CONTENT|CONTENU

TRAVEL REPORT
Tajikistan

1. RECENT UPDATES

A Travel Warning has been added to this report.

A Travel Warning against non-essential travel to the areas bordering Afghanistan, the Kyrgyz Republic, and Uzbekistan has been added.

The information contained in this Travel Report has been thoroughly reviewed and updated.

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2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Tajikistan

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

Canadian travellers should know that energy, water, and food shortages are common throughout Tajikistan, especially in winter and spring. Blackouts and brownouts regularly occur.

Travellers should be aware that, in July 2009, a number of explosions occurred in public areas of the capital, Dushanbe. Furthermore, caution should be exercised in the Rasht Valley (Karategin) and the Tavildara district as there have recently been clashes between Tajik security forces and militant groups, and tensions may still exist.

Avertissement régional

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against non-essential travel to the areas bordering Afghanistan, the Kyrgyz Republic, and Uzbekistan due to security concerns.

Terrorist groups are active in these border regions. There are reports of incidents involving armed groups.
 
The security situation along the border with Afghanistan remains unstable due to this area's use as a transit point for drugs and other forms of illegal trafficking. Canadians travelling to these border areas should exercise a high level of caution because of the presence of marked and unmarked minefields.
 
Some border crossings, especially in the Fergana Valley, are not well defined and therefore very porous. Neighbouring countries may close their borders unilaterally.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency abroad, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad.

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety. The purpose of this Travel Report is to provide Canadians with up-to-date information to enable them to make well-informed decisions.

Crime

While security in Tajikistan, including in Dushanbe, is generally stable, the country is witnessing a rise in criminality.

Pickpocketing and mugging may occur. Do not show signs of affluence or carry large sums of money. Exercise caution, particularly in tourist areas and commercial and public establishments (hotels, clubs, restaurants, bars, schools, places of worship, outdoor recreation events) frequented by foreigners. Travellers should be particularly vigilant in crowded public places such as markets.

Demonstrations

Demonstrations may occur in Tajikistan. Canadians are advised to avoid political gatherings and demonstrations and to stay away from areas where they may take place, as they could turn violent without warning. Canadians should also monitor news reports and follow the advice of local authorities.

Women’s Safety

There have been a number of reports of harassment toward women. It is advisable to travel in groups and in daylight. The Department publishes a booklet entitled Her Own Way: A Woman’s Guide to Safe and Successful Travel. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian women and encourage them to travel safely.

General Safety Information

There are numerous checkpoints, and security forces may shoot if vehicles do not stop. Canadians should be cautious when travelling east of Dushanbe, as independent armed groups have put up checkpoints on the roads and are known to specifically target foreigners.

Carry a photocopy of your visa and passport with you at all times, and keep your original documents in safekeeping facilities. It is also advisable to leave a photocopy of your travel documents with a relative or a friend at home.

Tourist facilities are very limited.

For emergency assistance, dial 01 for fire, 02 for the police, and 03 for an ambulance.

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4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries or regions have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Tajik authorities. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is the traveller's responsibility to check with the Embassy of Tajikistan for up-to-date information.

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Tajikistan. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from Tajikistan.

Tourist Visa: Required
Business Visa: Required
Student Visa: Required

Each type of visa has different application requirements. Therefore, Canadians planning to go to Tajikistan are advised to visit the consular section of the Embassy of Tajikistan’s website.

Although visas can be obtained at the Dushanbe Airport, it is highly recommended that travellers obtain their visa from an embassy of the Republic of Tajikistan well before leaving Canada to avoid the possibility of being refused entry or experiencing lengthy delays upon entering the country.

Travellers who wish to visit the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Province must obtain a permit from the Tajik authorities.

People travelling to Afghanistan and wishing to return to Tajikistan should ensure that they are in possession of appropriate documents (including visas, valid passport, vehicle certification, etc.) before leaving Tajikistan and should inform the closest Canadian office of their intentions.

All foreigners planning to reside in Tajikistan for more than three months must get tested for HIV infection.

