POLITICS | 12:07 / 02.12.2024
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Uzbekistan and China agree on 30-day visa-free travel agreement

Uzbekistan and China have signed a bilateral agreement allowing citizens to travel visa-free for up to 30 days. The agreement was formalized during a meeting between Uzbekistan’s Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov and China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

Photo: MFA Uzbekistan

Saidov announced the news on his social media account, stating that the agreement represents a significant milestone in strengthening ties between the two nations. "Within the framework of agreements reached by the leaders of Uzbekistan and China, my counterpart and I signed a deal enabling our citizens to travel visa-free for 30 days. This document marks another important step in fostering active relations, increasing trade turnover, and enhancing ties between our peoples," Saidov noted.

While the visa-free regime’s official start date has not yet been announced, authorities have promised to provide additional details soon.

Uzbekistan has already been offering visa-free entry to Chinese citizens since January 1, 2020. Initially limited to seven days, this period was extended to 10 days as of March 1, 2021.

China’s move to reciprocate visa-free entry for Uzbeks was first mentioned in a joint statement by the leaders of both nations in May 2023. In late November 2024, Uzbek diplomats held discussions with Chinese officials to finalize the details of this agreement.

The 30-day visa-free travel arrangement is expected to boost tourism, facilitate business opportunities, and deepen cultural and economic cooperation between the two countries.

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