The Amu Darya river carves out the short but highly strategic 144-kilometer border between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan. This is one of the most rigidly controlled frontiers in all of Central Asia, defined by a single, iconic structure: the Hairatan Friendship Bridge. Your crossing here is a formal, highly structured affair, moving from the relative openness of northern Afghanistan into a meticulously regulated state.
There is only one crossing point available for your use: the road and rail bridge connecting Hairatan in Afghanistan with the Uzbek city of Termez. This bridge, originally built by the Soviet Union, handles all the commercial and passenger traffic between the two nations. There are no other places to cross.
The process is defined by the strict security protocols on the Uzbek side. You should be prepared for a thorough, multi-stage inspection of your documents and belongings. Officials will likely scrutinize your visa, itinerary, and any currency you are carrying. The entire process can take several hours, so patience is a necessity. The bridge itself is closed to pedestrians; you must take official transport to get from one side to the other.
The historical significance of Termez, with its ancient Buddhist ruins, makes it a point of interest near the border. However, the primary function of this crossing is trade. It serves as a key economic link for landlocked Afghanistan to the wider Central Asian region.