Asia and Oceania

• Travel Summary
• Safety and security
• Local laws and customs
• Entry requirements

• Health
• Natural disasters
• General
 

• There is a general threat from terrorism.  Attacks cannot be ruled out and could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by expatriates and foreign travellers. See

  Safety and Security - Terrorism.
  

• The overall security situation in Tajikistan is generally stable but can be volatile and you should therefore be alert to any security-related announcements by the Tajik authorities.  Tourism, health and transport infrastructure is poor and travel requires careful planning. Avoid off-road areas immediately adjoining the Afghan, Uzbek and Kyrgyz borders, which may be mined. See Safety and Security - Local Travel.
  
  

• Tajikistan’s borders with neighbouring countries are subject to closure without notice.  It is advisable, therefore, to check in advance which border posts are currently open.  You may also wish to check with the Embassy in Dushanbe for up to date information on border restrictions. We currently advise against all but essential travel to the Oblasts of Osh and Jalal-Abad in Kyrgyzstan.  See FCO Travel Advice for Kyrgyzstan.
  

• Two British nationals required consular assistance in Tajikistan in the period 1 April 2010 – 31 March 2011.
  
  

• You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance including evacuation by air ambulance before travelling. See General - Insurance.

Safety and Security - Terrorism

There is a general threat from terrorism. Attacks cannot be ruled out and could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by expatriates and foreign travellers.

Recent incidents in Tajikistan include:

• 8 March 2011: An explosion outside a restaurant in Dushanbe, injuring one person
• 21 January 2011: Three abandoned vehicles containing improvised explosive devices were found outside law enforcement agencies in the Sughd province in northern Tajikistan.
• 19 September 2010: An ambush on Tajik soldiers in the Kamarob Gorge, in the Rasht region in eastern Tajikistan.
• 6 September 2010: A small bomb exploded in Dousti Nightclub, in the Abuali Ibni Sino area of Dushanbe. A small number of casualties were reported.
• 3 September 2010: A large explosion occurred in the compound of the regional Department for Organised Crime on Gargarin Street, Khujand. The explosion was caused by a car laden with explosives.
• 23 August 2010: An unconfirmed number of prisoners escaped from Prison no. 3 on Mirzo Tursunzade St, Dushanbe, and there were reports of gunshots being exchanged at a police checkpoint in Rasht.
  
  

We believe there is a threat of kidnapping in Tajikistan. British nationals should be aware that the long-standing policy of the British Government is not to make substantive concessions to hostage-takers. The British Government considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners increases the risk of further hostage taking. 

See our Terrorism Abroad page.

Safety and Security - Crime

Armed incidents continue between border forces and drug traffickers along the Afghan border. Dushanbe is relatively safe, but there have been occasional muggings and petty crime against foreigners. Throughout the country there is little evidence of criminality directed against foreigners. In rural areas, however, single women should avoid going out alone at night, and may suffer harassment even during the day.

There have been instances of sexual assault, including rape, reported to our Consular staff. This has included suspected use of “date-rape” drugs targeting foreigners. In local bars and restaurants care should be taken not to leave drinks unattended, nor accept drinks from strangers.

You are advised to maintain at least the same level of personal security awareness as in the UK. Be aware that alcohol and drugs can lead to you being less alert, less in control and less aware of your environment. If you are going to drink, know your limit. Remember that drinks served in bars overseas are often stronger than those in the UK. We advise lone visitors, in particular, never to accept lifts from strangers or passing acquaintances at any time. See our Victims of Crime Abroad and Rape and Sexual Assault Abroad pages.

Safety and Security - Local Travel

Security in Tajikistan deteriorated in the second half of 2010, particularly in the Rasht Valley, where the Tajik Government fought small groups of armed insurgents.  Since the beginning of 2011, however, security has improved, including in the Rasht region, though small-scale Government security operations have continued.  Visitors should therefore exercise caution as they travel around Tajikistan.

You should not venture off-road in areas immediately adjoining the Afghan, Uzbek and Kyrgyz borders, as there are both marked and unmarked minefields. Take local advice in the Tavildara region of central Tajikistan as there are a few minefields dating from the civil war in the mountains. Medical and rescue facilities are unreliable where they exist at all. Tourist facilities are under-developed, and goods and services taken for granted in the UK may not be available.

