Tajikistan
About Tajikistan
| Currency | Somoni (TJS) |
| Language | Tajik (official); Russian widely used in government and business |
| Capital | Dushanbe |
The Republic of Tajikistan is located in central Asia and is bordered by Kyrgyzstan, China, Afghanistan and Uzbekistan. The population is about 8 million people. The government is a republic with a president as chief of state and a prime minister as head of government.
Tajikistan is one of the poorest countries of any former Soviet republic in central Asia. The region came under Russian control in 1895 as part of Turkestan. The country became an autonomous republic of the Soviet Union in 1924 and a Soviet Socialist Republic in 1929. Following the dissolution of the USSR, Tajikistan gained independence in 1991. Almost immediately, the country plunged into a civil war that lasted until 1997.
Economically, Tajikistan is still affected by the civil war. Poverty is pervasive, and the country depends on oil and gas imports. Tajikistan depends on Russia for assistance with security problems, and Russia maintains a military presence in this country. China has also helped with building roads and other infrastructure.
Tourism is not developed in Tajikistan. The government would like to encourage tourism, but the infrastructure is very limited. However, there is much potential for possible ecotourism and adventure travel, given the spectacular scenery of the highest mountains in the world that cover 97 percent of the country.
Recommended Vaccinations For Tajikistan
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis B Vaccine
There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Hepatitis A Vaccine
There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A 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 A
There is a risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Tajikistan through contaminated food or water.
Hepatitis B
There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Tajikistan.
For Some Travellers
Leishmaniasis
Leishmaniasis occurs in this country.
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.
Measles
There is a risk of Measles in this country, especially in infants aged 6 to 11 months.
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, such as pickpocketing, bag snatching, or other theft can occur in this country. Always be alert to your surroundings and personal safety. Keep valuables secured and out of sight. Safeguard your important documents, such as your passport. Do not accept drinks from strangers or leave your drink unattended. There have been reports of the “date rape” drug being used to target foreigners. Women should avoid going out alone at night. Women have reported being harassed day or night.
Police often stop drivers to check documents. They may harass foreigners and may demand money.
Infrastructure for tourists, transportation, and health is limited. There may be no emergency services in some areas.
Border crossings may close with little or no notice.
Political Unrest
Minimize safety risk by avoiding any political gatherings and demonstrations since even peaceful protests can quickly and unexpectedly escalate and become violent.
Areas To Avoid
Avoid border areas with Afghanistan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan due to an unstable security situation, including armed conflict, and also unmarked landmine areas.
In the Tavildara region of central Tajikistan, there are minefields that date back to the civil war.
Avoid all travel to the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast (GBAO). The Tajikistan government cannot guarantee the security and safety of foreign nationals and has suspended travel permits to GBAO.
