Uzbekistan and Afghanistan Resume Civilian Border Crossings for the First Time Since 2021 — Chamber of Commerce

Civilian movement across the Uzbekistan–Afghanistan border via the Termez–Hairatan bridge has resumed, the Uzbek Chamber of Commerce and Industry reported. The decision lifts restrictions that had been in place since the pandemic in 2021 and eases access for businesses entering the Afghan market, Orda.kz reports, citing Gazeta.uz.

According to the Chamber, residents can now travel directly and safely between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan through the border checkpoints. The visa regime remains unchanged.

In June 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic and amid the Taliban’s advance in Afghanistan, civilian crossings over the bridge were suspended, and only cargo transport was allowed.

This significantly complicated travel for entrepreneurs.