The governments of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan have launched a new visa-free border trade zone at Shavat–Dashoguz that allows mutual visa-free movement for their citizens.
The move underscores Uzbekistan’s broader drive this year to liberalise entry rules and attract foreign visitors and investment.
The six-hectare border trade and service, permits citizens of both countries to enter without a visa for short-term stays, including trade and tourism activities.
The zone includes customs and warehouse infrastructure and is intended to enhance regional commerce and cross-border mobility.
As part of its 2025 entry-policy reforms, Uzbekistan enacted a mutual visa-free regime with China effective 1 June 2025, allowing citizens of each country to stay for up to 30 days.
In October 2025 the government introduced a 30-day visa-free regime for citizens of Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait and Jordan, and extended the Chinese visa-free stay period from seven days to 30 days.
In addition to that, a Presidential decree issued in November confirmed that U.S. citizens will be eligible for visa-free entry to Uzbekistan for up to 30 days from 1 January 2026.
Officials describe the visa changes as a deliberate strategy to position Uzbekistan as an open destination for tourism, business and foreign direct investment.
The border zone with Turkmenistan is expected to boost trade in goods and services between the two countries, and the expanded visa-free regimes aim to attract new visitors from Asia, the Middle East and North America.
Analysts note that simplifying entry contributes to infrastructure investment, hospitality growth and increased regional connectivity.
Uzbek authorities are simultaneously working to streamline customs, border-service processes and transport links to handle the expected rise in cross-border flows. The Turkmen-Uzbek zone is presented as the first phase of a larger programme of border-economic cooperation.
The government plans to continue negotiating visa facilitation with more countries and to adjust stay-durations and processing times accordingly.
Russian drones and missiles knocked out power in Kharkiv late Monday, while 23 people were wounded and an energy facility damaged in an overnight atta...
France’s National Assembly has approved a bill banning access to social media for children under 15, a move backed by President Emmanuel Macron and ...
A routine military training exercise turned into a major recovery mission this week after a catastrophic mudslide swept through a hillside in West Jav...
Azerbaijan’s State Security Service (SSS) has arrested three Azerbaijani citizens on suspicion of planning a terrorist attack against a foreign coun...
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 27 January, covering the latest developments you need to know....
France’s National Assembly has approved a bill banning access to social media for children under 15, a move backed by President Emmanuel Macron and the government as part of efforts to protect teenagers’ mental and physical health.
Azerbaijan’s State Security Service (SSS) has arrested three Azerbaijani citizens on suspicion of planning a terrorist attack against a foreign country’s embassy in Baku, authorities said.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 27 January, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Israel has recovered the remains of the last remaining hostage held in Gaza, the military said on Monday, fulfilling a key condition of the initial phase of U.S. President Donald Trump's plan to end the war in the Palestinian territory.
The UN Human Rights Council has condemned Iran for rights abuses and ordered an expanded investigation into a crackdown on anti-government protests that killed thousands, as Tehran warned any military attack would be treated as an all-out war.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has activated the state’s National Guard following the fatal shooting of a U.S. citizen in Minneapolis, an incident that has triggered protests and intensified tensions between state and federal authorities.
Venezuela’s interim president Delcy Rodriguez said on Sunday the country should not fear pursuing energy ties with the United States, as Caracas seeks to expand oil and gas production and attract foreign investment.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry has strongly rejected a U.S. magazine report on the death toll during January unrest. Nationwide protests erupted in response to soaring inflation and a national currency crisis.
A mosaic portrait of Pope Leo XIV was illuminated on Sunday at the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls in Rome, continuing a centuries-old Vatican tradition marking the election of a new pope.
Azerbaijan’s State Security Service (SSS) has arrested three Azerbaijani citizens on suspicion of planning a terrorist attack against a foreign country’s embassy in Baku, authorities said.
Israel has recovered the remains of the last remaining hostage held in Gaza, the military said on Monday, fulfilling a key condition of the initial phase of U.S. President Donald Trump's plan to end the war in the Palestinian territory.
The death toll from nationwide protests in Iran has climbed to 6,126, according to the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA).
“What we've seen in the last few years is an expansion of all relations between Azerbaijan and Israel,” said Maurice Hirsch, from the Jerusalem Center for Security and Foreign Affairs. His remarks came as Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar visited Baku, Azerbaijan on 26 January.
Russia says it sees no preconditions for resuming political dialogue with Georgia. However, it has simultaneously praised the Georgian government, expanded economic ties, and openly questioned Georgia’s Western-looking aspirations.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment