If you are sourcing hardware in Tashkent this November, your entry planning starts with one question: does your passport need an e-visa? Uzbekistan has made access straightforward for many visitors — more than 60 countries now enjoy 30-day visa-free entry [1]. If your country is not on that list, the official Uzbekistan e-visa is usually the fastest route. This guide covers the process for buyers attending Central Asia International Hardware Expo, CAIHE, from 24–26 November 2026 at Uzexpocentre, Tashkent.
Do You Need an E-Visa for CAIHE 2026?
Start by checking Uzbekistan’s visa-free country list. If your passport is among the 60+ nationalities covered, you can enter Uzbekistan without a visa for stays of up to 30 days [1]. If your country is not on that list, the official e-visa is the standard visitor route for CAIHE buyers.
The good news is that the portal pre-screens eligibility by nationality before you pay, so you are not guessing. CAIHE uses the same entry rules for every international buyer: make one confirmation letter request, check your nationality status, and plan the correct route. If you are on the visa-free list, skip directly to the border section below; if not, start the e-visa application at least three weeks before your flight.
E-Visa Facts: Validity, Fees, and What the Permit Covers
The official e-visa is electronic. You receive a PDF by email, print one copy, and present it with your passport. Keep a second digital copy saved on your phone [2].
| Permit type | Fee | Stay allowed | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-entry e-visa | US$20 | Up to 30 days | 90 days from issue |
| Double-entry e-visa | US$25 | Up to 30 days per entry | 90 days from issue |
| Multiple-entry e-visa | US$30 | Up to 30 days per entry | 90 days from issue |
Standard processing takes two working days, but consular review can take longer during peak periods, so do not leave this to the week of the fair. For most CAIHE buyers, a single-entry e-visa is enough. Choose double- or multiple-entry only if you plan to leave Uzbekistan and return during the same trip [2].
A 30-day stay is sufficient for the fair itself and follow-up supplier meetings in Tashkent. The e-visa is an entry permit for visitor purposes, including attending a trade fair and business meetings. It is not a work permit.
How to Apply for the Uzbekistan E-Visa in Seven Steps
- Open the official portal at e-visa.gov.uz and select your country of citizenship. The system will show whether an e-visa is available to you [2].
- Enter your personal details exactly as they appear in your passport. Use the same spelling on your flight booking and CAIHE registration.
- Upload a recent passport-style photograph and a clear scan of the passport data page. Blurry scans are a common cause of rejection.
- Choose the entry type. For a single CAIHE visit, single-entry is usually the right option.
- Pay by international card. Fees are charged in US dollars as shown above [2].
- Download the issued PDF from the portal or your email. Print one copy and store a digital backup.
- Carry the printed e-visa, your passport, and your CAIHE visitor confirmation to border control.
While your application is processing, complete your CAIHE visitor pre-registration so your entry documents and badge details match. The CAIHE team can clarify buyer visitor requirements before you travel — email [email protected] or call +86-21-6390 6161 ext. 828. One early check can prevent a delayed arrival on the first morning of the fair.
Documents, Registration, and What to Expect at the Border
Bring these items to Tashkent:
- Passport with at least six months of remaining validity from your arrival date, with blank pages available.
- Printed e-visa, or passport only if you are visa-free.
- Hotel booking or host address in Tashkent.
- CAIHE visitor confirmation or exhibitor invitation.
After entry, short-term visitors are subject to temporary registration rules. In most cases, your hotel completes the registration electronically at check-in; ask for the registration slip if you need proof. If you stay in a private apartment, the host must arrange registration. At the border, a simple answer such as “attending CAIHE trade fair” plus your confirmation letter is normally enough [3].
Common E-Visa Mistakes That Delay CAIHE Buyers
- Name or date mismatches between passport, e-visa, and flight booking.
- Low-resolution photo or partial passport scan.
- Choosing multiple-entry without actually needing to leave and re-enter.
- No backup of the e-visa PDF after a lost email.
- Applying during the final week before CAIHE, leaving no room for payment errors or re-upload requests.
Treat the e-visa as the first procurement step in your CAIHE planning. It costs far less than a disrupted trip.
Your CAIHE 2026 Next Step
Pre-register as a CAIHE international buyer and confirm your entry route in one short sequence:
- Check the official visa-free list or e-visa eligibility by nationality [1][2].
- If you need an e-visa, apply at least three weeks before 24 November 2026.
- Pre-register for your visitor badge.
- Send your entry questions to the CAIHE team before booking flights.
For direct help, contact the CAIHE team at [email protected] or call +86-21-6390 6161 ext. 828. We would rather answer your question early than see a buyer lose time at the airport in late November.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can use the Uzbekistan e-visa for CAIHE 2026?
Passport holders whose countries are not covered by Uzbekistan’s 30-day visa-free regime can check e-visa eligibility on the official portal. The portal confirms availability before payment [2].
How long does the e-visa take?
Standard processing is two working days, but practical planning should allow at least two to three weeks because payment failures, re-upload requests, and peak periods can add time [2].
Can I leave and re-enter Uzbekistan on one e-visa?
A single-entry e-visa allows one entry. If you plan to visit Kazakhstan or Kyrgyzstan and return to Uzbekistan, apply for a double-entry or multiple-entry e-visa [2].
Do I need hotel registration for a short CAIHE stay?
Yes, temporary registration applies to foreign citizens in most cases. Hotels usually complete it automatically at check-in, while private hosts must arrange it [3].
What if my e-visa application is refused?
The portal will notify you of the refusal. E-visa fees are generally non-refundable. If you receive a refusal, contact the CAIHE team for guidance and check with the nearest Uzbekistan embassy or consulate for alternative visa routes [2].
References
[1] Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Visa-free countries list. https://mfa.uz/en/pages/visa-republic-uzbekistan
[2] Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Official electronic visa portal. https://e-visa.gov.uz
[3] Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Entry and temporary registration requirements for foreign citizens. https://e-visa.gov.uz/faq
