Kyrgyzstan’s new border rule hampers travel to Uzbekistan’s exclaves Sokh and Shohimardon

In recent days, multiple citizens have contacted Kun.uz reporting difficulties crossing into Uzbekistan's exclaves of Sokh and Shohimardon via Kyrgyz territory.

According to the complainants, Kyrgyz border officials began demanding a general power of attorney at checkpoints from May 1 if the driver is not the registered owner of the vehicle. This has led to long queues forming at the border.

“To get from Sokh to Fergana city, we pass through four checkpoints. Until recently, it wasn’t a problem to drive a car registered to a close family member. But since May 1, they’ve stopped letting us through. Now, I can’t even go to Fergana in a car registered to my father,” said one citizen.

“They’re not letting people through even if they have small children with them, or if they’re transporting sick individuals. The only way through is if the vehicle is registered in your own name,” they added.

Another individual reported being denied entry even though the registered vehicle owner was sitting next to them.

“My car is registered under my mother’s name, and she was with me. But they still didn’t let us through. I was taking her to Shohimardon for treatment. Many people are turning back. Some are leaving their cars on the Uzbek side and taking four separate taxis to reach their destination. After this, the parking fee near the border checkpoint increased from 3,000 to 15,000 UZS,” the individual said.

According to Kishvar.uz, citing officials, talks have taken place with the Kyrgyz side regarding the issue.

“It was agreed that until May 10, these additional document requirements would not be enforced for residents of the exclave areas. The regulation was actually introduced for all foreign nationals entering the Kyrgyz Republic, not just for residents of Sokh. However, negotiations are ongoing to extend the exemption period or cancel the requirement entirely for these exclave regions,” the report said.

In an effort to clarify the situation, Kun.uz contacted Husan Tangriyev, the spokesperson for Uzbekistan’s Customs Committee.

“According to amendments to Kyrgyz Republic legislation, drivers entering the country in a vehicle registered to someone else are now required to present a general power of attorney. This rule came into force on May 1. However, the Kyrgyz side did not officially notify Uzbekistan about the change. It is true that vehicles have been turned back since May 1,” Tangriyev confirmed.

He added that drivers possessing a general power of attorney have no issues crossing the border.