UAE and Uzbekistan Sign a Deal for a Visa-Free Arrangement

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ministry of Foreign Affairs has ratified a protocol establishing a visa-free arrangement for citizens of Uzbekistan.

The agreement, signed by Uzbekistan's Ambassador Abdulaziz Akkulov and UAE Deputy Foreign Minister Khalid Abdullah Belhoul, will be effective from February 16, 2024.

According to the protocol, Uzbek citizens can stay in the UAE for up to 30 days without a visa. Between January and October 2023, 104,643 Uzbek tourists visited the UAE. Additionally, an accord was reached to increase weekly flights between the two nations, promoting tourism and strengthening ties.

The new visa exemption replaces the previous requirement for electronic visas, allowing Uzbek citizens with biometric passports or international and domestic passports to stay for 30 days per visit.

The agreement, signed by Khaled Abdullah Belhoul and Abdulaziz Akkulov, aims to enhance bilateral relations in politics, economics, culture, education, and other shared interests between the UAE and Uzbekistan.

The memorandum reflects a significant move towards facilitating cooperation and movement between the two countries.