U.S. Embassy Dushanbe

109A, Ismoili Somoni Avenue
Dushanbe, Tajikistan 734019
Telephone: 992-37-229-2000 or 992-37-229-2300 (consular direct line)
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: 992-98-580-1032
Fax: 992-37-229-2050 
Email: DushanbeConsular@state.gov

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Requirements for entry:

• Passport valid for at least six months with at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps.
• Visa if you plan to stay longer than 30 days or are traveling for a non-tourist purpose.
• Visa support letter if you are traveling on a non-tourist visa.

Visa-free entry: U.S. citizens are eligible for visa-free entry into Tajikistan for stays lasting no more than 30 days (non-extendable), regardless of the purpose of travel. For stays of 10 days or longer, registration within 10 days of arrival at the nearest Department of Visas and Registration of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (OVIR) is required. Registration costs 180 Tajik Somoni and takes up to three business days. Failure to register or loss of the registration form can result in fines and delay your departure. Tourists should seek registration assistance from their hotel or tour operator.

In emergency situations (i.e. medical), the Main Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) can provide an emergency exit visa for a period not exceeding seven days upon submission of a formal request letter, medical documentation, and a copy of the original itinerary.

Travelers planning to spend more than 30 days in Tajikistan should obtain a tourist e-Visa online or a T-visa upon arrival at airport.

Tourist e-Visas: Tajikistan offers two types of e-Visas: single entry and multiple entry. Visas are issued for a period of 90 days and are valid for stays up to 60 days. The e-Visa is non-extendable and you can apply for it only if you are outside of Tajikistan. Registration with the Department of Visas and Registration of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (OVIR) is not required when admitted using an e-Visa.

Refer to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA)’s Main Consular Department’s website for further visa information.

Non-tourist visas: Applications for non-tourist purposes of travel, including to visit family or friends (XC1-visa), to conduct business (K-visa), or to attend an educational facility (O-visa), can be submitted online to the MFA’s Main Consular Department. Supporting documents, including a Tajik visa support letter, are required. Visa validities and fees vary depending on purpose of travel. A personal appearance at a Tajik embassy or consulate may be required depending on the visa category.

Tajik visa support letters are required for all non-tourist visas. To obtain a visa support letter, the inviting organization submits a request to the MFA’s Main Consular Department. When invited by a private Tajik resident (e.g., a friend or relative), the inviting party requests a notification letter from the Department of Visas and Registration of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (OVIR). Any required supporting documents and the visa support letter should be submitted to the MFA’s Main Consular Department in Tajikistan by the inviting party.

Some non-tourist visa categories allow for the visa to be issued upon arrival, eliminating the need to appear in-person at a Tajik embassy or consulate. This upon-arrival request must be selected at the time the application is submitted online and an additional fee will be required.

Tajik visa registration stamps are required for non-tourist stays more than two days. Most travelers must register within three days of entering the country at the nearest Department of Visas and Registration of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (OVIR). Journalists, official travelers, and employees of international organizations must register with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Failure to register can result in fines and delay your departure.

Border Zones: Tajik authorities have implemented restrictions on travel to areas near Tajikistan’s border with other countries. The Embassy recommends that U.S. citizens provide an itinerary for intended travel to any border zone to the Department of Visas and Registration of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (OVIR) to obtain prior permission and information about any restrictions.

Exiting Tajikistan: Be sure to leave Tajikistan before your visa or visa-free admission expires or you may be required to pay a fine as well as pay for an exit visa.

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

Transit Visas to Russia: The Department of State Travel Advisory for Russia is currently at Level 4: Do Not Travel. Please read the Travel Advisory if you are considering transiting through Russia. If you do travel from Tajikistan through Russia to a third country – including plane changes – you must have a transit visa for Russia. You cannot get a Russian visa at the airport. If you arrive in Russia without the appropriate visa, authorities may restrict you from future travel to Russia. Refer to information on Travel.State.Gov for visa requirements for Russia.

Dual Nationality: Tajikistan does not recognize dual nationality with the United States. If you are a dual national of the United States and Tajikistan, or otherwise have ethnic or historical ties to Tajikistan, it is possible that Tajik authorities will assert that you are a Tajik citizen, and if you are detained, may deny you access to U.S. consular officials.

If you are a naturalized U.S. citizen or have a possible claim to Tajik nationality, and you are traveling to Tajikistan, inform yourself about Tajik nationality law and practices relating to determination and loss of Tajik citizenship. Under Tajik law, naturalization as a U.S. citizen does not automatically cancel your Tajik nationality. If you have questions about your Tajik nationality, please contact the Embassy of the Republic of Tajikistan in the United States of America.

