Security Overview for Tajikistan

The Republic of Tajikistan became an independent state after the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991. President Emomali Rahmon has been in power since 1992 and saw the country through a five-year civil war that ended with a peace accord in 1997. Rahmon easily won re-election to a new seven-year term in 2006.

Compared to other former Soviet states, Tajikistan is poor and has very few natural resources. Its weak economy and proximity to Afghanistan make it a relatively insecure location. Problems include petty and violent crime, drug trafficking and kidnapping in border areas. Tajikistan also suffers from shortages of medical supplies and basic necessities.

Crime is a serious concern throughout the country. Armed assaults are common. Avoid venturing out alone, especially after dark. Pick-pocketing and robberies occur most frequently at open-air markets, near hotels and in shopping areas. Public transportation and hotel nightclubs are best avoided.

Large-scale demonstrations are not common. Expect security forces to react with force when protests occur. Avoid all demonstrations.

Before undertaking travel outside Dushanbe, carefully consider all matters of personal security and take appropriate precautions. Consult your country's diplomatic mission for security advice on the destination you plan to visit. Many areas require permission from the government prior to travel. Local customs and police officials often demand documentation authorizing travel within their area of jurisdiction.

Avoid all travel near Tajikistan's borders. The Afghan-Tajik border is a haven for drug smuggling, and special permission is required to travel in the area. One must also obtain permission from the government to travel near military installations; the area of Kuhistan-i-Badakshan in the Pamir region; border areas in the Fan Mountains; and the Shah-i-Mardan and Sokh enclaves - all of which have extensive mine fields. Hostage-taking incidents, including some targeting foreigners, have occurred along the borders with Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan.

The Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU), allied with Al-Qaeda, is active in Tajikistan. The government blames the IMU recent bombings in Dushanbe. The IMU is also active near the Uzbek-Tajik-Kyrgyz borders and has been known to kidnap travelers in the area.

Road travel in Tajikistan can be very dangerous. Traffic signals do not always work and many roads are not well lit. Many motorists drive recklessly and do not always follow traffic laws. Pedestrians do not have the right of way; be cautious when crossing streets.

Tajikistan is primarily a cash economy. Due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity, use credit cards and debit cards with caution. If you use an ATM, do so during business hours at a location inside a bank.

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How we determine a country's overall security rating

Each country's current overall risk rating is determined by considering categorical assessments in kidnapping, crime, security services, civil unrest, terrorism and geopolitical stability.

Minimal Threat

Most countries in this category have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with a low rate of unemployment. These countries have overall low rates of crime. Violent crime is almost non-existent. Petty crimes do occur, but are usually limited to petty theft and pick pocketing. Police and military services are trained and trustworthy, but may lack investigative and crime fighting equipment and skills. Strikes and demonstrations are rare and if they occur are usually well planned and managed and rarely spurn violent incidents. There are no known insurgent or terrorist groups.

Low Threat

Most countries in this category will have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with some unemployment. These countries have low crime rates. Violent crimes are rare and usually involve associated persons. Petty crimes such as theft and pick pocketing are a concern and travelers may be directly targeted. Risks can usually be mitigated with simple security measures. Police and military services are well trained and trustworthy but may lack adequate investigative equipment. Incidents of civil unrest such as strikes and demonstrations may disrupt daily life, but are usually non-violent and well coordinated. These countries may experience rare instances of domestic terrorist activity but are not threatened by international terrorism. Anti-government groups may be present but have little or no impact.

Moderate Threat

Most countries in this category will have a somewhat stable political infrastructure and economic system but unemployment and rising inflation cause some instability. These countries have moderate levels of crime. Violent crimes such as sexual assault and murder occur, but few are random incidents. Petty crimes, especially theft or destruction of unattended property, are common. Incidents of armed assault also occur. More threatening crimes are usually limited to urban areas or certain parts of the country. Police and military services may suffer from corruption and lack of training, but are generally adequate for investigations. Strikes and demonstrations can disrupt daily life and may easily spur violence. This country may have a variety of anti-government and domestic terrorist groups that are organized and outspoken against the government and may conduct incidents of violence. Small cells of international terrorist organizations exist but incidents of terrorism are not common.

High Threat

Most countries in the category have unstable political infrastructure and economic system with high rates of unemployment and inflation. Violent and petty crimes are common in most areas and random acts of violence do occur. Some areas may have a general state of lawlessness. Traveling alone, especially at night, should be avoided. There will be a large infiltration of arms in the population. Police and military services lack training and equipment. Both institutions are prone to corruption. Strikes and demonstrations are common and usually violent. Domestic terrorist and insurgent groups are active and well organized. They conduct bombings and other violent acts against government, local and international interests. International terrorist groups exist and may conduct activities within the country and abroad. The country may be involved in cross border warfare.

Extreme Threat

Most countries in this category lack a political infrastructure with any democratic premise and have a high rate of corruption. The economy is unstable with a high rate of unemployment. There is a very high rate of violent and petty crime. A general state of lawlessness exists in most urban and remote areas. Overland travel through the country must be avoided. Many domestic terrorist or rebel groups exist and are frequently active; areas of the country may be controlled by rebel factions. International terrorist operations may be well organized and active. Anti- government actions and large demonstrations are common and violent. Cross border and internal warfare occur.