U.S. Embassy Dushanbe

109A, Ismoili Somoni Avenue
Dushanbe, Tajikistan 734019
Telephone: +992-37-229-2000 or +992-37-229-2300 (American Citizens Services)
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +992-37-229-2000
Email: DushanbeConsular@state.gov
Website: https://tj.usembassy.gov/

Review the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Tajikistan for information on U.S.-Tajikistan

Requirements for entry:

• Passport valid for at least 6 months with at least 2 blank pages for entry and exit stamps.
• Visa, if you plan to stay longer than 30 days or are traveling for a non-tourism purpose.
• Visa support letter, if you are traveling on a non-tourist visa.
• Travelers planning to spend more than 30 days in Tajikistan should obtain a tourist e-Visa online or a T-visa upon arrival at the airport.

Visa-free entry: U.S. citizens are eligible for visa-free entry into Tajikistan for stays lasting no more than 30 days, regardless of the purpose of travel.

Required registration for tourism visits

• For stays 10 days or longer, you are required to register within 10 days of arrival at the nearest Ministry of Internal Affairs Department of Visas and Registration (OVIR).
• Registration fees vary depending on the length of stay.
• Registration processing may take up to 3 business days.
• For stays up to 3 months, the fee is 175 Tajik somoni.
• For stays up to 1 year, the fee is 265 Tajik somoni.
• Authorities may fine you or delay your departure if you fail to register or lose your registration form.
• Tourists may seek registration assistance from their hotel or tour operator.

Tourist e-visas:  

• Two types: single entry and multiple entry.
• Issued for periods of 90 days.
• Valid for stays up to 60 days.
• Cannot be extended.
• Apply only if you are outside of Tajikistan.
• Registration with OVIR is not required after arrival on an e-Visa.
• Visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA)’s website for more information.

Non-tourist visas:  Apply for non-tourist visas online at the MFA’s Main Consular Department.

• Common visas include:
  • XC1 for visiting family or friends
  • K for business
  • O for education
• Visa validity periods and fees vary.
• You may be required to appear in person at a Tajik embassy or consulate.
• Some visas can be issued upon arrival with an additional fee. You must request this option when you submit your application online.
• Supporting documents, including a visa support letter, may be required.

Visa support letters are required for all non-tourist visas.

• Inviting organizations must submit a request to the MFA’s Main Consular Department.
• Private Tajik residents must request a letter from OVIR.
• Any other required supporting documents should be submitted to the MFA’s Main Consular Department.

Visa registration stamps are required for non-tourist stays longer than 2 days.

• You must register within 3 days of entering the country at the nearest OVIR.
• Journalists, official travelers, and employees of international organizations must register with the MFA.
• Authorities may fine you or delay your departure if you fail to register.

Border zones: Tajik authorities have implemented restrictions on travel to areas near Tajikistan’s borders with other countries. You should share your itinerary with OVIR if you intend to travel to any border zone. OVIR can grant permission and provide information about restrictions.

Exiting Tajikistan: Be sure to leave Tajikistan before your visa or visa-free admission expires. Otherwise, you may be required to pay a fine and request an exit visa.

• If you are planning to remain in Tajikistan for an extended period of time, you must have a valid visa.
• Authorities may fine you if your visa expires.
• Fines may be expensive and may increase quickly.
• You may be required to pay all fines before you can leave the country.

If you overstay your visa for any reason you will need to apply for an exit visa from the MFA’s Main Consular Department in order to leave Tajikistan. The MFA can issue an exit visa valid for up to 7 days. You must submit a formal request letter, a copy of the overstayed visa, medical documentation (if applicable), a copy of your original itinerary, and pay all accrued fines and applicable fees before the exit visa is issued.

Departure options from Tajikistan are limited.  To maximize your travel options, obtain extended visas for travel to countries with reliable transportation to Tajikistan, including Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and China.

Travel to or through Russia: The Department of State Travel Advisory for Russia is currently at Level 4:  Do Not Travel.

• Read the Travel Advisory if you are considering transiting through Russia.
• Travelers must have a Russian transit visa if they plan to transit through Russia by land in route to a third country or if they transfer to another airport.
• Travelers are not required to have a transit visa if they are transiting through an international airport in Russia, do not leave the Customs zone, and depart from the same airport within 24 hours.
• You cannot get a Russian visa at the airport upon arrival.
• If you arrive in Russia without the appropriate visa, authorities may detain you or restrict you from future travel to Russia.
• Visit our website for visa requirements for Russia.

