Assessing Travel and Visa Obligations

Whether you can travel lawfully as a business visitor or require work authorization depends on the types of activities you will be conducting during your time in Uzbekistan. In case you are unsure if your activities constitute business or work, please seek advice from your immigration counsel.

Traveling for Business

What sorts of activities can I pursue as a business visitor?

Business visitors traveling to Uzbekistan may engage in the activities below. This list is not comprehensive and other activities may qualify as business.

• Attend business meetings
• Attend conferences and conventions
• Conduct market research
• Develop professional business contacts
• Tour a company facility

If I qualify as a business visitor, do I need a visa for Uzbekistan?

Most nationals require either a B-1 Business Visa or a B-2 Business Visa to enter Uzbekistan to conduct business activities in Uzbekistan and must obtain it prior to travel from a Uzbek Consulate or Embassy.

Foreign nationals arriving from countries without an Uzbek Consulate or Embassy may apply for a visa upon arrival at the airport in Uzbekistan provided that a request for visa upon arrival is included in a visa application form and approved, by way of telex, by the Consulate Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan.

Nationals from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), with the exception of Turkmenistan and Tajikistan, do not require a business visa and are visa-waivered to enter Uzbekistan and conduct business activities.

Working in Uzbekistan

In Uzbekistan, the requirement for a work permit is generally determined by the nature of the work assignment. Most unremunerated activities can be conducted on a short-term basis with a Business Visa.  However, a legal assessment is recommended prior to travel to Uzbekistan.

If I am traveling to Uzbekistan for work, what type of work permit do I need?

Whether you require a work permit depends on your qualifications, whether your employer has an entity in Uzbekistan, and the nature of your work. The most common Uzbek work authorization is a Work Permit (direct-hire work permit).

Are there any nationals who are exempt from work permit requirements?

There are no nationals who are exempt from the work permit requirement in Uzbekistan.

What else should I know?

Inevitably, the legal and strategic considerations impacting visa selection or work authorization entail careful consideration of many factors. We recommend that you consult with your immigration counsel before taking any course of action.

Copyright © 2016 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. Government immigration agencies often change their policies and practices without notice; please consult an immigration professional for up-to-date information. This document does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. BAL maintains comprehensive immigration information and processing specifics for our clients.