Tajikistan requires most visitors to obtain a visa before entering the country unless they are from one of the visa-exempt nations or eligible for visa on arrival or e-Visa. The country offers a simplified visa process, including the possibility of obtaining an e-Visa online, and has specific agreements for diplomatic and official passport holders.
Visa Exemption
Tajikistan offers visa-free access to nationals from several countries, with the length of stay determined by bilateral agreements. These countries are grouped into various categories:
Unlimited Period (Visa-Free)
Citizens from the following countries can enter Tajikistan indefinitely without a visa:
- Belarus
- Georgia
- Kazakhstan
- Kyrgyzstan
- Moldova
- Russia
90 Days Visa-Free
Citizens of the following countries can stay in Tajikistan visa-free for up to 90 days:
- Armenia
- Azerbaijan
- Ukraine
30 Days Visa-Free
For visitors from the following countries, visa-free entry is permitted for up to 30 days:
- European Union (All member states)
- Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic
- Ecuador, Iceland, Indonesia, Iran (direct flights between Dushanbe and Tehran required)
- Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Liechtenstein, Malaysia, Maldives, Mexico, Mongolia, Montenegro, New Zealand, Norway
- Oman, Philippines, Qatar, Saint Kitts and Nevis, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United States, Uzbekistan, Vatican City
Visa on Arrival (VoA)
Citizens of specific countries are eligible for a visa on arrival at Dushanbe International Airport. The duration of stay depends on nationality:
- Morocco (2 months)
- Algeria, Andorra, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Egypt, Ireland, Israel, Lebanon, Malta, Mexico, Mongolia, Oman, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, United Kingdom, Vatican City, Venezuela, Vietnam (45 days)
e-Visa (Electronic Visa)
Tajikistan introduced its e-Visa system on 1 June 2016, which is available to citizens of most countries. The e-Visa can be used for both tourism and business purposes. Visitors can apply for a single-entry or multiple-entry visa for a fee, allowing a stay of up to 60 days within 90 days.
Eligible countries for the e-Visa include:
- European Union (All member states)
- Albania, Argentina, Australia, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, Egypt, India, Israel, Japan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, United States, Vietnam
Citizens of any country can apply for an e-Visa for tourism or business. The e-Visa must be used at one of the country’s designated border crossings, including land and airport points. Additionally, visitors can apply for a permit to enter the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region (GBAO) during the e-Visa application process.
Special Visa-Free Access for Seniors
Citizens of the following countries, aged 55 and older, are granted visa-free entry for a maximum of 14 days:
- Albania, Algeria, Barbados, China, Dominica, Fiji, Laos, Lebanon, Madagascar, Morocco, Nicaragua, North Macedonia, Panama, Tunisia, Vanuatu, Vietnam
Visa for Non-Ordinary Passports
Holders of diplomatic, official, or service passports from specific countries are eligible for visa-free entry, including:
- Brunei, China, India, Iran, Morocco, North Korea, Pakistan, Palestine, Romania, Singapore, South Korea, Turkey
Additionally, Tajikistan has signed visa exemption agreements with several countries for holders of diplomatic or service passports, such as Italy, Serbia, Venezuela, and Saudi Arabia, though some agreements are yet to be ratified.
Admission Restrictions
- Entry Refused: Tajikistan does not admit nationals from Kosovo, and individuals traveling with passports issued by Abkhazia, Somaliland, South Ossetia, and Transnistria.
Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region (GBAO)
A special permit is required for travelers wishing to visit the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region in eastern Tajikistan. The permit can be obtained for an additional fee during the e-Visa application process or in person.
- OVIR permit required (15+5 Tajikistani Somoni).
- Additional permits for specific locations, such as Lake Sarez, are required but issued free of charge.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
- Can I get a visa on arrival in Tajikistan? Yes, citizens of certain countries, including Morocco, Algeria, Andorra, and Egypt, can obtain a visa on arrival at Dushanbe International Airport for stays of up to 45 days.
- Who can enter Tajikistan visa-free? Nationals from CIS countries like Kazakhstan, Russia, and Kyrgyzstan can enter Tajikistan visa-free. Citizens of EU countries, the United States, and others can stay visa-free for up to 30 days.
- How can I apply for an e-Visa? The Tajikistan e-Visa can be applied for online through the official portal. It allows entry for tourism or business, and you can select a single-entry or multiple-entry visa valid for up to 60 days.
- What documents are required for the e-Visa? You will need a passport valid for at least six months, a digital passport photo, and the e-Visa application fee. The e-Visa can be used at designated entry points in Tajikistan.
- Is a special permit required to visit Gorno-Badakhshan? Yes, a special OVIR permit is required to visit the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region (GBAO). This permit can be requested during your e-Visa application or obtained separately.
- Are there any restricted nationalities? Yes, Tajikistan does not admit nationals from Kosovo and refuses to recognize certain passports, including those from Abkhazia, Somaliland, and South Ossetia.
