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Travel Guide
Please Note
This is a generalized travel guide and it is intended to coalesce several resources, which a traveler might find useful, regardless of a particular destination. As such, it does not include travel warnings for specific "hot spot" destinations.
For travel alerts and warnings, please see the United States Department of State's listings available at URL:
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html/
Please note that travel to the following countries, based on these warnings, is ill-advised, or should be undertaken with the utmost precaution:
Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Central African Republic, Chad, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), El Salvador, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Honduras, Iraq, Iran, North Korea, Lebanon, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Palestinian Territories of West Bank and Gaza, Philippines areas of Sulu Archipelago, Mindanao, and southern Sulu Sea, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Turkey, Venezuela, and Yemen.
International Travel Guide
Checklist for Travelers
1. Make sure you travel with the proper documentation. This may include passports, travel visas, consent for travel with minors, and international driving permits, if necessary. Get the necessary visas for the country (or countries) one intends to visit - but be aware that a visa does not guarantee entry.
2. Protect one's personal information by making copies of one's passport details, insurance policy, travelers checks and credit card numbers. Taking copies of such documents with you, while leaving another collection copies with someone at home, is also good practice for travelers. Taking copies of one's passport photograph is also recommended, as well as leaving a copy of one's passport photograph and details at home is also recommended.
3. Take time to learn about one's destination country and culture. Read and learn about the place one is traveling. Also check political, economic and socio-cultural developments at the destination by reading country-specific travel reports and fact sheets. Always have the contact information for the embassy or consulate of your home country.
4. Keep in regular contact with friends and relatives back at home by phone or email, and be sure to leave a travel itinerary. As well, keep a list of your emergency contacts handy and create a communication plan for reaching family and friends in the event of a crisis.
5. While it may be appealing to travel "off the grid" and without attention to current events, it is inadvisable to travel internationally without paying attention to the news and current events taking place "in country." Monitor local radio, television, and other sources for news and updates. Make contacts with staff at hotels and/or in the community so you are able to stay informed.
6. Phone lines are usually affected during a crisis. Think about other ways to communicate. For example, update your social media status often and send messages as regularly as possible to let friends and family know how you are doing.
7. Know the laws of one's destination country and culture; be sure to understand the repercussions of breaking those laws and regulations. Often the transparency and freedoms of the juridical system at home is not consistent with that of one's destination country. Become aware of these complexities and subtleties before you travel.
8. For longer stays in a country, or where the security situation is volatile, one should register one's self and traveling companions at the local embassy or consulate of one's country of citizenship. Be prepared for crisis situations and have an exit strategy to ensure you can easily evacuate from a volatile situation. Have more than one way to get towards safety as a crisis event may make some roads unpassable or unsafe.
9. Stay healthy by taking all possible precautions against illness. Also, be sure to take extra supplies of prescription drugs along for the trip, while also taking time to pack general pharmaceutical supplies, such as aspirin and other such painkillers, bandages, stomach ailment medication, anti-inflammatory medication and anti-bacterial medication.
10. Do not carry illicit drugs. Understand that the punishment for possession or use of illegal drugs in some countries may be capital punishment. Make sure your prescription drugs are legal in the countries you plan to visit.
11. Women should take care to be prepared both culturally and practically for traveling in a different country and culture. One should be sure to take sufficient supplies of personal feminine products and prescription drugs. One should also learn about local cultural standards for women, including norms of dressing. Be aware that it is simply inappropriate and unsafe for women to travel alone in some countries, and take the necessary precautions to avoid risk-filled situations.
12. If one is traveling with small children, one should pack extra supplies, make arrangements with the travel carrier for proper seating that would adequately accommodate children, infants or toddlers. Note also that whether one is male of female, traveling with children means that one's hands are thus not free to carry luggage and bags. Be especially aware that this makes one vulnerable to pickpockets, thieves and other sorts of crime.
13. Make proper arrangements for accommodations, well in advance of one's arrival at a destination. Some countries have limited accommodation, while others may have culturally distinctive facilities. Learning about these practicalities before one travels will greatly aid the enjoyment of one's trip.
14. Travel with different forms of currency and money (cash, traveler's checks and credit cards) in anticipation that venues may not accept one or another form of money. Also, ensuring that one's financial resources are not contained in one location, or by one person (if one is traveling with others) can be a useful measure, in the event that one loses a wallet or purse. Contact your credit card companies ahead of departure to notify them of your travel plans and be on the lookout for suspicious activity.
