Uzbekistan is on the verge of a well-justified boost in tourism following the announcement that visa requirements will be relaxed for UK citizens entering the country from April 2017.

Rich in history and culture and with numerous mosques, minarets and madrasahs punctuating the skyline, there has never been a better time to explore the treasures of this country.

Explore product manager for Central Asia, Chris Ellis, commented: “This is a great move for tourism to Uzbekistan and will no doubt result in a surge of interest in this wonderful country.

“Now, instead of a lengthy and expensive process to obtain a visa all that is required is payment of a $50 USD fee upon arrival.”

He continued: “Uzbekistan is a fantastic country steeped in fascinating history of the Silk Road and home to impressive architecture and ancient cities such as Samarkland, Bukhara and Khiva.

“Its people are welcoming, warm and excited to see you and as it’s still relatively untouched by western influences, it really feels like a completely undiscovered destination.”