Most buyers travelling from the Gulf and the wider Middle East can enter Uzbekistan without a visa. The country grants 30-day visa-free entry to citizens of more than 60 countries, and the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia are on that list [1]. For a three-day sourcing trip to the Central Asia International Hardware Expo (CAIHE) 2026, that means less paperwork and a faster path to the show floor.
CAIHE opens 24–26 November 2026 at Uzexpocentre in Tashkent. It is the region’s first dedicated international trade fair for the hardware and tools sector. This guide covers the visa-free route, the documents to prepare and what Gulf and Middle East buyers can expect on the ground.
Why Gulf buyers are looking at Tashkent now
The market is the reason to come. Uzbekistan is running one of Central Asia’s most active construction programmes, with more than 750 large-scale projects and over one million new homes planned by 2030 [2]. That pipeline creates steady demand for power tools, fasteners, building hardware, welding equipment, PPE and garden tools.
For Gulf importers and distributors, Uzbekistan is also a diversification story. The country sits on the old Silk Road trade corridor, and its government has spent recent years simplifying entry rules, opening the economy and building links across Central Asia. For a buyer who already sources from China or Europe, Tashkent is a practical third route.
Visa-free entry: who qualifies, and who needs an e-visa
Uzbekistan’s visa-free policy covers more than 60 countries [1]. For buyers in this region, the front of the line includes the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Israel, all of which receive 30-day visa-free entry. That period is sufficient for business meetings, negotiations and trade fair attendance.
For other Gulf and Middle Eastern nationalities — including Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan and Lebanon — the standard fallback is Uzbekistan’s e-visa [3]. Applications are made online through the official government portal, most approvals arrive within two to three working days, and the visa allows a stay of up to 30 days. Apply at least two weeks before departure, and use only the official portal: third-party agents add cost without adding speed.
Documents and registration before departure
Under visa-free entry the paperwork is light, but a few items should be in order before you fly:
- A passport valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date, with two blank pages.
- A return or onward ticket.
- Hotel confirmation for your stay in Tashkent.
- Travel insurance covering medical care during the trip.
- For e-visa holders, a printed or saved digital copy of the approval [3].
After you arrive, keep your entry stamp in your passport; it records the start of your visa-free period. Uzbekistan also requires temporary registration for most foreign visitors staying more than three days. Hotels handle this automatically, so request the registration slip at check-in and keep a copy.
On the ground in Tashkent
Tashkent International Airport is a short taxi ride from Uzexpocentre, usually about 20 minutes depending on traffic. For a first-time visitor, the simplest setup is three things: a local SIM card from the airport (Ucell, Beeline or UMS), the Yandex Go taxi app, and some Uzbek som in cash for small purchases.
Cards are widely accepted at hotels and larger restaurants in central Tashkent, but smaller vendors and taxis still prefer cash. For trade deals, buyers at the fair mostly price in USD, with CNY relevant when talking to Chinese exhibitors. Russian and Uzbek are the working languages, and English is common in hotels and at the fair itself.
Your visa-free path to CAIHE 2026
CAIHE runs 24–26 November 2026 in Pavilions 3 and 4 at Uzexpocentre, with more than 200 international exhibitors across the hardware and tools supply chain [4]. It is organized by Koelnmesse and Inter Dialog, with the China Chamber of Commerce for Machinery and Electronic Products (CCCME) and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan as partners.
Because this is a first-edition fair, there are no visitor statistics to quote — and that is the opportunity. Early buyers meet exhibitors before their calendars fill, and a newer event gives a serious buyer room to negotiate terms rather than queue for a sales pitch.
If you want supplier meetings arranged before you land, write to the CAIHE team at [email protected] with your product categories and buying volume. The Hosted Buyer Programme can pre-match your purchasing requirements with exhibitors, and for qualified international buyers it may include shuttle support and accommodation assistance. A short email now can save you a morning of walking booths without a plan.
Take the next step
Pre-register for the Hosted Buyer Programme before you book your flight. Send your badge details and product focus to [email protected], and the team will confirm your registration and clarify whether your passport follows the visa-free route or the e-visa route. One early application removes the two biggest delays buyers face: a late badge and an unplanned floor map.
FAQ
Do UAE passport holders need a visa for CAIHE 2026?
No. UAE citizens can enter Uzbekistan visa-free for up to 30 days, which covers the full CAIHE 2026 show period without a separate visa [1].
Which Gulf and Middle Eastern countries are not visa-free?
Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan and Lebanon are generally outside the visa-free list and use the e-visa route. UAE, Saudi Arabia and Israel are on the 30-day visa-free list [1][3].
How long can I stay in Uzbekistan without a visa?
Up to 30 days per visit for visa-free nationalities. E-visa holders also receive a 30-day stay [1][3].
Do I need to register after I arrive?
Yes, if you stay more than three days. Hotels register guests automatically; request the slip at check-in and keep a copy.
Can I combine CAIHE with a trip to Kazakhstan or Kyrgyzstan?
Yes, many buyers do. Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan have their own visa rules, so check your nationality against each country before booking internal flights or trains.
What happens if I overstay?
Overstaying triggers fines and can delay your exit. If your itinerary runs beyond 30 days, arrange an extension or an exit-and-return plan in advance rather than waiting until the airport.
References
[1] Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan, “Visa-free entry to the Republic of Uzbekistan,” Tashkent, Uzbekistan. [Online]. Available: https://mfa.uz
[2] Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan, “New Uzbekistan: 2022–2026 Development Strategy and housing programme,” Tashkent, Uzbekistan. [Online]. Available: https://gov.uz
[3] Official Electronic Visa Portal of the Republic of Uzbekistan, “Uzbekistan e-Visa,” Tashkent, Uzbekistan. [Online]. Available: https://e-visa.gov.uz
[4] Koelnmesse, “Central Asia International Hardware Expo (CAIHE), 24–26 November 2026, Tashkent,” Cologne, Germany. [Online]. Available: https://www.koelnmesse.com
