Tajikistan

Terrorist attacks have occurred in Tajikistan. Tajik security forces have prevented many more. This includes at least 12 planned attacks since January 2017.

On 29 July 2018, 7 tourists cycling near Dangara in southern Tajikistan were deliberately driven into and attacked with a knife by the occupants of the car, 4 of the cyclists were killed. Daesh claimed responsibility for the attack.

Explosions have been reported in some locations, including Dushanbe, in recent years.

To stay safe:

• be alert to possible threats, especially in public places
• be cautious when visiting possible terrorist targets
• report any suspicious activity or items to police
• monitor the media for threats
• take official warnings seriously
• follow the advice of local authorities

If there's an attack, leave the area as soon as it's safe.

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

• Terrorist threats

Political violence has occurred in the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast (GBAO). Extra security measures are in place.

You need a special permit to travel into the GBAO. See Travel

Clashes occurred in north-east Afghanistan between the Taliban and Afghan government forces in April and May 2017. These clashes happened close to the border with Tajikistan.

Armed conflict continues in Afghanistan, and may affect regions of Tajikistan.

Demonstrations and protests

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent. Avoid demonstrations and public gatherings.

Monitor the media and local sources for updates about possible unrest. Avoid affected areas.

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Pickpocketing is common in Dushanbe and on international rail services. Travellers may be targeted.

Women can be subject to verbal and physical harassment.

Criminal activity increases after dark.

Criminal groups are particularly active in Tajikistan's border regions. The region bordering Afghanistan is a transit point for drugs and other smuggled goods.

Occasional clashes between government forces and criminal groups occur, particularly in the regions bordering Uzbekistan and the Kyrgyz Republic.

To protect yourself from crime:

• leave valuables in a secure location
• carry a copy of your passport and visa
• take particular care if travelling alone or at night

Earthquakes happen in Tajikistan.

Avalanches, mudslides and floods happen in mountainous areas.

If a natural disaster or severe weather occurs:

• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof location
• closely monitor local media and other sources, like the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System
• follow the advice of local authorities
• keep in contact with your friends and family

This advice pre-dates COVID-19 and the Australian Government's travel ban for all Australians

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many 1000s of dollars up-front for medical care.

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. Consider whether you may be in a vulnerable category for COVID-19.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

More information:

• General health advice
• International travel and health

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

Some sleeping tablets and medication containing codeine are controlled in Tajikistan.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Tajikistan. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription and a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medicine is
• how much you'll take
• that it's for personal use

Declare all medications and other restricted items on arrival. If you don't declare them or you're carrying amounts over the legal limit, you could face charges. Even if you have the required paperwork.

More information:

• Medication
• Embassy or consulate of Tajikistan
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan

COVID-19

COVID-19 remains a risk in Tajikistan.

More information:

• Coronavirus (COVID-19) (Department of Health)
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) 

Insect-borne diseases

Malaria is a risk in:

• southern border areas, particularly around the Khatlon region
• central areas, including Dushanbe
• western areas, including GBAO
• northern areas, including Leninabad

Ticks are very common in forests and country areas. They're active from spring to autumn (March to November).

Check your body for ticks during and after travel in forests.

To protect yourself against illness:

• ensure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing
• consider taking medicine to prevent malaria

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne, parasitic and other infectious diseases are common. They include:

• tuberculosis
• cholera
• typhoid
• brucellosis
• hepatitis
• rabies

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid raw and undercooked food, such as salads
• avoid contact with dogs and other mammals

If you're bitten or scratched by an animal, get medical help straight away.

Seek medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

Tailings and pesticides

Unprotected uranium and pesticide waste dumps in the northern Sughd Region may pose a health risk.

Seek local advice.

Medical facilities

Medical facilities and services are limited in Tajikistan. Hygiene is poor. There's a shortage of medical equipment and medications.

Doctors will ask for up-front payment before providing treatment.

If you're seriously ill or injured, you may be moved to a place with better facilities. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.

The Australian Embassy in Moscow can give you a list of medical facilities in Tajikistan.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Drugs

Penalties for drug offences include long prison terms in local jails.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Other laws

You must always carry a copy of your current passport and visa.

In Tajikistan, it's illegal to:

• drive with a blood alcohol limit of over 0%
• smoke in public places including on the street
• take artefacts or cultural items out of Tajikistan without a permit

It's also illegal to photograph sensitive sites, including:

• military zones, assets or personnel
• transport facilities
• government buildings

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Tajikistan doesn't recognise dual nationality.

If you're a dual citizen, this limits the consular services we can give if you're arrested or detained.

Tajik authorities may insist you enter Tajikistan on your Tajik passport. If they don't, always travel on your Australian passport.

More information:

• Dual nationals

Tajikistan has conservative and traditional standards of dress and behaviour.

