Uzbekistan Introduces Temporary Visa and Entry Restrictions for Nigeria and 5 other Countries affecting Travellers, Students and Business People

November 9, 2026November 9, 2026 Martins ChimaPosted in News, Visa & ImmigrationTagged GoOverseas News, Press Release, Visa News

Uzbekistan Temporarily Stops Visa Issuance to Nigerians, Advises Embassy Contact about Entry Restrictions on Nigerians and five other countries including Ghana, Kenya, Egypt, Iraq and Bangladesh. Uzbekistan has introduced temporary restrictions on visa issuance and entry for 6 country’s citizens, creating uncertainty for Nigerians planning to visit the Central Asian country for tourism, business, education, employment and other purposes.

The restrictions came to public attention through a notice published on the website of the Green Energy Technologies Central Asia (GETCA) exhibition. The notice states that temporary restrictions have been introduced on issuing visas to Nigerian nationals and admitting them into Uzbekistan.

It also advises Nigerians who believe they have exceptional reasons to travel to contact the consular section of the Embassy of Uzbekistan for clarification about whether entry may still be possible.

The most important point is that the restriction has been reported, but the Uzbek government has not published a detailed public explanation of its reasons, commencement date, duration or complete exemption arrangements. It would therefore be premature to describe the development as a confirmed permanent ban or to assume that every Nigerian traveller is automatically barred under all circumstances.

The situation is particularly important for Nigerian students, businesspeople, traders, tourists and other travellers who may already have made arrangements to visit Uzbekistan.

Uzbekistan Confirms Temporary Restrictions on Nigerian Visa Applications Through an Exhibition Notice

The development was reported by Vanguard on 6 November 2026, following the publication of a notice on the GETCA exhibition website.

The notice contains the following message for Nigerian citizens:

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

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

Although GETCA is an exhibition platform rather than Uzbekistan’s foreign ministry, its notice provides a public indication that restrictions are being applied to Nigerian nationals.

The development has also been reported by other Nigerian news organisations. The Sun and Legit.ng separately reported the restrictions and noted that no detailed public explanation had been published by Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the time of their reports.

Uzbekistan Visa Ban: Nigerians Are Not the Only Foreign Nationals Affected

Uzbekistan Temporarily Stops Visa Issuance to Nigerians. Furthermore, the GETCA notice does not list Nigeria as the only country whose citizens face temporary visa and entry restrictions.

Other countries identified on the exhibition website include:

Country	Reported position
Nigeria	Temporary visa issuance and entry restrictions
Ghana	Temporary visa issuance and entry restrictions
Kenya	Temporary visa issuance and entry restrictions
Egypt	Temporary visa issuance and entry restrictions
Iraq	Temporary visa issuance and entry restrictions
Bangladesh	Temporary visa issuance and entry restrictions

This indicates that the reported restrictions extend beyond Nigerian passport holders. However, the published notice does not explain whether all the countries were affected for the same reasons or whether the restrictions were introduced at the same time.

There is also a separate report involving a Nigerian visa applicant who was reportedly informed that restrictions had recently been introduced against citizens of Nigeria and South Africa. This differs from the list on the GETCA website, which includes Ghana, Kenya, Egypt, Iraq and Bangladesh but does not identify South Africa.

The differences in the reported country lists reinforce the need for a formal clarification from Uzbekistan’s authorities.

What the Restrictions Mean for Nigerians Planning to Visit Uzbekistan

The wording of the notice is significant because it refers to both visa issuance and entry into Uzbekistan.

This means the development may affect Nigerians at two different stages of international travel:

Visa application: Nigerian citizens may encounter difficulties obtaining a new Uzbek visa.
Entry at the border: A Nigerian who has obtained travel documents or holds a visa should not assume that the document guarantees admission while the restriction remains in place.

The notice does not explain whether previously issued visas remain valid, whether existing visa holders can enter, or whether the restriction applies differently to people travelling for official government business.

