On mutual visa exemption

01.12.2024

Agreemen

between the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Government of the Peopleʼs Republic of China

[Registered in the State Register of International Treaties of the Republic of Uzbekistan on December 2, 2024, registration No. 4580-CN-2024-H]

The Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Government of the Peopleʼs Republic of China (hereinafter referred to as the “Contracting Parties”);

With a view to further promoting the all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership for a new era between their countries and facilitating exchange of visits by their citizens; and

Having conducted friendly consultations on the basis of equality and reciprocity;

Have agreed on mutual visa exemption as follows:

ARTICLE I

The citizens of the Peopleʼs Republic of China holding valid service passports, passports for public affairs and ordinary passports of the Peopleʼs Republic of China, and the citizens of the Republic of Uzbekistan holding valid ordinary passports of the Republic of Uzbekistan shall be exempted from visa requirement for entry into, exit from or transit through the territory of the other Contracting Party for each single stay not exceeding thirty (30) days and for a cumulative period of stay not exceeding ninety (90) days in any one hundred and eighty (180)-day-period.

ARTICLE II

The citizens of either Contracting Party referred to in Article I of this Agreement shall enter into, exit from or transit through the territory of the other Contracting Party at crossing points open to international travelers and shall abide by the laws and regulations of the other Contracting Party that are applicable to non-citizens in respect of entry, exit and transit.

ARTICLE III

1. The citizens of either Contracting Party referred to in Article I of this Agreement shall abide by the laws and regulations in force in the other Contracting Party during their stay in its territory.

2. The citizens of either Contracting Party referred to in Article I of this Agreement who intend to stay in the territory of the other Contracting Party for a period of more than thirty (30) days or to reside or engage in employment, study, media activities, or other activities which require prior approval from the competent authorities of the other Contracting Party, shall apply for an appropriate visa before entering the territory of the other Contracting Party.

3. The duration of each single stay referred to in Article I of this Agreement can be extended for humanitarian reasons, force majeure or other reasons granted by the competent authorities of the other Contracting Party.

ARTICLE IV

This Agreement does not restrict the right of either Contracting Party to prohibit persona non grata or unacceptable citizens of the other State from entering its territory or terminate their stay in its territory without citing reasons therefore.

ARTICLE V

1. Either Contracting Party may temporarily suspend this Agreement partially or wholly on grounds of national security, public order or public health. However, it shall notify the other Contracting Party in a timely manner, in writing in advance, through diplomatic channels before the suspension or the cancellation of the suspension.

2. The suspension under Paragraph 1 of this Article shall not affect the rights and interests of the citizens of the other Contracting Party referred to in Article I of this Agreement who are still staying in the territory of the Contracting Party that implements the suspension of the Agreement.

ARTICLE VI

1. The Contracting Parties shall complete, through diplomatic channels, the exchange of samples of their passports referred to in Article I of this Agreement within thirty (30) days from the date of the signing of this Agreement.

2. If either Contracting Party issues new passports or modifies existing passports during the period of validity of this Agreement, the relevant Contracting Party shall notify the other Contracting Party in a timely manner, through diplomatic channels, of such changes and provide samples of the new or modified passports, no later than thirty (30) days prior to their application.

ARTICLE VII

1. The Contracting Parties shall notify the other Contracting Party in writing, through diplomatic channels, after domestic legal procedures are duly completed for the entry into force of this Agreement. This Agreement shall enter into force on the thirtieth (30th) day from the date of the last written notification.

2. This Agreement shall remain in force until either Contracting Party asks to terminate it. In this case, the Contrasting Party shall notify the other Contracting Party in writing, through diplomatic channels, and this Agreement shall cease to be effective on the ninetieth (90th) day from the date of notification.

3. This Agreement may be amended by mutual consent in writing of the Contracting Parties. The amendment shall enter into force in accordance with Paragraph 1 of Article VII of this Agreement.

ARTICLE VIII

Any discrepancies concerning the interpretation or application of this Agreement shall be settled through friendly consultations or negotiations between the Contracting Parties.

ARTICLE IX

This Agreement does not affect the rights and obligations arising from the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Government of the Peopleʼs Republic of China on Mutual Visa Exemption for Holders of Diplomatic Passports signed by the Contracting Parties in Tashkent on June 9, 2010 and the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Government of the Peopleʼs Republic of China on Simplifying Visa Procedures for Citizens Travelling for Business Purposes signed by the Contracting Parties in Beijing on August 27, 2019.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Undersigned, being duly authorized thereto by their respective Governments, have signed this Agreement.

Done at Chengdu, on December 1, 2024, in duplicate, in the Uzbek, Chinese and English languages, all texts being equally authentic. In case of divergence of interpretation, the English text shall prevail.

(signatures)