
STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL ADVISORY - Tajikistan
============================================================
TAJIKISTAN - WARNING
  June 25, 1992

SUMMARY:  U.S. citizens planning to visit Tajikistan or the other
former Soviet republics should be aware that the region is
undergoing profound political and economic change.  Conditions have
stabilized in the capital city Dushanbe. However, travelers should
defer travel to southern Tajikistan, especially the area around
Kulyab, due to clashes between opposing political groups and recent
flooding in the region.  U.S. citizens should avoid demonstrations
or other signs of political unrest, and should stay abreast of
current developments in order to be ready to react to evolving
events.  As always when traveling, tourists should take precautions
against theft.  U.S. citizens in frail health are strongly advised
not to visit the region because of severe shortages of basic medical
supplies.  Internal travel, especially by air, may be disrupted by
fuel shortages and other economic difficulties.  END SUMMARY.

Travelers should defer travel to southern Tajikistan, especially
the area around Kulyab, due to clashes between opposing political
groups and recent flooding in the region. Conditions in the capital,
Dushanbe, have stabilized, although checkpoints are in place on all
major roads leading into the city. Dushanbe International Airport is
fully operational. Government offices, stores and public
transportation have resumed operations.

Internal Travel Disruptions:  Fuel shortages make airline travel
to, from and within Tajikistan increasingly erratic.  It can be
difficult to make alternative arrangements for departure from the
region if flights are canceled or delayed.

Visas:  All travelers to the former Soviet Union, including
Tajikistan, must have a visa issued by a Russian Embassy or
Consulate.  Travelers who do not have a visa cannot register at any
hotel and will be required to leave the country immediately, via the
route by which they entered the country.  U.S. citizens should
contact the Russian Embassy in Washington (202-939-8916) or the
Russian Consulate in San Francisco (415-922-6642) for current
information on visa requirements.  U.S. citizens should obtain their
visas in the U.S.; it can be difficult and time-consuming to obtain
a visa in a third country.

"Tips for Travelers to the U.S.S.R.":  U.S. citizens planning a
trip to Tajikistan may wish to obtain a copy of the State
Department's "Tips for Travelers to the U.S.S.R.," which is
currently being revised.  Much of the information, however is still
valid for the newly independent states.  This pamphlet provides
information about passport and visa requirements, recommended
inoculations and vaccinations, health precautions, customs and
currency regulations, crime and personal security and other matters
of general interest.  The pamphlet also contains specific
information for dual nationals of the U.S. and the former U.S.S.R.
"Tips for Travelers to the U.S.S.R." can be ordered for $1.00 each
from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing
Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.  Travelers should also check with
Intourist (212-757-3884) or the State Department's Office of
Overseas Citizen Services (202-647-5225) for current information
before traveling.

Personal Security:  Although officials in Tajikistan have expressed
their readiness to cooperate with U.S. officials in the event of an
emergency involving a U.S. citizen, communications and
transportation can be slow and difficult, and the nearest U.S.
officials in some cases may be more than a day's travel away.  As
always when traveling, tourists should take precautions against
theft.

Medical care in the region does not meet Western standards.  There
is a severe shortage of basic medical supplies, including disposable
needles, anesthetics and antibiotics.  Tourists in frail health are
strongly advised not to visit.  The "Tips for Travelers to the
U.S.S.R." contains additional information on health care in the
region.

The U.S. has opened an Embassy in Dushanbe, the capital of
Tajikistan.  The Embassy is temporarily located at the Hotel
Oktyabr'skaya, Rudaki Street, and is currently providing limited
consular services to U.S. citizens in Tajikistan.  U.S. citizens in
need of emergency services may contact the Embassy at 7-3772-248223.
 All U.S. citizens visiting Tajikistan should register with the
Embassy.

 No. 92-135

This advisory replaces the travel advisory dated May 5, 1992, to
reflect improved conditions in the capital, Dushanbe.  This advisory
also warns travelers to defer all travel to the southern region of
the country, particularly around Kulyab.


