Risk level(s)

Safety and security

Areas bordering Afghanistan, the Kyrgyz Republic and Uzbekistan (see Advisory)

The security situation along the border with Afghanistan remains unstable, as this area is used as a transit point for drugs and other forms of illegal trafficking.

Marked and unmarked minefields are present in areas bordering Afghanistan, the Kyrgyz Republic and Uzbekistan. Exercise a high level of caution when travelling to these areas.

Terrorism

Although there has not been a terrorist incident in Tajikistan since 2010, you should exercise a high degree of caution, regularly review your security practices and remain aware of the security situation in the country.

Crime

While the security situation in Tajikistan, including in Dushanbe, is generally stable, there has been a rise in criminal activities.

On September 4, 2015, armed clashes between security forces and gunmen resulted in multiple deaths close to Dushanbe International Airport and in the town of Vahdat.

The pickpocketing and mugging of foreigners occur. Do not show signs of affluence or carry large sums of money. Exercise caution, particularly in tourist areas, commercial and public establishments frequented by foreigners (e.g. hotels, clubs, restaurants, bars, schools and places of worship) and at outdoor recreation events. You should be particularly vigilant in crowded public places such as markets.

Women’s safety

There have been a number of reports of harassment of women. Travel in groups and in daylight. Please consult Her Own Way: A Woman’s Guide to Safe and Successful Travel for more information.

Demonstrations

Demonstrations concerning Tajikistan’s difficult economic situation may occur. Avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings, follow the advice of local authorities and monitor local media.

Regional travel

Exercise caution in the Rasht (or Karategin) Valley and its Tavildara district, as tensions may still exist following the 2010 clashes between Tajik security forces and militant groups.

Border areas

Some border crossings, especially in the Fergana Valley, which extends across eastern Uzbekistan, the Kyrgyz Republic, and Tajikistan, are not well defined and are very porous.

Neighbouring countries may close their borders unilaterally.

Transportation

Rail service is unreliable and underdeveloped.

Air travel

The Government of Canada does not assess foreign domestic airlines’ compliance with international aviation safety standards. See Foreign domestic airlines for more information.

Air travel is limited. In winter, poor weather conditions commonly cause sudden flight delays and cancellations. Reservations on regional airlines are not always honoured.

General safety information

There are numerous checkpoints, and security forces may fire at vehicles that do not stop. Exercise caution when travelling east of Dushanbe, as armed groups have established checkpoints and target foreigners.

Carry a photocopy of your visa and passport with you at all times. Keep your original documents in safekeeping facilities. Leave a photocopy of your travel documents with a relative or friend at home.

Tourist facilities are very limited.

Energy, water and food shortages are common throughout Tajikistan, especially in winter and spring.

Blackouts and brownouts occur frequently.

Maintain a stock of emergency items at your hotel/residence. If you intend to remain in Tajikistan for extended periods, prepare and review personal emergency plans with your family.

Entry/exit requirements

It is the sole prerogative of every country or territory to determine who is allowed to enter or exit. Canadian consular officials cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet entry or exit requirements. The following information has been obtained from the Tajik authorities and is subject to change at any time. The country- or territory-specific entry/exit requirements are provided on this page for information purposes only. While every effort is made to provide accurate information, information contained here is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, express or implied. The Government of Canada assumes no responsibility, and shall not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided. It is your responsibility to check with the Embassy of Tajikistan for up-to-date information.

Official (special and diplomatic) passport holders must consult the Official Travel page, as they may be subject to different entry requirements.

Passport

Canadians must present a passport to visit Tajikistan, which must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of expected departure from that country. Prior to travelling, ask your transportation company about its requirements related to passport validity, which may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.

Temporary passport holders may be subject to different entry requirements. Check with diplomatic representatives for up-to-date information.

Visas

Canadians must be in possession of a visa to visit Tajikistan.

Tourist visa: Required
Business visa: Required
Student visa: Required

There are different application requirements for each type of visa. Consult the Embassy of Tajikistan for more information.

Although visas can be obtained on arrival at Dushanbe Airport, to avoid lengthy delays upon entering the country or the possibility of being refused entry, you should obtain one from the Embassy of Tajikistan well before leaving Canada.

You must obtain a permit from the Tajik authorities to visit the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast.

Regional travel

If you are travelling to Afghanistan and wish to return to Tajikistan, ensure that you have the appropriate documents, including visas, valid passport and vehicle certification, before leaving Tajikistan, and inform the Embassy of Canada in Astana, Kazakhstan.

Health entry requirements

You must be tested for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) if you are planning to reside in Tajikistan for more than three months.

Yellow fever

See Health to obtain information on this country’s vaccination requirements.

Children and travel

Children need special documentation to visit certain countries. See Children for more information.

Health

Medical services and facilities

Medical services and facilities

Medical facilities in Tajikistan are scarce and below Western standards. Frequent shortages of energy and water can interrupt or impede the provision of medical services. There is also a severe shortage of basic medical supplies, including disposable needles, anesthetics and antibiotics.

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

Laws & culture

You are subject to local laws. See Arrest and detention for more information.

An International Driving Permit is required.

Laws

Homosexual activity is legal but is not widely accepted by Tajik society.

Penalties for drinking and driving are strict.

Possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs may result in jail sentences and heavy fines. The government is stepping up its raids to counter narcotics trafficking.

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is not legally recognized in Tajikistan. If local authorities consider you a Tajik citizen, they may refuse to grant you access to Canadian consular services, thereby preventing Canadian consular officials from providing you with those services. You should always travel using your valid Canadian passport and present yourself as Canadian to foreign authorities at all times to minimize this risk. You may also need to carry and present a Tajik passport for legal reasons, for example to enter and exit the country (see Entry/exit requirements to determine passport requirements). Citizenship is determined solely by national laws, and the decision to recognize dual citizenship rests completely with the country in which you are located when seeking consular assistance. See Travelling as a dual citizen for more information.

Culture

Although Tajikistan is a secular country, Islamic practices and beliefs are closely adhered to, particularly in conservative rural areas. Dress conservatively, behave discreetly and respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities.

Money

The economy is primarily cash-based. The currency is the Tajik somoni. Canadian currency and traveller’s cheques are not accepted; U.S. dollars are widely accepted. Few international banking services are available, although an increasing number of automated banking machines can now be found in Dushanbe. Credit cards are accepted in major hotels, some restaurants and most banks.

Natural disasters & climate

Tajikistan is located in an active seismic zone.

In higher-altitude areas, there is a significant danger of floods, avalanches and landslides, especially in the spring.

Assistance

Local services

Consular assistance

There is no resident Canadian government office in Tajikistan. You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information from the the Embassy of Canada in Astana, Kazakhstan.

For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in Astana, Kazakhstan, and follow the instructions. You may also make a collect call to the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.