United States entry requirements for Uzbekistan passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 26, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Uzbek citizens need a visa to enter the United States. As of 2026, you must apply for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa at the U.S. embassy in Tashkent before you travel. Plan ahead — visa processing typically takes several weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| US visa application B-1/B-2 visitor visa | You need a US visa before travel — Uzbekistan is not in the Visa Waiver Program. Start at the State Department visa portal, pay the $185 MRV fee, and schedule an interview at the US Embassy in Tashkent. Wait times for interview slots can run several months, so apply well ahead of your planned travel.Apply for US visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in the US — there is no 6-month validity requirement for US entry. Airlines may still check for at least 6 months validity, so confirm with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from the US | US immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a return ticket or a ticket to your next destination ready. If you don't have one, you may be denied boarding by the airline. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host letter | Immigration officers may ask where you're staying. A hotel confirmation or a letter from your US host with their address and phone number works. I've been asked for this at least half the times I've entered the US. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statements or credit cards | Officers can ask how you'll support yourself during your stay. Carry recent bank statements showing enough funds for your trip, or bring credit cards with a sufficient limit. I've never been asked, but it's better to have them. | Recommended |
Visa required — plan ahead
Uzbek citizens cannot travel to the U.S. without a visa. There is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option. Start the application process at least 2–3 months before your intended travel date.
ESTA not available
The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is only for citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries. Uzbekistan is not part of this program, so you must apply for a full visa.
What happens at the border
1
Complete the DS-160 form
Go to the Consular Electronic Application Center website, fill out the DS-160 form, upload a passport-style photo, and print the confirmation page with the barcode. This is your application ID.
2
Pay the visa fee
Pay the non-refundable MRV fee (currently $185 for B-1/B-2 visas) at a designated bank in Uzbekistan or online as instructed by the embassy. Keep the receipt.
3
Schedule your interview
Use the U.S. Visa Information Service website to book an appointment at the U.S. Embassy in Tashkent. Wait times can be 2–4 weeks, so do this as soon as you have your DS-160 confirmation.
4
Attend the interview
Arrive at the embassy on time with your passport, DS-160 confirmation, fee receipt, and supporting documents (employment letter, bank statements, travel itinerary). The officer will ask about your trip and ties to Uzbekistan. Answer honestly and briefly.
5
Wait for visa processing
If approved, your passport will be held for visa stamping. Processing takes 3–10 business days. You'll receive instructions to collect your passport from the embassy or a courier service.
6
Arrive at the U.S. border
At the port of entry (airport, land border), present your passport with the visa. A CBP officer will ask about your trip. Have your return ticket and accommodation details ready. You'll be fingerprinted and photographed.
Download United States Entry Checklist
PDF · Uzbekistan Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 26, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
B1/B2 Tourist Visa (single entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months per entry
Validity10 years from issue date
Cost$185 USD (approx. 2,200,000 UZS)
Standard visa for tourism or business; requires interview at US embassy.
B1/B2 Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months per entry
Validity10 years from issue date
Cost$185 USD (approx. 2,200,000 UZS)
Same as single entry but allows multiple trips; most common for Uzbek travelers.
F-1 Student Visa
Max stayDuration of study + 60 days grace
ValidityUp to 5 years, renewable
Cost$185 USD (approx. 2,200,000 UZS) + SEVIS fee $350
For full-time academic programs; requires I-20 from US school.
H-1B Work Visa
Max stayUp to 3 years, extendable to 6
Validity3 years initially
Cost$460 USD (approx. 5,500,000 UZS) + legal fees
For specialty occupations; employer-sponsored with lottery cap.
student visa
F-1 Student Visa
Duration of study + OPT up to 1 year
$185 USD application + $350 SEVIS fee
For full-time enrollment at a US academic institution. Requires I-20 from school and proof of funds. Allows part-time work on campus.
Apply work visa
H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa
3 years, extendable to 6
$460 USD application + legal fees (varies)
For professionals in specialized fields (e.g., IT, engineering). Employer-sponsored with annual lottery cap of 65,000 visas.
Apply investor visa
EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa
Permanent residency (Green Card)
$1,050,000 USD minimum investment (or $800,000 in targeted areas)
For investors who create at least 10 jobs in the US. Requires detailed business plan and proof of lawful funds.
Apply exchange visitor visa
J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa
Up to 2 years (varies by program)
$185 USD application + program fees
For cultural exchange, internships, or research programs. Requires sponsorship from a designated US organization.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| B1/B2 Tourist Visa (single entry)Non-refundable application fee for most visa types. | $185 USD (approx. 2,200,000 UZS) |
| B1/B2 Tourist Visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry; validity up to 10 years for Uzbek citizens. | $185 USD (approx. 2,200,000 UZS) |
| I-539 Extension of StayFor extending B1/B2 stay beyond initial admission; processing takes months. | $370 USD (approx. 4,400,000 UZS) |
| Overstay FineOverstay may lead to bans; no fixed daily fine but penalties are severe. | Varies; typically $0–$500 USD depending on duration |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Weak home ties20%
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 United States
Transit visa required
Uzbek citizens generally need a C-1 transit visa to change flights in the US, even if staying airside. Exceptions apply for holders of valid US visas or ESTA-eligible nationals (Uzbekistan is not ESTA-eligible).
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US visa (e.g., B1/B2) may transit without a separate transit visa.
- Holders of a Canadian visa may transit under certain conditions (check with airline).
Transit hubsJohn F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) · Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) · Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Health & vaccines for United States
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Mosquito-borne diseases (West Nile virus, dengue)Low risk
Rare in most tourist areas; use repellent in rural/southern regions during summer.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
Safe food and water generally; risk increases with street food in some areas.
Air pollutionModerate risk
Major cities like LA and NYC have moderate air quality issues; sensitive individuals should monitor.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Washington, D.C.
US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) National Benefits Center
850 NW, Washington, DC 20530
Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00
For extension applications (I-539) by mail; no walk-in services.
New York
USCIS New York Field Office
26 Federal Plaza, New York, NY 10278
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles in-person appointments for certain cases; call for info.
Practical information for UZ travellers
Country basics
CapitalWashington D.C.
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceForeign visitors may drive with a valid home-country licence for the duration of their stay. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyUS Dollar (USD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1 USD
Time zone
Local timeAmerica/New_York
vs New York+0:00 (same timezone)
vs Los Angeles-3h from NY
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A (two flat parallel pins) and Type B (two flat parallel pins + grounding pin)
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to United States — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
The entire process usually takes 3–6 weeks from submitting the DS-160 to receiving your passport with the visa. Interview wait times at the Tashkent embassy vary by season — check the current wait time on the embassy website. Processing after approval takes 3–10 business days.
The visa application fee (MRV fee) is $185 for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa. This is non-refundable even if your application is denied. There are no additional fees for the interview or visa stamp.
No. Almost all Uzbek citizens aged 14–79 must appear for an in-person interview at the U.S. Embassy in Tashkent. Only children under 14 and adults over 79 may be eligible for interview waiver in some cases.
Bring your valid passport, DS-160 confirmation page, visa fee receipt, one passport photo (if not uploaded), and supporting documents: employment letter, bank statements for the last 3–6 months, property deeds, travel itinerary, and any invitation letters. The officer may ask for additional documents.
You'll receive a refusal letter under Section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, meaning the officer wasn't convinced you'd return to Uzbekistan. You can reapply at any time, but you must address the reasons for denial — typically stronger ties to Uzbekistan. There's no appeal process.
No. The B-1/B-2 visa is not extendable. You must leave before the expiration date stamped on your I-94 form (usually up to 6 months from entry). Overstaying can result in a ban from future travel to the U.S.
Yes, unless you qualify for the Visa Waiver Program (Uzbekistan is not part of it). Even for a short layover, you need a C-1 transit visa or a B-1/B-2 visa. You must go through U.S. immigration and customs at your first port of entry.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 26, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.