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A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship is not a travel document. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document available to Canadians for the purpose of international travel. Canadian citizens returning to Canada who present other documents, such as a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, birth certificate, provincial driver’s licence, or foreign passport, instead of a Canadian passport, may face delays or be denied boarding by transport companies.

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify all visa requirements for this and other destinations, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries or regions may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country or region without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries or regions do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

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5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS

There is no resident Canadian government office in Tajikistan. You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following address:

Kazakhstan - ALMATY, Embassy of Canada
Address: 34 Karasai batyr Street, Almaty 050010, Kazakhstan
Tel.: 7-727-250-1151/52/53
Fax: 7-727-258-2493
E-Mail: almat@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.kazakhstan.gc.ca

For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in Almaty, Kazakhstan, and follow the instructions. You may also make a collect call to the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.

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6. TRAVEL HEALTH

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Health Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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7. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

General hygiene conditions are poor throughout the country. Medical facilities in Tajikistan are scarce and below Western standards. Frequent shortages of energy and water can interrupt or impede the provision of medical services. There is also a severe shortage of basic medical supplies, including disposable needles, anaesthetics, and antibiotics.

Canadians should make sure they carry a sufficient amount of their prescripton medications in their original containers.

Consumption of untreated water and water-based foods greatly increases chances of illness. Do not drink tap water. Travellers should drink only bottled water, peel all fruits and vegetables, and avoid undercooked meat, dairy products, and most food sold in the streets.

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8. LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail or death sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries or regions, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare.

Religion

Although Tajikistan is a secular country, Islamic practices and beliefs are closely adhered to. Common sense and discretion should be exercised in dress and behaviour. Respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities.

Dual Nationality

Dual nationality is not recognized. This may limit the ability of Canadian officials to provide consular services. Canadians should travel using their Canadian passport and present themselves as Canadian citizens to foreign authorities at all times. The Department publishes a booklet entitled Dual Citizenship: What Travellers Should Know, specifically targeted at Canadians with dual nationality.

Illegal and/or Restricted Activities

Homosexual activity is legal but is not widely accepted by Tajik society.

Penalties for drinking and driving are strict.

Possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs may result in jail sentences and heavy fines. The government is stepping up its raids to counter narcotics trafficking.

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9. TRAVEL AND CURRENCY

Road Travel

Poor road conditions, unlit streets, and lack of road markings make driving hazardous. Main roads are often impassable, especially in winter (October to May). Road travel should be undertaken during daylight hours only, on known roads or with a reliable escort.
Access to gas stations may be limited outside the main cities.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required.

Rail Travel

International rail service is unreliable and underdeveloped.

Air Travel

Air travel is limited. Unannounced delays and flight cancellations are common in winter due to poor weather conditions. Reservations on regional airlines are not always respected.

See our FAQ on transportation in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.

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The economy is primarily cash-based. The currency is the Tajik somoni (TJS). Canadian currency and traveller’s cheques are not widely accepted. Few international banking services are available, although an increasing number of automated banking machines (ABMs) can now be found in Dushanbe. Credit cards are accepted in major hotels, some restaurants, and most banks. U.S. dollars are readily accepted.

Check with your bank for information on automated banking machine (ABM) services outside Canada. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ABMs around the world. Verify with your financial institution whether your bank card can be used with ABMs abroad. Some countries use chip and/or personal identification number (PIN) technology for credit cards. Check with your bank to find out if your credit card will be accepted abroad. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ABMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

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10. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

Tajikistan is located in an active seismic zone. In higher-altitude areas, there is a significant danger of floods, avalanches, and landslides, especially in the spring.

Canadian citizens staying in Tajikistan for extended periods are advised to maintain a stock of emergency items at their residence and to prepare and review personnal emergency plans with their family.

All Canadians in the country should know the address and telephone number of the Canadian Embassy in Almaty, Kazakhstan, in the event of an emergency.

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11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Returning to Canada

Traveller's Checklist

Health and Travel Insurance: Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

Adoption: Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child abroad, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

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12. ANNEX

N/A

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