Risk level

Safety and security

Border areas

Some border crossings with neighbouring countries are not properly identified, especially in the Fergana Valley, where the Tajik border meets eastern Uzbekistan and southern Kyrgyzstan. You should exercise caution if you go hiking or cycling in the countryside, especially in areas near the border with Afghanistan where the security situation is volatile.

Borders may close without notice.

Afghanistan

The land border between Tajikistan and Afghanistan has been closed since the Taliban takeover in 2021. Despite military patrols on the Tajik side, in 2023, armed clashes between militants from Afghanistan and Tajik border guards resulted in casualties.

Kyrgyzstan

Tensions and occasional clashes due to territorial disputes have occurred at the border between the Sughd region of Tajikistan and the Batken region of Kyrgyzstan, including near the Vorukh enclave. Conflicts have resulted in numerous casualties, including civilians. Tajik and Kyrgyz authorities are still negotiating the delimitation of their shared borders.

In September 2022, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan signed a ceasefire agreement, but the situation remains unpredictable and could deteriorate without notice.

The passage of persons, goods and vehicles to and from Kyrgyzstan is restricted at certain checkpoints on the Tajik-Kyrgyz border until further notice.

Uzbekistan

In 2020, Uzbekistan announced the completion of a demining operation along its border with Tajikistan.

Although no incidents have been reported since, landmines still pose a safety risk.

The Gorno Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast (GBAO)

You need pre-authorization from the Tajik government to travel to the GBAO.

Political tensions between the local population of GBAO and Tajikistan’s central government have led to civil unrest, violent clashes, mass arrests and casualties.

In 2022, Tajik authorities strongly repressed demonstrations in GBAO and shut down the Internet and other means of communication while significantly increasing military and police presence in the region.

GBAO is also prone to religious extremism, drug trafficking and terrorism due to its shared border with the Afghan province of Badakhshan.

Landmines

Landmines pose a risk to travellers. Marked and unmarked minefields may still be present in border areas of the following countries, particularly in uncontrolled areas:

• Afghanistan
• Kyrgyzstan
• Uzbekistan

If you travel to these areas despite the advisory in effect:

• stay on main roads and paved surfaces
• avoid roadside ditches, shoulders and unmarked trails
• cross only at official border crossings
• pay attention to signs indicating the possible presence of landmines

Crime

Petty crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and mugging, occurs. Thieves target tourists.

Theft usually occurs in crowded public areas such as: 

• popular tourist areas, including lookouts 
• buses and trains
• bus and train stations and airports 
• hotel lobbies 
• restaurants, including outdoor seating areas

During your trip: 

• keep your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, in a secure place 
• don’t show signs of affluence or wear expensive jewellery 
• don’t carry large sums of cash or valuables unnecessarily
• be aware of your surroundings, especially in busy tourist areas 
• make sure your passport and other travel documents are up to date 

Violent crime

Violent crime against foreigners rarely occurs. However, there have been reports of attacks, muggings and robberies.

Organized crime

Organized crime associated with international drug trafficking occurs in Tajikistan, especially in border areas. Tajikistan is a transit country for drugs. Illicit drug trafficking and use may lead to violence and street crime.

Local police may not offer the level of assistance you may be used to in Canada.

• Exercise caution
• Avoid areas that seem unsafe, including border areas
• Don’t walk alone at night
• Choose accommodations that provide adequate security
• Keep windows and doors locked at all times

Terrorism

There is a threat of terrorism.

Terrorist groups operate in Tajikistan and in the region. Attacks are rare and mostly target government buildings, including law enforcement and military facilities. However, you could be at the wrong place at the wrong time.

Terrorist attacks could occur at any time.

Targets could include:

• government buildings and military installations
• schools
• places of worship
• airports and other transportation hubs and networks
• public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners

Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places.

Be particularly vigilant during:

• sporting events
• religious holidays
• public celebrations
• major political events, such as elections

Terrorists may use such occasions to mount attacks.

Women’s safety

Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse. Women should travel in groups and during daylight.

Advice for women travellers

2SLGBTQI+ persons

2SLGBTQI+ persons are discriminated against based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or sex characteristics. Incitement to violence and attacks on 2SLGBTQI+ persons occur.

