Uzbekistan visas come into force

New visa regulations are going into operation today in Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan.

The new rules mean that for the first time Uzbek and Kyrgyz passport holders will need entry visas to travel from one state to the other.

The new system was initiated by Uzbekistan in response to growing concerns over drugs and arms smuggling in the region.

The visas cost from four to twenty dollars and are valid for up to one year.

People living in border areas who travel frequently to trade and visit relatives are exempt from the new requirements.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service