American blogger stuck in Uzbekistan for three days over unpaid fine

According to the blogger, he was willing to pay the fee, but the payment terminal at the customs checkpoint was not working, and he did not have the required amount in cash. He also did not receive any official documents regarding the fine and was unable to reach the nearest ATM, located 40 kilometers away.

The State Customs Committee clarified that the foreigner had exceeded the permitted period of stay for his vehicle by almost two months. Under the rules, foreign vehicles may remain in Uzbekistan for no more than 90 days, after which a fine equal to one base calculation unit is applied for each additional day.

The tourist explained that he was unable to make banking transactions on the weekend, but the authorities emphasized that the issue was specifically due to the non-functioning terminal.

On 29 September, the blogger managed to pay the fine of more than UZS 23 million with the help of fellow countrymen who responded to his request. Afterward, he left the country in his car.