Customs

When you arrive at Tajikistan's border (whether a land border or at the airport), you will be required to fill in a customs declaration form. The form is usually only available in Russian, although sometimes an English translation is available at Dushanbe airport.

Customs declaration form

Page 1	Page 2

The images above are unfortunately a little blurred and speckly and difficult to read. This is not due to the inadequacies of my scanner. The form really does look like that.

Follow these links for a translation of the form with notes on how to complete it:

Customs declaration form, page 1 of 2
Customs declaration form, page 2 of 2

You may find it useful to print the translations and notes and take them with you to help you complete the form on arrival.

Completing the customs form

If you are carrying more than USD $500 cash (or equivalent), and plan to take this money with you when you leave Tajikistan, make sure that you declare the full amount on your customs form. Otherwise you may find yourself having to answer awkward questions about where your money came from.

You should also declare any other valuables that you intend to take with you when you leave Tajikistan. This may include your computer, camera and jewelery.

You should fill in two copies of the customs declaration form on arrival. One copy will be handed in, and you should keep the second copy in a safe place. Make sure that the copy that you keep has been stamped by an official. The customs officials may be quite happy to let you leave without having your own copy of the declaration, but this can cause problems when you try to leave the country.

On departure, fill in another declaration stating what cash and valuables you are taking with you (just one copy this time). Hand this in with your original customs form as you depart.

One final caution If a customs officer asks you how much money you are carrying, don't give a verbal answer. Sometimes officials look for a bribe or "tip" from unsuspecting travellers. Request a customs form so that you can answer in writing. Don't pay any money to customs officials without getting a receipt.