About Tajikistan

Travel Advice

The land border between Tajikistan and Afghanistan currently remains closed.

It is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover. See the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)’s guidance on foreign travel insurance.

Terrorists are likely to try and carry out attacks in Tajikistan.

You should exercise caution and vigilance, particularly if travelling near or across the Tajik/Uzbek border. See Local travel and Terrorism.

On 29 July 2018, 4 tourists were killed in a deliberate attack while cycling in the south of the country. You should exercise extreme caution and vigilance, particularly if hiking or cycling in the countryside. See Terrorism.

Caution should be exercised along and close to the border with Afghanistan where armed clashes can erupt without notice. This border is also known to be used by drug smugglers and there have been reports of armed clashes with Tajik security forces.

Check local advice before travelling to the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast in the East, as the area may be closed to visitors at short notice. Tensions in the regional capital, Khorog, have risen since September 2018, and there have been violent clashes in this area in May 2022. See Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast.

Skirmishes regularly occur along the disputed Tajik-Kyrgyz border and previous incidents have involved both civilians and border guards with the use of firearms and sometimes heavy artillery. On 14-16 September clashes escalated into armed conflict between the Tajik and Kyrgyz military which resulted in over 100 dead, including civilians, and significant destruction of civilian property and infrastructure. There is a risk of further violence and border closures at any time. You should remain vigilant in border areas and check local media reports before you travel.

See Border areas.

Tourism, health and transport infrastructure is poor and travel requires careful planning. See Local travel

If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission.

Coronavirus travel health

Check the latest information on risk from COVID-19 for Tajikistan on the TravelHealthPro website.

See the TravelHealthPro website for further advice on travel abroad and reducing spread of respiratory viruses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

International travel

Scheduled commercial flights to and from Dushanbe have resumed but are sometimes subject to change or cancellation at short notice.

Travellers should check with the airlines for up to date flight information.

A ‘fit-to-fly’ negative PCR result is no longer required to enable travellers to board flights at Dushanbe Airport. Travellers should check the regulations at their destination and any transit points and obtain the required tests before travel. Travellers may be screened by having their temperature taken and assessed for other COVID-19 symptoms on departure from Tajikistan.

Check what you must do to return to the UK.

Entry and borders

See Entry requirements to find out what you will need to do when you arrive in Tajikistan.

Check what you must do to travel abroad and return to England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.

If you plan to pass through another country to return to the UK, check the travel advice for the country you’re transiting.

Be prepared for your plans to change

No travel is risk-free during COVID-19. Countries may further restrict travel or bring in new rules at short notice, for example due to a new COVID-19 variant. Check with your travel company or airline for any transport changes which may delay your journey home.

If you test positive for COVID-19, you may need to stay where you are until you test negative. You may also need to seek treatment there.

Plan ahead and make sure you:

• can access money
• understand what your insurance will cover
• can make arrangements to extend your stay and be away for longer than planned

Travel in Tajikistan

Currently, there are no local restrictions or localised lockdowns in place but you should monitor updates by the Tajikistan Government and should comply with any restrictions, health or screening measures introduced by the authorities.

Breaches of regulations can result in fines or eventually imprisonment.

Accommodation

Hotels and private rentals are generally open. Travellers should check with the accommodation provider to confirm availability and regulations.

Public places and services

Public places and services in Tajikistan are open. Local regulations, including wearing of face masks if applicable, should be observed at all times.

Healthcare in Tajikistan

For contact details for English speaking doctors visit our list of healthcare providers.

Your emotional and mental wellbeing is important. Read guidance on how to look after your mental wellbeing and mental health.

If you think you have COVID-19 symptoms, you should contact your medical or travel insurance provider for guidance and advice. In an emergency, contact the Ambulance Services on 03 (from landlines) or 103 (from mobiles).

Testing for COVID-19 is carried out for severe cases only in Tajikistan.

View Health for further details on healthcare in Tajikistan.

Finance

For information on financial support you can access whilst abroad, visit our financial assistance guidance.

Further information

Everyone should comply with the measures put in place in Tajikistan to limit the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).

If you need urgent consular assistance, you should contact your local British embassy, high commission or consulate. All telephones numbers are available 24/7.

Crime

Dushanbe is relatively secure, but there have been occasional muggings and petty crime against foreigners. 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 the British Embassy. This has included suspected use of ’date-rape’ drugs targeting foreigners. Don’t accept drinks from strangers or leave drinks unattended.

You should maintain at least the same level of personal security awareness as in the UK. 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. Don’t accept lifts from strangers or passing acquaintances at any time.

There are sporadic clashes between border forces and drug traffickers along the Afghan border, particularly in the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast. The most recent incidents during 2018 resulted in a number of injuries.

Local travel

Tourist facilities are under-developed and goods and services taken for granted in the UK may not be available.