U.S. citizens, including U.S. citizen minor children, who are planning to remain in Tajikistan for an extended period of time, are required to have a valid Tajik visa. Please note fines for not maintaining a valid visa accumulate quickly and can be very expensive. U.S. citizens are required to pay any outstanding fines before exiting the country.

HIV/AIDS Information: Some HIV/AIDS entry restrictions exist for visitors and foreign residents of Tajikistan. If you are applying to be 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 this information with the Embassy of Tajikistan before traveling.

Additional Information: Find information on dual nationality, the prevention of international child abduction, and customs regulations on Travel.State.gov.

Contact information for the Embassy of the Republic of Tajikistan:

1005 New Hampshire Avenue
Washington, DC 20037
Phone: 202-223-6090
Phone: 202-223-2666 (Consular Issues)
Fax: 202-223-6091
E-mail: tjusconsulate@verizon.net (Consular Issues)

Potential for Terrorist Activity: Terrorist organizations, including ISIS, have a presence in the region. Their activities mostly include recruiting sympathizers and followers through online platforms and 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 thwart terrorist attacks. This could lead terrorists to seek softer targets including facilities where U.S. citizens and other foreigners congregate such as residential areas; clubs and restaurants; markets; places of worship; schools; hotels; outdoor recreational events, including popular hiking areas; and resorts. U.S. citizens should avoid predictable patterns of movement and revealing their personal information and location on social media. If using social media, ensure your privacy settings are appropriately set.

U.S. Embassy Dushanbe employs heightened security precautions. U.S. citizens should report any unusual activity to local authorities and then inform the Embassy.

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. Additionally, the land border between Tajikistan and Afghanistan has been closed since the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in 2021. Travel in the mountainous region along the Afghan border can be dangerous due to the proximity of militant groups across the 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. U.S. citizens should remain alert and avoid activities that develop predictable patterns of movement. If documenting travel on social media, please ensure your privacy settings are appropriately set.

Restricted Zone of Gorno-Badakhshan: Reconsider travel to Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast (GBAO). The current political situation in Afghanistan creates a challenging and unpredictable environment in the border areas due to evolving security conditions. Do not enter the Gorno-Badakhshan (GBAO) region without official permission. Persons violating the law may be detained by Tajik law enforcement. Violent clashes with security forces erupted in GBAO in recent years, and the government of Tajikistan can suspend travel permits for non-Tajik citizens on short notice. To enter this restricted zone, request a special permit from Tajik embassies/consulates or from the MFA’s Main Consular Department or the Department of Visas and Registration of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (OVIR) if applying within Tajikistan. Submit authorization requests at least two weeks in advance of your trip. If granted, authorities will annotate your passport with the names of the settlements and cities you are authorized to visit.

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 the Republic of Tajikistan’s e-visa application webpage for information on electronic visas to Tajikistan and instructions for a GBAO permit.

Border Areas with Kyrgyzstan: Exercise caution in areas near and along Tajikistan’s border with Kyrgyzstan. Several instances of clashes between Tajik and Kyrgyz citizens, as well as armed skirmishes involving border guards, have occurred, particularly in the Isfara and Vorukh districts.

Unexploded Landmines and cluster munitions are a hazard along the Afghan-Tajik and Uzbek-Tajik borders, as well as in the Vakhsh and Rasht valleys. Heed land mine warning signs. Do not venture off the road into areas marked off with red and white plastic tape. Avoid roadside ditches, shoulders, and unmarked trails. Never touch anything resembling unexploded munitions.

Crime: Criminal activity in Dushanbe is moderate. Incidents are not usually violent, but muggings, armed robberies, and pick-pocketing do occur. Police do not provide adequate or immediate assistance and often will not open minor or routine cases.

Other criminal activity, such as narcotics trafficking, can result in violence.

Travel in pairs, especially at night. Sexual harassment of unaccompanied women is very common. Carry a copy of your passport (separate from your wallet) with you at all times.

See the Department of State and the FBI webpages for information on scams.

Victims of Crime: U.S. citizen victims of crime, including sexual assault and domestic violence, may wish to contact the police or head to the nearest hospital to seek medical attention and report the crime. Please also contact the U.S. Embassy at (992)-37-229-2000.

The local equivalent to the 911 emergency line in Tajikistan is 101 for fire, 102 for police, and 103 for ambulance service (from cell phones), and in Dushanbe, dial 235-4545 for the State Traffic Inspectorate (GAI) police for traffic accidents.

Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes.

