Planning a holiday to Uzbekistan just became a lot more exciting for Indian travelers. Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Uzbekistan, the Central Asian destination has announced two significant developments for Indian visitors: a 30-day visa-free regime for Indian citizens and the introduction of UPI-enabled payments through Uzbekistan’s UZQR system.

Together, these moves are set to make Uzbekistan more accessible and convenient for Indian travelers while strengthening the growing tourism and people-to-people ties between the two countries.

30 Days, Visa-Free: Uzbekistan Opens Its Doors Wider

In a major boost for tourism, Uzbekistan has announced visa-free entry for Indian citizens for stays of up to 30 days. The announcement was made during PM Modi’s state visit to Uzbekistan, with the move aimed at encouraging tourism, business exchanges, and stronger people-to-people connections.

For Indian holidaymakers, this removes one of the key planning steps associated with international travel applying for a tourist visa.

A 30-day window also gives travelers greater flexibility to experience Uzbekistan at a relaxed pace. Instead of limiting a trip to one or two cities, visitors can explore a wider itinerary covering Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, and the wider Silk Road heritage of the country.

The development also comes alongside a new India–Uzbekistan Tourism Cooperation Program for 2026–28, which aims to increase tourist exchanges, develop tourism cooperation, and create new joint tourism projects. Plans also include mutual cultural weeks, film festivals, and new joint tourist routes.

And Now, You Can Take UPI to Uzbekistan

If visa-free travel makes getting there easier, UPI is set to make paying while there more convenient.

NPCI International Payments Limited has entered into a commercial agreement with Uzbekistan’s National Interbank Processing Centre, the operator of the country’s HUMO payment system. Under the arrangement, Indian travellers can use their familiar UPI-enabled apps to scan Uzbekistan’s national UZQR codes and make merchant payments.

That means Indian tourists can make direct payments from their Indian bank accounts at participating merchants instead of depending entirely on cash or international cards.

The UZQR integration is designed to support payments across retail, hospitality, and service merchants, bringing India's familiar digital payment experience to another popular international destination.

For travelers, the appeal is simple: less cash to carry, fewer payment hassles, and a more familiar way to pay while exploring a new country.

From Getting There to Getting Around Uzbekistan Is Getting More Traveller-Friendly

The timing of these developments is particularly significant. India and Uzbekistan have elevated their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership, with tourism, digital public infrastructure, and people-to-people connections forming part of the expanding bilateral cooperation.

Uzbekistan is already an attractive proposition for Indian travelers, offering a unique combination of Silk Road history, magnificent architecture, vibrant bazaars, Uzbek cuisine, and modern city experiences.

Now, with 30-day visa-free travel announced for Indian citizens and UPI payment connectivity being established, the destination is becoming even more accessible.

So, whether it is walking through the blue-tiled wonders of Samarkand, discovering the historic lanes of Bukhara, exploring Khiva’s ancient city walls, or experiencing contemporary Tashkent, Indian travelers have more reasons than ever to put Uzbekistan on their travel list.

The Silk Road is calling and getting there just got a whole lot easier.