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Road Travel

Roads outside the main towns are poorly-maintained and often only accessible by 4-wheel drive vehicles. Conditions are particularly treacherous in spring due to the risk of avalanches and landslides. Many interior roads are only open in the summer months. It is possible to drive from Dushanbe to the north and Tajikistan’s second city, Khujand, via a tunnel south of Ayni that has recently opened. This road is particularly dangerous in winter due to icy conditions and drivers can be trapped for a long time if caught in an avalanche because of the remoteness. Please check local road conditions prior to travel.

Local vehicles are poorly-maintained and driving standards are basic. Petrol stations are rare outside towns and there are no breakdown companies. Make sure you take all you need for your journey, allowing for delays. Emergency communications such as satellite phones are advisable for travel outside towns. Be aware that neighbouring countries may close borders temporarily.

See Driving Abroad.

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Air Travel

Most international flights to Dushanbe are by Tajik Air, the state airline. It is not known whether maintenance procedures on Tajik Air are always properly observed. Tajik Air is not a member of IATA. Turkish Airlines fly to Dushanbe from Istanbul twice a week. Somon Air are IATA-registered and fly once a week to and from Dubai, and daily to and from Moscow with a small modern fleet of Boeing 737-800 and 737-400 aircraft. They also fly once a week to Frankfurt. On 2 June, Air Baltic started twice-weekly flights to Dushanbe from Riga, though we understand this service is likely to cease in September. Flights in Tajikistan may be cancelled at short notice or substantially delayed. Overloading on local flights is not uncommon.

Political Situation

Tajikistan Country Profile 

It is now over ten years since the Tajik civil war ended and the political situation is currently stable. However, remain vigilant in public places, and be alert to any security related announcements by the Tajik authorities.

Tajikistan has a secular constitution. Most Tajik citizens are Muslims. Some, particularly in rural areas, may be conservative in outlook.

Women travelling alone may not be accorded respect. 

Homosexuality is not illegal under Tajik law but local attitudes are conservative, particularly outside the main cities. You should take care over public displays of affection. 

Possession and use of drugs is illegal and, if found guilty, you could face a lengthy prison sentence in very basic conditions. 

Carry a copy of your passport and Tajik visa with you at all times, as there are frequent document inspections by the police. 

Taking photos of anything that could be perceived as being of military or security interest may result in problems with the authorities. 

On 1 January 2011 legislation was introduced prohibiting smoking in many public establishments.

See Your Trip.

Entry Requirements - Visas

British nationals require a visa to enter Tajikistan, which you should get before you travel. The Embassy of the Republic of Tajikistan in London offer a visa service.

Tourist visas are valid for a period of up to two months; and Private Visitor visas for up to three months.

Please check your visa carefully and ensure you are travelling on the correct type of visa, particularly if staying with friends or family rather than at a hotel. If you have been issued any visa other than a “Tourist” visa, you will be required to register with the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Embassy of the Republic of Tajikistan in London also processes applications for travel permits to the Gorno-Badakshan Autonomous Region of Tajikistan. Entry into the region, both from inside and from outside Tajikistan, requires a special permit in advance in addition to a valid Tajik visa. You can obtain this permit at Tajik embassies and consulates abroad, or by applying to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Office of Visas and Registrations once in Tajikistan.

Evidence of flight reservations/tickets or a travel itinerary is required for all tourist visa applications. Individuals applying for a private visitor visa must submit a letter of invitation. Further information of the visa application procedures can be found on the Embassy website. It is not possible to obtain a Tajik visa at a land border crossing.

Once you arrive in Tajikistan visa extensions can only be applied for at (and made by) Consular Department of the Tajik Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Entry Requirements - Visas - Multi-Entry and Transit Visas

Special permits are also required for any travel to areas/districts in the Khatlon Region that border Afghanistan (e.g. Panj, Kumsangir) - these permits should be obtained from the Consular Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dushanbe prior to travel.

