The Australian Government aims to provide high quality consular assistance. There are limits to what we can do. Read the Consular Services Charter to understand how we can assist you overseas.
Call 01.
Call 03 or go to the hospital.
Call 02 or go to the local police station.
Exercise a high degree of caution in Tajikistan overall due to the threat of terrorism and the risk of civil unrest.
Do not travel to the border region with Afghanistan due to the volatile security situation.
Reconsider your need to travel to:
Full travel advice: Safety
Full travel advice: Health
Full travel advice: Local laws
Full travel advice: Travel
Full travel advice: Local contacts
Terrorism is a threat worldwide.
Terrorist attacks have occurred in Tajikistan. Tajik security forces have prevented many more from occurring. Terrorists may attack anywhere at any time, with little or no warning.
Possible targets include:
To stay safe:
If there's an attack, leave the area as soon as it's safe.
Terrorism is a threat worldwide.
More information:
Avoid travelling to the border area with Afghanistan due to the volatile security situation and threats from criminal activity. If, despite our advice, you travel to this area, always be alert to your surroundings.
Military engagements have occurred in the Sughd Region on Tajikistan's border with the Kyrgyz Republic. While the security situation is currently stable, tensions remain. Avoid non-essential travel to border areas.
In some border areas, military mines were laid and these mines may not be marked. Avoid travel to border areas. If you must travel, stick to established roads and pathways.
There is a risk of political violence in the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast (GBAO). There were serious incidents in 2021 and there have been violent clashes in the GBAO area since 2022 with casualties.
You need a special permit to travel into the GBAO. See Travel.
Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent. Avoid demonstrations and public gatherings.
Monitor the media and local sources for updates about possible unrest. Avoid affected areas.
More information:
Activism is closely scrutinised in Tajikistan. If you discuss or publish information critical of authorities, including on any social media accounts, you may face surveillance, harassment or detention.
Pickpocketing can occur in Tajikistan, particularly in crowded places and on public transport. Travellers may be targeted.
Women can be subject to verbal and physical harassment, especially after dark.
Criminal groups are particularly active in Tajikistan's border regions.
Occasional clashes occur between government forces and criminal groups, particularly in the regions bordering Uzbekistan and the Kyrgyz Republic.
To protect yourself from crime:
Kidnapping can happen anywhere, even in places that seem safe. Kidnappings have occurred along Tajikistan's border with Afghanistan.
The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers.
More information, including advice on how to reduce your risk of kidnapping:
Tajikistan experiences natural disasters and extreme weather including:
Avalanches, mudslides, rock falls, landslides and flash floods happen in mountainous areas. Tajikistan is 93 percent mountainous. Be prepared for the possibility of extreme weather, in particular in winter.
Sand and dust storms are common, especially in the southern provinces.
If a natural disaster or severe weather occurs:
Some sleeping tablets and medications containing codeine are controlled in Tajikistan.
For specific information on bringing medication into Tajikistan, read the Embassy or consulate of Tajikistan and Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan.
We don't provide a comprehensive list of health risks, diseases or outbreaks for every destination. Before you travel, check the latest health advice from the Australian Centre for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Ticks are very common in forests and country areas. They're active from spring to autumn (March to November).
Check your body for ticks during and after travel in forests.
Waterborne, foodborne, parasitic, and other infectious diseases are common. They include:
Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.
More information:
WHO Country Office - Tajikistan
Ministry of Health and Social Protection of Tajikistan
Air pollution is a health risk in Tajikistan. To reduce your exposure, take precautions when increased levels are recorded.
Unprotected uranium and pesticide waste dumps in Sughd Region may pose a health risk. Seek local advice.
Medical facilities and services are limited in Tajikistan. Medicine, specialised equipment and care may not be available, including in urban areas. Hygiene is poor.
Doctors will ask for up-front payment before providing treatment.
If you're seriously ill or injured, you may be moved to a place with better facilities. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.
The Australian Embassy in Moscow can give you a list of medical facilities in Tajikistan.
Ticks are very common in rural areas.
Check your body for ticks during and after travel in rural areas.
To protect yourself against illness:
Law enforcement agencies in Tajikistan cooperate closely with agencies in Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries. If you commit an offence in one of these countries, you may be detained in another (including at the border) and extradited for prosecution.
More information:
Penalties for drug offences include long prison terms in local jails.
More information:
You must always carry a copy of your current passport and visa.
In Tajikistan, it's illegal to:
It's also illegal to photograph sensitive sites, including:
Tajikistan doesn't recognise dual nationality, except Russian citizens.
If you're a dual citizen, this limits the consular services we can give if you're arrested or detained.
Tajik authorities may insist you enter Tajikistan on your Tajik passport. If they don't, always travel on your Australian passport.
More information:
Tajikistan has conservative and traditional standards of dress and behaviour.
Public displays of affection may offend locals.
If in doubt, dress conservatively and seek local advice.
Same-sex relationships are legal in Tajikistan, but they're not widely accepted. Avoid public displays of affection.
