Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
case of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, this is often the only possibility for
making the country attractive to tourists. At the same time, however, both
countries are among the most criticized in terms of corruption and nepo-
tism, because of the absence of laws or the failure to enforce them.
Visa policy and services in the more isolated countries in the region
primarily insist upon group tourism, which allows them greater control
over the movement of tourists within the limits they desire, similar to what
was the case during the Soviet era. Any individuals or small groups are
discouraged by the high price associated with fixed costs for arranging vi-
sas (in Turkmenistan, a guide and other program costs, etc.). Key tourism
segment in Central Asia - expedition and active tourism - is regulated by
restrictions placed on free movement making them too highly overpriced.
Travelers in this segment may also encounter other obstacles, particularly
in the form of registrations and other paperwork.
It should be noted that bureaucratic requirements placed upon tourists
from developed countries have begun to be simplified over the last decade.
Further amelioration of visas and bureaucratic demands may certainly be
expected. In some cases, this could lead to the complete removal of visas
(as was the case of Kyrgyzstan in 2012) or their formalization (the cases
of Tajikistan or Kazakhstan in some segments).
KEYWORDS
Borders
Central Asia
Permits
Registration
Soviet Union
Tourism
Travel documentation
Visas
REFERENCES
Hopkirk, P. (2001). The Great Game. On Secret Service in Higher Asia . Oxford, England: Ox-
ford University Press.
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