Uzbekistan entry requirements for South Africa passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 21, 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
South African passport holders need a visa to enter Uzbekistan in 2026. The easiest way is to apply for an e-visa online before you travel — it's straightforward and usually processed within a few working days.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | South African passport holders need a visa to enter Uzbekistan. Apply online at the official eVisa portal at least 3 working days before departure. The eVisa costs $20 USD for single entry (30 days) or $35 USD for double entry, and you receive a PDF by email — print it and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover your stay | Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Uzbekistan. No specific 6-month validity rule applies, but airlines may enforce their own policy — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers at Tashkent International Airport routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return flight. Have a printed or digital copy of your ticket ready to show. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Uzbekistan. Officers may ask for this at the border, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have bank statements or a credit card ready to demonstrate you have enough money for your stay. There is no fixed minimum amount, but showing at least $50 USD per day covers most situations. | Recommended |
E-visa is the only option
South African passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival or at an embassy. Apply online at e-visa.gov.uz before you fly.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in Uzbekistan, not from your departure date. Double-check before applying.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your e-visa online
Go to e-visa.gov.uz, fill in your details, upload a passport-style photo, and pay the fee (around $20–$50 depending on processing speed). You'll get a PDF approval in 2–3 working days.
2
Pack your documents
Print or save your e-visa PDF, passport, return ticket, and first-night hotel booking. Keep them in an easily accessible folder or on your phone.
3
Arrive at the airport in Uzbekistan
At Tashkent (TAS) or any other international airport, join the 'Foreign Passports' queue. Hand over your passport and e-visa. The officer will stamp you in — no extra forms needed.
4
Show your return ticket if asked
Immigration may ask for proof of onward travel. Just show your return ticket on your phone or printed copy. They rarely ask for accommodation, but have it ready.
Download Uzbekistan Entry Checklist
PDF · South Africa Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$160 USD
Standard tourist visa for short visits.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$250 USD
Ideal for travellers planning multiple visits within 6 months.
Long-stay visa (business/study)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost$300 USD
Requires invitation from a local organization or educational institution.
work visa
Work Visa (Uzbekistan)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD
For foreign nationals employed by a registered company in Uzbekistan. Requires a work permit and employer sponsorship.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, up to 4 years
~$200 USD
For those enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Uzbekistan. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD
For individuals investing a minimum of $100,000 USD in the Uzbek economy. Requires proof of investment and business registration.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist visa, valid for up to 30 days. | $160 USD (equivalent to ~2,800 ZAR) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within a 6-month validity period. | $250 USD (equivalent to ~4,400 ZAR) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstaying your visa incurs a daily fine, capped at $500 USD. | $20 USD per day (max $500 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa application20%
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
South Africa passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit at Uzbekistan airports, provided they do not pass through immigration and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa may transit without a visa for up to 72 hours.
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 risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common in rural areas; ensure food is well-cooked and drink bottled or boiled water.
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Risk in forested areas, especially in spring and summer.
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
1, Mustaqillik Square, Tashkent
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
Main office for visa extensions and registration. Bring passport, visa, and proof of accommodation.
Samarkand
Samarkand Regional Migration Office
2, Registan Street, Samarkand
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Handles visa extensions for tourists in the Samarkand region.
Practical information for ZA 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 = 12,106.53 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, South African passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival. You must apply for an e-visa online before you travel.
Usually 2–3 working days. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe. The standard fee is around $20, but you can pay extra for faster processing.
The e-visa typically allows a stay of up to 30 days. Check your approval letter for the exact validity period.
Yes, immigration officers may ask for proof of onward travel. A printed or digital copy of your return flight, train, or bus ticket is fine.
You'll be denied entry. Renew your passport before applying for the e-visa. The 6-month validity is counted from your date of entry into Uzbekistan.
Extensions are not available for e-visa holders. If you need more time, you'd have to leave and re-enter with a new visa.
No mandatory vaccinations for South African travellers. Routine vaccines (hepatitis A, typhoid) are recommended — check with your doctor.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 21, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.