Border areas

You should exercise caution and vigilance, particularly if travelling near or across the Tajik/Uzbek border.

The Tajik-Kyrgyz border is disputed. There are regular security incidents along the Kyrgyz/Tajik border with exchanges of gunfire and heavy weapons. The border can be closed at short notice, particularly near the Vorukh enclave. There were clashes between Tajik and Kyrgyz border guards and civilians in June 2018 and in April 2021, and most recently 14-16 September 2022 where clashes escalated into armed conflict between the Tajik and Kyrgyz military which resulted in over 100 dead, including civilians, and significant destruction of civilian property and infrastructure. There’s a risk of further localised violence and border closures at any time. You should remain vigilant in border areas and check local media reports before travelling.

Don’t venture off-road in areas immediately adjoining the Afghan, Uzbek and Kyrgyz borders, as there are both marked and unmarked minefields.

Border crossings

Tajikistan’s borders with neighbouring countries are subject to closure without notice.

If you’re planning to cross into Tajikistan through one of the land borders you should check ahead that the border crossing you’re planning to use will allow British citizens to cross and for any additional Coronavirus restrictions, and delays they may cause.

The land border with Afghanistan is currently closed.

Gorno Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast

The government of Tajikistan sometimes suspends issuing permits for travel to the Gorno Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast (GBAO) by foreign nationals who enter Tajikistan on a tourist visa. This can happen at short notice, depending on the security situation in the area. If you’re considering travel to the GBAO you should contact the Embassy of Tajikistan for up to date information on whether permits are being issued.

Tensions in Khorog have increased in recent years. There were serious disturbances in November 2021 and there have been violent clashes in and around Khorog since 16 May 2022 with a number of reported casualties. There is an increased security presence on the ground and some roads around the city, in Rushan and other parts of GBAO have been temporarily closed to traffic. Especially in the light of instability in Afghanistan, the security situation is liable to change at short notice, with the possibility of further unrest.

If you’re travelling in the region, you should remain vigilant in public places and be alert to any security announcements by the Tajik authorities.

Several areas of the GBAO and other parts of the country are damaged by flooding in the spring and winter seasons and roads are often closed. Most of the infrastructure has been repaired, but many roads, including the Pamir Highway, are currently open but not fully repaired.

Tavildara region

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.

Road travel

You need to have a 1968 International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Tajikistan. You can only get IDPs over the counter from 2,500 UK Post Offices. You will not be able to buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you 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, but 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. The roads to GBAO are often closed in the winter. 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. Neighbouring countries may close borders temporarily.

Air travel

On 19 May 2022, the UK sanctioned Aeroflot, Rossiya Airlines and Ural Airlines. It is now illegal under UK law for any British national or British company to do business with these airlines. This includes the purchasing of flight tickets.

Flights in Tajikistan may be cancelled at short notice or substantially delayed. Overloading on local flights is not uncommon.

Instances of harassment by officials at Dushanbe International Airport have been reported to the British Embassy. This typically involves requests for payment for allegedly incorrect documentation or other offences. Some reports state that airport officials have acted in an intimidating manner. You should ensure, through your hotel or directly with the Tajikistan Office of Visas and Registration (OVIR) that your documentation and papers are in order before passing through border control at the airport. If you suffer harassment or intimidation at the airport you should report this to your travel agent and/or the consular bureau at the airport.

The FCDO can’t offer advice on the safety of individual airlines. However, the International Air Transport Association publishes a list of registered airlines that have been audited and found to meet a number of operational safety standards and recommended practices. This list is not exhaustive and the absence of an airline from this list does not necessarily mean that it is unsafe.

You are advised to check the UK Air Safety List when flying with foreign air carriers.  The Civil Aviation Authority UK Air Safety List (ASL) identifies foreign airlines which do not meet international safety standards. These airlines are banned from operating commercial air services to, from, and within the UK. You should:

• use the list to inform your decisions on which air carriers to use when flying overseas.
• consult local travel providers to find alternative air routes or other means of travel, e.g. road or rail.

The International Civil Aviation Organisation carried out an audit of the level of implementation of the critical elements of safety oversight in Tajikistan.

A list of incidents and accidents in Tajikistan can be found on the website of the Aviation Safety network.

Political situation

Tajikistan’s civil war ended in 1997. The political situation is generally stable, but you should remain vigilant in public places and be alert to any security announcements by the Tajik authorities.

You should avoid any demonstrations or large gatherings of people.

Terrorists are likely to try to carry out further attacks in Tajikistan. Attacks could be indiscriminate, with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations including in places visited by foreigners, diplomatic premises, and foreign nationals.

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. You should remain vigilant at all times.

