Uzbekistan Sees Surge in U.S. Visitors, Up 22% in 2025

Uzbekistan welcomed 28,600 visitors from the United States between January and September 2025, a 22.4% year-on-year increase, according to the National Statistics Committee, underscoring the country’s growing appeal to American travellers.

Tourism drove the rise: 23,600 arrivals came for leisure, drawn by Silk Road landmarks such as Samarkand’s Registan, Bukhara’s Ark Fortress and the historic city of Khiva. Authorities credit simplified e-visa procedures, upgraded transport links and new hospitality offerings for improving accessibility.

Beyond tourism, the data point to diversifying ties: 2,400 U.S. visitors travelled on official business, 2,100 visited family, 395 arrived for studies and 111 for other business matters; 11 people sought medical treatment. The influx is boosting demand for hotels, restaurants, tours and domestic transport, with knock-on benefits for local economies in Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara.

Officials say momentum is likely to continue as infrastructure modernises and sustainable, culture-focused itineraries expand, positioning Uzbekistan as a distinctive, value-for-money destination in Central Asia’s fast-emerging travel scene.

Kursiv Uzbekistan also reports that the BBC director general Tim Davie and head of news Deborah Turness have resigned following criticism that a Panorama documentary misrepresented Donald Trump’s speech