15. Find out about transportation in the destination country. In some places, it might be advisable to hire a local driver or taxi guide for safety reasons, while in other countries, enjoying one's travel experience may well be enhanced by renting a vehicle and seeing the local sights and culture independently. Costs may also be prohibitive for either of these choices, so again, prior planning is suggested. If you plan to drive "in country," as indicated above, ensure you have proper international driving permits.
16. Be aware that other countries use different voltage. Travel with a voltage adaptor pack if you will need to power up a laptop, phone, or medical device. It is also advisable to think in terms of power supply, and be sure to find backup power or other ways that will sustain your device or equipment during a power outage.
Tips for Travelers
• Get a visa before traveling.
• Bring enough money. 'Bouncing' and 'post-dated' checks are illegal.
• Keep belongings in a safe place.
• Check with your embassy, consulate, or appropriate government institution related to travel before traveling.
• Keep on top of developments in the Middle East.
• Respect local laws and customs. Modesty of behavior and dress is expected.
• Avoid taking photographs of military and industrial establishments, particularly oil fields.
• Keep to tarmac roads when out of Kuwait City. Unexploded ordnance is still a danger.
• Driving is hazardous. Vigilance is essential.
• Enter next of kin details into the back of your passport.
• Don't carry drugs or alcohol: penalties can be severe.
• Don't carry pork products.
• Don't carry pornographic material.
• Do not overstay your visa.
• Do not travel anywhere near the border with Iraq.
Note: This information is directly quoted from the United Kingdom Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
Sources: United Kingdom Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Travel Advisory
The United States Department of State offers the following information regarding travel to Tajikistan:
COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Tajikistan, an independent country in Central Asia, has been undergoing profound political and economic changes since the break-up of the Soviet Union. Tourist facilities are undeveloped, and many goods and services taken for granted in other countries are unavailable. The capital is Dushanbe. After the civil war in 1992, sporadic fighting continued, largely in remote areas. Comprehensive peace accords were signed in June 1997, though some armed clashes involving renegade forces took place subsequently.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: A passport and visa are required to enter Tajikistan. Travelers must produce the visa to register at hotels. Failure to produce a valid visa may cause a traveler to leave the country immediately. Visas issued by the Russian embassies and consulates are no longer valid for travel to Tajikistan. Tajik visas can be obtained at Tajik embassies or consulates abroad. Tajik visas can be obtained at the Dushanbe airport upon arrival only through prior arrangement with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan. Visitors to Tajikistan require an official invitation to Tajikistan from a sponsoring organization or individual. Entry into Tajikistan at points along the Gorno-Badakhshan border requires special authorization in advance in addition to a valid Tajik visa.
Tajik authorities advise that requests for visas need to be submitted by sponsoring organizations or individuals to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or OVIR (Department of Visas and Registration) at least three weeks in advance of the planned travel. Travelers who would like their visas to be extended need to apply for extension in advance through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (official travelers) or OVIR (tourist or commercial travlers). Travelers staying in Tajikistan three days or longer must obtain registration stamps at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or OVIR. The registering agency also depends on whether the purpose of the visit to Tajikistan is for official or personal travel.
For further information on entry requirements, please contact the Mission of the Republic of Tajikistan to the United Nations, 136 East 67th St., New York, NY 10021; telephone (212) 472-76-45.
Note: To ensure admission to another country when leaving Tajikistan, travelers should obtain the appropriate double entry Russian, Kazakh or Uzbek visas before departure from Tajikistan.
In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated procedures at entry/exit points. These often include requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission for the child's travel from the parent(s) or legal guardian not present. Having such documentation on hand, even if not required, may facilitate entry/departure.
SAFETY AND SECURITY: Tajikistan has suffered from severe security problems since gaining independence. Instability in Afghanistan has adversely affected the security situation in the Central Asian countries sharing a border, including Tajikistan. It is currently unclear how anti-terrorist operations in Afghanistan have affected the risk of future terrorist actions in Tajikistan. In addition, organized crime continues to be a serious problem in the capital city of Dushanbe and its environs, and security forces have a strong presence in Dushanbe and areas to the south.
The Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU) a foreign terrorist organization which has targeted Americans in the past, has been affected by the U.S. military actions in Afghanistan due to their ties to Al-Qaida and the Taliban. Their current operational capabilities remain unclear. In 1999 and 2000, IMU fighters used Tajik territory to stage cross-border attacks into the Kyrgyz Republic and Uzbekistan, taking American, Japanese, and Kyrgyz citizens hostage in the process.
Sporadic violence does occur in Tajikistan. The violence is largely the result of fighting between rival clan-based heavily armed factions competing for control of markets and narcotics trafficking. Past incidents have included several spontaneous shootouts between factions in public marketplaces (particularly the Green Market), a marketplace bombing in April 2001, and a suicide bombing in September 2001. Though such incidents have not specifically targeted Americans, innocent bystanders have been injured or killed during these attacks. Criminal and terrorist groups in Tajikistan do not distinguish between civilian and official targets, and for this reason, U.S. travelers should avoid demonstrations, places where military personnel congregate, and crowds. Americans should be aware that the danger increases greatly after dark.
In addition, there have been clashes between government troops and criminal groups outside of Dushanbe. In summer 2001, the Tajik government conducted security operations in order to eliminate one such criminal group, which was responsible for the June 2001 hostage-taking of foreign aid workers (including an American citizen) in the Karategin Valley. This operation resulted in the deaths or arrests of many of the group's members. Other Tajik security initiatives include a campaign to disarm factional militias operating in Dushanbe.
Outside of Dushanbe, the situation has generally remained calm in the northern province of Sughd (formerly Leninabad) and in Gorno-Badakhshan in the east. However, the security situation in former opposition-held areas such as the Karategin Valley remains fluid. In the past, renegade groups in these areas have targeted foreigners for violence. U.S. citizens should check with the U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe for current information before traveling outside Dushanbe.
Security personnel may at times place foreign visitors under surveillance. Hotel rooms, telephones and fax machines may be monitored, and personal possessions in hotel rooms may be searched. Taking photographs of anything that could be perceived as being of military or security interest may result in problems with the authorities.
From time to time, the U.S. Embassy may suspend or otherwise restrict the travel of U.S. Embassy personnel to Tajikistan and within Tajikistan. The Department of State relocated U.S. Embassy operations from Dushanbe, Tajikistan to Almaty, Kazakhstan in 1998 due to instability in Tajikistan, threats against Americans and American interests worldwide, and the limited ability to secure the safety of U.S. Embassy personnel in Dushanbe. American diplomatic personnel currently reside in Almaty, Kazakhstan, and travel frequently to Tajikistan.
Note: U.S. citizens should check the Consular Information Sheets and current Travel Warnings or Public Announcements for nearby countries, including Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Turkmenistan.and Uzbekistan on a regular basis. The U.S. Embassy in each of those countries can provide up-to-date information about local crime and safety issues.
CRIME: Tajikistan is a country with a struggling economy and widespread unemployment. This has resulted in considerable street crime, in addition to the organized crime described in the above section on "Safety and Security." There have been a number of pickpocketings, muggings and armed robberies in the homes of persons perceived to have money, including foreigners. Travelers should not travel alone or on foot after dark.
MEDICAL FACILITIES: The medical infrastructure of Tajikistan is significantly below Western standards, with severe shortages of basic medical supplies, including disposable needles, anesthetics, and antibiotics. Many trained medical personnel left the country. Elderly travelers and those with pre-existing health problems may be at particular risk due to inadequate medical facilities..
OTHER HEALTH INFORMATION: Significant disease outbreaks are possible due to population shifts and the breakdown in immunization activity. There have been outbreaks of typhoid in the Dushanbe area and in the south, and the risk of cholera and water-borne illnesses is high. Throughout Central Asia, rates of infection of various forms of hepatitis and tuberculosis (including drug-resistant strains) are on the rise.
The government of Tajikistan requires visitors who remain in country for more than 90 days to present a medical certificate showing that they are HIV-free, or to submit to an HIV test in Tajikistan. This testing requirement is not currently being implemented, but enforcement could begin at any time. Because of the lack of medical supplies, submitting to an HIV test in Tajikistan could pose a health risk. HIV is a growing health threat in Tajikistan.
TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Tajikistan is provided for general reference only, and it may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.