On 6 November 2019, it was reported that 17 people were killed in an armed attack on a Tajik security check-point in Rudaki District on the Tajik/Uzbek border, approximately 60km south-west of Dushanbe. The Tajik Government has said that Daesh/ISIS is responsible. In light of this incident, you should exercise caution and vigilance, particularly if travelling near or across the Tajik/Uzbek border.

On 29 July 2018, 7 tourists from western countries were cycling near Dangara in southern Tajikistan when a local man drove into them. This was a deliberate attack. Four of the 7 cyclists were killed by the vehicle’s impact and wounds sustained in a subsequent knife attack carried out by the occupants of the car. This is the first incident of its kind in Tajikistan. While the motives are not clear, the terrorist group Daesh (formerly referred to as ISIL) claimed responsibility. In light of this incident, you should exercise extreme caution and vigilance, particularly if hiking or cycling in the countryside.

There’s a threat of kidnapping in Tajikistan. 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.

Tajikistan has a secular constitution. Most Tajik citizens are Muslims. Some, particularly in rural areas, may be conservative in outlook. You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times.

Women travelling alone may not be shown 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.See our information and advice page for the LGBT community before you travel.

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

Carry a photocopy of your passport at all times. Requests to produce an ID are frequent.

Taking photos of anything that could be perceived as being of military or security interest may get you into trouble with the authorities.

Although rarely enforced smoking whilst walking on the street is illegal and punishable by a fine.

This page reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British Citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Tajikistan set and enforce entry rules. If you’re unsure how Tajikistan’s entry requirements apply to you, contact its UK embassy, high commission or consulate.

All travellers

British nationals need a visa to enter or travel through Tajikistan. The Embassy of the Republic of Tajikistan in London offers an online e-visa service.

Make sure 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 within 10 days of arrival. Hotels may only carry out registration for the duration of your stay with that particular establishment; if your visit also includes travel to other parts of the country you may need to register again for the remaining part of your travel.

The Embassy of the Republic of Tajikistan in London also processes applications for travel permits to the Gorno-Badakhshan 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 also get a permit from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Office of Visas and Registrations once in Tajikistan.

If you plan to travel to areas in the Khatlon Region bordering Afghanistan (eg Panj, Kumsangir) you will need to apply for a permit from the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dushanbe prior to travel.

Once you arrive in Tajikistan you can apply for visa extensions at the Consular Department of the Tajik Ministry of Foreign Affairs on +992 227-6363 or +992 227-3838 and located on 34 Pushkin Street, Dushanbe.

You will not be permitted to leave the country if your visa has expired and you may be fined.

Land border crossings between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, China and Afghanistan are officially closed to foreign travellers. A number of border points with Uzbekistan are open to foreign travellers with visas as well as Tajik and Uzbek citizens. Some border points with Uzbekistan, China and Kyrgyzstan are open for local citizens or cargo only. You should check for current information on border crossings with the local authorities or the British Embassy. Flights are operating from several destinations. See International Travel for further details.

If you’re fully vaccinated

Travellers arriving in Tajikistan must provide a vaccination certificate. A negative PCR test, issued within 72 hours of arrival, is also acceptable. The test must be a COVID-19 PCR swab test.

COVID-19 entry requirements may change at short notice, and travellers to Tajikistan are strongly encouraged to check the specifics with their airline, including the timeframes for undertaking COVID-19 PCR tests, before travel.

Travellers arriving in Tajikistan may be screened and may be required to have a PCR test on arrival.

If you’re not fully vaccinated

Travellers arriving in Tajikistan may be asked for confirmation of a negative PCR test, issued within 72 hours of arrival. The test must be a COVID-19 PCR swab test.

COVID-19 entry requirements may change at short notice, and travellers to Tajikistan are strongly encouraged to check the specifics with their airline, including the timeframes for undertaking COVID-19 PCR tests, before travel.

Travellers arriving in Tajikistan may be screened and may be required to have a PCR test on arrival.

Children and young people

Children aged 3 and older should follow the rules for other travellers to enter Tajikistan.

If you’re transiting through Tajikistan

Transiting is when you pass through one country on the way to your final destination.

Transiting through Tajikistan is permitted. Transit visas for Tajikistan are required and 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.

Travellers transiting through Tajikistan must provide a vaccination certificate. A negative PCR test, issued within 72 hours of arrival, is also acceptable.

Travellers to Tajikistan are strongly encouraged to check the specifics with their airline, including the timeframes for undertaking COVID-19 PCR tests, before travel. If you are travelling back to another country (eg Russia, you should ensure you have the relevant re-entry visa before travelling.

Check your passport and travel documents before you travel

If you are visiting Tajikistan, your passport should be valid for a minimum of three months from the date you arrive and have two blank pages.

Check with your travel provider to make sure your passport and other travel documents meet their requirements.

