Travel of Uzbeks abroad increased by 26 percent

Uzbeks are increasingly traveling abroad. This was reported by Zamin.uz.

According to the State Committee on Statistics, from January to August 2025, approximately 5.2 million citizens traveled abroad for tourism purposes. This figure increased by 1.1 million people, or 26.8 percent, compared to the same period last year.

Experts emphasize that the growth in the number of trips is explained by the recovery of travel activities after the pandemic and the increase in the number of air flights. Currently, Uzbeks mainly travel to neighboring countries, particularly for economic, religious, and family reasons.

According to the State Committee on Statistics, in the first eight months of 2025, the countries most visited by Uzbeks were as follows: Kyrgyzstan with 2.3 million, Kazakhstan with 956 thousand, Tajikistan with 887.9 thousand, Russia with 312.7 thousand, Turkey with 181.7 thousand, Saudi Arabia with 165.7 thousand, the United Arab Emirates with 94.2 thousand, Egypt with 45.4 thousand, Vietnam with 28.5 thousand, and China with 27.6 thousand travelers. It is evident that Uzbeks mainly travel to Central Asian countries.

These routes have become popular due to geographic proximity, visa-free regimes, affordable transportation options, and cultural similarities. Additionally, the number of trips to Turkey and Saudi Arabia is also increasing.

The Saudi Arabia route is especially growing in connection with religious trips, particularly Umrah pilgrimages. Trips to countries such as Egypt, the UAE, and Vietnam are mostly for leisure and tourism purposes, with interest in these destinations significantly increasing over the past two years.

Furthermore, according to the State Committee on Statistics, in the first half of 2025, the number of Indian students studying in Uzbekistan reached 2,780, the highest figure recorded. Officials believe that active relations in travel and education indicate the strengthening of Uzbekistan's international integration process (source: State Committee on Statistics).