Dual Nationality: Tajikistan does not recognize U.S.-Tajikistan dual nationality.

• If you are a dual national of the United States and Tajikistan, or have ethnic or family ties to Tajikistan, it is possible that Tajik authorities will only consider you are a Tajik citizen.
• If you are detained, the U.S. Embassy may not be able to assist you.
• If you are a naturalized U.S. citizen or have a possible claim to Tajik nationality, familiarize yourself with Tajik nationality law, including citizenship determination and loss of citizenship.
• Naturalization as a U.S. citizen may not lead to loss of your Tajik nationality.
• For more information, visit the Embassy of Tajikistan in the United States.

HIV and AIDS Information: Some HIV and AIDS entry restrictions exist for visitors and foreign residents of Tajikistan. If you are applying to stay in Tajikistan for more than 90 days, you must present a medical certificate with your application confirming that you are HIV free. Due to frequent policy changes, verify current restrictions with the Embassy of Tajikistan before traveling.

Find information on dual nationality, prevention of international child abduction and customs regulations on our websites.

For more information see the website for the Embassy of the Republic of Tajikistan to the United States of America.

Terrorism: Terrorist groups and individuals inspired by them want to attack U.S. citizens outside of the United States. They are using simpler methods of attack like knives, guns, and vehicles to target crowds. They often go after unprotected or vulnerable targets.

• High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
• Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists
• Places of worship
• Schools
• Parks
• Shopping malls and markets
• Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights)

Terrorist organizations, including ISIS, have a presence in the region. Their activities mostly include recruiting supporters online and through social media, with the aim of conducting terrorist attacks in Tajikistan and other countries. While attacks are rare in Tajikistan, terrorists have planned and carried out attacks against foreigners and government entities, such as law enforcement and security services. Tajik authorities maintain a high level of security to prevent terrorist attacks.

For more information, see our Terrorism page.

Border Areas with Afghanistan: Reconsider travel near and along Tajikistan’s border with Afghanistan due to terrorism. The current political situation in Afghanistan creates a challenging and unpredictable environment in the border areas due to evolving security conditions. The land border between Tajikistan and Afghanistan was closed after the Taliban takeover in 2021.  Currently, only “Panji Poyon” border crossing is open for land travel between the countries. Travel in the mountainous region along the Afghan border can be dangerous due to the proximity of militant groups across the border. 

The Department of State Travel Advisory for Afghanistan is currently at Level 4:  Do Not Travel.  Please read the Travel Advisory if you are considering traveling near the Tajik-Afghan border.

• Militant groups have attempted cross-border rocket attacks and armed incursions into Tajikistan.
• Be vigilant when camping, biking, or sheltering in the open after dark.
• Stay alert and avoid activities with predictable patterns of movement.
• If using social media, set your privacy settings to hide your exact location.

Restricted Zone of Gorno-Badakhshan: Reconsider travel to Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast (GBAO).

• Do not enter the Gorno-Badakhshan (GBAO) region without official permission.
• If you enter without permission, Tajik law enforcement may detain you.
• Violent clashes with security forces have occurred in GBAO in recent years.
• Tajikistan may suspend travel permits for non-Tajik citizens on short notice.
• To enter this restricted zone, request a special permit from a Tajik embassy or consulate, or from the MFA’s Main Consular Department or OVIR, if applying within Tajikistan. Submit your request at least 2 weeks before your trip. If granted, authorities will list in your passport the names of authorized cities and other destinations.

If applying for an e-Visa for tourism, you can apply for official permission to visit GBAO at the same time, for an additional fee. Please visit Tajikistan’s e-Visa website for more information.

Border Areas with the Kyrgyz Republic: Stay alert when traveling near, along, or through the Tajikistan-Kyrgyz Republic land border. There have been armed conflicts between Tajik and Kyrgyz border guards, as well as between civilians and residents, over the past 5 years—particularly in the Isfara area and the Vorukh enclave. Bilateral agreements between the Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan have led to more travel at the Guliston–Kyzyl-Bel and Madaniyat–Kayragach border crossings.

Landmines and unexploded cluster munitions are a hazard along the Afghan-Tajik and Uzbek-Tajik borders, as well as in the Vakhsh and Rasht valleys.

• Follow all posted landmine warnings.
• Do not leave roadways in any areas marked with red and white plastic tape.
• Avoid roadside ditches, shoulders, and unmarked trails.
• Never touch anything resembling unexploded munitions.

Crime: Crime in Dushanbe is moderate.

