Uzbekistan Lowers VAT Refund Limits for Foreign Tourists
Foreign tourists travelling to Uzbekistan can now spend less money to claim a VAT refund, the government has announced. Eligible purchases include all goods purchased locally and taken home, except whole and processed foods.
Uzbekistan’s government added more incentives for foreign shoppers visiting the country, it emerged. Under the updated Tax Free scheme, the minimum purchase required to claim a VAT refund was cut from 1 million sums ($83) to just 300,000 sums ($25).
Expanding the narrower list of eligible purchases, the refund will now also apply to almost all local goods, with meat, fish, dairy, fruits and vegetables, grains, coffee and tea being among the exclusions.
Tourists who opt for a bank transfer will get their money back within three business days, a drastic change from the previous system, under which refunds could take several weeks after a purchase.
Foreign visitors will also have the option to claim their refund in cash, paid out in US dollars at their respective departure airport. Earlier this year, Tax Free counters began operating at all international airports across Uzbekistan.
Aside from the airports, the government plans to extend the Tax Free scheme to railway stations and land border crossings, while allowing more retailers to participate.
The government aims to increase spending by foreign shoppers tenfold by the end of 2027. Over 6.5 Mln foreigners visited Uzbekistan for tourism in the first half of 2026, the government statistical body confirmed.
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