Last Updated:
August 23, 2007 13:22
EDT
Still Valid:
November 15, 2007 23:14
EST
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1. INTRODUCTION AND GEOGRAPHY
Section 5 of this Travel Report has been updated.
The Republic of 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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2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
There is no Official Warning for this country.
Canadians travelling to Tajikistan should exercise a high level of caution, especially when travelling to areas bordering Afghanistan, the Kyrgyz Republic and Uzbekistan, due to security concerns. The borders with Uzbekistan are mined in some areas, and the minefields are not clearly marked. Some border crossings are open, but crossing procedures may prove difficult.
The security situation along the border with Afghanistan is improving thanks to the removal of many landmines, but remains unstable due to this area's use as a transit point for drugs and other forms of illegal trafficking. Persons 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 (or multilateral organization such as the United Nations or OSCE) of their desire to do so.
Water and electricity supplies are unstable. Blackouts and brownouts regularly occur.
OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada offers a registration service for Canadians travelling or residing abroad. Although Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada does not warn against travel to this country or region(s) of this country, Canadians are encouraged to register with the responsible Canadian government office due to the security situation and/or the absence of Canadian representation in this country. Registration can be done on-line or by calling the responsible Canadian government office abroad to request a registration form.
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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.
The international community in Tajikistan considers the security situation in the country stable. Presidential elections were held in November 2006. Caution should be exercised in former opposition-held areas such as the Rasht Valley (Karategin), as tensions may still exist.
Though local authorities report a small rise in violent crimes, the general population is not militant. In the aftermath of the civil conflict of the 1990s, most arms held by the population had been surrendered.
Pickpocketing and mugging may occur. Do not show signs of affluence or carry large sums of money. Canadians should maintain a high level of personal security awareness at all times, monitor local news reports, and avoid crowds and demonstrations. 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 exercise particular caution in crowded public places such as markets.
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4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS
The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Tajik authorities and was valid on January 8, 2007. However, entry and exit requirements are subject to change.
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. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.
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 the country.
Tourist Visa: Required
Business Visa: Required
Student Visa: Required
A letter of invitation from a private person or an organization is required to obtain a visa.
Although visas can be obtained at the Dushanbe Airport, it is recommended that travellers obtain their visa from an embassy of the Republic of Tajikistan before arrival 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.
All foreigners planning to reside in Tajikistan for longer than three months must get tested for HIV infection.
A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship (CCC) is not a travel document. Airlines are known to refuse boarding to dual national Canadian passengers returning to Canada, travelling on a passport that requires a visa to enter Canada, regardless of whether the passenger presents a valid CCC as proof of Canadian citizenship. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document for the purpose of international travel. It proves your admissibility to enter Canada.
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 visa requirements for this and other countries, 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 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.
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.
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5. ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD
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 (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 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. 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 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, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare.
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.
The Department publishes a booklet entitled Dual Citizenship: What Travellers Should Know, specifically targeted at Canadians with dual nationality.
Homosexuality is illegal.
Penalties for drinking and driving are strict.
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7. LOCAL TRAVEL AND CURRENCY
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. Canadians should use caution when travelling east of Dushanbe. Independent armed groups have put up checkpoints on the road east of Dushanbe and are known to specifically target foreigners.
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.
The economy is primarily cash-based. The currency is the Tajik somoni (TJS). Few international banking services are available, although a small number of ABMs 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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8. 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, 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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9. 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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10. 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 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. Ensure that you have basic first aid medication and supplies.
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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. See Canada's Health Portal.
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 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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12. ANNEX
N/A
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