Tajikistan

Recommended Vaccinations For Tajikistan

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for all travellers over 6 months of age.

Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) Vaccine

BCG vaccine is recommended for those at increased risk from coming in close contact with infected persons or for unvaccinated, children under 16 years of age, who will live in Tajikistan for more than 3 months.

Typhoid Fever Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities or rural areas, where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Rabies Vaccine

Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) and who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.

Recommended Medications For Tajikistan

For Some Travellers

Anti-malarial Drugs

The U.S. CDC does not recommend anti-malaria medication. The WHO recommends atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline or mefloquine in southern areas of the country. NaTHNac recommends chloroquine plus proguanil.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Tajikistan

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B

There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Tajikistan.

Hepatitis A

There is a risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Tajikistan through contaminated food or water.

For Some Travellers

Leishmaniasis

Leishmaniasis occurs in this country.

Measles

There is a risk of Measles in this country, especially in infants aged 6 to 11 months.

Hanta Virus

There is a risk of acquiring Hantavirus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.

Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever

There is a risk of acquiring Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever in this country through specific insect, bug or tick bites or by coming in close contact with a person or animal infected with this disease. Travellers involved in activities like hiking, camping, working with animals, and visiting farms and forested areas are at a higher risk. There are no vaccinations (or medications) to prevent Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever.

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis occurs in Tajikistan. Travellers to Tajikistan are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the health care field, or having close prolonged contact with the general population.

Typhoid Fever

Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Tajikistan, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Rabies

Rabies occurs in Tajikistan. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.

Safety & Security in Tajikistan

Personal Safety

Petty crime like pickpocketing and mugging occurs in Dushanbe and tourist areas, particularly in crowded places and on public transport. Violent crime remains relatively uncommon, but incidents can occur after dark. Walking alone at night in major cities requires caution, especially in parks like Victory Park or Children’s Park. Police may conduct raids in bars and nightclubs, particularly for drug enforcement, so stay calm and follow instructions if this happens. Corruption among officials is widespread. Police and border officials may attempt to extort bribes through invented infractions or false documentation claims. Check your paperwork is in order before passing through airports and border crossings. You must carry your passport or a notarized copy at all times as police can arrest you for not having ID. Street smoking is illegal and punishable by fines. Drug possession carries lengthy prison sentences with basic prison conditions. While locals are generally friendly and hospitable, be mindful of conservative cultural norms, particularly in rural areas where most citizens are Muslim. Posting images or comments on social media that show disrespect toward religion, culture or national symbols can result in fines or imprisonment. Photography near military or security facilities, border checkpoints and police stations is illegal, as is drone use without permission from the National Security Committee.

Extreme Violence

Terrorist organizations including Islamic State Khorasan Province and Jamaat Ansarullah maintain a presence in the region and have targeted foreigners and local authorities. In March 2024, authorities disrupted a plot to attack Nowruz celebrations in Vahdat using poison. In 2023, three suspected terrorists were killed by border forces while planning an attack ahead of national day celebrations. In 2019, 17 people died in an armed attack on a security checkpoint along the Tajikistan-Uzbekistan border, for which ISKP claimed responsibility. In 2018, cyclists were attacked in Danghara. In 2019, a prison riot killed 32 people including guards, with ISIS-affiliated inmates using knives as weapons. Armed criminal and terrorist groups conduct infrequent incursions across the Afghanistan border, mainly at night. Since 2024, Tajik nationals have participated in ISKP attacks in Iran, Turkey and Russia. In February 2025, a Tajik national was arrested in New York for allegedly conspiring to provide material support to IS and ISKP. While attacks within Tajikistan itself are less frequent than in neighboring countries, the threat remains real and authorities maintain heightened security measures. Unexploded landmines and cluster munitions are hazards along the Afghan-Tajik and Uzbek-Tajik borders, particularly in the Vakhsh and Rasht valleys, where both marked and unmarked minefields exist.

Political Unrest

Tajikistan is a deeply authoritarian state with limited political freedoms. President Rahmon has ruled since 1992 and holds the title Leader of the Nation with immunity from prosecution and the ability to rule indefinitely. Political opposition is banned and opposition parties including the Islamic Renaissance Party and Group 24 are labeled as terrorist organizations. Members face lengthy prison sentences following closed trials. Hundreds of activists, journalists, bloggers and human rights defenders are imprisoned on politically motivated charges. Public demonstrations require government permission, which is rarely granted. Individuals considering peaceful protests often choose not to for fear of government reprisal. The government practices transnational repression, detaining relatives of opposition members abroad to pressure activists into silence. Violent clashes erupted in the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region in 2021 and 2022 when authorities cracked down on peaceful Pamiri protesters. Casualties occurred, hundreds were detained, and at least 205 GBAO residents have received prison sentences ranging from 1.5 years to life. The region maintains an increased security presence with roads periodically closed. Armed conflict occurred along the Kyrgyzstan-Tajikistan border in September 2022, killing at least 37 people including civilians and children. While border agreements were signed in March 2025, tensions can arise during delimitation processes. Activism is closely scrutinized and publishing information critical of authorities can lead to surveillance, harassment or detention.

Areas To Avoid

Do not travel to the border region with Afghanistan due to terrorism threats and the volatile security situation. Militant groups operate across the border and armed incursions occur. Travel permits for the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region can be suspended on short notice. Violent clashes with security forces have erupted in GBAO in recent years, particularly in Khorog and surrounding areas following 2021 and 2022 unrest. The region has an increased security presence with some roads temporarily closed. GBAO requires special permits from Tajik authorities and border guards regularly check documentation, particularly near the Afghanistan border. Avoid border regions with Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan due to risks of civil unrest, landmines and criminal activity. Armed skirmishes between Tajik and Kyrgyz border guards have occurred over the past five years, particularly in the Isfara area and Vorukh enclave. The September 2022 conflict resulted in over 100 deaths and displacement of 140,000 civilians with significant destruction of property. The Tavildara Region of central Tajikistan contains minefields dating from the civil war. The Rasht Valley is a known flashpoint for terrorism. Avoid walking off-road in border areas where both marked and unmarked minefields exist. Pay attention to landmine warning signs and areas marked with red and white plastic tape. Never touch anything resembling unexploded munitions. Avoid roadside ditches, shoulders and unmarked trails in the Vakhsh and Rasht valleys.