Travellers to Uzbekistan: joint routes and pilgrim tours with Türkiye from 2026

Uzbekistan and Türkiye have signed a joint action plan on tourism cooperation covering three years from 2026, following a meeting between the two countries' tourism officials in Istanbul. The plan aims to build new travel routes and to raise visitor numbers between the two countries. It sets out areas of cooperation rather than any change to border rules.

Key facts

• Duration: three years, starting in 2026
• Countries: Uzbekistan and Türkiye
• Purpose: develop new travel routes and increase visitor flows
• Signed after a meeting in: Istanbul
• Visa or entry rule changes: none announced

What has been agreed?

The two sides adopted a joint action plan setting out specific areas of tourism cooperation. The stated goals are to develop new travel routes and to increase the number of visitors travelling between Uzbekistan and Türkiye.

What does the plan cover?

The plan sets out measures in several areas:

• expanding mutual tourist exchanges
• developing pilgrimage tourism
• creating joint travel routes
• taking part together in international events
• improving the professional skills of tourism industry specialists

Who signed it?

Abdulaziz Akkulov, chairman of Uzbekistan's Tourism Committee, met Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, Türkiye's Minister of Culture and Tourism, in Istanbul. The announcement was made on 9 November 2026.

Does anything change for travellers now?

Not yet. The plan covers tourism cooperation and route development, and the announcement does not mention any change to visas, entry requirements, fees or border procedures for visitors to either country. No specific new routes, flights or launch dates have been published.

What this means for travellers

Travellers do not need to take any action because of this agreement. Anyone planning a trip to Uzbekistan or Türkiye should check the current entry rules for their own nationality before booking, as these are unaffected by the plan.

The plan runs for three years from 2026. Further details on the joint routes and other measures have not been announced.