UAE signs visa waiver pact with Uzbekistan

The UAE and Uzbekistan have signed a memorandum of understanding on mutual visa exemption.

The move comes as part of the continued enhancing and strengthening of bilateral relations between the UAE and Uzbekistan, and achieving the common interests of the two peoples. The visa exemption applies to holders of special and mission passport, as well as ordinary passports.

Who is eligible?

Under this memorandum, UAE nationals who hold Special and Mission passports and holders of ordinary passports, valid for a period of not less than six months, are exempted from a visa to enter Uzbekistan (instead of applying for an electronic visa which was applicable before) and can stay there for a period of up to 30 days per visit.

Citizens of Uzbekistan who hold biometric passports (international passports allowing them to travel abroad or domestic passports to return to Uzbekistan only) are also exempt from a visa to enter the UAE, starting from January 15, 2024.

Enhancing bilateral ties

Khalid Abdullah Belhoul, under-secretary at the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Abdulaziz Akkulov, Ambassador of Uzbekistan to the UAE, signed the agreement.

The agreement comes within the framework of strengthening bilateral relations between the UAE and Uzbekistan and facilitating movement between the two countries.

This measure is considered an important step towards enhancing cooperation in the fields of politics, economics, culture, education and other areas of common interest.

UAE nationals who hold special and mission passports and holders of ordinary passports, valid for not less than six months can stay in Uzbekistan for a period of up to 30 days per visit.