It also does not specify whether passengers merely transiting through Uzbekistan are affected.

For these reasons, Nigerians with existing travel arrangements should obtain written confirmation from the Uzbek consular authorities before travelling.

Nigerians Travelling for Tourism May Face Visa Difficulties

Uzbekistan is known for its historic cities, Islamic architecture, Silk Road heritage and cultural attractions.

Popular destinations include:

Samarkand

A major Silk Road destination famous for the Registan Square, historic madrasas and Islamic architecture.

Bukhara

Known for its ancient mosques, madrasas, trading domes and preserved old city.

Khiva

A historic walled city with traditional architecture and important Silk Road heritage.

Tashkent

Uzbekistan’s capital and an important centre for business, culture, transport and international travel.

Nigerians planning holidays, sightseeing trips or visits to friends and relatives may now face additional uncertainty when applying for entry permission.

Until the restriction is clarified or lifted, travellers should avoid paying for non-refundable flights, hotels and tour packages based on the assumption that an application will be approved.

Nigerian Students and People Seeking Education in Uzbekistan May Also Be Affected

Uzbekistan has universities and higher education institutions that attract international students, including students from other Asian and African countries.

Nigerians considering undergraduate, master’s or doctoral studies in the country may face difficulties if the temporary restriction prevents new visas from being issued.

The potential consequences include:

Delays in obtaining a student visa.
Difficulty travelling to Uzbekistan to complete university registration.
Possible postponement of admission or resumption.
Disruption to scholarship arrangements.
Additional accommodation and travel expenses if students cannot arrive as scheduled.

Students who already have admission letters or scholarship offers should not immediately assume that their opportunities have been cancelled.

They should contact their universities and ask whether the institution has received any official guidance concerning Nigerian applicants.

Where a university has already issued an admission letter, applicants should request written clarification about whether the admission can be deferred until visa processing resumes.

An admission letter does not override immigration restrictions. Students must still obtain the required entry permission before travelling.

Nigerian Businesspeople and Traders May Experience Travel Disruptions

Uzbekistan is an emerging commercial destination in Central Asia, with business opportunities involving manufacturing, agriculture, textiles, construction, energy, tourism and international trade.

The temporary restrictions could affect Nigerians who intend to visit the country for:

Business meetings and commercial negotiations.
Trade exhibitions and international conferences.
Investment discussions.
Supplier and manufacturer inspections.
Procurement and import-export activities.
Professional training and business partnerships.

The GETCA website itself is connected to the Green Energy Technologies Central Asia exhibition scheduled for 12–14 May 2027 in Uzbekistan.

Nigerian businesses interested in participating in the exhibition should contact its organisers and the Uzbek consular authorities to establish whether Nigerian exhibitors and delegates can receive exceptional entry permission.

They should not assume that an invitation letter from an exhibition organiser automatically guarantees a visa or admission.

What Does Uzbekistan’s Normal Visa Policy Say About Nigerians?

Under Uzbekistan’s general immigration framework, foreign nationals who do not benefit from a visa-free arrangement must obtain the appropriate visa before entering the country.

The country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs explains that visas are generally issued through Uzbek diplomatic missions and consular posts abroad following the required visa approval process.

The general application documentation includes:

A valid international passport.
Completed visa application forms.
Passport photographs.
The relevant visa approval or invitation documentation, depending on the visa category.

Uzbekistan also operates an electronic visa system for nationals of countries included in its approved eligibility list.

However, the GETCA notice currently identifies Nigerian citizens as subject to temporary visa and entry restrictions. Nigerians should therefore not assume that applying through the electronic visa platform will bypass the restriction.

The official Uzbek visa information page and electronic visa portal are available here:

The published restrictions should be checked with the consular authorities before any application or payment.

Can Nigerians Still Enter Uzbekistan Under Exceptional Circumstances?

The GETCA notice specifically refers to the possibility of entry under exceptional circumstances. It advises affected nationals to contact the consular section of the Embassy of Uzbekistan for information about whether they can obtain permission to travel.

This is important because the notice does not describe the measure as an absolute prohibition without exceptions. However, it does not identify the circumstances that may qualify for special consideration.

For example, the notice does not confirm whether exceptions are available for:

Official government delegations.
Diplomatic passport holders.
Emergency medical travel.
International organisation representatives.
Business or trade delegations.
Students with existing admission or scholarship arrangements.
Family emergencies.

These are possible reasons a traveller might ask the authorities to consider an exceptional entry request, not confirmed exemptions under the current restriction.

Nigerians should explain their circumstances to the Uzbek consular section and request a written decision before making travel arrangements.

Does Having a Residence Permit or Visa From Another Country Help?

Not necessarily. A separate report by Peoples Gazette described the case of a Nigerian woman whose Uzbek visa application was reportedly rejected despite holding a valid Chinese residence permit.

According to the report, the applicant was informed that temporary restrictions had been introduced on visa issuance and entry for Nigerian citizens.

The case illustrates why holding a valid residence permit in another country should not be treated as an automatic exemption from nationality-based visa restrictions.

A Nigerian living, studying or working in China, the United Kingdom, Canada, the UAE or another country may still be affected when applying with a Nigerian passport.

A foreign residence permit and a Nigerian passport serve different immigration purposes. The former establishes permission to live in another country; it does not automatically change the nationality used to determine visa eligibility.

However, according to Peoples Gazette Nigeria, the final position for residents of third countries should be confirmed with the Uzbek consular authorities.

Why Has Uzbekistan Restricted Nigerians From Obtaining Visas?

As of 9 November 2026, no detailed official explanation for the reported restrictions has been identified in the public information reviewed for this report.

The GETCA notice does not explain why Nigerian citizens have been affected.

The available reports also do not establish whether the decision relates to immigration compliance, diplomatic considerations, security assessments, visa abuse or another government policy.

It would therefore be misleading to attribute the restrictions to a particular reason without an official statement.

The fact that several other countries appear on the GETCA list also suggests that the measure is not necessarily directed exclusively at Nigeria.

Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs needs to clarify the policy, including its reasons, implementation date, duration and exemptions.

What Nigerians Should Do Before Travelling to Uzbekistan

Nigerians who have planned trips or are considering travelling to Uzbekistan should take the following precautions.

1. Contact the Uzbek Embassy Before Applying

Ask whether new visa applications from Nigerian passport holders are currently being accepted.

Specifically request clarification about whether the restriction applies to your intended visa category and whether exceptional consideration is possible.

2. Confirm Whether Existing Visas Remain Valid

If you already have an Uzbek visa, do not assume that it automatically guarantees entry.

Ask the consular authorities whether previously issued visas remain usable under the temporary restriction.

3. Contact Your University or Business Host

Students should contact their institutions, while business travellers should communicate with their Uzbek partners or exhibition organisers.

Request written confirmation of any arrangements available to affected Nigerian visitors.

4. Avoid Non-Refundable Travel Bookings

Do not purchase expensive flights or accommodation until you have confirmed that you can obtain the necessary entry permission.

Where possible, choose refundable bookings or arrangements that allow changes.

5. Monitor Official Government Announcements

Check Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the relevant consular mission for updates.

Also monitor announcements from Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs for any official response or travel advisory.

6. Keep Evidence of Your Travel Purpose

If you are seeking exceptional entry permission, prepare relevant documents, such as:

University admission or scholarship letters.
Official business invitations.
Conference or exhibition registration.
Medical appointment documentation.
Government or institutional correspondence.
Evidence of your intended accommodation and travel arrangements.

These documents do not guarantee an exemption, but they can help the consular authorities assess your request.

What Is the Relationship Between Nigeria and Uzbekistan?

Nigeria and Uzbekistan maintain diplomatic relations, although the two countries do not share the same level of commercial and people-to-people travel as Nigeria has with some of its major international partners.

Uzbekistan is a landlocked country in Central Asia. It shares borders with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan and Turkmenistan.

Its capital is Tashkent, and its economy includes sectors such as agriculture, mining, energy, manufacturing, textiles and tourism.

The country has also been seeking to expand international trade, investment and tourism connections.

The temporary visa restrictions could therefore affect not only individual Nigerian travellers but also potential business, educational and cultural exchanges between the two countries.

A formal diplomatic clarification would help Nigerian travellers, universities and businesses understand whether the measure is temporary, how broadly it applies and what arrangements are available for essential travel.

Facts and Quick Verification Tracker

Issue	Verified position as of 9 November 2026
Country introducing restrictions	Uzbekistan
Nationality affected	Nigerian citizens
Type of restriction	Temporary restrictions on visa issuance and entry
Date publicly reported in Nigerian media	6 November 2026
Source of published notice	GETCA exhibition website
Other countries named on GETCA notice	Ghana, Kenya, Egypt, Iraq and Bangladesh, among others
Reason for the restriction	No detailed public explanation identified
Start date	Not specified in the notice
End date	Not specified
Exceptional entry	Travellers are advised to contact the Uzbek Embassy’s consular section
Existing visas	No clear public confirmation about their validity under the restriction
Nigerian government response	No formal response identified in the sources reviewed

Official Sources and Further Information

Nigerians seeking clarification should consult the following resources:

The GETCA notice is the public source displaying the restriction against Nigerian citizens. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs remains the relevant authority for official visa and entry clarification.

Frequently Asked Questions

Nigerians Face New Uzbekistan Visa Restrictions: Students, Tourists and Business Travellers Affected. Therefore, these are some answers to the questions most people are asking before embarking on traveling overseas.

1. Has Uzbekistan banned Nigerians from entering the country?

Uzbekistan has introduced temporary restrictions on visa issuance and entry for Nigerian citizens, according to a notice published on the GETCA exhibition website. The full scope and implementation details have not been publicly explained.

2. When did Uzbekistan introduce the visa restriction on Nigerians?

The restriction became publicly reported in Nigerian media on 6 November 2026. However, the notice does not specify the exact date the measure took effect.

3. Why has Uzbekistan restricted Nigerians from obtaining visas?

No detailed official explanation has been identified. The published notice does not state the reason for the restriction.

4. Can Nigerians still apply for Uzbekistan visas?

The notice indicates that temporary restrictions have been introduced on visa issuance. Nigerians should contact the Uzbek Embassy’s consular section to confirm whether applications are being accepted under exceptional arrangements.

5. Can Nigerians travel to Uzbekistan for tourism?

Tourism travel may be affected by the restrictions. Nigerians should obtain confirmation from the Uzbek consular authorities before making travel arrangements.

6. Are Nigerian students still allowed to study in Uzbekistan?

The restriction could affect students who need new visas to enter the country. However, the notice does not specifically announce the cancellation of Nigerian students’ admissions or scholarship offers.

Students should contact their universities and the Uzbek consular authorities.

7. Are Nigerians living outside Nigeria also affected?

The reported measure concerns Nigerian citizens. A Nigerian passport holder living in another country should not assume that foreign residence automatically exempts them.

8. Which other African countries are affected?

The GETCA notice also identifies Ghana, Kenya and Egypt, alongside countries including Iraq and Bangladesh. The full list should be checked on the exhibition website because it may be updated.

9. Can Nigerians with existing Uzbekistan visas still enter?

The notice does not clearly explain whether previously issued visas remain valid. Travellers should seek written confirmation before departure.

10. When will Uzbekistan lift the temporary visa restrictions?

No lifting date has been announced in the public notice reviewed for this report. Nigerians should monitor official announcements from Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

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