Kyrgyz Citizens Face Border Fee for Tinted Windows, MP Urges Action
Kyrgyzstan’s parliament member Dastan Bekeshev raised concerns about Kyrgyz citizens being required to pay a $15 fee to pass through Uzbekistan’s territory if their car windows are tinted. Bekeshev proposed that the Jogorku Kenesh, Kyrgyzstan’s parliament, take action to address this issue or eliminate the fee altogether.
Bekeshev informed the Minister of Foreign Affairs Jeenbek Kulubayev that Kyrgyz citizens traveling from Jalalabad to Botken in the Kyrgyz Republic are being charged a fee by Uzbekistan if their car windows are tinted. He emphasized the discrepancy in treatment between Kyrgyz and Uzbek citizens, with Kyrgyzstan not charging a fee for similar circumstances.
The deputy also revealed that the Uzbek side even utilizes a bank application from Kyrgyzstan, making it easier for their citizens to pay the fee. Bekeshev urged the minister to consider implementing similar fees for Uzbek cars or negotiate with Uzbekistan to exempt Kyrgyz citizens from paying the fee.
Minister Jeenbek Kulubayev acknowledged the issue and promised to investigate further. He suggested raising the matter at a government commission meeting for further discussion.
It is worth noting that Uzbekistan imposes a $15 fee on foreign vehicles with tinted windows entering or transiting through the country, as per a decision made by the Cabinet of Ministers on July 18, 2018. In comparison, Kyrgyzstan charges a fee of 50,000 Kyrgyz soms for individuals and 70,000 Kyrgyz soms for legal entities to obtain permission to tint car windows.
The call to address this issue highlights the need for fair and equal treatment of Kyrgyz citizens traveling through Uzbekistan’s territory, and the hope for a resolution that benefits both countries.
