For most international buyers heading to CAIHE 2026 in Tashkent, the practical answer is 30 days. Uzbekistan allows citizens from more than 60 countries to enter without a visa and stay for up to 30 calendar days [1]. Since CAIHE runs 24–26 November 2026 at Uzexpocentre, that window is usually enough for the fair, supplier meetings, and a short regional follow-up trip.
The country lists change, so treat the table below as a planning snapshot, not a legal guarantee. Before booking, confirm your passport against the current Ministry of Foreign Affairs or e-visa portal list [1][2].
| Buyer group | Typical visa-free allowance | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Mainland China passport holders | 30 days | Confirm passport validity before travel |
| EU, EEA, UK, Switzerland, Norway | 30 days | Your country must appear on the current visa-free list |
| Turkey, Israel, UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia | 30 days | Check bilateral agreements for any differences |
| Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia | 30 days | Same 30-day short-stay rule applies |
| CIS and neighboring states | Varies by agreement | Many enter without a visa; check the specific bilateral rule |
Uzbekistan counts the period in calendar days, not nights. The 30-day window normally begins from your date of entry, as stamped by the border officer. Keep the entry stamp visible and do not lose your migration registration slip.
How the 30-Day Visa-Free Stay Works
Visa-free entry for Uzbekistan is a short-stay regime. It is designed for tourism, attending trade fairs, business meetings, negotiations, and contract discussions. It is not a work permit, and it does not allow local employment [1][2].
CAIHE buyers can use the visa-free route to:
- Visit exhibitors at Uzexpocentre Pavilions 3 and 4
- Attend buyer–supplier meetings and matchmaking sessions
- Sign supplier agreements or letters of intent
- Travel within Uzbekistan for factory or warehouse visits
If your activity remains short-term business, the visa-free route is straightforward. If you expect to work locally, hire staff, or provide services inside Uzbekistan, a different permit category applies [2].
Non-Visa-Free Buyers: The E-Visa Route
If your passport is not on the visa-free list, the official Uzbekistan e-visa portal is usually the fastest route [2]. Most short-stay e-visas are also structured around 30-day visits, but processing time and allowed purpose matter.
Plan this before booking flights. Apply only through the official portal, and keep digital and printed copies of the e-visa approval with your travel documents.
Need confirmation for your passport? Contact the CAIHE team before you commit to flights: [email protected] or +86-21-6390 6161 ext. 828. We can help you check the current entry route and connect you with visitor-registration support.
Extending Beyond 30 Days
The 30-day visa-free allowance is generally not extendable. Do not assume that a quick exit to Kazakhstan or Kyrgyzstan will automatically reset the clock. Border officers apply the rules based on your passport and recent travel history [1][2].
If you plan to stay longer than 30 days, consider:
- Applying for an e-visa with the correct stay period
- Contacting an Uzbekistan embassy or consulate for a longer-term visa
- Structuring the trip so the fair, meetings, and regional visits fit inside the allowed window
Overstaying is not a minor issue. Uzbekistan can impose fines, exit bans, travel restrictions, and deportation proceedings in clear cases [3]. If you realize you may overstay, contact the nearest migration office before your last day.
Registration Rules and Documents at the Border
Visa-free entry does not mean zero paperwork. Hotels register guests automatically with the migration authorities. If you stay in a private residence, registration is the host’s responsibility and should be completed with the local migration office within the required period [3].
You may be asked to show:
- A passport valid for the required period beyond entry
- Your entry stamp or record
- Hotel confirmation or the address where you will stay
- A return or onward ticket
- Your CAIHE visitor-registration confirmation or fair invitation
Registering for CAIHE before travel helps, because a clear business purpose makes the entry conversation faster and more predictable.
What to Know About Neighboring Markets
Many CAIHE buyers combine Uzbekistan with Kazakhstan or Kyrgyzstan. Both have their own visa and e-visa rules, and a visa-free arrangement with Uzbekistan does not automatically cover neighboring countries [2]. If you plan a regional trip, check each country separately and keep entry records organized for the return or onward crossing.
Plan Your Visit to CAIHE 2026
CAIHE 2026 takes place 24–26 November 2026 at Uzexpocentre, Tashkent. Get your entry route sorted first, then complete visitor registration so your badge and entry purpose are ready before you arrive.
For direct support with visa-free eligibility, e-visa steps, or visitor registration for international buyers, contact the CAIHE team at [email protected] or +86-21-6390 6161 ext. 828.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa if my country is on Uzbekistan’s visa-free list?
No visa is required for citizens of listed countries for stays up to 30 calendar days, as long as the visit fits the short-term tourism or business purpose [1].
How are the 30 days counted?
The period is counted in calendar days, normally from the entry date stamped at the border. Check your stamp carefully and confirm the exit date before leaving the arrival hall [1].
Can I attend CAIHE and negotiate orders under visa-free entry?
Yes. Attending trade fairs, business meetings, supplier negotiations, and contract discussions falls within short-term business travel under the visa-free regime [1][2].
What documents do I still need at the border?
Bring a valid passport, your return or onward ticket, hotel confirmation or accommodation address, and your CAIHE visitor-registration confirmation or fair invitation. If you are an e-visa traveler, keep a printed or digital copy of the e-visa approval [2].
Is mainland China eligible for the 30-day visa-free entry?
Yes. Mainland China passport holders are covered by Uzbekistan’s visa-free list for 30-day short-stay travel, including trade fair participation and business meetings [1].
What happens if I overstay by mistake?
Overstaying can lead to fines, exit restrictions, travel bans, or deportation proceedings. If you are close to the limit, contact the nearest migration office before your allowed stay ends [3].
References
[1] Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan, “Visa rules for foreign citizens and list of countries with visa-free entry,” 2026. [Online]. Available: https://mfa.uz/
[2] Official Electronic Visa Portal of the Republic of Uzbekistan, “Entry and stay rules for foreign citizens,” 2026. [Online]. Available: https://e-visa.gov.uz/
[3] Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan, “Registration of foreign citizens and responsibility for violation of stay rules,” 2026. [Online]. Available: https://iiv.uz/
