Uzbekistan entry requirements for New Zealand passport holders
Verified May 14, 2026·View sources
No visa required
30 days
Max stay
30 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
New Zealand passport holders can visit Uzbekistan visa-free for up to 30 days. No visa application needed — just show up with a valid passport. This policy is in effect as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your New Zealand passport needs to be valid for the full 30 days you plan to stay in Uzbekistan. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires before you leave, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Recommended | Immigration officers at Tashkent International Airport routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Hotel bookings or a letter of invitation from a host in Uzbekistan can be requested at the border. Keep a copy on your phone or printed. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Carry enough cash or a credit card to cover your stay — around $50 USD per day is a safe benchmark. ATMs are available in Tashkent and Samarkand but less reliable in smaller towns. | Recommended |
30 days, not 31
The visa-free stay is exactly 30 days from the date of entry. Overstaying even one day can result in fines and a ban. Set a reminder to leave on day 29 to be safe.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Uzbekistan requires 6 months of passport validity from your entry date. Airlines check this before boarding. If your passport expires sooner, you won't be allowed to fly.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at any international airport in Uzbekistan
Fly into Tashkent International Airport (TAS), Samarkand (SKD), or Bukhara (BHK). Go to the 'Foreign Passports' queue.
2
Present your passport and boarding pass
Hand over your passport and the boarding pass from your incoming flight. The officer will check your passport validity and may ask for your return ticket and hotel booking.
3
Receive your entry stamp
The officer stamps your passport with a 30-day visa-free entry. No fee. No forms to fill. The whole process takes 2–5 minutes.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, pick up your bags from the carousel and walk through customs. Green channel if you have nothing to declare.
Download Uzbekistan Entry Checklist
PDF · New Zealand Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 14, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable up to 60 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$20 USD (approx. $20 USD)
Apply online via e-visa portal or at an embassy. Allows one entry and can be extended once.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, total 90 days within 6 months
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$50 USD (approx. $50 USD)
Available for frequent travellers. Must apply at an embassy or consulate.
Long-stay visa (business/private)
Max stay90 days, extendable up to 1 year
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost$80 USD (approx. $80 USD)
Requires an invitation letter from a registered Uzbek organization or individual. Apply at embassy.
work visa
Work Visa (Labor Activity)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD (approx. $100 USD)
For New Zealanders with a job offer from an Uzbek employer. Requires a work permit and medical check. Allows multiple entries and family accompaniment.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies (typically 1–4 years), renewable
~$50 USD (approx. $50 USD)
For those enrolled in a recognized Uzbek educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial support. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD (approx. $200 USD)
For individuals investing at least $50,000 USD in the Uzbek economy. Requires proof of investment and business plan. Leads to permanent residency after 5 years.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayOverstaying beyond 30 days incurs a daily fine. Pay at the airport or immigration office before departure. | ~$10 USD per day (no official cap reported) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Uzbekistan
No transit visa needed
New Zealand passport holders transiting through Uzbekistan do not need a visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport transit area, a visa is required.
- For overnight transits, some airports may require a transit visa or hotel booking.
Transit hubsTashkent International Airport (TAS) · Samarkand International Airport (SKD) · Bukhara International Airport (BHK)
Health & vaccines for Uzbekistan
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice good hygiene and drink bottled water.
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Rare in tourists; risk in rural/forested areas during spring/summer.
Air pollutionModerate risk
Tashkent and other cities may have high particulate levels; those with respiratory issues should take precautions.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Tashkent
Main Department of Migration and Citizenship
100 Tashkent, Mirabad District, 1st Block, 1A
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
Handles visa extensions and registration. Bring passport, visa, and proof of accommodation.
Samarkand
Samarkand Regional Migration Office
Samarkand, Amir Temur Street, 45
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
For visa-related issues in the Samarkand region. Limited English; consider hiring a translator.
Practical information for NZ travellers
Country basics
CapitalTashkent
LanguageUzbek
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 60 days; an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyUzbekistani som (UZS)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 12,177.85 UZS
Time zone
Local timeUTC+5
vs New York+10h
vs Los Angeles+13h
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,FTypes C and F, standard European plugs with two round pins.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; stick to bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No. The visa-free entry is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you must leave Uzbekistan before day 30 and re-enter, or apply for a visa in advance at an Uzbek embassy.
No. There is no arrival declaration or registration requirement for New Zealand passport holders. Just keep your hotel booking confirmation as proof of address.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry by immigration. Renew your passport before you travel. No exceptions.
Yes. The 30-day visa-free entry applies at all international border crossings — airports and land borders. Just make sure your passport has 6+ months validity and you have a return ticket.
No. If you're connecting through an Uzbek airport and staying airside (not passing immigration), you don't need a visa. But if you plan to leave the transit area, you'll need the visa-free entry or a visa.
No. It's completely free. No visa application, no payment, no forms. Just show your passport and get stamped.
Have your return ticket (screenshot or printed), first night hotel booking confirmation, and proof of travel insurance handy. Immigration rarely asks, but it's better to have them ready.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 14, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.