirm your visa route first. Then secure your visitor badge through the official CAIHE 2026 pre-registration page so you are not completing paperwork at the venue. If you have any visa or eligibility questions, email [email protected] or call +86-21-6390 6161 ext. 828 before booking flights.
FAQ: Uzbekistan Visa-Free Entry for CAIHE Visitors
Can I attend CAIHE on visa-free entry?
Short-term business travel such as attending a trade fair, buyer meetings, and sourcing discussions is normally treated as business visitation under the visa-free regime. Visa-free entry does not grant the right to work or be employed locally.
What if my passport is not on the visa-free list?
Use the official Uzbekistan e-visa portal. You normally need a valid passport, a digital passport photo, and a planned travel date; a decision is typically returned within three working days [2].
When does the 30-day period start?
It starts from the date of your border entry stamp, not from your visa approval or flight date. Plan departure within 30 calendar days of arrival [1].
Do I need a return ticket?
Yes. Border officers can ask for proof of onward or return travel, and airlines sometimes check this at boarding.
Can I extend beyond 30 days?
Extensions are possible in limited situations, but you must apply before your current period expires. Do not plan to overstay.
Do children need their own passports?
Yes. Each traveler needs a separate valid passport. There is no sharing of a parent’s passport for a child under the visa-free route.
References
[1] Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan. “List of countries whose citizens may enter Uzbekistan without a visa.” https://mfa.uz/en/
[2] Uzbekistan e-Visa Portal. “Electronic visa application for foreign citizens.” https://e-visa.gov.uz/
[3] IATA Travel Centre. “Uzbekistan — passport, visa and health requirements.” https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/