If you have a health condition, or you are pregnant, you may need specialist healthcare abroad. Check whether your destination country can provide the healthcare you may need and ensure you have appropriate travel insurance for unexpected medical evacuation or local treatment.

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the latest country-specific health advice from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) on the TravelHealthPro website. Each country-specific page has information on vaccine recommendations, any current health risks or outbreaks, and factsheets with information on staying healthy abroad. Guidance is also available from NHS (Scotland) on the FitForTravel website.

General information on travel vaccinations and a travel health checklist is available on the NHS website. You may then wish to contact your health adviser or pharmacy for advice on other preventive measures and managing any pre-existing medical conditions while you’re abroad.

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or purchased in the UK can be different in other countries. If you’re travelling with prescription or over-the-counter medicine, read this guidance from NaTHNaC on best practice when travelling with medicines. For further information on the legal status of a specific medicine, you’ll need to contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country or territory you’re travelling to.

While travel can be enjoyable, it can sometimes be challenging. There are clear links between mental and physical health, so looking after yourself during travel and when abroad is important. Information on travelling with mental health conditions is available in our guidance page. Further information is also available from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC).

Other health risks

TB (including multi-drug-resistant 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.

Don’t drink tap water and take particular care over food and drink preparation. 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. The FCDO advise against taking the test in Tajikistan, due to the poor quality of medical facilities.

Local medical care

There is no reciprocal healthcare agreement between the UK and Tajikistan.

Tajikistan has poor medical facilities and a shortage of basic medical supplies. Medical facilities outside Dushanbe are quite basic and in some locations almost non-existent. You should be aware that brand name drugs may not be genuine.

Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance including evacuation by air ambulance, and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 03 (non-English speaking) and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Tajikistan is located in an active seismic zone. There’s been an increase in the number of earthquakes in Tajikistan during 2016 and 2017; most are small but affect remote areas of the country, particularly the east in Badakhshan province. Avalanches and landslides often block roads in the spring and early summer.

You should familiarise yourself with safety procedures in the event of an earthquake and follow the advice of the local authorities. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake.

In late spring and summer Tajikistan is prone to seasonal flooding and mudslides caused by melting glaciers. Take care, follow local advice and be aware that conditions can change suddenly.

Heavy snowfall in winter can cause delays and cancellations at airports, and can disrupt local travel, particularly in mountainous regions where there is an increased risk of avalanches. Take local advice on road conditions during or following severe weather.

Tajikistan is mostly 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 an increasing number of ATMs in Dushanbe and other larger towns, but none in rural areas. US dollars are the most widely accepted foreign currency; other currencies, apart from Euros or Russian roubles, may be difficult to exchange.

Foreign travel checklist

Read our foreign travel checklist to help you plan for your trip abroad and stay safe while you’re there.

Travel safety

The FCDO travel advice helps you make your own decisions about foreign travel. Your safety is our main concern, but we can’t provide tailored advice for individual trips. If you’re concerned about whether or not it’s safe for you to travel, you should read the travel advice for the country or territory you’re travelling to, together with information from other sources you’ve identified, before making your own decision on whether to travel. Only you can decide whether it’s safe for you to travel.

When we judge the level of risk to British nationals in a particular place has become unacceptably high, we’ll state on the travel advice page for that country or territory that we advise against all or all but essential travel. Read more about how the FCDO assesses and categorises risk in foreign travel advice.

Our crisis overseas page suggests additional things you can do before and during foreign travel to help you stay safe.

Refunds and cancellations

If you wish to cancel or change a holiday that you’ve booked, you should contact your travel company. The question of refunds and cancellations is a matter for you and your travel company. Travel companies make their own decisions about whether or not to offer customers a refund. Many of them use our travel advice to help them reach these decisions, but we do not instruct travel companies on when they can or can’t offer a refund to their customers.

For more information about your rights if you wish to cancel a holiday, visit the Citizen’s Advice Bureau website. For help resolving problems with a flight booking, visit the website of the Civil Aviation Authority. For questions about travel insurance, contact your insurance provider and if you’re not happy with their response, you can complain to the Financial Ombudsman Service.

Registering your travel details with us

We’re no longer asking people to register with us before travel. Our foreign travel checklist and crisis overseas page suggest things you can do before and during foreign travel to plan your trip and stay safe.

Previous versions of FCDO travel advice,

If you’re looking for a previous version of the FCDO travel advice, visit the National Archives website. Versions prior to 2 September 2020 will be archived as FCO travel advice. If you can’t find the page you’re looking for there, send the Travel Advice team a request.

Further help

If you’re a British national and you have a question about travelling abroad that isn’t covered in our foreign travel advice or elsewhere on GOV.UK, you can submit an enquiry, or contact us on Twitter or Facebook. We’re not able to provide tailored advice for specific trips.