Safety of Public Transportation: Poor
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance: Fair
Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance: Poor
Availability of Roadside Assistance: Poor
Road travel outside of Dushanbe can be made difficult by checkpoints, where police or soldiers staffing the checkpoints are armed. They have been known to shoot if vehicles do not stop upon request. There are also checkpoints on the road east of Dushanbe, operated by independent armed groups. These independent groups have targeted foreigners in the past. For this reason, road travel to the east is strongly discouraged. Vehicles with Tajik license plates have frequently been refused permission to enter Uzbekistan. A change of vehicles at the Uzbek border may be required. Road travel should be undertaken only in daylight hours and on routes known to the traveler or a reliable escort.
CUSTOMS REGULATIONS: Tajik customs authorities may subject all items that are imported into or exported from Tajikistan to a high level of scrutiny. The Government of Tajikistan may enforce strict customs regulations against those who import and export goods. There are currency restrictions. Travelers must fill out a Customs Declaration Form upon arrival. Travelers retain the form until departure to demonstrate that they are not taking more money out of Tajikistan than was brought into the country. Please contact the U.S.- Tajikistan Chamber of Commerce, 1250 24th St., N.W., Suite 350, Washington, D.C. 20037, telephone (202) 776-7770 or the U.S.-Tajikistan Chamber of Commerce, 1250 24th St., N.W. Suite 350, Washington D.C. 20037, telephone (202) 776-7770, for specific information about customs requirements.
CRIMINAL PENALITIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons who violate Tajikistan's laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs in Tajikistan are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.
CONSULAR ACCESS: Travelers to Tajikistan are subject to frequent document inspections. U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to carry a copy of their U.S. passports and Tajik visas at all times. In accordance with the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations and certain bilateral agreements, local authorities must grant a United States Consular officer access to any U.S. citizen who is arrested. U.S. citizens who are arrested or detained should ask to contact the U.S. Embassy immediately.
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Travel to, from, and within Tajikistan is difficult and unreliable. Flights may be canceled or substantially delayed. Neighboring countries may unilaterally close borders. Commercial charter flights are frequently overloaded with merchandise. International train connections are dangerous because of criminals reportedly operating onboard.
Tajikistan is a cash-only economy. International banking services are not available. Credit cards and traveler's checks are not accepted. Travel with large amounts of cash can be dangerous. Tajikistan's national currency is the Somoni, which is convertible. Please contact the U.S.-Tajikistan Chamber of Commerce, 1250 24th St., N.W. Suite 350, Washington D.C. 20037, telephone (202) 776-7770, for information on currency restrictions.
Source: United States Department of State
Online Resources Regarding Entry Requirements and Visas
Foreign Entry Requirements for Americans from the United States Department of State
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1765.html
Visa Services for Non-Americans from the United States Department of State
http://travel.state.gov/visa/visa_1750.html
Visa Bulletins from the United States Department of State
http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/bulletin/bulletin_1360.html
Visa Waivers from the United States Department of State
http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/without/without_1990.html - new
Passport and Visa Information from the Government of the United Kingdom
http://www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk/
Visa Information from the Government of Australia
http://www.dfat.gov.au/visas/index.html
Passport Information from the Government of Australia
https://www.passports.gov.au/Web/index.aspx
Passport Information from the Government of Canada
http://www.voyage.gc.ca/preparation_information/passport_passeport-eng.asp
Visa Information from the Government of Canada
http://www.voyage.gc.ca/preparation_information/visas-eng.asp
Online Visa Processing by Immigration Experts by VisaPro
http://www.visapro.com
Sources: United States Department of State, United Kingdom Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Government of Australia: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Government of Canada Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
Useful Online Resources for Travelers
Country-Specific Travel Information from United States
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1765.html
Travel Advice by Country from Government of United Kingdom
http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-living-overseas/travel-advice-by-country/
General Travel Advice from Government of Australia
http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Advice/General
Travel Bulletins from the Government of Australia
http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/TravelBulletins/
Travel Tips from Government of Australia
http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/tips/index.html
Travel Checklist by Government of Canada