More information:
The Islamic holiday month of Ramadan is observed in Tajikistan. Respect religious and cultural customs and laws at this time.
During Ramadan, eating, drinking, or smoking may be illegal in public during the day. If you're not fasting, avoid these activities around people who are. Seek local advice to avoid offence.
Explore our Ramadan page to learn more, including dates for Ramadan.
Australians can enter Tajikistan under a visa-free arrangement. The arrangement covers stays of up to 30 days.
You'll still need a visa for stays of more than 30 days
Tajik visas specify validity, the number of entries and length of stay. Check your visa details are correct when you get it.
The length of stay on your visa may differ from the length of your application.
Ensure you have the correct visa type and leave the country before your visa expires.
Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. For details about visas, customs and quarantine rules, contact:
If you're staying in Tajikistan for more than 10 days you must register with the Central Office for Registration of Foreign Citizens (OVIR) in Dushanbe within 10 working days of arrival.
Hotels will only register you for the duration of your hotel stay. If you change accommodation, you will need to register again.
Travellers visiting Tajikistan for more than 90 days must do a health test.
More information:
You need a permit to visit Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast (GBAO).
Tajik embassies and consulates issue this permit, or you may apply online before your arrival in Tajikistan. The permit is subject to the security situation in the neighbouring regions.
Apply at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Passport-Registration Service of the Ministry of Interior of Tajikistan.
Tajikistan's borders can close without notice.
Some border crossings may only be open to locals.
Ask local authorities which border crossings are open and if you can use them.
For Tajikistan, ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months and has 2 empty pages.
The official currency is the Tajik Somoni (TJS). US dollars and euros are readily accepted.
You can't exchange US banknotes issued before 1996.
When entering Tajikistan, you are required to declare any amount of foreign currency exceeding the equivalent of USD5,000. You'll need to declare cash amounts exceeding the equivalent USD3,000 upon exiting Tajikistan. For amounts exceeding the equivalent USD10,000 you must provide documents confirming the origin of the money in addition to a customs declaration.
It is prohibited to export local currency.
Tajik legislation about importing and exporting money and goods may change without warning. Seek advice from local authorities.
The Tajik economy is largely cash-based. Traveller's cheques aren't accepted. Very few places accept credit cards outside urban areas.
International banking services are limited.
You'll find several ATMs in Dushanbe and larger cities, but not in some rural areas.
To drive a vehicle in Tajikistan, you'll need:
Get your IDP before you leave Australia. Driving without it could void your insurance.
More information:
Ministry of Internal Affairs of Tajikistan (Department of traffic police contacts)
Road conditions and driving standards are poor.
Seatbelts are often out of order or removed from vehicles entirely.
It's illegal to drive with a blood alcohol level above zero.
Police and military checkpoints are common. You may need to provide identification documents at checkpoints.
Major roads are periodically closed without notice for official motorcades and other government movements which may affect transport to and from airports.
Avalanches and landslides often occur in winter and spring. Roads may close for days, including the main road between Dushanbe and Khujand.
Many interior roads are open only in the summer.
Fuel stations and car repair services are limited in rural areas.
To stay safe when driving:
More information:
Check if your travel insurance covers you when riding a motorbike.
You must always wear a helmet.
More information:
Ministry of Internal Affairs of Tajikistan (Department of traffic police contacts)
Some taxis have meters, and some don't in Tajikistan. While taxi fares are generally cheap, agree on the price before travel, especially if there's no meter in the taxi or the driver uses a mobile phone or app-based metering system.
Public transport may be overcrowded and unsafe.
Bus and taxi services between major cities are unreliable.
There are limited rail travel options in Tajikistan. Research the ticketing, security and sleeping arrangements on trains carefully before making a decision to travel by train.
Flight cancellations and delays at Dushanbe International Airport are common.
If you need to leave Tajikistan quickly, you may need valid entry visas for alternative destinations.
In 2022, the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) issued a ‘red notice’ highlighting significant safety concerns with all Russian airlines. A number of countries, including the United States and the European Union have banned Russian air carriers from their airspace. Should you choose to take a Russian airline, check your insurance provisions and understand the risks associated with transport by Russian airlines.
Check Tajikistan's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.
More information:
Depending on what you need, contact your:
Call 01 (101 from a mobile)
Call 03 (103 from a mobile) or go to the hospital.
Call 02 (102 from a mobile) or go to the local police station.
Always get a police report when you report a crime.
Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.
The Australian Government aims to provide high quality consular assistance. There are limits to what we can do. Read the Consular Services Charter to understand how we can assist you overseas.
Australia doesn't have an embassy in Tajikistan. You can contact the Australian Embassy in Russia for consular assistance.
13 Kropotkinsky Pereulok
Moscow 119034
Russia
Phone: +7 495 956-6070
Website: russia.embassy.gov.au
X: @PosolAustralia
Telegram: https://t.me/AusEmbMoscow
Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.
In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:
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