Visa-free entry propel surge in Kuwaiti tourism to Uzbekistan
Regular direct Jazeera Airways flights between Kuwait and several Uzbek cities have played a decisive role in boosting Kuwaiti travel to Uzbekistan and strengthening tourism links between the two countries.
The Times Kuwait Report
Ibrahim Aliyev, advisor at the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan, said that the launch of direct and regular Jazeera Airways flights between Kuwait and several Uzbek cities has played a decisive role in boosting Kuwaiti travel to Uzbekistan and strengthening tourism links between the two countries.
Aliyev noted that improved air connectivity has transformed Uzbekistan into a convenient and easily accessible destination for Kuwaiti travelers, removing previous barriers linked to distance and transit.
He explained that this development has directly contributed to a noticeable rise in visitor numbers from Kuwait.
Speaking at a press conference highlighting Uzbekistan’s diverse tourism offerings, Aliyev said tourism operators in both countries are currently working on tailor-made travel packages designed specifically for Kuwaiti tourists.
These efforts coincide with Jazeera Airways operating four weekly flights to Tashkent and Namangan, a move that has helped double the number of visitors from Kuwait this year.
Aliyev emphasized that Uzbekistan views tourism as more than an economic activity, describing it as a cultural bridge that introduces visitors to the country’s ancient heritage, rich traditions, and national identity.
He added that the meeting also served as a platform to review the tourism sector’s performance in 2025, with participation from representatives of travel and tourism companies.
He pointed out that the past year witnessed major reforms in the tourism sector, including the launch of new projects, improvements in service standards, and an expansion of international partnerships. These achievements, he said, were the result of sustained efforts by professionals and specialists working across the industry.
Aliyev revealed that Uzbekistan welcomed more than 11 million international tourists in 2025, marking a historic record at an average of nearly one million visitors per month, positioning the country among the region’s and the world’s leading tourist destinations.
He added that the introduction of 30-day visa-free entry for GCC citizens, including Kuwaitis, effective June 1, 2025, has significantly accelerated tourist arrivals from the Gulf and opened wider prospects for joint tourism initiatives.
According to Aliyev, tourism cooperation with Kuwait enjoys special strategic focus, with several initiatives already launched to deepen cultural ties and activate tourism exchange programs. These steps, he said, are expected to further increase visitor flows between the two countries in the coming period.
He noted that around 1,000 Kuwaiti tourists visited Uzbekistan last year, double the figure recorded the previous year, reflecting growing interest among Kuwaitis in Uzbekistan as an emerging and distinctive travel destination.
Aliyev concluded by stressing that the combined impact of direct flights, visa facilitation, and diverse tourism experiences is strengthening tourism flows from Kuwait, improving service quality, and laying the foundation for a sustainable and long-term tourism partnership between the two countries.
