Kuwait and Uzbekistan strengthen tourism connections through a joint forum and plans for visa-free travel in the future.
Kuwaiti tourists are invited to explore the rich diversity of Uzbekistan, as bilateral relations between the two countries continue to strengthen. This comes following the signing of a tourism cooperation program for 2025-2027 and the introduction of a visa waiver agreement for Kuwaiti citizens, allowing them to enter Uzbekistan visa-free for up to 30 days since June 2025.
The "Uzbekistan-Kuwait" Tourism Forum, organised by the Assistant Undersecretary for Tourism at Kuwait's Ministry of Information, Osama Hamad Al-Mukhial, provided a unique opportunity to explore new areas of cooperation and discover unconventional travel destinations. The forum, held with the support of the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Kuwait and at the initiative of the Uzbek Tourism Committee, brought together key figures from both nations to discuss opportunities for collaboration and joint projects.
During the visit, Umid Shadiev, Chairman of the Uzbek Tourism Committee, invited Kuwaiti investors to take advantage of the growing opportunities in Uzbekistan, especially in hospitality, eco-tourism, and recreational projects. Shadiev announced that Kuwaiti citizens will be able to enter Uzbekistan without a visa for up to 30 days starting June 2025. Ambassador Yunosov confirmed that this visa waiver will facilitate smoother travel and boost tourism exchanges between the two countries.
Al-Mukhial praised Uzbekistan's rich tourism experience, which includes deep historical roots, stunning nature, and diverse eastern cuisine. He welcomed Shadiev and his delegation, and highlighted the roadmap agreed with Kuwait, which includes joint promotional campaigns, familiarization trips for media and tour operators, and coordination to increase direct flight routes.
Major developments are underway in regions such as Tashkent, Jizzakh, and Qashqadaryo, where world-class resorts are being built. Kuwaiti tourists are encouraged to visit these destinations and experience the modern destination that Uzbekistan has become, featuring winter mountain resorts like Amirsoy and innovative eco- and health-tourism projects.
Jazeera Airways, which has been operating direct flights to Tashkent, Namangan, and Samarkand since 2021, has played a significant role in enhancing air connectivity between the two countries. Shadiev praised the airline's contribution and looked forward to expanding flight frequencies and routes.
This move is part of a broader tourism openness policy aiming to attract 11 million tourists annually by 2025. Uzbekistan is also aiming to welcome 15 million tourists annually by 2030. The current status of tourism cooperation between Kuwait and Uzbekistan is very positive and expanding significantly in 2025.
The forum marked a significant step forward in the growing relationship between Kuwait and Uzbekistan, following the official visit of Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Kuwait in February 2025. This visit gave new momentum to bilateral relations between the two countries. Shadiev also referred to President Mirziyoyev's proposal at the 2023 Central Asia-GCC Summit in Jeddah to create a unified visa system between the Gulf and Central Asia.
In conclusion, the strengthening ties between Kuwait and Uzbekistan offer exciting opportunities for tourism and cultural exchange between the two nations. The visa waiver agreement, tourism cooperation program, and active business delegations pursuing joint projects are designed to enhance travel convenience, boost tourism, and foster meaningful partnerships.
Traveling to Uzbekistan without a visa for up to 30 days starting June 2025 is an opportunity for Kuwaiti tourists, thanks to the visa waiver agreement. The "Uzbekistan-Kuwait" Tourism Forum provided a platform for discussing opportunities for collaboration and joint projects, inviting Kuwaiti investors to explore new areas in Uzbekistan's growing hospitality, eco-tourism, and recreational sectors.
