Tajikistan is often described as one of the friendliest countries in Central Asia.

People are hospitable and welcoming. Violent crime against foreigners is minimal, although take care in the south of the country near the Afghan border as there have been sporadic incidents involving Islamic radicals.

Petty crime in cities is something to be wary of, especially around busy public spaces and markets, so keep your wits about you and your eyes open for pickpockets.

It’s possible to apply for your Tajik visa online which makes the process much faster than some other countries in the region.

Some countries are visa-free – check with your Tour Manager to see if you qualify for visa-free entry to Tajikistan.

The official language of Tajikistan is Tajik, but many citizens will also speak Russian as a second language due to historical links with Russia and the former Soviet Union.

In Dushanbe and Khujand, English is often spoken by younger generations, although outside these cosmopolitan hubs, you’re unlikely to stumble upon any English speakers.

Tajik Somoni is the official currency. It’s possible to exchange your currency at airport upon arrival, although you’re likely to find better exchange rates in Dushanbe at banks and money changers.

Foreign bank cards can be used in the country, although some ATMs will run out of money during holiday periods.

It’s recommended to bring US Dollars or Euros to exchange. There is no way to exchange foreign cash for Somoni outside Tajikistan.

Winter in Tajikistan is long and cold. Since it’s a mountainous country, road closures caused by excessive snowfall or avalanches can impact our ability to move around the country easily.

Summer is mixed, a warm and pleasant climate in the north although the southern region can reach very high temperatures in peak summer.

Spring and Autumn are our recommended seasons for visiting Tajikistan.

Tajikistan cuisine is predominantly meat-based, although vegetarianism and veganism can be catered for on tour.

You MUST make us aware of any dietary requirements or allergies before the trip so we can ensure your food is prepared appropriately and avoid any issues.

Although Tajikistan is a Muslim-majority country, it’s officially secular so there are no formal regulations for how to dress.

We recommend dressing relatively conservatively in towns and cities; when visiting mosques, usual Islamic regulations will apply with women required to wear headscarves and cover their arms and legs.

Out and about in the countryside, however, there will be no restrictions on dress code whatsoever.

There are bars and restaurants that serve alcohol, some restaurants and gathering places will not.

Due to Tajikistan being Muslim-majority, whilst alcohol is available, there are large portions of society who will not partake in drinking.

The internet will be available in many hotels and public places, although is can often be very slow.

SIM cards are available in Dushanbe from one of the country’s domestic mobile service providers, for details on coverage, which to choose and organising a SIM card for your tour, contact your Tour Manager.

In the more populated areas, the altitude is not so much of a concern, however, be prepared to traverse mountain passes of between 2,000 – 3,000m when travelling outside the cities.

When travelling through the High Pamirs, caution should be exercised as altitudes will be higher for longer.

Check with your Tour Manager upon booking. If you have medical conditions, check with your doctor before travelling.

Dushanbe has good medical facilities equivalent to those in the west.

Travelling outside the capital, however, we will have access to limited medical care. First aid and basic treatment will be available, but for more serious issues we may need to return to Dushanbe.

For this reason, we require all travellers to have comprehensive travel insurance.

The situation on the Tajik-Afghan border is fluid, as with Afghanistan itself. Generally, the border is stable with a relatively low risk to those travelling through the region. For up-to-date information before you travel, contact your Tour Manager who will be able to update you on the details at that time.

Do not drink tap water in Tajikistan, it’s not good quality. Kettles will be provided in almost all hotel rooms around the country and bottled water will also be available.

Outside cities, Absolute Nomads will supply clean drinking water for all travellers.

The following vaccinations are recommended, although not required:

• Chickenpox
• Diptheria
• Tetanus
• Flu
• MMR
• Polio
• Shingles
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Rabies
• Typhoid

This information may change depending on the COVID situation. Contact your Tour Manager for up-to-date information before travelling.

All travellers require a double vaccination against COVID-19 along with vaccine certification. You will need to present a negative PCR test upon arrival, taken less than 48 hours before you arrive in the country with the certificate in English. There may be additional COVID testing upon arrival.