Uzbekistan’s entry system for most international visitors has two practical layers: first, confirm whether you can enter visa-free or need an e-visa; second, make sure your accommodation registers you after arrival. For CAIHE — the Central Asia International Hardware Expo, 24–26 November 2026 at Uzexpocentre in Tashkent — the same sequence applies before you reach Pavilions 3 and 4. More than 60 nationalities qualify for 30-day visa-free entry [1]. Travelers from other countries can usually apply online for an e-visa [2]. The second requirement, temporary registration, is normally handled by your hotel; if you stay in a private home, your host must complete it within three days [3].
The 30-day visa-free window, briefly
Uzbekistan’s visa-free regime covers more than 60 countries and permits a 30-day stay for eligible passport holders [1]. That matters for CAIHE buyers because the fair itself runs only three days, leaving time for supplier meetings in Tashkent and short regional follow-up without an additional visa.
Chinese passport holders are included in the current visa-free list, along with many European Union, United Kingdom, Gulf, and CIS nationalities [1]. Because country lists can change, check the Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal against the exact passport each traveler holds before booking flights. A qualification that applied last year should not be treated as permanent.
If your passport is not visa-free: the e-visa route
If your nationality is not on the visa-free list, use the official Uzbekistan e-visa platform [2]. The application is online: you upload a passport-style photo and the passport data page, pay by card, and receive the approved e-visa by email. Keep a printed copy with you and save a backup on your phone.
Do not leave this to the final days before departure. Official systems can slow under peak demand, and a rejected photo or mismatched document detail takes time to correct. The e-visa is generally a single-entry authorization suitable for a short business or tourism trip, which is the profile of most CAIHE attendees [2].
The registration rule most visitors miss: temporary residence registration
Uzbekistan requires temporary registration of foreign citizens after arrival [3]. At border control, make sure the officer stamps your passport. That entry stamp records your arrival date and starts the registration clock.
If you stay at a hotel, guesthouse, or licensed serviced apartment, the accommodation registers you electronically when you check in. Confirm at the front desk that the registration has been submitted and ask for written or electronic confirmation.
If you stay in a private home or an unlicensed rental, the host is responsible for registering you with the district internal affairs office or through the online E-Mehmon system within three days of arrival. Do not assume that a hotel booking from earlier in the trip still covers a private address. Moving between hotels updates the registration; a new address requires a new confirmation.
Documents to prepare before departure
| Document | Why it matters | Where to check |
|---|---|---|
| Passport with at least six months validity | Airlines and border officers may deny boarding or entry with short validity | Airline / IATA Timatic [4] |
| Visa-free confirmation or approved e-visa | Establishes your entry permission | MFA list [1]; e-visa portal [2] |
| Return or onward ticket | Evidence that you will exit before the permitted period ends | Airline booking |
| Hotel address and booking confirmation | Required for registration and arrival forms | Hotel confirmation |
| Printed copies of passport, e-visa, and CAIHE confirmation | Offline backup if phone battery or network fails | Personal file |
Government registration vs. CAIHE visitor registration
Government registration is not the same as CAIHE visitor registration. The temporary registration requirement is a state process tied to your accommodation [3]. Your CAIHE badge, by contrast, gives you access to Uzexpocentre Pavilions 3 and 4 on 24–26 November 2026 and routes you into buyer services before arrival [5].
Complete the badge pre-registration online to save time at the venue. CAIHE is a first edition, so early registration also helps the organizer send practical updates — shuttle schedules, matchmaking invitations, and hall guidance — before you reach Tashkent.
If your purchasing team includes a mix of visa-free and e-visa nationalities, check each passport against the current official list before booking. For a specific registration question, contact the CAIHE team at [email protected] rather than relying on secondhand advice.
Mistakes that can delay entry
- Treating a private apartment like a hotel and assuming registration is automatic.
- Letting passport validity slip below six months.
- Assuming the 30-day visa-free period resets after a short border run.
- Arriving with only a phone screenshot of an e-visa and no printed backup.
- Mixing up CAIHE badge registration with government registration and arriving without proof of accommodation.
If your trip goes beyond 30 days
For buyers combining CAIHE with longer follow-up work, remember that Uzbekistan’s visa-free 30-day clock applies to Uzbekistan itself, not to the whole regional trip. If you plan to stay longer, arrange the correct visa through an embassy or consulate before departure. Do not plan to overstay; penalties can include fines, exit delays, and future entry problems.
Get your CAIHE registration started
Complete your CAIHE visitor registration online, then confirm your accommodation will handle temporary registration after arrival. For official CAIHE 2026 registration help, email [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa for CAIHE if my country is on the visa-free list?
No. More than 60 nationalities can enter Uzbekistan for 30 days without a visa [1]. Confirm your passport against the latest Ministry of Foreign Affairs list before booking.
Does my hotel automatically register me?
Yes. Licensed hotels and guesthouses register guests electronically with the Ministry of Internal Affairs [3]. Ask for written or electronic confirmation at check-in, especially if you will later move addresses.
Is CAIHE badge registration the same as government registration?
No. Government registration is a temporary residence requirement linked to your accommodation [3]. Your CAIHE badge gives you fair access and buyer services at Uzexpocentre [5].
What if I stay with a friend or private host?
Your host must register you with the district internal affairs office or through the online E-Mehmon system within three days of arrival [3]. Keep a copy of the confirmation until you leave Uzbekistan.
How long can I stay under visa-free entry?
You may stay for 30 days from the date recorded on your entry stamp. Overstaying can lead to fines or entry restrictions on future visits.
Can Chinese passport holders use the 30-day visa-free rule?
Yes. The current Uzbekistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs list includes Chinese passport holders for 30-day visa-free travel [1]. Re-check the official list shortly before departure, since eligibility lists can be updated.
References
[1] Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan, “List of countries with visa-free entry to the Republic of Uzbekistan,” official portal. https://mfa.uz/en/pages/visa-republic-uzbekistan
[2] Uzbekistan e-Visa Official Portal, “Electronic visa application and entry rules.” https://e-visa.gov.uz
[3] Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan, “Temporary registration of foreign citizens in the Republic of Uzbekistan,” E-Mehmon electronic registration system.
[4] International Air Transport Association (IATA), “Timatic travel requirements for Uzbekistan.” https://www.iatatravelcentre.com
[5] CAIHE — Central Asia International Hardware Expo, “Visitor registration and fair information, 24–26 November 2026, Uzexpocentre, Tashkent,” official event information.
