Kazakh-Russian Border Sees Truck Congestion Amid Summer Traffic Surge

Queues have formed at three checkpoints on the Kazakh-Russian border since June 30 — Jaisan (Aqtobe region), Jana Jol (North Kazakhstan region), and Bokey Khan (Atyrau region), Orda.kz reports.

Drivers complain of long waits in the heat, while authorities say the congestion stems from seasonal traffic and new entry requirements for foreigners entering Russia.

According to the Kazakh Ministry of Internal Affairs, patrol officers and district police are monitoring the situation and assisting drivers. Advisory groups have also been deployed at the border crossings.

The traffic jams were caused by new rules for entry into Russia and the increased flow of traffic. In other regions, the situation at checkpoints is stable, and vehicles are being allowed through as normal,
the Ministry said in a statement. 

The Russian Embassy in Kazakhstan addressed the situation at the Jaisan-Sagarchin crossing, attributing delays to a seasonal rise in passenger traffic.

No additional requirements for citizens, including a mandatory QR code or entry application, have been introduced. The second stage of the experimental entry regime, which began on June 30, is voluntary and does not affect the work of border guards,
 the embassy said.

Earlier, Orda.kz reported that at the Kurmangazy checkpoint in the Atyrau region, drivers had to wait for hours in the sun with no water, toilets, or shade.

The Kazakh Ministry of Finance has proposed overhauling the border crossing system. The draft reform, now open for public discussion, includes plans for time slots, fines for no-shows, fast-track lanes for a fee, and mandatory waiting areas.

The Ministry hopes the changes will ease congestion in the coming months.
 
Original Author: Ruslan Loginov