Visas & permits
Visas for Central Asia: country-by-country guide
Which Central Asian countries are visa-free, which need an e-visa, and what Turkmenistan’s letter of invitation involves.
The short version
For most Western passport holders, three of the five countries are visa-free for short stays, Tajikistan needs an e-visa (plus a permit for the Pamirs) and Turkmenistan needs a visa supported by a letter of invitation. Rules change, and they depend on your passport. Always confirm with the official sources linked below before you book flights.
Uzbekistan
Citizens of many countries, including the UK, most of the EU and the USA, can stay up to 30 days without a visa. Others can apply for an e-visa at e-visa.gov.uz. Hotels register you automatically; keep the slips. See our Uzbekistan visa guide for details.
Kazakhstan
Visa-free for up to 30 days for citizens of many countries, including the UK, the EU and the USA. Check with the nearest Kazakh embassy for your passport.
Kyrgyzstan
Visa-free for up to 60 days for citizens of many countries, including the UK, the EU and the USA. Some areas near the Chinese border (for example around Chatyr-Kul and the Inylchek glacier) need an additional border-zone permit.
Tajikistan
Most visitors apply online for an e-visa; some nationalities can enter visa-free. To travel in Gorno-Badakhshan, including the Pamir Highway and the Wakhan Valley, you also need a GBAO permit, which can be requested together with the e-visa.
Turkmenistan
Tourist visas are issued on the basis of a letter of invitation obtained through a licensed Turkmen travel agency, and tourists normally travel with a guide. Allow several weeks. Transit visas also exist but are less predictable.
Combining countries
If you cross the same border twice (for example Uzbekistan → Tajikistan → Uzbekistan for the Seven Lakes), check that your visa or visa-free status allows re-entry. Most visa-free regimes do, but e-visas may be single-entry.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa for Uzbekistan?
Citizens of many countries, including the UK, most of the EU and the USA, can visit for up to 30 days without a visa. Check e-visa.gov.uz for your passport.
Which Central Asian country is hardest to visit?
Turkmenistan, because tourist visas require a letter of invitation from a licensed local agency and travel with a guide.
Rules, timetables and prices change. We check this page regularly, but always confirm entry requirements with official sources before you travel.