If you are travelling back to Russia, Kazakhstan or Uzbekistan, get the relevant re-entry visa before entering Tajikistan. Transit visas for Tajikistan are usually valid for three days. If you wish to stay longer, you must get a longer-term visa through Intourist Tajikistan or at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after arrival. Special permits (available from both the Embassy of the Republic of Tajikistan in London and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dushanbe), are required if you wish to visit the Gorno-Badakshan Autonomous Region (Pamirs).

Entry Requirements - Passport Validity
You must hold a valid passport to enter Tajikistan. Your passport must be valid for a minimum period of six months from the date you apply for a visa to enter Tajikistan and must have at least two empty pages.

Entry Requirements - Travelling with Children

For information on exactly what will be required at immigration please contact the Tajikistan Embassy in London.

Tajikistan has poor medical facilities and a shortage of basic medical supplies. Brand name drugs may not be genuine.

TB, typhoid and cholera occur in Tajikistan. There are occasional cases of malaria in summer in the Khatlon region and in the south of Gorno-Badakhshan.

There has been a recent outbreak of Polio Type 1 non sabin-like virus in Tajikistan, which has been verified by the World Health Organisation (WHO). The Government of the Republic of Tajikistan is working with the WHO on an immunisation programme, focused on children under six years old. 

See the NaTHNaC website or the WHO website.

You should not drink tap water and take particular care over food and drink preparation. Drink or use only boiled or bottled water and avoid ice in drinks. If you suffer from diarrhoea during a visit to Tajikistan seek medical attention immediately. If you plan to stay for more than 90 days you must present a medical certificate that you are HIV-free, or take a test. We advise against taking the test in Tajikistan, due to the poor quality of medical facilities.

In the 2010 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 8,900 adults aged 15 or over in Tajikistan were living with HIV; the prevalence percentage was estimated at around  0.2% of the adult population, which equals the prevalence percentage in the UK. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general advice see our HIV and AIDS page.

Seek medical advice before travelling to Tajikistan and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up to date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention visit the websites of the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) and NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.  

See our Travel Health page

Tajikistan is located in an active seismic zone. Avalanches and landslides frequently block roads in the spring.

General - Insurance

Comprehensive travel and medical insurance, including evacuation by air ambulance, is essential. Check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See our Travel Insurance page.

If things do go wrong when you are overseas then see our When Things Go Wrong page.

General - Money

Tajikistan is a cash-only economy. Only change money at officially authorised currency exchanges. Very few establishments accept credit cards and none accept travellers’ cheques. There is a small, but increasing, number of ATMs in Dushanbe and other larger towns, but none in rural areas. US dollars are the most widely accepted foreign currency; others, apart from Euros or Russian roubles, may be difficult to exchange.

General - Registration

Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency.

General - Tourism

Tajikistan has not yet developed a tourist infrastructure. Ideally arrange to be met on arrival and guided by a responsible local business, NGO, tourist or other organisation. Few people speak English, but most speak Russian as well as Tajik.

General - Consular Assistance - British Embassy in Tajikistan

The British Embassy in Tajikistan is at 65 Mirzo Tirsunzade Street, Dushanbe.

Tel: (+992 37) 2 24 22 21

Fax: (+992 37) 2 27 17 26

E-mail: dushanbe.reception@fco.gov.uk. The Embassy can offer consular advice and assistance, but is unable at present to issue full passports.  It can, however, provide Emergency Travel Documents in an emergency.

Office hours are GMT: October - April: Mon-Fri: 04:00-08:00/ 09:00-12:00;  May - September: Mon-Thurs: 03:30-08:00/ 09:00-12:00, Fri: 03:30-08:30
Local Time: October - April: Mon-Fri: 09:00-13:00/ 14:00-17:00;  May-September: Mon-Thurs: 08:30-13:00/ 14:00-17:00, Fri: 08:30-13:30

The nearest passport issuing office is at the British Embassy in Moscow, Russia (tel: +7 095 956 7200; fax: +7 095 956 7201).

General - Consular Assistance - Statistics

Two British nationals required consular assistance in Tajikistan in the period 01 April 2010 - 31 March 2011.