Unlocking Uzbekistan with Your Saudi Tourist Visa: A Journey Beyond Umrah

Assalamualaikum and greetings, fellow travellers!

For centuries, Uzbekistan has stood as a beacon of Islamic knowledge, culture, and architecture. From the bustling streets of Tashkent to the timeless mosques of Bukhara, the shimmering blue domes of Samarkand, and the ancient city walls of Khiva, this Central Asian gem offers a journey through history like no other.

And here’s the exciting part: with today’s flexible Saudi Tourist eVisa, budget airlines, and simple visa rules for Uzbekistan, you can now combine your Umrah with an unforgettable cultural and historical adventure — and even return to Makkah for a second Umrah before heading home.

Welcome to Uzbekistan — the land of Imam Al-Bukhari, radiant madrasahs, and breathtaking Silk Road architecture. Let’s explore how you can combine this adventure with your pilgrimage, while keeping it budget-friendly and spiritually rewarding.

Why Uzbekistan After Umrah?

Uzbekistan is not just another destination; it’s a living museum of Islamic civilization.

• Bukhara – once the centre of Islamic scholarship
• Samarkand – the dazzling jewel of the Silk Road
• Khiva – preserved like an open-air museum
• Tashkent – a vibrant bridge between tradition and modernity

Visiting these cities means walking in the footsteps of scholars like Imam Al-Bukhari and witnessing the architecture and spirit that shaped centuries of Islamic heritage.

For a pilgrim, this journey is more than sightseeing — it’s a continuation of the spiritual high of Umrah, enriched with history and faith. And thanks to budget airlines, eVisas, and modern tools, the path has never been easier.

Visa Requirements

• ✅ Citizens of over 85 countries — including Malaysia — can enjoy visa-free entry to Uzbekistan for up to 30 days.
• ✅ For other nationalities, Uzbekistan’s eVisa process is simple, fast, and can be done online.

👉 Always check the latest updates at the official Uzbekistan eVisa portal before travelling.

Flying from Jeddah

Here’s where your Saudi Tourist eVisa shines: most are multiple-entry visas, meaning you can leave and re-enter Saudi Arabia — allowing you to perform Umrah twice in one trip!

Suggested Travel Plan:

1. Jeddah → Tashkent – After your first Umrah, take a budget airline (Flynas, Jazeera Airways, or SalamAir) directly to Tashkent or Namangan.
2. Explore Uzbekistan – Spend 5–7 days exploring the country’s historic gems.
3. Tashkent → Jeddah – Return for a second, shorter Umrah before flying home.
4. Final Flight Home – From Jeddah, fly back to Malaysia (or your home city).

💡 Multi-City Option: Use platforms like Trip.com to plan flexible routes, e.g.:
Jeddah → Tashkent → Dubai/Abu Dhabi → Kuala Lumpur (or your home city).

This reduces the risk of missed connections and lets you enjoy Dubai or Abu Dhabi along the way.

Travel Light, Travel Smart: The Courier Hack

One of the best tips for this journey is to travel light. 

Uzbekistan’s cities involve walking, trains, and cobbled streets — hauling heavy bags will only slow you down.

📦 Pro Tip: Before leaving Jeddah, use courier services (Aramex, DHL, or local providers) to send your extra items — Ihram, Zamzam, dates, or souvenirs — directly home. This way, you carry only a backpack through Uzbekistan.

Travelling light isn’t just practical — it reflects the Sunnah of keeping journeys simple and easy.

Uzbekistan’s Crown Jewels

1. Tashkent – The Green Capital

Your likely entry point, Tashkent is a city of wide boulevards, modern comforts, and deep history.

Must-Visit: The Khast Imam Complex, home to the world-famous Uthman Quran, believed to be one of the oldest existing Qurans in the world. Standing before this manuscript is a humbling experience.

2. Samarkand – The Jewel of the Silk Road

A city that stirs the soul with its breathtaking Islamic art and grandeur.
Must-Visit:

• Registan Square – three majestic madrasahs with dazzling tilework
• Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis – a street of mausoleums, like walking into a fairy tale
• Bibi-Khanym Mosque – once one of the largest mosques in the Islamic world

3. Bukhara – The Holy City of Scholars

Known as the “Pillar of Islam”, Bukhara is a UNESCO World Heritage city with over 140 monuments.
Must-Visit:

• Po-i-Kalyan Complex – its minaret was so impressive even Genghis Khan spared it
• Lyab-i Hauz – a tranquil plaza with an ancient pool at its heart
• Mausoleum of Imam Al-Bukhari – a short trip from the city, this is a deeply spiritual site for Muslims worldwide

4. Khiva – The Open-Air Museum

A walled city where time seems frozen in the golden age of the Silk Road.
Must-Visit:

• Itchan Kala – perfectly preserved minarets, mosques, and caravanserais
• Islam Khodja Minaret – climb for panoramic views
• Kunya-Ark Citadel – a fortress brimming with history

Travel Tips for Pilgrims

• ✅ Travel Light – Courier your luggage before heading to Uzbekistan.
• ✅ Stay Connected – Use an eSIM like Airalo for easy navigation and translation.
• ✅ Accommodation – Book Muslim-friendly stays via HalalBooking.com (halal food, family options).
• ✅ Budget Smart – Carry some USD cash; many small shops don’t accept cards.
• ✅ Use Nusuk App – For Umrah services and updates while in Saudi Arabia.

Final Thoughts

Combining Umrah with a trip to Uzbekistan isn’t just about sightseeing — it’s about connecting your faith with history. Imagine praying in Makkah one week, then standing at the Mausoleum of Imam Al-Bukhari the next.

With budget flights, courier hacks, and the Saudi eVisa’s flexibility, this journey is now more possible than ever.

So, when planning your next pilgrimage, think bigger. Extend your journey beyond Makkah and Madinah — to Bukhara, Samarkand, Khiva, and Tashkent.

It’s a journey that nourishes the soul, enlightens the mind, and creates memories to last a lifetime.

From the sacred Kaabah in Makkah to the scholarly streets of Bukhara — the path is open, the history alive, and the blessings abundant.

Jazakallah khair for reading, and may all your travels be blessed.