Tajikistan

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

Terrorist attacks have occurred in Tajikistan. Tajik security forces have prevented many more. Terrorists may attack anywhere at any time, with little or no warning.

Possible targets include:

• places of worship or religious events
• hotels, bars, clubs, restaurants, and cafes and other places frequented by tourists
• markets and shopping centres
• police stations, military posts
• diplomatic missions, NGO and international humanitarian facilities
• outdoor recreation events, including festivals, concerts, and sporting venues
• public transport terminals, including bus, train and taxi terminals and airports 

To stay safe:

• be aware while in places known to be possible targets
• report suspicious activities or items to the police
• check the media for new threats
• take official warnings seriously
• follow the instructions of local authorities

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

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

• Terrorism

Avoid travelling to the border area with Afghanistan due to the volatile security situation and threats from criminal activity. If, despite our advice, you travel to this area, always be alert to your surroundings.

In 2022, military clashes at the border between the Sughd Region of Tajikistan and the Batken region of the Kyrgyz Republic escalated into an armed conflict, with more than 100 people killed and 140 000 evacuated. The security situation remains volatile and could deteriorate further with little warning. 

There are also unmarked minefields on Tajikistan's borders with the Kyrgyz Republic, Uzbekistan and Afghanistan. In particular avoid all non-essential travel to the Tajik-Kyrgyz border areas.

Political violence regularly occurs in the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast (GBAO). 

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

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

Activism

Activism is closely scrutinised in Tajikistan. If you discuss or publish information critical of authorities, you may face surveillance, harassment or detention. 

Pickpocketing can occur in Tajikistan, particularly in crowded places and on public transport. Travellers may be targeted.

Women can be subject to verbal and physical harassment, especially after dark.

Criminal groups are particularly active in Tajikistan's border regions. 

Occasional clashes occur between government forces and criminal groups, 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
• watch your belongings on trains,buses and taxis, especially at night
• always keep your vehicle and accommodation locked
• be alert to suspicious behaviour

Drink spiking

Drink spiking can happen anywhere. Be alert to the potential risks, and don't leave food or drinks unattended. Pay attention when your drinks are being mixed. If you feel any symptoms, tell your friends immediately. Ask someone you trust and know well to take you to a safe place. If a friend shows any of these symptoms, don't leave them alone. You may need to seek medical care.

Methanol poisoning

Locals and foreigners, including Australians, have died or become seriously ill from poisoned drinks overseas. Methanol is highly toxic. As little as one shot can be fatal. Methanol can be added or accidentally created during poor quality alcohol distillation and production. Protect yourself by making smart drink choices. Choose branded beers, ciders, wines and premixed cocktails in sealed bottles and cans. Get urgent medical help if you suspect you’ve been poisoned. 

More information:

• Partying safely while overseas

Cyber security

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you're connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth. 

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media. 

More information:  

• Cyber security when travelling overseas 

Kidnapping

Kidnapping can happen anywhere, anytime, including destinations that are typically at lower risk. Kidnappings have occurred recently along Tajikistan's border with Afghanistan. 

The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers.  Ransom payments to kidnappers have funded further terrorist attacks and criminal activity. Paying a ransom to terrorist groups will likely break Australian counter-terrorism financing laws.

More information:

• Kidnapping 

Earthquakes happen in Tajikistan.

Avalanches, mudslides, rock falls, landslides and flash floods happen in mountainous areas. Tajikistan is 93 percent mountainous.

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.

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 thousands 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.

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.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

More information:

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips

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 medications 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
• your required dosage
• 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

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

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 immediately.

Seek medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

Air pollution

Air pollution is a health risk in Tajikistan. To reduce your exposure, take precautions when increased levels are recorded.

Tailings and pesticides

Unprotected uranium and pesticide waste dumps in Sughd Region may pose a health risk. Seek local advice.

Medical facilities

Medical facilities and services are limited in Tajikistan. Medicine, specialised equipment and care may not be available, including in urban areas. Hygiene is poor.

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.

Health Risks

Ticks are very common in rural areas.

Check your body for ticks during and after travel in rural areas.

