Uzbekistan/Tajikistan: Countries reopen border crossings and railway March 1

Event

Uzbekistan and Tajikistan held celebratory events marking the reopening of several border crossings and the renovation of a railway between the two countries on Thursday, March 1. The first train to travel along the repaired railway will depart on Wednesday, March 7. The move marks an apparent lessening of diplomatic tensions between the two countries, which may facilitate a broader rapprochement in the medium- to long-term.

Context

The celebrations were observed in advance of Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev's first planned visit to Tajikistan and meeting with Tajik President Emomali Rahmon in the coming days.

Uzbekistan and Tajikistan have historically shared bitter bilateral diplomatic relations.

Advice

Some Western governments advise against travel to Uzbekistan's eastern borders, including zones neighboring Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Afghanistan. Violence along the border is possible and uncontrolled areas are often laced with landmines.

Travelers to Tajikistan are advised to contact their local Tajik embassy if considering travel to the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast (GBAO), a zone along the border with Afghanistan which requires a special government permit for entry.