http://www.voyage.gc.ca/preparation_information/checklist_sommaire-eng.asp
Travel Checklist from Government of United Kingdom
http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-living-overseas/staying-safe/checklist
Your trip abroad from United States Department of State
http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/brochures/brochures_1225.html
A safe trip abroad from United States Department of State
http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1747.html
Tips for expatriates abroad from United States Department of State
http://travel.state.gov/travel/living/residing/residing_1235.html
Tips for students from United States Department of State
http://travel.state.gov/travel/living/studying/studying_1238.html http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/brochures/brochures_1219.html
Medical information for travelers from United States Department of State
http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/health/health_1185.html
US Customs Travel information
http://www.customs.gov/xp/cgov/travel/
Sources: United States Department of State; United States Customs Department, United Kingdom Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Government of Australia; Government of Canada: Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
Other Practical Online Resources for Travelers
Foreign Language Phrases for Travelers
http://www.travlang.com/languages/
http://www.omniglot.com/language/phrases/index.htm
World Weather Forecasts
http://www.intellicast.com/
http://www.wunderground.com/
http://www.worldweather.org/
Worldwide Time Zones, Map, World Clock
http://www.timeanddate.com/
http://www.worldtimezone.com/
International Airport Codes
http://www.world-airport-codes.com/
International Dialing Codes
http://www.kropla.com/dialcode.htm
http://www.countrycallingcodes.com/
International Phone Guide
http://www.kropla.com/phones.htm
International Mobile Phone Guide
http://www.kropla.com/mobilephones.htm
International Internet Café Search Engine
http://cybercaptive.com/
Global Internet Roaming
http://www.kropla.com/roaming.htm
World Electric Power Guide
http://www.kropla.com/electric.htm
http://www.kropla.com/electric2.htm
World Television Standards and Codes
http://www.kropla.com/tv.htm
International Currency Exchange Rates
http://www.xe.com/ucc/
Banking and Financial Institutions Across the World
http://www.123world.com/banks/index.html
International Credit Card or Automated Teller Machine (ATM) Locator
http://visa.via.infonow.net/locator/global/
http://www.mastercard.com/us/personal/en/cardholderservices/atmlocations/index.html
International Chambers of Commerce
http://www.123world.com/chambers/index.html
World Tourism Websites
http://123world.com/tourism/
Diplomatic and Consular Information
United States Diplomatic Posts Around the World
http://www.usembassy.gov/
United Kingdom Diplomatic Posts Around the World
http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/about-the-fco/embassies-and-posts/find-an-embassy-overseas/
Australia's Diplomatic Posts Around the World
http://www.dfat.gov.au/missions/
http://www.dfat.gov.au/embassies.html
Canada's Embassies and High Commissions
http://www.international.gc.ca/ciw-cdm/embassies-ambassades.aspx
Resources for Finding Embassies and other Diplomatic Posts Across the World
http://www.escapeartist.com/embassy1/embassy1.htm
Safety and Security
Travel Warnings by Country from Government of Australia
http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Advice/
Travel Warnings and Alerts from United States Department of State
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_1764.html
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_1766.html
Travel Reports and Warnings by Government of Canada
http://www.voyage.gc.ca/countries_pays/menu-eng.asp
http://www.voyage.gc.ca/countries_pays/updates_mise-a-jour-eng.asp
Travel Warnings from Government of United Kingdom
http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-living-overseas/travel-advice-by-country/
http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-living-overseas/travel-advice-by-country/?action=noTravelAll#noTravelAll
Sources: United Kingdom Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the United States Department of State, the Government of Canada: Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Government of Australia: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Other Safety and Security Online Resources for Travelers
United States Department of State Information on Terrorism
http://www.state.gov/s/ct/
Government of the United Kingdom Resource on the Risk of Terrorism
http://www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPage&c=Page&cid=1044011304926
Government of Canada Terrorism Guide
http://www.international.gc.ca/crime/terrorism-terrorisme.aspx?lang=eng
Information on Terrorism by Government of Australia
http://www.dfat.gov.au/icat/index.html
FAA Resource on Aviation Safety
http://www.faasafety.gov/
In-Flight Safety Information for Air Travel (by British Airways crew trainer, Anna Warman)
http://www.warman.demon.co.uk/anna/inflight.html
Hot Spots: Travel Safety and Risk Information
http://www.airsecurity.com/hotspots/HotSpots.asp
Information on Human Rights
http://www.state.gov/g/drl/hr/
Sources: The United States Department of State, the United States Customs Department, the Government of Canada, the Government of United Kingdom, the Government of Australia, the Federal Aviation Authority, Anna Warman's In-flight Website, Hot Spots Travel and Risk Information
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