For buyers in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Russia, the trip to Tashkent is usually simpler than the visa rules suggest. Many CIS passport holders enter Uzbekistan without a visa, generally for a stay of around 30 days, under bilateral and regional agreements [1]. That makes CAIHE 2026 — the Central Asia International Hardware Expo — a practical sourcing trip from markets right next door.
What Simplified Entry Means for CIS Buyers
Uzbekistan’s visa-free list covers more than 60 countries [1]. But for neighbouring CIS buyers, the advantage is even more immediate: many can present a passport at a land border or airport, receive an entry stamp, and travel straight into business meetings in Tashkent.
Attending CAIHE as a buyer falls under ordinary visitor purposes. You do not need a work permit for trade fair meetings, supplier visits or contract discussions.
CIS Passport Quick Check
Do not treat CIS passports as one single group. Uzbekistan has separate bilateral arrangements with each neighbouring country, so the safest move is to check your own passport against the Ministry of Foreign Affairs list before booking flights or land transport [1].
| Passport | Typical route | Practical note |
|---|---|---|
| Kazakhstan | Visa-free | Present passport at the border; keep the entry stamp |
| Kyrgyzstan | Visa-free | Confirm current bilateral stay length before travel |
| Tajikistan | Visa-free | Mutual visa-free regime applies; keep entry stamp |
| Russia | Visa-free | Some bilateral terms allow longer stays; verify before booking |
| Belarus, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova | Usually visa-free | Rules differ by country; check the MFA list before departure |
| Turkmenistan | Verify | Confirm whether visa-free access or an e-visa applies to you |
If your passport appears on the visa-free list, no visa sticker is issued. The entry stamp in your passport is the proof of your legal entry and stay.
Documents and Registration at the Border
Even with visa-free entry, keep these documents with you:
- A passport valid for the full duration of your planned stay
- A return or onward ticket, or a clear travel itinerary
- A hotel booking or the address where you will stay
- Your entry stamp received at the border
After you arrive, registration matters. Licensed hotels generally register guests automatically. If you stay in private accommodation, the host should complete temporary registration within three working days. Ask for proof of registration before you leave, because border officials may check it when you depart.
E-Visa Fallback for Non-Eligible Passports
If your CIS passport is not on Uzbekistan’s visa-free list, use the official e-visa portal before you travel. The e-visa is typically processed within a few working days and covers a single entry for a 30-day stay [1].
Apply before booking non-refundable flights or hotels, and keep the approved e-visa document with your passport.
Why Neighbouring Buyers Should Move Now
The entry process is only the door. The market data behind it is the reason to walk through. Uzbekistan’s construction pipeline includes more than 750 large-scale projects and over 1 million new homes planned by 2030 [2]. That is sustained demand for power tools, hand tools, fasteners, building hardware, welding equipment, safety gear and related categories.
CAIHE is the region’s first dedicated international hardware trade fair, running 24–26 November 2026 at Uzexpocentre in Tashkent [3]. More than 200 international exhibitors will present across the halls [4].
As a first edition, there are no historic visitor numbers to quote — and that is the point for early buyers. You are not fighting for supplier attention in a crowded legacy event. You are arriving when new commercial relationships are being formed.
Unsure whether your passport qualifies? Email [email protected] with your passport country and planned travel dates. The CAIHE buyer team can help you confirm current entry rules and direct you to the right registration path.
Plan Your CAIHE 2026 Visit
Pre-register before 24 November so your visitor badge is ready when you arrive. Save the Uzbekistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs visa-free page on your phone, carry your passport and hotel details at immigration, and plan your first supplier meeting before you land.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all CIS passport holders enter Uzbekistan visa-free?
No. Many CIS passport holders can enter without a visa, but eligibility depends on bilateral agreements and the current Ministry of Foreign Affairs list. Check your passport country before travelling [1].
How long can CIS passport holders stay in Uzbekistan?
A visa-free stay is generally around 30 days. Some bilateral arrangements may allow a longer stay. Confirm the permitted duration for your passport and respect the entry stamp date.
What documents do I need at the border?
Bring a passport valid for your stay, a return or onward ticket, and hotel booking or accommodation details. Border officers may also check your registration after arrival if you stay in private accommodation.
Do I need to register after arriving in Tashkent?
Yes, in most cases. Licensed hotels usually register you automatically. For private accommodation, the host should complete temporary registration within three working days of your arrival.
What if my CIS passport still requires a visa?
Use the official Uzbekistan e-visa portal before travelling. The e-visa typically covers a single entry for a 30-day stay and is processed within a few working days [1].
Is visa-free entry enough for trade fair meetings at CAIHE?
Yes. Attending trade fair meetings, visiting suppliers and negotiating contracts are ordinary visitor purposes. Paid work or long-term employment would require different approval.
References
[1] Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan. “List of foreign countries whose citizens can enter Uzbekistan without a visa.” mfa.uz.
[2] Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan. “National construction and housing programme: 750+ large-scale projects and 1 million new homes planned by 2030.”
[3] CAIHE — Central Asia International Hardware Expo. “About CAIHE 2026: 24–26 November, Uzexpocentre, Tashkent.”
[4] Koelnmesse. “CAIHE 2026 exhibitor profile: 200+ international exhibitors.”
