Turkmen authorities are reportedly cracking down on cross-border tourism with Uzbekistan because it highlights Ashgabat’s inability to provide basic goods and services to its citizens.

Tourism involving Turkmen citizens travelling to Uzbekistan has been on the rise in 2024. Many have used the trips to buy up foodstuffs and wares not readily available in Turkmenistan, which has been gripped by a severe economic crisis in recent years. 

Over the past month, Turkmen customs officials have introduced new rules designed to discourage quick cross-border trips, according to a report distributed by RFE/RL. The new rules require would-be travellers to present an array of documents, such as marriage certificates and proof of residency, before being allowed to proceed on their journey. Local residents in the Dashoguz Region told RFE/RL that at least dozens of individuals have been prevented from leaving the country due to their inability to produce all the documentation.

RFE/RL reports that Turkmen officials feel embarrassed by the fact that so many Turkmen are using Uzbekistan to procure necessities, and thus want to prevent it by tightening border controls. The report also indicates that a $50 “gift,” provided to a customs agent via “intermediaries,” can resolve any issues holding up an individual’s travel plans.

“Customs officers accuse these citizens [Uzbekistan-bound travellers] of bringing shame on the country by engaging in trade, and under this pretext they do not let them through customs control,” RFE/RL quoted an individual as saying.

This article first appeared on Eurasianet here.