Uzbekistan and China near final stage of visa-free travel agreement

Uzbekistan and China are currently in the process of finalizing internal procedures for implementing a visa-free regime, Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed. Once completed, the agreement will allow for 30-day visa-free travel between the two countries.

Earlier, information had circulated online suggesting that there would be no visa-free travel arrangement between Uzbekistan and China.

The Telegram channel POLITIK Central Asia claimed, citing its sources, that no negotiations were taking place between the two countries on this matter and that a visa-free regime was not being considered.

However, Uzbekistan’s Foreign Ministry confirmed to Gazeta.uz that both parties are in the process of completing the necessary domestic procedures.

"Afterward, a 30-day visa-free regime will come into effect," said ministry spokesperson Akhror Burkhanov.

Background on the visa-free agreement

On December 1, 2024, during a business forum held in Chengdu, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Uzbek counterpart Bakhtiyor Saidov signed an agreement granting Uzbek citizens the right to travel to the People’s Republic of China without a visa for up to 30 days.

This step follows prior agreements made during President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s state visit to China in spring 2023, during which both countries agreed to simplify visa procedures.

Since March 2021, Chinese citizens have been allowed to enter Uzbekistan without a visa for a stay of up to 10 days.

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