Getting to Samarkand
Practical information for international participants. Please confirm rules and timetables with the official sources before you book.
Visa
Citizens of many countries can enter Uzbekistan without a visa for a limited stay (the length depends on nationality). U.S. citizens have been visa-free since January 2026.
Others can apply online for an electronic visa on the official portal. The fee has been reported at about US$20 and processing at a few days — check the portal for the current figure.
Passport: valid for at least six months from the date of arrival.
Letter of invitation: sent by e-mail after registration, if you need one for your visa or institution.
Official e-visa portal →Visa invitation letter →Flights
The nearest airport is Samarkand International Airport (SKD). Non-stop flights from Istanbul are operated by Turkish Airlines and Uzbekistan Airways; schedules change, so confirm with the airline.
Alternatively, fly to Tashkent (TAS) and continue to Samarkand on the Afrosiyob high-speed train (roughly two to two and a half hours).
Arrival & hotel
Official host hotel and venue: Hilton Samarkand Regency (Silk Road Samarkand). The hotel registers foreign guests with the authorities on arrival.
Airport transfer details will be shared with registered participants by e-mail. Questions: info@mehmetzileli-spine.org
1Visa+
Citizens of many countries can enter Uzbekistan without a visa for a limited stay (the length depends on nationality). U.S. citizens have been visa-free since January 2026.
Others can apply online for an electronic visa on the official portal. The fee has been reported at about US$20 and processing at a few days — check the portal for the current figure.
Passport: valid for at least six months from the date of arrival.
Letter of invitation: sent by e-mail after registration, if you need one for your visa or institution.
Official e-visa portal →Visa invitation letter →2Flights+
The nearest airport is Samarkand International Airport (SKD). Non-stop flights from Istanbul are operated by Turkish Airlines and Uzbekistan Airways; schedules change, so confirm with the airline.
Alternatively, fly to Tashkent (TAS) and continue to Samarkand on the Afrosiyob high-speed train (roughly two to two and a half hours).
3Arrival & hotel+
Official host hotel and venue: Hilton Samarkand Regency (Silk Road Samarkand). The hotel registers foreign guests with the authorities on arrival.
Airport transfer details will be shared with registered participants by e-mail. Questions: info@mehmetzileli-spine.org
info@mehmetzileli-spine.org