More than 60 countries enjoy 30-day visa-free entry to Uzbekistan. For buyers planning to attend CAIHE 2026 at Uzexpocentre in Tashkent on 24–26 November, that single policy removes the biggest practical barrier to a Central Asia sourcing trip: the visa.
We have scouted this route for international hardware buyers. If your passport qualifies, you book the flight, pack, and fly. You will still need the right documents at the border, but you will not need an embassy appointment, a letter of invitation, or a consular fee.
What the 30-Day Visa-Free Regime Actually Covers
Uzbekistan’s visa-free regime allows eligible visitors with ordinary passports to stay for up to 30 days from the date of entry [1]. It covers ordinary business travel, including attending a trade fair, meeting suppliers, and visiting a venue such as Uzexpocentre.
The 30-day clock starts on arrival, not on the date you buy your ticket. For most CAIHE visitors, that window is more than enough for the exhibition, one or two supplier visits, and a day to see Tashkent.
Who Qualifies Without a Visa
The visa-free list includes most European Union member states, the United Kingdom, China, Japan, South Korea, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, and Israel, among more than 60 countries and territories [1]. Many CIS nationals also enter under simplified or visa-free arrangements.
Chinese passport holders
Holders of ordinary Chinese passports are included in the 30-day visa-free regime. That means factory teams, trading-company partners, and procurement managers can travel from China to Tashkent without a pre-travel visa application.
European, Gulf, and Asian buyers
If you carry a passport from an EU country, the UK, a Gulf state, or one of the eligible Asian countries, the process is the same: no visa before departure. Check the official list from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan before booking, because eligibility is passport-based, not citizenship-based in every case.
Visa-Free vs E-Visa: Which Route Is Faster?
For eligible countries, visa-free entry is the fastest route. There is no online form to complete and no approval period to manage before travel.
For visitors from non-visa-free countries, Uzbekistan operates an official e-visa portal [2]. The e-visa is usually processed within a few working days, but you should apply early enough to leave time for follow-up questions. Do not mix the two routes: if your country qualifies for visa-free entry, you do not need an e-visa.
Documents You Still Need at the Border
Even with visa-free entry, border officers will ask for a valid passport and may ask about your accommodation and purpose of travel. We recommend carrying:
- A passport valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay.
- A return or onward flight ticket.
- A hotel booking confirmation.
- Your CAIHE 2026 trade-fair confirmation or registration reference.
When asked about the purpose of your visit, the clearest answer is: “CAIHE 2026, the hardware trade fair at Uzexpocentre, 24–26 November.” You will receive an entry stamp at the border; no visa sticker is required.
Registration Rules for Foreign Visitors
Foreign visitors staying in Uzbekistan are required to be registered by their hotel or host within three working days of arrival. Hotels normally complete registration automatically when you check in.
Confirm at check-out that your registration was processed. If you are staying in a private apartment, the host or owner must register you. This is a routine matter, but unregistered stays can attract penalties.
Business Travel Under Visa-Free Entry
The visa-free regime is designed for short business visits such as exhibitions, trade fairs, supplier meetings, and market research. Attending CAIHE 2026 falls squarely within that purpose.
It does not allow local employment or long-term commercial work. If you plan to spend more than 30 days in Uzbekistan, or to do work beyond business meetings, you should explore the appropriate visa before travel.
Extending Your Stay Beyond 30 Days
There is no simple border extension for most visa-free stays. If you need more than 30 days, arrange an e-visa or a longer-stay visa before you enter Uzbekistan.
We usually plan CAIHE trips within one 30-day window. The fair runs for three days, and Tashkent supplier visits rarely require more than a week. If your itinerary is longer, sort out the visa first.
Combining CAIHE with Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan
Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan maintain their own visa-free lists. Many nationalities eligible for Uzbekistan can also enter one or both neighbors without a visa, but the lists are not identical.
Check each country separately before planning a multi-country route around CAIHE. A regional trip can be practical, but the safest approach is to verify Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan entry rules before crossing a border.
Why This Matters for Hardware Buyers
The visa-free policy is not the main story. The market is.
Uzbekistan has a construction pipeline that includes more than 750 large-scale projects and more than one million new homes planned by 2030 [3]. That translates directly into demand for power tools, building hardware, fasteners, welding equipment, safety gear, and MRO supplies.
Central Asia is also diversifying its supplier mix. Buyers from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and beyond are increasingly looking beyond traditional routes. That is why Uzbekistan feels less like a side trip and more like a regional entry point.
CAIHE 2026 at a Glance
CAIHE — Central Asia International Hardware Expo — is the region’s first dedicated international trade fair for the hardware and tools sector. It will be held on 24–26 November 2026 at Uzexpocentre, Tashkent, across Pavilions 3 and 4.
The event is organized by Koelnmesse and Inter Dialog, with the China Chamber of Commerce for Machinery and Electronic Products and CCI Uzbekistan as partners. More than 200 international exhibitors are expected.
As a first edition, CAIHE does not have legacy visitor numbers to quote, and we will not invent them. What a first edition can offer is a different kind of leverage: early buyers often get first-mover supplier relationships and more flexible terms before categories become crowded.
If you need help confirming your visa route or planning your visit, email the CAIHE team at [email protected]. We answer buyer enquiries directly.
Getting to Tashkent and Uzexpocentre
Tashkent International Airport is the main entry point. From the airport, official taxis and ride-hailing services reach Uzexpocentre and the city-center hotels in about 15 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic.
The Tashkent Metro is affordable and reliable. If you stay near Uzexpocentre or in the city center, the metro connects most of the practical route. Book accommodation early: the fair adds pressure to the best-located hotels.
Your Next Step
Pre-register for CAIHE 2026 before you travel. Start with an official visa eligibility check, secure your buyer badge, and lock your hotel.
Email [email protected] or call +86-21-6390 6161 ext. 828 for buyer support.
FAQ
Does my passport qualify for 30-day visa-free entry to Uzbekistan?
Check the official visa list from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan. More than 60 countries are included, covering much of the EU, the UK, China, Japan, South Korea, the Gulf states, and other key sourcing markets.
Can I attend business meetings on a visa-free entry?
Yes. The 30-day visa-free regime permits short business visits, including trade fairs, exhibitions, supplier meetings, and market research. It does not allow local employment.
What happens if I overstay?
Overstaying can lead to fines, exit complications, and future entry difficulties. If you think your trip may exceed 30 days, arrange a longer-stay visa before departure.
Do I need to register my stay in Uzbekistan?
Yes. Hotels normally complete registration at check-in. If you stay in a private apartment, your host must register within three working days.
Can I extend my stay beyond 30 days?
Do not count on a border extension. Most visa-free visitors who need more than 30 days should arrange a suitable visa before travel.
Is the visa-free route faster than an e-visa?
If you are from an eligible country, yes. Visa-free entry requires no prior application. For non-eligible nationalities, the official e-visa portal is normally the fastest alternative.
What documents should I carry to the border?
Carry your passport, return or onward ticket, hotel booking confirmation, and your CAIHE 2026 registration reference. Border officers may ask for your accommodation and purpose of travel.
References
[1] Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan, visa-free regime list — mfa.uz
[2] Official electronic visa portal of the Republic of Uzbekistan — e-visa.gov.uz
[3] Republic of Uzbekistan national development and housing construction programmes, 2020–2030
