Threat level:Medium
The current travel advice for Tajikistan is to remain vigilant and cautious especially when near to the
borders of the country due to the ongoing security situations in surrounding countries, particularly in
Afghanistan.
Take general personal security measures especially if you are of western descent due to the ongoing and
targeted risk against western tourist when travelling abroad. Most visits to this country are without
incident and trouble free but please note there are regions that have the ability to change quickly
within the Middle East.
Recent Security Risk Events
On the 29th of July 2018, a vehicle deliberately hit 7 tourists from western countries who were cycling
near Danghara. 4 of the 7 victims died of their injuries. Exercise caution if you are hiking or cycling
in the countryside.
The region Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast (GBAO) has been damaged by severe flooding in 2015 and
although maintenance and restructuring works have taken place, there are still areas of which are
underdeveloped. Please take caution when travelling on the roads especially.
Permits to travel to Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast (GBAO) areas can be suspended at short notice,
this is due to the security situation in Afghanistan. Check with the Tajikistan Embassy for the latest
status.
There have been serious security incidents such as armed clashes near the border of Afghanistan close to
the town of Khorog within Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast (GBAO). Areas near to Dushanbe
International Airport, Tajik/Kyrgyz border, the villages of Kok-Tash and Chorkuh and in the Romit Valley
have also experienced armed violence. There is an increased security presence in these areas; the nbest
travel advice for Tajikistan is to be caution during your travels as there is a risk of further
localised violence.
Security Risks
The borders of the country can be closed at any time with its surrounding countries and are not all open
to foreign travellers. You should check with the Tajikistan Embassy if you are able to travel across
borders. Borders which are currently open to British nationals are:
Please note that violent outbreaks can occur between border forces and drug traffickers in the areas
near to the Afghanistan border and as such it is recommended that these areas are avoided.
There are incidence of violent and petty crime against foreign visitors, please take extra security
precautions, keep a low affluence wealth profile in public places and secure your belongings as muggings
have occurred. Dushanbe (the capital) is relatively safe but it is advisable that you do not travel
during the evening alone, especially females. Women have been known to experience harassment during the
day, so please be mindful of this.
As this is a Muslim country please observe the local laws and customs and take appropriate measures not
to cause offence. Attitudes towards females and homosexuality are conservative. Please note it is
illegal to smoke on the streets which is punishable by a fine.
There have been incidents of rape and sexual offences under the influence of “date rape” types of drugs,
please as with all international destinations take precautions as you would when visiting entertainment
areas. It is wise not to accept drink or foods for others as foreign visitors have been targeted
previously.
Tajikistan has strong ties with China, being a main investor for power infrastructure with additional
investment taking place with building tunnels and roads within the country. Chinese organisations have
invested into the country’s oil, gold and gas exploration.
Russia has helped Tajikistan with its ongoing security and economic situation providing assistance with
the illegal smuggling operations between its borders and Afghanistan. There have been feelings towards
Tajikistan from the international community with respect to its tolerance of extremist training camps
taking place within its country, of which Tajikistan has strongly denied.
Heavy snowfall can occur causing avalanches and landslides, please take caution when driving in
mountainous regions. The roads in the majority are poorly maintained and there is little to no street
lighting especially in rural areas where great care should be taken. Please note that petrol stations
outside the main districts are rare.
Tajikistan is prone to seasonal flooding and is in an active earthquake zone, neighbouring countries
have sustained serious earthquakes where multiple fatalities have occurred. Please make sure you know
what to do in the instance of any natural disaster when travelling to this region.
Intelligent Protection International Limited provides companies and organisations with
Commercial Travel Risk Services designed to mitigate risks of staff when they travel for
business. If you are interested in these services, please see: Commercial Travel Risk Services.
Police emergency:02
Medical emergency:03
Fire emergency:01
Capital: Dushanbe
Official languages: Tajik, Russian
Religion:Islam
Currency: Somoni
U.S. Embassy Dushanbe
109-A,
Ismoili Somoni Avenue (Zarafshon district),
Dushanbe,
Dushanbe,
Tajikistan
Telephone: +992 (37) 229 20 00
Email: usembassydushanbe@state.gov
British Embassy Dushanbe
65 Mirzo Tursunzoda Street,
Dushanbe,
734002,
Tajikistan
Telephone: +99 237 224 2221
Email:dushanbe.reception@fco.gov.uk
Visas are required to enter Tajikistan. Dependant on your country of origin you may be able to obtain a visa on arrival, or use the e-visa system. Further information on requirements for Tajikistan can be found at: Visa Check Tajikistan
Cultural advice for visiting Islamic countries
If you have never visited an Islamic country before, you maybe have some unanswered questions
the culture, what you can wear and general dos and don'ts. Intelligent Protection International
Limited is highly experienced at working in Islamic countries and has done so for the past
decade. We have written a guide that will help you understand what is culturally acceptable and
hope you find it useful. See our page: Guide to Islamic culture for travellers.
It is advised that visitors to the Tajikistan are up-to-date with primary boosters such as MMR. You should ensure that you have been further vaccinated against diseases such as Tetanus, which is usually administered when you are a young baby. You may also want to consider Typhoid and Hepatitis A vaccinations. Check with your local health professional prior to travel if you are unsure.
The medical facilities in the country are very poor and often lacking in equipment, medication and staff. Medical treatment outside of the capital city, Dushanbe, may prove difficult as facilities and services are at best limited and at worst non-existent. You should ensure that you have a sufficient supply of routine medication for the duration of your trip.
There is an English speaking medical facility called Prospekt Medical which is located behind the Chinese Embassy in Dushanbe. There have been a small number of cases of Anthrax, HIV and during the warmer months Malaria within the country; take basic precautions that can prevent the spread of such diseases.
Altitude sickness can be an issue when travelling to the Pamir Mountains, so ensure that you are well prepared for the journey and you have adequate travel and health insurance to cover you for and necessary medical treatment.
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