Uzbekistan Introduces Temporary Visa And Entry Restrictions For Nigerians

Uzbekistan has introduced temporary restrictions on visa issuance and entry for Nigerian citizens, according to a notice published on the website of the Green Energy Technologies Central Asia (GETCA) exhibition.

The notice, listed under Nigeria on the exhibition’s foreign visitors’ information page, states that restrictions have been introduced on issuing visas and admitting Nigerian nationals into the Central Asian country.

“Temporary restrictions have currently been introduced on the issuance of visas and entry into the Republic of Uzbekistan for citizens of your country,” the notice reads.

It advises Nigerians seeking entry under exceptional circumstances to contact the consular section of the Embassy of Uzbekistan for further information.

Nigeria is among several countries listed under the restrictions on the exhibition website. Others include Ghana, Kenya, Egypt, Iraq and Bangladesh.

The development comes amid reports of visa applications by Nigerians being rejected over the restrictions.

In one reported case, a Nigerian woman who applied for an Uzbek visa was reportedly informed that temporary restrictions had been imposed on citizens of Nigeria and South Africa.

The applicant, who reportedly held a valid Chinese residence permit, was still denied the visa.

The message communicating the decision was attributed to Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

However, the reason for the restrictions and how long they will remain in force have not been publicly established.

A review of Uzbekistan’s official government visa information page shows general entry requirements and visa arrangements for foreign nationals but does not provide a specific explanation of the reported restrictions affecting Nigerian citizens.

The development could affect Nigerians planning to travel to Uzbekistan for tourism, business, education and other purposes.

Prospective travellers have been advised to seek clarification from the country’s diplomatic mission before making travel arrangements.

Uzbekistan, a Central Asian country bordered by Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan and Turkmenistan, has continued to maintain different visa arrangements for foreign nationals depending on their citizenship.

As of November 6, 2026, no publicly accessible official explanation had been identified stating why the restrictions affecting Nigerians were introduced or when they would be lifted.