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

We can:

• Replace a lost or stolen passport.
• Help you find appropriate medical care facilities.
• Put you in contact with appropriate police authorities.
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent.
• Explain the local criminal justice process in general terms.
• Provide a list of local attorneys.
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.

Tourism: No formal tourism industry infrastructure is in place in most locations. Tourists are considered to be participating in activities at their own risk. Emergency response and subsequent appropriate medical treatment is for the most part not available in-country. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase traveler’s insurance for on-the-ground medical coverage as well as medical evacuation insurance.

Demonstrations and Protests: Both are rare in Tajikistan; however, due to security reasons, U.S. citizens are advised not to participate.

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities prior to practicing or operating a business.

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.

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.

• Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in 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 anything of possible military or security interest.
• Always carry a copy of your U.S. passport, Tajik visa, and visa registration, since local police frequently conduct document inspections. Check your visa and registration validity dates regularly and renew them before they expire.

Currency and Banking: Tajikistan is a cash-only economy. Credit cards are rarely accepted, and traveler’s checks are not used.

International banking services are limited. Some ATM machines are available and dispense local currency. Tajikistan’s national currency is the Somoni, which is convertible to USD.

Earthquakes: Tajikistan is an earthquake-prone country. Visitors to Tajikistan should evaluate their own emergency preparedness and plan accordingly. For information on natural disaster preparedness, see U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Faith-Based Travelers: Tajik authorities maintain 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. 

See our following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports
• Human Rights Report – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGB Travelers: There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGB events, although Tajik society is generally hostile to LGB interests. See our LGB Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details.

Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance: Buildings, public transportation, communication, and road crossings are inaccessible.

Students: See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips.

Women Travelers: See our travel tips for Women Travelers.

Medical care 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 03 (103 from 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 (such as Giardia)
• Hemorrhagic Fever
• Hepatitis A, B & C (frequently transmitted through 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 southern provinces of Khatlon
• Rabies
• Chicken Pox
• Measles

Drink bottled or thoroughly boiled water while in Tajikistan. Avoid contact with street dogs in urban areas.

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, which uses Artificial Intelligence (AI), historical data, and global pollution modeling to generate a three-day forecast of expected air quality in 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.

We do not pay medical bills

Be aware that U.S. Medicare does not apply overseas.

Medical Insurance

Make sure your health insurance plan provides medical coverage in Tajikistan. Care providers in Tajikistan are not able to accept credit cards; therefore, providers only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance overseas.

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation due to inability of local medical providers to address many urgent-care situations.

Prescriptions

If traveling with prescription medication, check with the Embassy of the Republic of Tajikistan in the United States of America to ensure that the medication is legal in Tajikistan. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.

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
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Road Conditions and Safety:  Travel is difficult and unreliable. Neighboring countries sometimes unilaterally close borders, many border crossing points are not open to foreigners, and some borders are poorly delineated and even mined. Armed police or military checkpoints can make road travel outside Dushanbe more difficult.

• Some of the most common dangers encountered in Tajikistan are related to poor road infrastructure and natural events such as rockslides and avalanches, particularly in winter. Exercise caution on rural or mountainous roads, especially in underpopulated areas.
• Drivers with non-Tajik government-issued plates may run into problems crossing the Tajik-Uzbek border and can also expect to be stopped by police often in Dushanbe.
• Only travel by car 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 State Traffic Inspectorate (GAI, or in Tajiki, BDA) maintains checkpoints in cities and along highways. The GAI frequently stops vehicles to inspect vehicles and driver documents. The government will not register vehicles with darkly tinted windows.
• Traffic police are notorious for randomly pulling over cars and exacting bribes. In Dushanbe, luxury cars and those with government license plates routinely speed past police, sometimes on the wrong side of the road and through stoplights, while other cars are flagged down for “document checks.”

Winter Road Travel:  Please exercise caution and limit winter travel to Tajikistan’s mountain regions. Avalanches are common. Don’t attempt to travel over closed mountain passes. Roads are often not well maintained. For Dushanbe-Chanak (Dushanbe-Khujand) road conditions, please contact Innovative Road Solutions (IRS).

Land Mines:  Land mines and cluster munitions are a hazard along the Afghan-Tajik and Uzbek-Tajik borders, as well as in the Vakhsh and Rasht valleys. Heed land mine warning signs. Do not venture off the road into areas marked off with red and white plastic tape.  Never touch anything resembling unexploded munitions.

See our Road Safety page for more information.

Aviation Safety Oversight:  As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Tajikistan, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the government of Tajikistan’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.