4. LOCAL 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 done during daylight hours only, on known roads or with a reliable escort. There are numerous checkpoints, and police and soldiers may shoot if vehicles do not stop.There are few flights from the Dushanbe airport, and these are often delayed or cancelled. Airports are frequently closed and facilities are primitive. International rail service is unreliable and can be dangerous due to criminal activity.
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required.
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5. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE
Tajikistan is located in an active seismic zone. In recent years, Tajikistan has experienced about 2,000 seismic shocks annually, of which more than 50 have been of magnitude 3 or more on the Richter scale. Canadians should know the address and telephone number of the Canadian Embassy in Almaty, Kazakhstan (see below), in the event of an emergency. There is a significant danger of floods, avalanches and mudslides, particularly in higher-altitude areas.
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6. LOCAL 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 7 below. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.
The Department publishes A Guide for Canadians Imprisoned Abroad, specifically targeted at incarcerated Canadians. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian detainees, their families, and friends about available assistance and advice.
Possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs may result in jail sentences and heavy fines.
Dual nationality is not recognized and may limit the ability of Canadian officials to provide consular services. Canadians should travel using their Canadian passport and present themselves as Canadian to foreign authorities at all times.
Foreign Affairs Canada publishes a booklet, Dual Citizenship: What Travellers Should Know, specifically targeted at Canadians with dual nationality.
Homosexuality is illegal.
Penalties for drinking and driving are strict. Convicted offenders can expect heavy fines and jail sentences.
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7. ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD
There is no resident Canadian government office in Tajikistan. Canadians in Tajikistan can obtain consular assistance and further information from the Canadian Embassy in Almaty, Kazakhstan, at the following address:
Kazakhstan - ALMATY, Embassy of Canada
Address: 34 Karasai Batir Street (Vinogradov St.), Almaty 480100, Kazakhstan
Tel.: 7 (3272) 501-151
Fax: 7 (3272) 582-493
E-mail: almat@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.international.gc.ca/canadaeuropa/kazakhstan
For emergency assistance after hours, call the Canadian Embassy 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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8. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS
It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries 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 country or countries to be visited. Conditions are subject to change.
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.
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 may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.
A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Tajikistan. The passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country. Canadians must also be in possession of a visa. All visa arrangements must be made in advance. Visas issued by Russian embassies and consulates are no longer valid for travel to Tajikistan. Tajik visas can be obtained at Tajik embassies or consulates around the world. Visas can be obtained at the airport upon arrival in Dushanbe, only through prior arrangement with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan. A letter of invitation from a private person or an organization is required to obtain a visa. Entry into Tajikistan at points along the Gorno-Badakhshan border requires special authorization in advance, in addition to a valid Tajik visa.
An HIV test is required for those staying over three months.
Tourist Visa: Required
Business Visa: Required
Student Visa: Required
Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify visa requirements for this and other countries, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.
Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries 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.
For further information, contact the Embassy of the Republic of Tajikistan, 1005 New Hampshire Avenue, Washington, D.C., 20037, U.S.A. (tel.: 202-223-6090), e-mail: tajikistan@verizon.net, Web site: www.tjus.org.
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9. MONEY
The economy is cash-based. The currency is the Tajik somoni. Few international banking services are available, although a small number of ATMs can now be found in Dushanbe. Credit cards and traveller's cheques are rarely accepted. U.S. dollars are readily accepted.
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10. GENERAL INFORMATION
Tajikistan (capital: Dushanbe) is located in central Asia, bordered by the Kyrgyz Republic, China, Afghanistan, and Uzbekistan. The official language is Tajik, but Russian is widely used. Tourist facilities are very limited.
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11. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM
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 Medicine Program 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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12. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION
General hygiene conditions are poor throughout the country. Medical facilities throughout Tajikistan are scarce and below Western standards. A number of viral diseases, including cholera and malaria, are regularly reported and may be on the rise. Consumption of untreated water and water-based foods greatly increases your chance 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. Medical facilities are often rudimentary. Ensure that you have basic first aid medication and supplies.
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13. RETURNING TO CANADA
Please consult the Current Issue on returning to Canada.
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14. INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS
Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child from another country, 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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15. TRAVEL TIPS
Please consult our Traveller's Checklist.
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16. 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.
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17. FOR MORE INFORMATION
N/A
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18. ANNEX
N/A
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