Guest/Private Visit Visa (PV-1/PV-2)

The Guest/Private Visit Visa (PV-1/PV-2) serves as a cornerstone of Uzbekistan’s modern immigration framework, established to facilitate personal connectivity and strengthen the social fabric between Uzbek citizens and the international community. Introduced as part of the country’s broader efforts to liberalize its visa regime and encourage tourism and cultural exchange, this visa category is rooted in the Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan "On the Legal Status of Foreign Citizens and Stateless Persons." It was specifically designed to bridge the gap between standard tourist visas, which are often limited by short durations and hotel-based registration requirements, and long-term residency permits. By formalizing the process for private stays, the government provides a structured legal pathway for foreign nationals to reside in private homes rather than commercial accommodations, effectively addressing the need for a flexible, medium-to-long-term entry permit that acknowledges the importance of family reunification and interpersonal relationships in a globalized society.

The ideal applicant for the PV-1 or PV-2 visa is a foreign national who possesses a personal connection to an Uzbek citizen or a resident foreigner holding a valid residence permit, and who intends to stay in the country for a period exceeding the typical tourist allowance. While the visa does not restrict applicants to specific professional fields, it is most frequently utilized by expatriates, international students, and individuals with familial or romantic ties to residents of Uzbekistan. What makes this visa particularly distinctive is its shift in responsibility; unlike a tourist visa, which relies on hotel vouchers and tour operators, the Private Visit visa relies on a formal invitation letter submitted by the host, which acts as a guarantee of the visitor’s purpose and accommodation. This category offers the significant benefit of allowing for stays of up to one year, providing a level of stability that is rare for short-term entry permits. However, applicants must be mindful that the visa is strictly tied to the private nature of the visit; it does not grant the holder the right to engage in local employment or business activities, and the host assumes a degree of legal responsibility for the visitor’s compliance with local migration laws throughout the duration of their stay.