Tajikistan
Summary
Summary
The land border between Tajikistan and Afghanistan currently remains closed.
Before you travel, check the ‘Entry requirements’ section for Tajikistan’s current entry restrictions and requirements. These may change with little warning. Monitor this advice for the latest updates and stay in contact with your travel provider.
If you plan to pass through another country to return to the UK, check the travel advice for the country you’re transiting.
It is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover. See the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)’s guidance on foreign travel insurance.
Terrorists are likely to try and carry out attacks in Tajikistan.
You should exercise caution and vigilance, particularly if travelling near or across the Tajik/Uzbek border. See Local travel and Terrorism.
On 29 July 2018, 4 tourists were killed in a deliberate attack while cycling in the south of the country. You should exercise extreme caution and vigilance, particularly if hiking or cycling in the countryside. See Terrorism.
Caution should be exercised along and close to the border with Afghanistan where armed clashes can erupt without notice. This border is also known to be used by drug smugglers and there have been reports of armed clashes with Tajik security forces.
Check local advice before travelling to the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast in the East, as the area may be closed to visitors at short notice. Tensions in the regional capital, Khorog, have risen since September 2018, and there have been violent clashes in this area in May 2022. See Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast.
Skirmishes regularly occur along the disputed Tajik-Kyrgyz border and previous incidents have involved both civilians and border guards with the use of firearms and sometimes heavy artillery. On 14-16 September clashes escalated into armed conflict between the Tajik and Kyrgyz military which resulted in over 100 dead, including civilians, and significant destruction of civilian property and infrastructure. There is a risk of further risk of further violence and border closures at any time. You should remain vigilant in border areas and check local media reports before you travel.
See Border areas.
Tourism, health and transport infrastructure is poor and travel requires careful planning. See Local travel
If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission.