Rules for Turkmens visiting Uzbekistan are tightened

In response to rising cross-border tourism, Turkmen authorities have imposed stricter measures on citizens wishing to travel to Uzbekistan. This move highlights the ongoing economic challenges faced by Turkmenistan, where citizens increasingly rely on trips to Uzbekistan to access goods and services that are scarce within their own country, according to a report by "EurasiaNet".

The tightening of travel rules comes as Turkmenistan struggles with an economic crisis, prompting many citizens to cross the border to purchase food and other essentials unavailable in Turkmenistan. Over the past month, Turkmen customs officials have introduced new requirements for travelers, including the submission of documents such as marriage certificates and proof of residence before leaving the country.

Local sources in the Toshhovuz region report that dozens of people have been prevented from leaving due to their inability to provide the required documents. Many Turkmen citizens have expressed frustration, as these measures appear to be aimed at curbing the trend of cross-border shopping in Uzbekistan, which has become a vital lifeline for many.

In some cases, travelers have reportedly resorted to paying a $50 “gift” to customs officers through intermediaries in order to bypass these restrictions. Customs officials have accused these travelers of engaging in trade, labeling it as a form of national embarrassment, and used this as justification to deny them passage.

This development reflects the growing economic disparity between the two countries and Turkmenistan’s efforts to manage the flow of citizens seeking goods and services abroad.