Safety and Security

Potential for Terrorist Activity
While supporters of terrorist organizations are known to have a presence in and around Tajikistan, terrorist attacks have been infrequent in recent years and focused on Government of Tajikistan targets, such as law enforcement or security service facilities and personnel.  Other violent acts are generally criminal-on-criminal or criminal-on-security services activity related to the narcotics trade.

Supporters of the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU), the Islamic Jihad Union (IJU), Jamaat Ansarullah, and al-Qaida may target U.S. government or private interests in the region, including Tajikistan. Insurgent activity in Afghanistan and narcotrafficking criminal elements transiting the Afghan border region may impact the security situation along the border and in Tajikistan.

Terrorists may target residential areas, clubs and restaurants, places of worship, hotels, outdoor recreation events, and other venues, although Government of Tajikistan facilities remain the most likely target. Facilities catering to Westerners in Tajikistan present a heightened risk.

Demonstrations are rare.

Restricted zone: Gorno-Badakhshan 
Do not enter the Gorno-Badakhshan region without official permission. Persons violating the law may be arrested or imprisoned. To enter this restricted zone, request a special permit from Tajik embassies/consulates or from the MFA or OVIR in Tajikistan. Submit authorization requests at least two weeks in advance of your trip. If granted, authorities will annotate your passport with the names of the settlements and cities you are authorized to visit.

Crime: Criminal activity in Dushanbe is moderate.  Incidents are usually not violent, butmuggings, armed robberies, and pick-pocketing do occur. Police do not provide adequate or immediate assistance, and often will not open minor or routine cases.

Travel in pairs, especially at night.  Sexual harassment of unaccompanied women is common.  Carry a copy of your passport (separate from your wallet) with you at all times.

Victims of Crime: U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault should contact police or head to the nearest hospital to report the crime.  Please also contact the U.S. Embassy at 992-37-229-2000. 

The local equivalents to the “911” emergency line are:

01 for fire
02 for police
03 for ambulance service
235-4545 for the state traffic control (GAI) duty officer

Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes.

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas.

We can:

• help you find appropriate medical care
• assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• explain the local criminal justice process in general terms
• provide a list of local attorneys
•  provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
• provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical
• support in cases of destitution
• help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the U.S. embassy for assistance.

For further information:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. 
• Call us in Washington at 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the State Department's travel website for Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts.
• Follow us on Twitter and Facebook. 
• See traveling safely abroad for useful travel tips.

See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information on scams.