To protect yourself against illness:

• ensure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing

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

Law enforcement agencies in Tajikistan cooperate closely with agencies in Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries. If you commit an offence in one of these countries, you may be detained in another (including at the border) and extradited for prosecution.

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.

More information:

• Arrested or jailed

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%
• take artefacts or cultural items out of Tajikistan without a permit
• import, produce or distribute religious literature without permission from state authorities
• wear clothing 'alien to Tajik culture', including the hijab
• smoke in public places, including on the street, and smoke in private cars with children or pregnant women
• not wear seatbelts 

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, except for Russian.

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 offend 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:

• LGBTQIA+ travellers

Ramadan

The Islamic holiday month of Ramadan is observed in Tajikistan. Respect religious and cultural customs and laws at this time.

During Ramadan, eating, drinking, or smoking may be illegal in public during the day. If you're not fasting, avoid these activities around people who are. Seek local advice to avoid offence.

Explore our Ramadan page to learn more, including dates for Ramadan.

Visas

Australians can enter Tajikistan under a visa-free arrangement. The arrangement covers single-entry stays of up to 30 days.

You'll still need a visa for the following:

• stays of more than 30 days
• multiple entries.

Tajik visas specify validity, the number of entries and length of stay. Check your visa details are correct when you get it.

The length of stay on your visa may differ from the length of your application.

Ensure you have the correct visa type and 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

Registration

You must register with the local authorities within 10 working days of arrival.

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:

• Embassies and consulates of Tajikistan

Permits

You need a permit to visit Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast (GBAO).

Tajik embassies and consulates issue this permit, or you may apply online before your arrival in Tajikistan. 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.

Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can’t guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers. 

More information:  

• LGBTQIA+ travellers 

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

You can't exchange US banknotes issued before 1996.

When entering Tajikistan, you are required to declare any amount of foreign currency exceeding the equivalent of USD $5,000. You'll need to declare cash amounts exceeding the equivalent $3000 USD upon exiting Tajikistan. For amounts exceeding the equivalent USD$10,000 you must provide documents confirming the origin of the money in addition to a customs declaration.

It is prohibited to export local currency. 

Tajik legislation about importing and exporting money and goods may change without warning. Seek advice from local authorities.

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

International banking services are limited.

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

Driving permit

To drive a vehcile in Tajikistan, you'll need:

• a current Australian driver's licence (digital drivers licence's may not be accepted)
• a valid International Driving Permit (IDP)
• to register the vehicle you are driving in your name

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

Road travel

Road conditions and driving standards are poor.

It is not uncommon for road rules and speed limits to be ignored, especially the rural areas.

Seatbelts are often out of order or removed from vehicles entirely.

It's illegal to drive with a blood alcohol level above zero.

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

Avalanches and landslides often occur in winter and spring. Roads may close for days, including the main road between Dushanbe and Khunjand.

Many interior roads are open only in the summer.

Fuel stations can car repair services 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 fuel 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

Some taxis have meters, and some do not. While taxi fares are generally cheap, agree on the price before travel, especially if there is no meter in the taxi or the driver uses a mobile phone or app-based metering system.

Public transport

Public transport may be overcrowded and unsafe.

Bus and taxi services between major cities are unreliable.

Rail travel

There are limited rail travel options in Tajikistan. Research the ticketing, security and sleeping arrangements on trains carefully before making a decision to travel by train. 

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.

In 2022, the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) issued a ‘red notice’ highlighting significant safety concerns with all Russian airlines.  A number of countries, including the United States and the European Union have banned Russian air carriers from their airspace.  Should you choose to take a Russian airline, check your insurance provisions and understand the risks associated with transport by Russian airlines.

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

Research your aviation provider before choosing their services. 

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 (101 from a mobile)

Medical emergencies

Call 03 (103 from a mobile) or go to the hospital.

Police

Call 02 (102 from a mobile) 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.

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

13 Kropotkinsky Pereulok
Moscow 119034
Russia

Phone: +7 495 956-6070
Website: russia.embassy.gov.au
X: @PosolAustralia
Telegram: https://t.me/AusEmbMoscow 

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