Uzbekistan anchors one of the great unsung travel itineraries in the world: three UNESCO-listed cities within a few hours of each other by train or plane, each representing a different peak moment in Silk Road civilization. The tourist infrastructure has improved dramatically since 2017, but the sites themselves have been here for a thousand years.

Smaller domestic airports also serve Fergana (FEG), Namangan (NMA), Andijan (AZN), Karshi (KSQ), Termez (TMJ), and Navoi (NVI) — all connected through Tashkent via domestic services. The high-speed Afrosiyob train also links Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara in 2–3 hours and is worth considering for the Silk Road corridor.

Tashkent is a surprisingly deep international hub — Uzbekistan Airways operates a wide-reaching network across Europe, Asia, and South Asia, while Istanbul, Dubai, Doha, and Seoul connect through the Gulf and East Asia corridors. The Silk Road cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva are also connected to Istanbul and the Gulf directly, meaning you can enter and exit through different cities on the same trip.

Is there a nonstop flight from the US to Uzbekistan?

Yes — Uzbekistan Airways (HY) flies nonstop from New York-JFK to Tashkent (TAS). It’s the only nonstop service from North America to any Uzbek airport. Travelers from other US cities will need to connect, most commonly through Istanbul on Turkish Airlines, which has the most comprehensive Uzbekistan network of any carrier — flying nonstop into Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, and Urgench.

Do Americans need a visa for Uzbekistan?

No. Since January 1, 2026, US citizens can enter Uzbekistan without a visa for stays of up to 30 days. No e-visa or advance application is required — just a valid passport. Canada, Australia, the EU, and many other nationalities have had visa-free access for longer; check iatatravelcentre.com for the current status of your specific passport.