Visas
Most people need a visa to enter Tajikistan. The only exceptions are citizens of Russia, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan and Belorus.
It is possible to obtain a tourist visa from many Tajik Embassies worldwide. We can assist with a letter of invitation if required, as long as you are booking some services with Hamsafar. You can apply directly to the embassy. Travel Tajikistan has contact details of Tajik embassies around the world. If you have a tajik consulate in your country you are required to obtain your visa there in advance.
If you do not have a tajik consulate in your country, you may obtain a 30 day visa on arrival at Dushanbe airport but you will need a letter of invitation (visa support), which we can provide if you are booking some tourism services from us. Multi-entry visas are not available on arrival and must be obtained in advance. If you are a British citizen you are also currently required to appear in person at a Tajik consulate to obtain your visa. Brussels, Berlin or Almaty are some of the most convenient. Please contact us for an update on this situation.
All land borders require a visa in advance. Only certain land borders are open for foreign travellers to cross. As of early 2008, currently closed to foreigners are the Jirgital pass from the Garm valley directly into Kirgistan, the pass directly into China which links to the Karakoram Highway and most, but not all, of the river crossings into Afganistan. Contact us for the latest news.
Your passport should have one completely blank page in it for each central asian country you plan to visit plus at least one, preferably two other blank pages and at least 6 months remaining validity.
Please note that travel to some areas of Tajikistan, notably the whole Pamir region, requires an additional permit. Pamir or GBAO permits may also be obtained in advance with your visa from Tajik consulates abroad or we can obtain them for you once you have your visa or your letter of invitation. A minimum of 14 days notice is required. A number of areas of the Pamir require special permission over and above the GBAO permit. This includes Lake Sarez and areas of Rankul and Zorkul in the far east and south of the Pamir.
The tiger park in southern Tajikistan also requires special permission in advance.
Registration with the Ministry of Internal Affairs within 3 working days of entering the country (‘OVIR registration’) is required of all foreigners, regardless of whether they need a visa or not. We will manage this process for you if you are travelling with us.
Most people need a visa to enter Uzbekistan, Kirgizstan, Afganistan and China. In most cases, you can apply directly to the Uzbek or Kirgiz embassy in your country without a visa support letter. The Kirgiz are particularly helpful and will give a three-month multi-entry visa without requiring any additional documentation.
Click on the attached link to apply for a letter of invitation and/or a Pamir (GBAO) permit.
