Uzbekistan Reopens Border Crossing With Afghanistan After Four-Year Closure

Uzbekistan has fully reopened its only border crossing with Afghanistan after a four-year closure. Officials from the Uzbekistan Chamber of Commerce confirmed that the crossing resumed operations on November 23 and is now open for both commercial activities and passenger movement.

Located near the city of Termez in northern Uzbekistan and spanning the Amu Darya River, the crossing—known as the “Friendship Bridge”—is the sole official point of entry between the two countries. It had been closed since 2021 following the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan. During the closure, only limited commercial goods were permitted through, while pedestrian crossing was completely halted.

The Uzbekistan Chamber of Commerce welcomed the reopening, calling it a significant step toward facilitating exports to Afghanistan. According to the chamber, the renewed access is expected to positively impact the operations of export companies.

Afghan citizens can now also enter the Irtom Free Trade Zone within Uzbek territory without a visa. The zone was established to strengthen trade relations between the two nations. However, serious questions remain about the future of cross-border ties under a government in Afghanistan that lacks international recognition.