For most international buyers, entering Uzbekistan for CAIHE 2026 (24–26 November at Uzexpocentre, Tashkent) is straightforward: citizens of more than 60 countries can enter visa-free for 30 days [1]. The three fair days are rarely the problem. The harder question is what happens afterwards, when a promising first meeting turns into a factory visit, or a follow-up negotiation needs another week. This guide explains what the 30-day stay does and does not allow.
The Short Answer: No In-Country Extension for the Visa-Free Stay
Visa-free entry into Uzbekistan is a fixed 30-day admission, not a residence period that can be renewed from inside the country. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs does not list an in-country extension route for visa-free nationals [1][2]. If you want more than 30 consecutive days, the realistic choices are to leave and re-enter, or to choose a different admission route before you arrive.
Before changing flights, check your passport against the official visa-free list [1] and count the days you actually need — including travel days after the fair, not just 24–26 November.
Option 1: Leave and Re-enter Uzbekistan
Under standard visa-free rules, a departure followed by a new entry generally starts a new 30-day period [1][3]. This is the most common route for CAIHE buyers who want to add a regional leg. The practical combination is Tashkent–Almaty or Tashkent–Bishkek; either makes a re-entry realistic over two or three days.
Re-entry is not guaranteed. Each admission is assessed at the border. Have your CAIHE visitor registration, hotel booking, return or onward ticket, and a clear business itinerary ready. Multiple quick exits and returns with no visible purpose can draw scrutiny with any border authority.
Option 2: E-Visa for Eligible Nationalities
If your passport is not on the visa-free list, or you prefer to avoid a visa run, use the official e-visa portal [2]. The portal is the correct place to confirm whether your nationality qualifies, what entry categories are available, and the current fees and processing times.
E-visa applications are made before travel. Once you enter, the e-visa governs your permitted stay according to its category. It does not work as a same-trip extension of a visa-free entry.
Option 3: Business Visa Through an Inviting Organization
For a genuine extended programme — factory audits, long negotiation rounds, or a multi-city sourcing trip — the most robust route is usually a business visa arranged before departure. Business visas in Uzbekistan are generally tied to an invitation from a recognized organization, partner, employer, or industry body. This is not a last-minute border solution, so start early.
We can help CAIHE visitors determine whether this route fits. If your itinerary requires a longer Uzbek stay, email [email protected] with your planned dates and purpose before applying. We cannot override an official visa decision, but we can point you to the correct consular route and, where applicable, confirm your participation in CAIHE.
Registration Rules Still Apply After Re-entry
Every time you enter Uzbekistan, registration applies. Hotels and licensed accommodation register guests electronically. If you stay in a private apartment or residence, the host must register you with the state electronic system within three working days of arrival [1][3]. Keep the registration slip or digital confirmation until you leave.
If you leave and re-enter, the registration period restarts. A previous registration does not carry over to a new stay.
Option 4: Build a Regional Itinerary Instead of One Long Stay
Sometimes the better question is not “can I stay longer?” but “how should I structure the trip?” Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan offer their own visa-free arrangements for many visitors [4][5]. A buyer can plan the trip as Tashkent for CAIHE, a supplier visit in Tashkent, overland to Almaty for a regional distributor meeting, then re-entry into Uzbekistan for final negotiations. This keeps each Uzbek stay within the 30-day limit and turns the region’s proximity into a practical advantage.
Check each country separately. Visa-free eligibility for Uzbekistan does not automatically mean visa-free entry to Kazakhstan or Kyrgyzstan.
Overstaying by Mistake
Overstaying the 30-day visa-free period is treated as a violation. Penalties can include fines, deportation, and future entry restrictions [1][3]. If you are close to the deadline, do not let a supplier meeting push you past the date. Leave before expiry, solve the situation from outside, and return under the correct basis.
| Option | Good for | Key constraint |
|---|---|---|
| Leave and re-enter | Buyers adding regional meetings | Each new entry is decided at the border |
| E-visa | Non-visa-free passports | Apply before travel |
| Business visa | Longer, organised sourcing programmes | Invitation required |
| Regional split itinerary | CAIHE plus a Central Asia tour | Each country has separate rules |
Plan Your Stay Around the Official Rules
Your first action is not to decide every detail today; it is to confirm your entry route. Check the official visa-free list [1], confirm the e-visa option if you need it [2], and then register as a CAIHE visitor so your fair badge supports your border explanation and supplier meetings. If you will need more than 30 days, start that planning before booking flights — not after arriving in Tashkent.
FAQ: Extending Your Stay Beyond 30 Days
Can I extend a 30-day visa-free stay while I am already in Tashkent?
No. Visa-free admission is not extendable from inside Uzbekistan [1][2]. Plan to leave and re-enter, or use a business visa route before you travel.
Does a short trip to Kazakhstan or Kyrgyzstan reset my 30-day period?
Generally, a new entry after leaving Uzbekistan begins a new 30-day stay [1][3]. The decision is still made at the border. Keep evidence of your business purpose and onward travel.
Can I apply for an e-visa after my visa-free stay has ended?
No. The e-visa is an admission document applied for before travel. If your visa-free stay ends, leave Uzbekistan, apply from abroad, and re-enter under the correct basis.
What registration documents should I keep?
Keep your passport with entry stamps and the hotel registration confirmation or private-host registration record. Registration restarts after every new entry [1][3].
How early should I arrange a longer stay?
At least three to four weeks before travel. Business visas require invitations and consular processing; e-visas require time before departure. Passport validity should be checked immediately.
References
[1] Republic of Uzbekistan, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, “Visa-free regime,” Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Accessed: Oct. 2026. [Online]. Available: https://mfa.uz/en/pages/visa-republic-uzbekistan
[2] Republic of Uzbekistan, “Official electronic visa portal,” Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Accessed: Oct. 2026. [Online]. Available: https://e-visa.gov.uz
[3] International Air Transport Association, “Uzbekistan passport, visa and health advice,” IATA Travel Centre. Accessed: Oct. 2026. [Online]. Available: https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/UZ-Uzbekistan-passport-visa-health-travel-document-requirements.htm
[4] Republic of Kazakhstan, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, “Visa-free entry to Kazakhstan,” Astana, Kazakhstan. Accessed: Oct. 2026. [Online]. Available: https://www.gov.kz/en/search?q=visa-free
[5] Kyrgyz Republic, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, “Consular services,” Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Accessed: Oct. 2026. [Online]. Available: https://mfa.gov.kg/en/