Public displays of affection may cause offence to locals.

If in doubt, dress conservatively and seek local advice.

Same-sex relationships are legal in Tajikistan, but they're not widely accepted. Avoid public displays of affection.

More information:

• LGBTI travellers

Ramadan

The Islamic holiday month of Ramadan will be from late April to late May in 2020. Respect religious and cultural customs and laws at this time.

When you're in public or around people who are fasting during Ramadan, avoid eating, drinking or smoking.

You need a visa to visit Tajikistan, you can get this visa at either an embassy or consulate of Tajikistan or on arrival at the Dushanbe International Airport.

In both cases you must submit a visa application form online before you travel:

• Through the electronic information network for a standard sticker visa, this needs to be physically stamped at the consulate or on arrival at the airport
• Through the eVisa system for a single-entry short-term electronic visa, this will be emailed and travellers must bring a physical copy with them 

Ensure you have the correct visa type. If you plan to visit relatives or friends, you'll need to apply for a Private (XC1) visa. This is different from a Tourist (T) visa.

Tourist visas are valid for up to 45 days. You can't extend or replace your tourist visa. Make sure you leave the country before your visa expires.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. For details about visas, customs and quarantine rules, contact:

• an embassy or consulate of Tajikistan
• the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan, Consular Service Section

COVID-19

Tajikistan has implemented enhanced screening procedures and entry restrictions in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. These include border closures, flight cancellations, medical checks at international border checkpoints and mandatory 14 day quarantine for travellers arriving from some countries with registered cases of COVID-19. Contact your airline or your nearest embassy or consulate of Tajikistan to confirm entry requirements.

Other Formalities

If you are travel on any visa other than tourist (T) and staying in Tajikistan for more than 3 working days. You must register with the Passport Registration Service of the Ministry of Interior of Tajikistan.

Hotels will only register you for the duration of your hotel stay. If you change accommodation you will need to register again.

Travellers visiting Tajikistan for more than 90 days must do a health test.

More information:

• Embassy or consulate of Tajikistan

You need a permit to visit GBAO.

Tajik embassies and consulates issue this permit. The permit is subject to the security situation in the neighbouring regions.

Apply at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Passport-Registration Service of the Ministry of Interior of Tajikistan.

Border crossings

Tajikistan's borders can close without notice.

Some border crossings may only be open to locals.

Ask local authorities which border crossings are open and if you can use them.

Validity

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

For Tajikistan, ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months and has 2 empty pages.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

The official currency is the Tajik Somoni (TJS). US dollars and euros are readily accepted.

You can't exchange US banknotes issued before 1996.

You'll need to declare any money you bring in to Tajikistan on arrival. Immigration officers will check your customs declaration form when you leave to make sure you're not taking more money out than you brought in.

The Tajik economy is largely cash-based. Traveller's cheques aren't accepted. Very few places accept credit cards.

International banking services are limited.

You'll find several ATMs in Dushanbe and other larger cities, but not in some rural areas.

Driving permit

To drive in Tajikistan, you need both:

• a valid Australian driver’s licence
• a valid International Driving Permit (IDP)

Get your IDP before you leave Australia. Driving without it could void your insurance.

Road travel

Road conditions and driving standards are poor.

Driving at night is dangerous.

Police and military checkpoints are common. You may need to provide identification documents at checkpoints.

Avalanches and landslides can occur in winter and spring. Road conditions can be unpredictable during this time.

Many interior roads are only open in summer months. This includes the main road from Dushanbe to Khujand.

Service stations are limited in rural areas.

To stay safe when driving:

• understand local traffic laws and practices
• avoid driving at night
• ask locals for advice on road conditions
• make sure you have enough petrol when travelling in rural areas

More information:

• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

Check if your travel insurance covers you when riding a motorbike.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis

Only use licensed taxis and limousines. Arrange these through your hotel.

Public transport

Public transport in the city is often overcrowded and unsafe.

Bus services between major cities are unreliable.

Rail travel

Rail travel can be unreliable. It can also be dangerous due to criminal activity.

Air travel

Flight cancellations and delays at Dushanbe International Airport are common.

If you need to leave Tajikistan quickly, you may need valid entry visas for alternative destinations.

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check Tajikistan's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

Fire and rescue services

Call 01.

Medical emergencies

Call 03 or go to the hospital.

Police

Call 02 or go to the local police station.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.

Read the Consular Services Charter. It details what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

Australia doesn't have an embassy in Tajikistan. You can contact the Australian Embassy in Russia for consular assistance.

Australian Embassy, Moscow

10a/2 Podkolokolny Pereulok
Moscow, Russia
Phone: +7 495 956 6070
Fax: +7 495 956 6170
Website: russia.embassy.gov.au
Twitter: @PosolAustralia

Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia