Tajikistan

Use Normal Level of Caution

Avoid Travel to the following Provinces: Gorno-Badakhshan

Use High Level of Caution when visiting the following Districts: Tavildara

The Republic of Tajikistan is located in central Asia and is bordered by Kyrgyzstan, China, Afghanistan and Uzbekistan. The population is about 8 million people. The government is a republic with a president as chief of state and a prime minister as head of government.

Tajikistan is one of the poorest countries of any former Soviet republic in central Asia. The region came under Russian control in 1895 as part of Turkestan. The country became an autonomous republic of the Soviet Union in 1924 and a Soviet Socialist Republic in 1929. Following the dissolution of the USSR, Tajikistan gained independence in 1991. Almost immediately, the country plunged into a civil war that lasted until 1997.

Economically, Tajikistan is still affected by the civil war. Poverty is pervasive, and the country depends on oil and gas imports. Tajikistan depends on Russia for assistance with security problems, and Russia maintains a military presence in this country. China has also helped with building roads and other infrastructure.

Tourism is not developed in Tajikistan. The government would like to encourage tourism, but the infrastructure is very limited. However, there is much potential for possible ecotourism and adventure travel, given the spectacular scenery of the highest mountains in the world that cover 97 percent of the country.

Currency	TJS: Somoni
Language	Tajik (official); Russian widely used in government and business
Capital	Dushanbe
Recent Alerts	None
Latest Alert	Not Available

Diseases To Be Aware Of

The diseases listed below are those which occur most often in Tajikistan. Other, less frequently encountered diseases might be displayed within the Travel Alerts section if they have occurred recently.

Hepatitis A There is a risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Tajikistan through contaminated food or water.
Hepatitis B There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Tajikistan.
Typhoid Fever Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Tajikistan, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.
Rabies Rabies occurs in Tajikistan. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.
Cholera Cholera outbreaks occur in Tajikistan. The risk to travellers is low unless living or working in poor sanitary conditions, drinking untreated water or eating poorly cooked or raw seafood in this country.
Tuberculosis Tuberculosis occurs in Tajikistan. Travellers to Tajikistan are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the health care field, or having close prolonged contact with the general population.
Malaria There is a very low risk of malaria in Tajikistan from June to October in areas below 2,000 meters.
Leishmaniasis Leishmaniasis occurs in this country.

Vaccinations to Consider

The following is a list of recommended vaccinations for travelling to Tajikistan.

Hepatitis A Vaccine There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Hepatitis B Vaccine There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Typhoid Fever Vaccine There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities or rural areas, where food and water sources may be contaminated.
Rabies Vaccine Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) and who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.
Cholera Vaccine The U.K. NaTHNaC recommends the oral cholera vaccine for some travellers whose activities or medical history put them at increased risk, travelling to areas of active cholera transmission. These risk factors include: aid workers; those going to areas of cholera outbreaks who have limited access to potable water and medical care; travellers for whom the vaccination would be considered potentially beneficial, such as chronic medical conditions.

Medications to Consider

The following is a list of recommended medications for travelling to Tajikistan.

Anti-malarial Drugs The U.S. CDC does not recommend anti-malaria medication. The WHO recommends atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline or mefloquine in southern areas of the country. NaTHNac recommends chloroquine plus proguanil.

Safety and Security in Tajikistan

Emergency Numbers

Emergency services may be limited.

Personal Safety

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, bag snatching, or other theft can occur in this country. Always be alert to your surroundings and personal safety. Keep valuables secured and out of sight. Safeguard your important documents, such as your passport. Do not accept drinks from strangers or leave your drink unattended. There have been reports of the “date rape” drug being used to target foreigners. Women should avoid going out alone at night. Women have reported being harassed day or night.

Police often stop drivers to check documents. They may harass foreigners and may demand money.

Infrastructure for tourists, transportation, and health is limited. There may be no emergency services in some areas.

Border crossings may close with little or no notice.

Areas To Avoid

Avoid border areas with Afghanistan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan due to an unstable security situation, including armed conflict, and also unmarked landmine areas.

In the Tavildara region of central Tajikistan, there are minefields that date back to the civil war.

Avoid all travel to the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast (GBAO). The Tajikistan government cannot guarantee the security and safety of foreign nationals and has suspended travel permits to GBAO.

Political Unrest

Minimize safety risk by avoiding any political gatherings and demonstrations since even peaceful protests can quickly and unexpectedly escalate and become violent.

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Updated: April 19, 2017