There are reports of psychological and physical abuse, extortion and blackmailing of 2SLGBTQI+ persons, including by police officers. Public displays of affection between same-sex individuals may lead to physical and verbal abuse.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Demonstrations

Demonstrations may occur. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Outages

Power outages occur regularly, including during winter months, and last for several hours. Rural areas are the most affected, but there have also been outages in Dushanbe.

Power outages could impact essential services, such as:

• medical services
• public water supplies
• telecommunications
• banking transactions

The outages can affect the heating of buildings in winter and the supply of drinking water due to freezing temperatures.

They may also lead to long lines at grocery stores, gas stations and pharmacies. If you travel to Tajikistan, plan accordingly and keep a supply of water, food and fuel on hand.

Adventure tourism

Outdoor activities, such as trekking, can be dangerous, especially if they are not well-organized. Trails are not always marked and weather conditions can change rapidly. There is a higher risk of mudslides and landslides in the spring due to the melting of snow and ice.

Tour operators may not meet Canadian safety standards. You should book your travel through an accredited travel agency who will register you with the Committee of Emergency Situations and Civil Defence.

If you intend to participate in adventure tourism activities:  

• never do so alone, and do not part with your tour companions  
• consider hiring an experienced guide from a reputable company 
• obtain detailed information on your activity and the environment in which you will be setting out  
• buy travel insurance that covers incidents related to this type of recreational activity
• ensure that your physical condition is good enough to tackle the challenges of your activity  
• refrain from using equipment if you are unsure of its condition or safety
• Make sure you always have access to an emergency kit

Committee of Emergency Situations and Civil Defence – Government of Tajikistan (in Tajik and Russian)

Public transportation

Public transportation is unreliable and limited, especially train and bus services.

Taxis

Licensed and unlicensed taxis operate in Tajikistan, but it’s difficult to differentiate them. Drivers don’t always use official meters.

Avoid using shared taxis called "marshrutka." Drivers are reckless and are often involved in accidents. The vehicles are overcrowded and not always equipped with seatbelts. Petty crimes, such as theft, occur, and drivers may overcharge you.

If you choose to take a taxi during your stay:

• order it at the reception if you are staying at a hotel
• don’t use unmarked taxis
• never share a taxi with strangers
• confirm the fare in advance
• have small bills available for payment

Road safety

Road conditions

Roads are generally in good condition in and around Dushanbe.

In rural areas, particularly in mountainous areas, they are poorly maintained and dangerous due to:

• large potholes
• uneven and unpaved surface
• malfunctioning or missing traffic lights
• insufficient lighting
• inadequate road markings and signage

During winter months, roads are dangerous and may only be accessible to 4-wheel-drive vehicles. They may close unexpectedly due to avalanches and/or heavy snowfall, rockslides, and mudslides, especially in the Pamir mountains. A tunnel links Dushanbe and Khujand, but this road is particularly dangerous in the winter due to icy conditions.

Emergency services may take a long time to reach remote areas. Gas stations are limited and the quality of fuel is poor in rural areas.

Driving habits

Drivers often disregard traffic laws, including:

• sudden lane changes without signaling
• driving on the opposite side of the road and in-between lanes
• stopping abruptly

Pedestrians often cross in the middle of the road and drivers don’t always give pedestrians the right of way.

Police frequently stop drivers to verify their identification.

If you’re driving in Tajikistan:

• always drive defensively
• avoid driving at night
• use main roads and highways as much as possible
• always carry a cellphone and a charger

Air travel

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Entry and exit requirements

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Tajik authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you enter Tajikistan.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Visas

Tourist visa: not required for stays of up to 30 days
Business visa: not required for stays of up to 30 days
Student visa: required

If you’re staying for more than 10 days, you must register with the local authorities. You don’t need to register if you have an electronic visa.

Useful links

• Visa Electronic Application Center  – Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan
• Electronic visa application portal – Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan

Restricted areas

You must obtain a permit from Tajik authorities to visit the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast. You may require a permit for other high-risk or closed areas.

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.

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children.

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Health

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your routine vaccinations, as per your province or territory, are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette, which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•  washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV, and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Medication

Some prescription medication may not be available in Tajikistan.

If you take prescription medication, you’re responsible for determining their legality in the country.

• Bring enough medication for your stay
• Always keep your medication in the original container and carry a copy of your prescriptions
• Pack your medication in your carry-on luggage

Medical services and facilities

Medical services and facilities are below Canadian standards. Medical facilities often lack basic supplies and may have inadequate equipment, especially in rural areas.

Frequent energy and water shortages can interrupt or impede the provision of medical services.

You will likely need medical evacuation in case of serious illness or injury.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Health and safety outside Canada

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 and culture

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.

Drugs

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Driving

To drive in Tajikistan, you must have the following:

• a valid Canadian driver’s licence
• an international driving permit

The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.0%.

Penalties include:

• licence suspension
• heavy fines

International Driving Permit

Identification

You should always carry a copy of your passport. Individuals are frequently required by the police to produce identification.

• Keep a photocopy of your passport and your visa in a safe place in case it’s lost or seized
• Keep a digital copy of your identification and travel documents

2SLGBTQI+ persons

Tajik law doesn’t criminalize sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. However, 2SLGBTQI+ persons could be discriminated against based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or sex characteristics.

2SLGBTQI+ persons should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Tajikistan.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is not legally recognized in Tajikistan.

If local authorities consider you a citizen of Tajikistan, they may refuse to grant you access to Canadian consular services. This will prevent us from providing you with those services.

Dual citizens

Mandatory military service

Male Tajik citizens between the ages of 18 and 27 are subject to mandatory military service.

Canadians with Tajik citizenship may be subject to national obligations, including military service. If you have dual Canadian-Tajik citizenship, local authorities may force you to complete your military service. You should check your status with the nearest embassy or consulate of Tajikistan before travelling.

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Tajikistan.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Tajikistan by an abducting parent:

• act as quickly as you can
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Tajikistan to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.

Useful links

• International Child Abductions: A guide for affected parents
• Children and travel
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Request emergency assistance

Dress and behaviour

Tajikistan is a secular country. However, Islamic practices and beliefs are adhered to, particularly in rural areas.

To avoid offending local sensitivities:

• dress conservatively
• behave discreetly
• respect religious and social traditions

Money

The currency of Tajikistan is the Tajik Somoni (TJS), which is used for most transactions.

The economy is primarily cash-based. Credit cards are not widely accepted, except in larger hotels, restaurants and cafés in larger cities. You can exchange money, especially U.S. dollars, at exchange bureaus or at any bank or major hotel.

There are ATMs in Dushanbe, but some may not accept international cards and run out of money. In rural areas, ATMs are not as prevalent.

Currency declaration

There are no restrictions on the amount of foreign currency you can import. However, you must declare any foreign currency equivalent to more than $3,000 USD.

It is prohibited to export local currencies.

Foreign currency declarations apply to any monetary instruments.

Natural disasters and climate

Climate change

Climate change is affecting Tajikistan. Extreme and unusual weather events are becoming more frequent and may affect your travel plans. Monitor local media for the latest information. 

Earthquakes

Tajikistan is located in an active seismic zone. There have been no major incidents in recent years, but minor tremors occur frequently and could trigger mudflows and landslides.

Earthquakes – What to do?

Avalanches

There is a risk of avalanches in mountainous regions, especially following heavy snowfalls.

The risk is particularly high in the:

• Pamir Mountains in the GBAO
• Sughd region
• Districts of Republican Subordination

In 2023, a powerful avalanche hit the city of Khorog in the GBAO, causing several casualties and significant damage to buildings and infrastructure.

You should monitor avalanche forecasts and local media if you’re travelling to mountainous areas.

Rainy season

In Tajikistan, the rainy season usually extends from January to May and from October to December. Rainfall is rare during summer months.

Seasonal flooding occurs due to heavy rainfall and the melting of snow and ice, and can result in severe mudflows and landslides. They can cause significant damage to buildings and infrastructure.

There is a higher risk of mudflows and landslides in the following areas:

• the Khatlon province
• the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast (GBAO)

Seasonal flooding can affect overland travel and the provision of essential services. Roads may become impassable and infrastructure damaged.

• Monitor local media for the latest information, including on road conditions
• Stay away from flooded areas
• Monitor weather reports
• Follow the instructions of local authorities, including evacuation orders