• Incidents are not usually violent.
• Muggings, armed robberies, and pickpocketing sometimes occur.
• Police do not provide adequate or immediate assistance and often will not investigate minor crimes.
• Drug trafficking may occur and may lead to violent crime.
• Travel in pairs, especially at night.
• Sexual harassment of women traveling alone is common.
• Carry a copy of your passport with you at all times.

Scams: Review the Department of State’s Protecting Yourself from Scams and the FBI pages for information.

Technology Usage Abroad: Mobile devices can be compromised, stolen, or damaged anywhere in the world. Before traveling abroad, it is best to keep all software (operating system and apps) updated. If possible, use a virtual private network (VPN) and encrypted voice over IP (VoIP) applications. Make sure that all VPN/VoIP are reputable, and U.S. based. Do not connect to unknown open Wi-Fi.

GPS Navigation Apps are helpful in getting U.S. citizens around in a foreign country. Prior to using the GPS app make sure you research the route to make sure it is safe. GPS navigation app may give you the shortest route without safety consideration.

Victims of Crime:  U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance.

Report crimes to the local police by dialing 102 from a cell phone and contact the U.S. Embassy at +992-37-229-2300.  Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime.

U.S. citizen tourists who are victims of crime can contact Dushanbe Tourist Police at 0200 from any part of the country to report the incident and seek further assistance.

Review our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas.

We can:

• Help you find appropriate medical care.
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police.
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent.
• Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion.
• Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys.
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
• Posts in countries that have assistance programs for victims of crime should also include those links.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution.
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home.
• Replace a stolen or lost passport.

Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy for assistance.

Tourism: No formal tourism industry infrastructure is in place on any level. Tourists are considered to be participating in activities at their own risk. Emergency response and subsequent appropriate medical treatment is not available in-country. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage.

Demonstrations are rare in Tajikistan. They may take place in response to political or economic issues.  They may also occur on politically significant holidays and during international events.

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable. Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations.

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you break local laws, even if you don't know it, you can be kicked out of the area, arrested, or put in prison. If you want to start a business or work in a job that needs special permits or licenses, you should get information from the local authorities before you start.

• Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking illegal drugs are severe. Expect long jail sentences and heavy fines if you are convicted.
• Tajikistan maintains zero tolerance for alcohol-related incidents.
• It is illegal to take pictures of certain buildings. Ask before taking photographs of possible military or security areas.
• Always carry a copy of your U.S. passport, Tajik visa, and visa registration:
  • Police often check documents.
  • Check your visa and registration validity dates regularly,
  • Make sure you renew travel documents before they expire.

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods: Counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries. They may be illegal according to local laws. Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety.  You may be subject to fines and/or have to give up counterfeit and pirated goods if you bring them back to the United States. Review the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website and U.S. Department of Justice website for more information.

Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately.  See our webpage for further information.

Currency and Banking: Tajikistan is primarily a cash economy.  Some larger grocery stores and restaurants accept credit cards. Traveler’s checks are not used.

• International banking is limited.
• Some ATMs are available and dispense local currency.
• Tajikistan’s currency is the somoni.

Earthquakes occur in Tajikistan.Review your emergency preparedness and plan accordingly. For information on natural disaster preparedness, visit U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Faith-Based Travelers: Tajikistan has strict rules for religious expression and worship. There have been cases of harassment by security officials of individuals with beards, particularly when exiting mosques or other places of worship.

Review the following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports
• Human Rights Report – see country reports

International Volunteers:

• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

Gay and Lesbian Travelers: There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of events in Tajikistan. Some parts of Tajik society are unaccepting of or generally hostile to gays and lesbians.

Review our Gay and Lesbian Traveler Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details.

Travelers With Disabilities: Expect accessibility to be limited in many buildings, public transportation, communication, and pedestrian crossings in Tajikistan.

Review our Travelers with Disabilities page.

Students: Review our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips for U.S. students.

Women Travelers: Review our travel tips for Women Travelers.

Medical care in Tajikistan is limited and significantly below U.S. standards, with severe shortages of basic medical supplies, including disposable needles, anesthetics, prescriptions drugs, and antibiotics.

For emergency services in Tajikistan, dial 103 from a cell phone.

Ambulance services are:

• not present throughout the country or are unreliable in most areas except in Dushanbe.
• not equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment.
• Injured or seriously ill travelers may prefer to take a taxi or private vehicle to the nearest major hospital rather than wait for an ambulance.

