Azerbaijani citizens may soon enter Uzbekistan with domestic ID cards

Uzbekistan is considering allowing citizens of Azerbaijan, Russia, and Kazakhstan to enter the country using only their national ID cards or internal passports, in a move aimed at boosting tourism and strengthening regional ties.

The initiative was outlined in a presidential decree issued by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, titled  “On measures to increase the role and importance of tourism in the economy by sharply increasing the flow of tourists and rapidly expanding the scope of tourist services in 2025-2026,” Caliber.Az reports per Uzbek media.

The document sets out plans to simplify cross-border travel and expand cultural, business, and humanitarian exchanges.

As part of the effort, Uzbekistan’s Foreign Ministry has been instructed to launch formal talks with the relevant authorities in the three neighbouring countries within three months.

Based on the outcome of those negotiations, the ministry is expected to submit proposals to the government regarding the introduction of a 30-day entry regime for citizens travelling with domestic identification, including minors under 16 using so-called "kinder-passports".

While a visa-free travel agreement is already in place between Uzbekistan and the three nations for stays of up to 60 days, visitors are currently required to present a valid international passport at the border.

The proposed changes form part of Tashkent’s broader strategy to attract more tourists to its regions and develop the country’s tourism sector into a major contributor to economic growth.

By Aghakazim Guliyev