Uzbekistan is planning to introduce a visa-free entry of up to 30 days for citizens of the United States. This is stipulated in the decree signed by president Shavkat Mirziyoyev on 15 May. The document aims at significantly increasing the flow of tourists to the country, Gazeta.uz reported.
The decree also instructs the Foreign Ministry to begin negotiations with the US within three months on easing visa requirements for Uzbekistan nationals.
Tourism is described in the document as a “key strategic sector of the national economy”. The government aims to attract 15.8 million foreign tourists to Uzbekistan’s regions and achieve $4 billion in tourism service exports by the end of the year.
The decree outlines several measures for tourism development, including promoting the country’s tourism potential abroad, expanding tourist routes, improving visitor safety, enhancing transport logistics and infrastructure, as well as supporting the development of new accommodations and tourism facilities.