Medical Summary
The health risk information presented here is summarized from Shoreland Travax®, a decision-support tool used by health care providers to perform a detailed health risk analysis based on specific locations, individual travel styles, and traveler risk behaviors. Travax provides practitioners current, independently researched malaria risk and prevention recommendations in a map-based format that goes beyond the annual WHO and US CDC statements included here. Not included here are current reports from Travax of disease outbreaks or environmental events that may pose elevated risks to travelers’ health and safety. The Providers section of this site offers a directory of health care providers who utilize Shoreland Travax for travel health counseling. Learn more about the detailed reports and maps available from these practitioners (includes links to samples).
General Information
Tajikistan is a developing nation classified as low income. Located in central Asia (north of Afghanistan and south of Kyrgyzstan), the climate is extremely diverse with classifications that range from dry summer to dry (arid), with cooler temperatures at high-altitudes.
Vaccinations
Depending on your itinerary, your personal risk factors, and the length of your visit, your health care provider may offer you vaccination against COVID-19, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, influenza, measles, mumps, rubella, rabies, or typhoid fever. Routine immunizations, such as those that prevent tetanus/diphtheria or "childhood" diseases, should be reviewed and updated as needed.
Malaria
See also: Library article for Malaria
The following is current information as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC):
WHO—International Travel and Health (current online update, Country List)
(2017) No indigenous cases of P. falciparum have been reported since 2009 and of P. vivax since 2015. Previous risk due predominantly to P. vivax existed (from June through October) particularly in southern areas (Khatlon Region) and in some central (Dushanbe), western (Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region), and northern (Leninabad Region) areas.- Recommended prevention in risk areas: A - Very limited risk of malaria transmission. Mosquito bite prevention only.
WHO Country List footnote: When available, the date of the most recent update or confirmation is indicated in parentheses in the country list. If no date is indicated, the most recent update or confirmation was provided before 2013.
CDC—Health Information for International Travel (current online edition)
Areas with malaria: Rare indigenous cases.- Drug resistance3 : Chloroquine.
- Malaria species: P. vivax 90%, P. falciparum 10%.
- Recommended chemoprophylaxis: None (practice mosquito avoidance).
3 Refers to P. falciparum malaria unless otherwise noted.
4 Primaquine and tafenoquine can cause hemolytic anemia in people with G6PD deficiency. Patients must be screened for G6PD deficiency before starting primaquine or tafenoquine. See Tafenoquine Approved for Malaria Prophylaxis and Treatment for more information.
Other Concerns
Travelers' Diarrhea
See also: Library article for Travelers' Diarrhea
High risk exists throughout the country, with moderate risk in deluxe accommodations. Community sanitation and food safety measures are generally inadequate. Some itineraries (e.g., remote destinations, austere accommodations) and activities (e.g., ecotourism, eating street or local-market food) further increase risk.
Travelers should observe food and beverage precautions, which reduce the likelihood of illness.
Travelers should carry loperamide for self-treatment of diarrhea and, if risk is moderate to high, an antibiotic to add if diarrhea is severe. Consult a knowledgeable health care provider regarding which antibiotic is appropriate for you and most effective for your destination.
Other Food-Borne Illnesses
Precautions to prevent brucellosis may be needed.
Insect- and Arthropod-Borne Diseases
Leishmaniasis, West Nile virus may pose a risk. Personal protective measures are important.
Other Disease and Health Risks
Additional concerns include anthrax disease, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, helminths, hepatitis C, leptospirosis, plague, sexually transmitted infections, tuberculosis.
Consular Advice
The material below includes information from the US Department of State (DOS), the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCO), Global Affairs Canada (GAC), and Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), as well as from additional open-source material. Standard safety precautions that apply to all international travel can be found in the Library article Safety and Security.
Consular Travel Advice
Due to violent crime and landmines, Australia (DFAT) advises reconsidering travel (or avoiding nonessential travel) to Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region and areas bordering Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan. Canada (GAC) has a more limited warning. US (DOS) and UK (FCO) have no current warnings.
Terrorism Risk
Risk of attack by transnational terrorist groups exists throughout the country, especially in Dushanbe and areas bordering Afghanistan. Targets may include domestic and international organizations and businesses; public places and events, including those frequented by tourists; and transportation systems.
Crime
Low risk of violent crime (armed robbery and sexual assault, including verbal and physical harassment) and moderate risk of petty crime exist throughout the country, especially in Dushanbe (particularly in areas frequented by tourists and on international rail services).
Scams involving corrupt officials have been reported.
Risk exists of robberies and/or assaults occurring after consuming intentionally drugged food or drink; tourists are frequently targeted.
Civil Unrest
Protests and demonstrations may infrequently occur and have the potential to turn violent without warning. Bystanders are at risk of harm from violence or from the response by authorities. Disruption to transportation, free movement, or the ability to carry out daily activities may occur.
Unsafe Areas
Armed conflict may occur and a dangerous security environment and restricted areas may exist in areas bordering Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan; in Gorno-Badakhshan Province, including Khorugh Town; and in Tavlidara District, East Karotegin (Rasht Valley).
Transportation Safety
High risk of traffic-related injury or death exists. The road traffic death rate is 12 to 24 per 100,000 population. The rate is less than 10 in most high-income countries.
Seat belt laws are poorly enforced.
Structural standards for vehicles may not meet international standards.
Natural Disasters
The rainy season is from December through March in northeastern areas and from May through October in southwestern areas. Floods, mudslides, and landslides may occur.
Avalanches, floods, mudslides, and landslides may occur from March through May, especially in high-altitude areas.
Seismic activity frequently occurs.
Consular Information
Selected Embassies or Consulates in Tajikistan
- United States: [+992] 37-229-2000; tj.usembassy.gov
- Canada: Canada does not have an embassy or consulate in Tajikistan.
- United Kingdom: [+992] 237-224-2221; www.gov.uk/world/organisations/british-embassy-dushanbe
- Australia: Australia does not have an embassy or consulate in Tajikistan.
Tajikistan's Embassies or Consulates in Selected Countries
- In the U.S.: www.mfa.tj/en/washington
- In Canada: Tajikistan does not have an embassy or consulate in Canada.
- In the U.K.: www.tajembassy.org.uk
- In Australia: Tajikistan does not have an embassy or consulate in Australia.
