Holiday Calendar Overview
Uzbekistan observes a number of national and religious public holidays throughout the year. Government offices, banks and some businesses may close or operate reduced hours on these dates.
Travellers holding an Uzbekistan e-Visa should note that immigration offices and some border crossings may have modified schedules during public holidays. Plan arrivals and departures accordingly.
Official Public Holidays
Government offices, banks and many businesses close on these dates.
| Date | Holiday | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 January | New Year's Day | National | Widely celebrated; government offices closed |
| 14 January | Day of Defenders of the Motherland | National | Armed forces commemorative day |
| 8 March | International Women's Day | National | Public holiday; gift-giving tradition |
| 21 March | Navruz (Nowruz) | National | Persian New Year; major celebration with festivals and sumalak preparation |
| 9 May | Day of Remembrance and Honour | National | Commemorates World War II; formerly Victory Day |
| 1 September | Independence Day | National | Uzbekistan's independence from the USSR (1991); largest national celebration |
| 1 October | Teacher's Day | National | Honours educators; schools may close |
| 8 December | Constitution Day | National | Marks adoption of the Constitution (1992) |
| Variable | Eid al-Fitr (Hayit) | Religious | End of Ramadan; date follows the Islamic lunar calendar; typically 2–3 days |
| Variable | Eid al-Adha (Qurbon Hayit) | Religious | Festival of sacrifice; date follows the Islamic lunar calendar; typically 2–3 days |
Travel Planning Around Holidays
- Domestic transport (trains, flights) may sell out faster during holiday periods — book early.
- Hotels in popular cities (Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva) fill quickly around Navruz (21 March) and Independence Day (1 September).
- Currency exchange offices and banks may close on public holidays; carry sufficient local currency (Uzbekistani som).
- Restaurants and tourist attractions in major cities generally remain open, though hours may vary.
- Land border crossings may operate reduced hours or close entirely on certain holidays.
- Apply for your e-Visa well in advance if arriving near a holiday — processing staff may have reduced availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Uzbekistan e-Visa processing stop during public holidays?
Processing may experience delays during major holidays such as Navruz, Independence Day and Eid celebrations. Apply at least 7 working days in advance when travelling near holiday dates.
Are land borders open on Uzbekistan public holidays?
Some land border crossings operate reduced hours or close on public holidays. International airports generally maintain normal immigration services during scheduled flight times.
What is Navruz and when is it celebrated?
Navruz (Nowruz) is the Persian New Year celebrated on 21 March. It is one of the most important holidays in Uzbekistan, marked by festivals, traditional food, music and public gatherings.
Do religious holidays have fixed dates in Uzbekistan?
No. Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha follow the Islamic lunar calendar and their Gregorian dates shift each year. Check the current year calendar before planning travel.
Additional Information
Independence Day events
Independence Day (1 September) features parades, concerts and public celebrations, particularly in Tashkent. Some roads may close for events. Hotels in the capital book up quickly around this date.
Travelling during Ramadan
Uzbekistan is a secular state, but a significant portion of the population observes Ramadan. Restaurants in tourist areas generally serve food during daytime. Alcohol availability may be reduced in some areas. Eid al-Fitr at the end of Ramadan is a public holiday with family gatherings and festivities.