Tadzjikistan

Översikt

The security environment in Tajikistan is broadly calm and crime risks are moderate. However, volatility can come as a result of regional, sectarian and political tensions that have continued to simmer since the country emerged from a five-year civil war in 1997. The country is the poorest of the former Soviet Union states and the authoritarian political system relies heavily on a system of patronage. Emomali Rahmon has been serving as the country's president since 1992 and he had further strengthened his position by having himself declared "Founder of Peace and National Unity, Leader of the Nation," with limitless terms and lifelong immunity through constitutional amendments ratified in a referendum in 2015. Additionally, the weak provision of public services, has also contributed to periodic bouts of political violence. Territorial disputes on the borders of Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan have the potential to escalate to armed conflict. Environmental hazards are high, related primarily to landslides, flooding and earthquakes. 

Hälsa, sjukdomar och vaccination

Travellers are advised to consult a travel health specialist or general practitioner (GP) to obtain the latest information with regards to what vaccines are recommended about 4-8 weeks prior to departing for Tajikistan. Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before your trip. The following vaccinations are recommended: measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis, polio and influenza. Travellers might also consider the vaccinations for Hepatitis B and rabies, according to the specifics of their travel.

Malaria risk is present in the southern province of Khatlon bordering Uzbekistan and Afghanistan, the central division of Dushanbe, the southwestern autonomous province of Gorno-Badakhshan bordering Afghanistan, and the northern province of Sughd.

Typhoid fever vaccination is recommended when going outside the areas usually visited by tourists such as traveling extensively in the interior of the country, for persons on working assignments in remote areas, or travellers visiting for extended periods of time.

Travellers should be aware of the risks associated with travellers’ ailments such as diarrhoea. Travellers must take all necessary precautions when drinking water or eating food within the country and only drink water from sealed bottles obtained from a reputable source or water that has been filtered and boiled.

It is advisable to bring anti-diarrhoea medication and oral rehydration salts to prevent dehydration.

Tuberculosis is highly endemic and a major public health problem in Tajikistan.

Although it is advisable to acquire comprehensive travel health insurance before travelling, this insurance is unlikely to cover medical at most facilities. Most doctors and hospitals will expect payment in cash, regardless of whether you have travel health insurance. Life-threatening medical problems may require air evacuation to a country with state-of-the-art medical facilities since medical care in Tajikistan is extremely limited. 

There are severe shortages of essential medical supplies, including antibiotics and disposable needles. Some hospitals may not even have consistent electricity and running water.

Pass

A passport valid for at least six months after date of departure is required for application for a visa, which requires two pages on a passport.

Visum

An electronic Visa system has been implemented for 45-day tourism and business visas. The eVisa process is available for over 70 nationalities. Nationals of the UK, US, Canada are eligible for e-Visa. Nationals of Denmark, Franch, Sweden, Japan, South Korea do not need a visa to enter Tajikistan for a stay up to 30 days. 

For non-eligible nationalities it is advised to apply at your local embassy or consulate before travel. It takes approximately 7 to 10 working days to obtain standard visas. Express visas are issued in approximately 2 to 3 working days.

An invitation, either official or private, may be necessary for visits to Tajikistan. Visas other than "Tourist" visas require registration at the Consular Department of the Minister of Foreign Affairs in Dunshanbe within three days of arrival. 

Special visas must be obtained by those wishing to visit the Gorno-Babakhshan region (the Pamir Mountains). Your initial visa may be valid for 45 days only. If you require a visa for a longer period you should mention this in your visa application form as visa extensions can only be made by the Tajik Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA).

Travellers are required to carry their passport together with their visa at all times.