Since 1 February 2019, Polish nationals may enter Uzbekistan without a visa. Visa-free travel covers tourism and short business visits, but not employment. If you are travelling to install machinery, commission a production line or service equipment, you need a visa. Below we explain when a visa is required and what the procedure looks like for employees posted from Poland.
When a visa for Uzbekistan is not required
You may travel to Uzbekistan without a visa as a tourist, or for business meetings, trade fairs or conferences. Visa-free travel is intended for short stays. When it was introduced in 2019, the limit was 30 days; before travelling, it is advisable to check the latest notice from the foreign ministry. Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay.
Every foreign national must be registered at their place of accommodation. Hotels do this automatically. If you are staying in private accommodation, register your stay immediately upon arrival.
When a visa is required
assembly, installation and commissioning of equipment,
servicing, repairs and warranty inspections,
technical supervision and on-site staff training,
employment with an employer in Uzbekistan.
Entering without a visa for this type of work involves a risk. Border authorities ask about the purpose of the visit, and tools in your luggage or contract documents quickly show that this is not tourism. The consequences may include refusal of entry, and for working without a permit also a fine and an entry ban.
S3 visa for installers and service engineers
For short technical work in Uzbekistan, a visa is issued which we label in our catalogue as S3. The basis is an invitation from the company in Uzbekistan that ordered the installation or servicing. On the Polish side, a posting letter from the employer is required. The consular fee is paid only after a positive decision, into the consulate’s bank account.
Which documents are required
Passport valid for the entire stay, with a blank page for the visa.
Biometric photograph.
Visa application form completed in accordance with the passport details.
Posting letter from the employer, stating the purpose and dates of travel.
Invitation from the inviting company in Uzbekistan.
Step-by-step procedure
The company in Uzbekistan prepares an invitation with the employees’ details and the dates of the work.
The employer in Poland issues a posting letter.
We lodge the application with the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Warsaw.
After a positive decision, you pay the consular fee into the consulate’s account.
The visa is placed in the passport, usually within a few days.
Travelling with a whole team
Company documents are prepared once, but each employee has an individual application and an individual visa. It is advisable to submit all group applications together so that everyone receives visas for the same period. Also make sure that the names in the invitation are written exactly as in the passports.
Foreign nationals residing in Poland
Entry rules depend on nationality, not on a residence card. Nationals of some countries may enter Uzbekistan without a visa, others may apply for an e-visa, and some require a visa from the embassy. For work-related travel we will check this before submitting the application.
Most common mistakes
Travelling for installation work under visa-free entry. Visa-free travel does not cover employment, even short-term.
Invitation with data different from the passport. A typo in the surname or passport number will put the case on hold.
Application submitted too late. Your partner’s invitation from Uzbekistan also takes time, so start with that.
Uzbekistan visa through Notberg
With Notberg you may order an S3 visa for Uzbekistan. We check the invitation and posting letter, prepare the application form and submit it to the embassy. For groups, we lodge applications together. All communication with us is in Polish.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa for business meetings?
No. Meetings, negotiations and trade fairs fall under visa-free travel. A visa is required when you perform work on site.
Who prepares the invitation?
The company in Uzbekistan which orders the work. Without an invitation, it is not possible to submit an S3 visa application.
For how long is the visa issued?
The validity period depends on the invitation and the consulate’s decision. In our catalogue this visa has a validity of up to one year.
Does every employee need an individual visa?
Yes. Each person submits an individual application, even if the entire team is travelling on one contract.