Tajikistan Travel Safety

Precautions

Exercise caution, particularly in tourist areas, commercial and public establishments frequented by foreigners (e.g. hotels, clubs, restaurants, bars, schools and places of worship) and at outdoor recreation events. You should be particularly vigilant in crowded public places such as markets. Ensure that your passport and visa are in order when travelling to and from Dushanbe International Airport. Officials have claimed travel documents to be invalid in order to extort payments from travellers.

Road safety

If you drive to or through remote areas, ensure that you are well equipped: bring supplies that could last you for several days and a satellite phone. Gas stations are rare outside of towns. Roads outside of large towns are poorly maintained and often inaccessible to vehicles that are not equipped with 4-wheel-drive. In the spring, avalanches and landslides may block roads, and travellers may be trapped for long periods waiting for emergency services, which are slow to respond in remote areas. There are no roadside assistance companies. Many roads in the interior of the country are only open during the summer. There are many checkpoints, and security forces may fire at vehicles that do not stop. Exercise caution when travelling east of Dushanbe, as armed groups have established checkpoints and target foreigners.

Border areas

Some border crossings are not properly marked, especially in the Fergana Valley, where the Tajik border meets eastern Uzbekistan and southern Kyrgyz Republic. Neighbouring countries may close their borders without notice.

Rail transportation

Rail service is unreliable and underdeveloped.

Women's safety

Based on the crime situation of the Tajikistan, women should be vigilant all the time and aware of the surroundings. Avoid dark or non-tourist areas at night. Instead try to be around larger crowds, whether they are fellow tourists or local citizens. Females should be cautious while dealing with strangers and acquaintances. Women may be subject to unpleasant male attention and verbal abuse. Avoid flash of money or valuables in public. Exercise a high degree of caution during travel. Travel in the mountainous region along the Afghan border can be dangerous due to the proximity of militant groups across the border.

Crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and mugging, occurs, criminals target foreigners. Do not show signs of affluence or carry large sums of money. While the security situation in Tajikistan is generally stable, there has been an increase in criminal activity.

Culture

Tajikistan's customs, laws and regulations adhere closely to Islamic practices and beliefs. Exercise common sense and discretion in dress and behaviour. Dress conservatively: for women, knee-length or longer dresses and long sleeves are preferable, women should avoid clothing that could be construed as revealing, such as miniskirts, shorts and sleeveless or low-cut (front or back) blouses and tops., and men should not wear shorts outside tourist areas. Respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities. Overt public displays of intimate affection are frowned upon in Tajikistan's culture. During the lunar month of Ramadan, use discretion when drinking, eating, and smoking in public between sunrise and sunset.

LGBT

Homosexuality is not illegal under Tajik law but local attitudes are conservative, particularly outside the main cities. You should take care over public displays of affection.

Illegal or restricted activities

Possession and use of drugs is illegal and, if found guilty, you could face a lengthy prison sentence in very basic conditions. Although rarely enforced smoking whilst walking on the street is illegal and punishable by a fine.

Driving

An International Driving Permit is required. Penalties for drinking and driving are strict.