Wayzata World Factbook 1995/World Factbook - 1995 Edition - Wayzata Technology (1995).iso/mac/text/Build/tvltxt/TAJIKIST.TVL

Text File | 1994-12-07 | 6KB | 110 lines

Tajikistan - Travel Warning
June 8, 1994

U.S. citizens are warned against travel to Tajikistan.  There are terrorist
actions in the capital, sporadic fighting along borders, and unsettled
conditions in areas of the country.  U.S. citizens presently in Tajikistan
are advised to exercise extreme caution and to consider departing because of
the deteriorating security situation.

No. 94-023

This replaces the Travel Warning for Tajikistan dated April 30, 1993, to
advise U.S. citizens that departure is recommended because of the
deteriorating security situation.

Tajikistan - Consular Information Sheet
April 30, 1993

Warning:  U.S. citizens are warned against travel to Tajikistan.  There is
fighting in border areas, unsettled conditions in some areas of the
countryside, and the potential for terrorist actions in the capital,
possibly targeted against Americans.  The U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe is
providing only emergency consular services.

Country Description:  Tajikistan is a nation undergoing profound political
and economic change.  It is a newly independent nation still in the process
of stabilizing its relations with neighboring states.  Tourist facilities
are not developed, and many of the goods and services taken for granted in
other countries are not yet available. There is a curfew in parts of
Tajikistan, including the capital, Dushanbe.  In Dushanbe, the 10pm until
6am curfew is strictly enforced by checkpoints staffed by personnel who fire
on vehicles that fail to obey orders to stop.  These checkpoints operate
round-the-clock, and expect adherence to their instructions.

Entry Requirements:  A passport and visa are required.  Without a visa,
travelers cannot register at hotels and will be required to leave the
country immediately via the route by which they entered.  Visas for
Tajikistan are issued by a Russian embassy or consulate.  U.S. citizens can
contact the Russian Embassy, Consular Division, 1825 Phelps Place, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone [phone], 8911, 8913, 8918 or the
Russian Consulates in New York, San Francisco or Seattle for current
information on visa requirements.

Internal Travel:  Travel to, from and within Tajikistan is difficult and
unreliable.  Currently, the only regular international air travel to and
from Dushanbe is a four times weekly connection with Moscow.  There are
infrequent and irregular charter flights to other destinations.
International train connections can be dangerous because of criminals who
operate on board.  Travelers to Uzbekistan must have an Uzbek visa, which
cannot be obtained in Tajikistan.

Areas of Instability:  Travelers can expect to find checkpoints and
periodically, unsettled conditions in all parts of the country, with the
possible exception of the northern region of Leninabad which was spared the
civil/communal fighting that engulfed most of Tajikistan in 1992.  Travel
within 25 kilometers of the Tajikistan-Afghanistan border remains tightly
controlled and extremely dangerous due to armed clashes.

Medical Facilities:  There has been a significant deterioration in the
medical infrastructure in Tajikistan with many trained personnel having fled
the country.  There is a general scarcity of medical equipment and
medicines.  There is a potential for significant disease outbreaks because
of massive population displacements and a partial breakdown in immunization
activities.  U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United
States.  Travelers have found that supplemental medical insurance with
specific overseas coverage has proved to be useful.  Further information on
health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's
international travelers hotline, telephone [phone].

Crime Information:  There have been serious attacks against foreign
diplomats and individuals on main thoroughfares, in broad daylight.  Cars
have been stolen and houses robbed.  The disintegration of local economic
conditions, widespread unemployment in Tajikistan, and a less than effective
police force are in a large part to blame.  The loss or theft abroad of a
U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the
nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.  The Department of State's pamphlet "A
Safe Trip Abroad" provides useful information on guarding valuables and
protecting personal security while traveling abroad.  Additional information
on the region can be found in the brochure, "Tips for Travelers to Russia."
Both publications are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S.
Government Printing Office, Washington  D.C. 20402.

Currency Regulations:  Tajikistan is a cash-only economy.  International
banking services are not available.  Major credit cards and travelers checks
are rarely accepted.  Traveling in Tajikistan with large amounts of cash can
be dangerous.

Drug Penalties:  U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in
which they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in
illegal drugs are strict and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences
and fines.

Registration:  U.S. citizens who visit or remain in Tajikistan despite the
travel warning, can register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy and
obtain updated information on travel and security within Tajikistan.

Embassy Location:  The U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, is temporarily
located on the fourth floor of the Hotel Independence, (formerly known as
the Hotel October), 105A Rudaki Prospect; telephone [phone].  The
U.S. Embassy resumed operation in April, but is providing only emergency
consular services.

No.  93-106

This replaces the Consular Information Sheet for  Tajikistan dated October
7, 1992, to note the resumption of operations at the U.S. Embassy in
Tajikistan, to add information on areas of instability and medical
facilities, and to add information on reporting the loss or theft abroad of
a U.S. passport.