Advisory: Tajikistan
Issued by US Department of State

Reissued after periodic review with updates to risk indicators, Level 3 areas, and the “If you decide to travel” section.

Exercise increased caution in Tajikistan due to terrorism, unexploded landmines, and occasional violence near the border with Kyrgyzstan. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Reconsider travel to:

• Within five miles of Tajikistan’s border with Afghanistan
• Gorno-Badakhshon Autonomous Oblast

Country Summary: Terrorist organizations are known to have a presence in the region and have targeted foreigners and local authorities in the past.

Terrorist attacks can happen with little or no warning, with terrorists targeting public areas such as tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, restaurants, places of worship, school campuses, and government facilities.

Unexploded landmines and cluster munitions are a hazard along the Afghan-Tajik and Uzbek-Tajik borders, as well as in the Vakhsh and Rasht valleys. Heed land mine warning signs. Do not venture off the road into areas marked with red and white plastic tape. Avoid roadside ditches, shoulders, and unmarked trails. Never touch anything resembling unexploded munitions.

Be cautious when traveling within five miles of the Tajikistan-Kyrgyzstan border. There have been several instances of armed skirmishes between Tajik and Kyrgyz border guards over the past five years, particularly in the Isfara area and the Vorukh enclave.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Tajikistan.

If you decide to travel to Tajikistan:

• Have a plan to depart Tajikistan which does not rely on U.S. government assistance.
• Keep a low profile.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans.
• Do not touch unknown metal objects and avoid traveling off well-used roads, tracks, and paths due to risk of unexploded ordnance.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Review the Country Security Report for Tajikistan.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook and Twitter.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.

Border Areas with Afghanistan – Level 3: Reconsider Travel

Reconsider travel within five miles of Tajikistan's border with Afghanistan due to terrorism. The current political situation in Afghanistan creates a challenging and unpredictable environment in the border areas due to evolving security conditions. Additionally, the land border between Tajikistan and Afghanistan has been closed since the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in 2021. Travel in the mountainous region along the Afghan border can be dangerous due to the proximity of militant groups across the border. U.S. citizens should remain alert and avoid activities that develop predictable patterns of movement. If documenting travel on social media, please ensure your privacy settings are appropriately set.

Gorno-Badakhshon Autonomous Oblast (GBAO)– Level 3: Reconsider Travel

The challenging and unpredictable environment in northern Afghanistan has the potential to spill over insecurity into neighboring Tajikistan’s GBAO region. GBAO is a restricted region for non-Tajik citizens, requiring a travel permits from Tajik authorities. Violent clashes with security forces erupted in GBAO in recent years, and the government of Tajikistan can suspend travel permits for non-Tajik citizens on short notice. 

Please visit our website for information on Travel to High-Risk Areas.