Tajikistan

Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims. The dates vary by year and country. Cafés and restaurants may amend their menus and be busy around fast-breaking (‘Iftar’). Areas around mosques are also likely to be busy around prayer times. Be particularly aware of religious sensitivities at this time.

You must carry your passport, or a notarised copy of it, with you at all times. The police can arrest you if you do not carry ID. You can get a copy of your passport notarised in the UK and translated into Tajik or Russian, or use a copy notarised in Tajikistan.

The legal age for purchasing alcohol is 18. If you appear to be drunk, the police can take you to a police station and issue you with a fine or detain you in a police cell overnight.

It is illegal to smoke on the street in Tajikistan, and punishable by a fine.

Possession of drugs is illegal. You can get a lengthy prison sentence if convicted. Prison conditions are basic.

The police may conduct drug raids in bars and night clubs. Stay calm and follow instructions.

Women travelling alone in Tajikistan may receive unwanted attention, harassment or other difficulties. Consider not going out alone at night. See advice for women travelling abroad.

It is illegal to take photos of or use drones near anything related to the military or security, including border checkpoints, military sites and police stations. Check carefully that you are not near any military or security facilities. The Tajik authorities may ask you not to photograph government buildings.

The possession or use of drones or UAVs is prohibited unless you have permission from the Tajik National Security Committee. If you are found using drones without permission, you may be detained and your equipment confiscated.

Although same-sex sexual activity is not illegal under Tajik law, local attitudes are generally conservative and levels of tolerance and acceptance in society vary, particularly outside the main cities. Showing affection in public may receive unwanted and negative attention.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Tajikistan is mainly a cash-only economy. Very few businesses accept credit cards and travellers’ cheques are not accepted. There is an increasing number of ATMs in Dushanbe and other larger towns, but none in rural areas. Most ATMs only accept Visa cards.

Bring enough cash for your entire stay or withdraw cash from an ATM in Dushanbe ahead of any planned travel to other regions. Only change money at officially authorised currency exchanges.

Tajik somoni is only available in Tajikistan. US dollars are the most easily exchanged and widely accepted foreign currency. Euros or Russian roubles are also easy to exchange. It may be difficult to exchange other currencies. Official exchange booths may not accept damaged or marked bank notes, nor will they accept US dollars issued before 2013.

Be careful when posting images of your visit on social media. It is illegal to post images or comments on social media that show disrespect towards religion, culture or national symbols. If you share or publish images that the authorities consider to be insulting, you could get a fine or a prison sentence. Disrespectful content, including criticism of the government, could result in fines or detention.

Earthquakes are a risk in Tajikistan, particularly the east in the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region. Avalanches and landslides caused by earthquakes often block roads in the spring and early summer.

Learn earthquake safety procedures and follow the advice of the local authorities. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake.

In late spring and summer, there can be seasonal flooding and mudslides caused by melting glaciers. Take care, follow local advice and be aware that conditions can change suddenly.

Heavy snowfall in winter can cause delays and cancellations at airports and disrupt travel, particularly in mountainous regions where there’s an increased risk of avalanches. Take local advice on road conditions during or following severe weather.