There have been outbreaks of the following diseases:

• Water-borne diseases, like giardia
• Hemorrhagic fever
• Hepatitis A, B, and C, most frequently transmitted during medical and dental procedures
• Malaria, in the southern region at Afghan border
• Tuberculosis, including multidrug-resistant (MDR-TB) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR-TB) varieties
• Typhoid, in Dushanbe and the Khatlon region
• Rabies
• Chicken Pox
• Measles

Review our Health Abroad page for more information.

• Check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Traveler Advice for Tajikistan.
  • Review all sub-sections. These include Travel Health Notices, Vaccines and Medicines, Non-Vaccine-Preventable Diseases, Stay Healthy and Safe, Healthy Travel Packing List, and After Your Trip.
• We highly recommend that all travelers review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Travelers’ Health page. CDC Traveler Advice provides advice on medical considerations including:
  • Reasons for Travel (for example: Adventure Travel, Spring Break Travel)
  • Travelers with Special Considerations (for example: Allergies, Long-Term Travelers and Expatriates)
  • General Tips (for example: Traveling with Medications, Travel Vaccines)

Water Quality & Food Safety:

In many areas, tap water is not potable. Bottled water and beverages are generally safe. Drink bottled or thoroughly boiled water while in Tajikistan.  

Air Quality:

Exercise caution and adjust your outdoor activities on days when pollution levels are elevated.

Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations overseas.

• Check NASA’s Air Quality Forecast. It uses AI, historical data, and global pollution models to create a 3-day air quality forecast for Tajikistan.
• For information about common air pollutants, check the CDC’s Air Quality page.
• For information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance, check out the EPA’s AirNow.
• For general health information, visit the “Your Health Abroad” page.

The Department of State, U.S. embassies and U.S. consulates do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides medical coverage in Tajikistan. Most care providers in Tajikistan only accept cash payments. Review our Insurance Overseas page for more information on insurance providers with overseas coverage. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Travel Insurance page for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.
• Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Check with the Tajikistan Ministry of Health and Social Protection or the Tajikistan Embassy in the United States to ensure the medication is legal in Tajikistan.

Vaccinations: Be up to date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization Travel advice page
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Travelers’ Health page

Road Conditions and Safety: Travel is difficult and unreliable in Tajikistan. Police and military checkpoints can make road travel outside Dushanbe more difficult.

• If you are involved in an accident:
  • In Dushanbe, call the City Traffic Inspectorate at 235-6623,
  • Outside Dushanbe, call the State Traffic Inspectorate (GAI in Russian or BDA in Tajiki) at 235-4545.
• The most common road dangers are related to poor road infrastructure and natural events like rockslides and avalanches, particularly in winter.
• Exercise caution on rural or mountainous roads, especially in underpopulated areas.
• Travel by car only during the day and on routes you know.
• Travel in the mountainous region along the Afghan border can be dangerous, even during daylight hours.
• Car accidents and erratic driving are common. Pedestrians tend to jaywalk or walk along highways without paying attention to traffic.
• Public transportation in the city is often overcrowded and not always safe. Bus service between major cities is unreliable.
• The GAI maintains checkpoints in cities and along highways. They frequently stop vehicles for inspection and to check drivers’ documents. The government will not register vehicles with dark, tinted windows.
• Traffic police may stop cars and solicit bribes. In Dushanbe, luxury cars and those with government license plates may ignore police, traffic lights, and other traffic rules. Police stop other cars frequently for document checks.
• Drivers with non-Tajik government-issued plates may have problems crossing the Tajik-Uzbek border. Police in Dushanbe may stop these cars and drivers more often.
• Neighboring countries sometimes unilaterally close borders, many border crossing points are not open to foreigners, and some borders are poorly delineated and even mined.

Winter Road Travel: Exercise caution and limit winter travel to Tajikistan’s mountain regions.  

• Avalanches are common.
• Don’t travel over closed mountain passes.
• Roads are often not well maintained.
• For Dushanbe-Chanak (Dushanbe-Khujand) road conditions, please contact Innovative Road Solutions.

Landmines and unexploded cluster munitions are a hazard along the Afghan-Tajik and Uzbek-Tajik borders, as well as in the Vakhsh and Rasht valleys.

• Follow all posted landmine warnings.
• Do not leave roadways in any areas marked with red and white plastic tape.
• Avoid roadside ditches, shoulders, and unmarked trails.
• Never touch anything resembling unexploded munitions.

See our Road Safety page for more information.

Aviation Safety Oversight: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Tajikistan’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with international standards for aviation safety oversight. FAA’s website includes more information on its assessment program.