Instruction: How do I apply for a single-entry e-visa to Uzbekistan as a US citizen for tourism? What potential pitfalls do I need to look out for?

Response: US citizens traveling for tourism who are under the age of 16 or over the age of 55, do not need an e-visa to enter Uzbekistan. Those between the ages of 16 and 55, will need to apply for an e-visa at the following website: https://e-visa.gov.uz/main. Applicants will need a US passport valid for at least 90 days from the date of the e-visa issuance. Applicants will also need to upload a passport photo (35x40mm size, 300 dip resolution, and less than 1MB file size), a photo (also less than 1MB file size) of page 2 of the passport, and $20 USD plus service fee chargeable to a VISA credit card.

Please note that although the e-visa application will ask the applicant to enter dates they will be in Uzbekistan, the e-visa will be valid beginning 30 days after the application date. Therefore, it is recommended that applicants apply between 30-60 days before they plan to enter Uzbekistan. If the applicant plans to visit Uzbekistan starting June 1, they should apply for the e-visa no later than May 1.

Uzbekistan e-visa windows are 90 days, but are only valid 30 days once the applicant enters Uzbekistan. For example, if the applicant applies for an e-visa on May 1, they will receive an e-visa window permitting them to single-entry into country anytime between June 1 – August 31. If the applicant enters Uzbekistan on June 1, the visa will be valid until June 30.

It is recommended that an applicant not apply more than 90 days than the date the applicant plans to exit Uzbekistan. For example, if the applicant intends to visit Uzbekistan between June 1 – June 15, the earliest the applicant can apply is March 15. The e-visa issued would be valid between April 15 – June 15. 

Once the application is submitted, the applicant will receive an email to submit payment for the visa. Uzbekistan e-visas are nonrefundable. If there is a mistake in the details or dates, the e-visa should be considered invalid and the applicant must begin a new application and pay the fee again.

Please allow at least 3 business days for processing after payment. Afterward, the applicant will receive a link to download the pdf of their e-visa to Uzbekistan. The applicant should verify for accuracy and ensure that the e-visa dates are valid during their dates of travel.