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Starting June 1, 2025, citizens of Uzbekistan will enjoy visa-free access to China, marking a significant development in the bilateral relationship between the two nations. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan officially announced this policy change, which comes as both countries complete their internal procedures related to a mutual visa exemption agreement. This initiative is part of a broader trend of expanding travel opportunities between nations, fostering closer ties and increasing mobility for their citizens.
Under this new agreement, citizens of Uzbekistan and China will be allowed to enter, exit, and transit through each other’s territories without the need for a visa for up to 30 days per visit. However, the total stay within any 180-day period must not exceed 90 days. This arrangement simplifies travel for individuals seeking short-term visits to either country, facilitating tourism, business, and family visits without the hassle of applying for a visa.
While the agreement offers considerable convenience for short-term stays, it also comes with important stipulations. For travelers who wish to stay beyond the 30-day limit, obtaining a visa prior to arrival will be required. Additionally, the visa-free regime does not extend to individuals seeking to work, study, engage in media activities, or undertake other types of work that require prior authorization from the host country’s authorities. This ensures that the agreement is primarily designed for leisure, tourism, and other non-commercial activities, while maintaining the necessary regulatory oversight for more long-term or professional stays.
A noteworthy exclusion in this agreement is that it does not cover travel to the Hong Kong and Macau Special Administrative Regions of China. Although Hong Kong and Macau are integral parts of the People’s Republic of China, they have separate visa and immigration policies from mainland China. Therefore, this new agreement between Uzbekistan and China applies solely to travel to the mainland and does not extend to these two regions, meaning travelers will need to comply with the specific visa requirements for Hong Kong and Macau if they intend to visit.
This move by Uzbekistan comes as part of China’s broader efforts to expand its visa-free access and promote stronger international ties. Since March 2021, Uzbekistan has allowed Chinese citizens to enter the country without a visa for up to 10 days, signaling the growing trend of facilitating easier travel for their respective citizens. This reciprocal approach to visa policies helps promote tourism, business, and cultural exchanges between both countries, enhancing diplomatic relations.
In recent years, China has significantly expanded its visa-free access to citizens of several countries as part of its broader diplomatic and economic strategy. In November 2024, China introduced a visa-free regime for citizens of nine additional countries, including South Korea and various European nations. This expansion of visa exemptions highlights China’s commitment to easing travel restrictions and fostering closer ties with countries around the world.
Simultaneously, China continues to operate its short-term visa-free transit policy, which allows travelers from 54 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada, to enter China for brief stays without a visa. Depending on the city of entry, travelers can stay in China for up to 72 hours or 144 hours, provided they meet the required conditions. This policy has been a significant factor in boosting international transit through Chinese airports, making China an increasingly attractive stopover destination for global travelers.
The new visa exemption agreement between Uzbekistan and China is just one of many steps taken by both countries to deepen their bilateral ties. It opens up new opportunities for tourism and trade, benefiting both nations’ economies and enhancing the mobility of their citizens. As global travel becomes more interconnected, such agreements are essential in facilitating smoother and more efficient movement across borders.
For Uzbekistan, this agreement is a positive development that underscores its growing presence on the international stage. By offering its citizens easier access to China, one of the world’s largest economies, Uzbekistan is positioning itself as a key player in the region’s economic and diplomatic landscape. Likewise, Chinese citizens will benefit from increased ease of travel to Uzbekistan, which is rapidly becoming a popular destination for tourists seeking to explore Central Asia’s rich history, culture, and natural beauty.
As travel restrictions ease and international cooperation strengthens, it is expected that more countries will adopt similar agreements, further simplifying the process of cross-border movement. The Uzbekistan-China visa-free agreement is a forward-looking step that reflects both countries’ commitment to building stronger, more open relationships with the global community.
In conclusion, the new visa-free travel agreement between Uzbekistan and China, effective June 1, 2025, marks an important milestone in the relationship between these two countries. By allowing citizens of both nations to travel freely for short stays, it fosters closer ties and promotes tourism and business exchanges. This initiative, along with China’s broader efforts to expand visa exemptions, highlights the growing trend of global mobility and the importance of fostering international cooperation in an increasingly interconnected world.
