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What is the change?  Uzbekistan now allows visa-free travel of up to 30 days for nationals of 45 countries.

What does the change mean? Foreign nationals from 45 countries, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and European Union member states, will be able to stay in Uzbekistan for up to 30 days visa-free while traveling as tourists. While tourist and business travel is allowed under the visa-waiver program, work activities are not.

• Effective date: Feb. 1.
• Visas/permits affected: Visa waivers.
• Who is affected: Nationals of 45 countries traveling to Uzbekistan for up to 30 days.
• Impact on processing times: The change will save tourist and business travelers time in the application process.
• Business impact: Employers are reminded that stays of more than 30 days are not covered under the visa-waiver program; therefore, employees conducting business and work travel for more than 30 days are urged to obtain the appropriate visa or permit before arriving in Uzbekistan.

Background:  Visa-free travel has been granted for nationals from 45 countries under Presidential Decree No. 5611, dated Jan. 5, 2019.  Nationals of the following countries are now eligible for the visa-waiver program, effective Feb. 1:

Analysis & Comments: The visa-waiver program will ease travel procedures for nationals of 45 countries traveling to Uzbekistan for short-term stays. Travelers should note, however, that the visa waiver is appropriate for short-stay tourism and business activities only. Employees staying in Uzbekistan beyond 30 days or conducting work activities must apply for the applicable visa prior to entry.

Source: Deloitte LLP. Deloitte LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales with registered number OC303675 and its registered office at 1 New Street Square, London EC4A 3HQ, United Kingdom.

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What is the change? The South Korean Embassy in Uzbekistan has introduced nine new locations for applicants to complete the process for obtaining a South Korean visa. The embassy itself ceased processing visas on Tuesday except for visas for official or diplomatic business trips of state officials and international marriages, which will still be processed at the embassy.

What does the change mean? The embassy selected nine travel agencies in Tashkent and Samarkand to provide processing for South Korean visas in Uzbekistan. Applicants may submit their documents and receive their visa or refusal at eligible travel agencies without visiting the South Korean Embassy. Both the travel companies and the embassy issued visas from Sept. 21 to Oct. 1. Starting Oct. 2, only the travel companies will accept documents and issue visas.

• Implementation time frame: Immediate and ongoing. The South Korean Embassy ceased providing visa processing Oct. 2.
• Visas/permits affected: All South Korean visas, excluding visas for official or diplomatic business trips of state officials and international marriages, which will still be processed at the embassy.
• Who is affected: Uzbekistan citizens and foreign nationals in Uzbekistan traveling to South Korea.
• Impact on processing: The change may alleviate delays and waiting times experienced at the South Korean Embassy by adding additional locations and dividing service traffic.

Background: The South Korean Embassy in Uzbekistan continues to issue more visas each year, with more than 30,000 issued in the first eight months of 2018 (compared with 36,141 in all of 2017). The increases have caused delays in visa verification and issuance as well as longer waiting times to file documents.

Analysis & Comments: The changes look to mitigate processing times and delays as well as save applicants time and money, particularly if they reside closer to Samarkand and no longer need to travel to Tashkent for an appointment at the embassy. However, delays should be expected as the South Korean Embassy ceases visa processing Oct. 2.

Source: Deloitte LLP. Deloitte LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales with registered number OC303675 and its registered office at 1 New Street Square, London EC4A 3HQ, United Kingdom.

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What is the change? Uzbekistan is poised to launch an e-visa program for nationals of 51 countries, including Australia, Canada, China, India, Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates, the United States and European Union countries.

What does the change mean? The program will allow nationals of 51 countries to apply for e-visas that are valid for single stays of up to 30 days for business or tourist travel.

• Implementation time frame: The program is expected to be launched Sunday.
• Visas/permits affected: E-visas.
• Who is affected: Nationals of 51 countries traveling to Uzbekistan for business or tourism.
• Impact on processing times: The change will save travelers time in the application process. Officials anticipate that e-visas will be issued within two business days after the application is submitted.

Background: The e-visas will be issued under a resolution signed by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on July 4. The visas will be available to adult travelers for single stays of up to 30 days. Children under 16 years of age from one of the 51 countries will be allowed to travel visa-free, provided they have a passport and are accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Additionally, under the resolution, nationals from 101 countries will now be eligible for visa-free transit for up to five days.

The countries whose nationals are eligible for the e-visa program are:

BAL Analysis: The e-visa program will ease travel procedures to Uzbekistan for nationals of 51 countries. Travelers should note, however, that while the visas will be available for short-stay tourism or business, employment activities or visits of longer than 30 days will be prohibited on e-visas.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in Uzbekistan. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.

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