The issue of lifting the visa regime between Tajikistan and Turkiye is expected to be discussed during consular consultations in Turkiye’s capital, Ankara, today, April 21, Turkiye’s Embassy in Dushanbe responded to Asia-Plus’s request.  

According to the Embassy, the meeting will address a broad range of issues related to consular cooperation, including visa agreements.

“We aim to achieve a visa waiver in the future through close cooperation and dialogue between the relevant authorities of both countries,” the Embassy stated in its response.

As of now, Tajik citizens are required to obtain a visa for travel to Turkey.

Earlier, Turkish authorities stated that the visa regime might be a temporary measure, but no specific timeline for its cancellation has been announced.

Why was the visa regime introduced?

Since 2018, Tajik citizens have been able to travel to Turkey for up to 90 days without a visa. That opening was closed April, 2024 as Turkish authorities announced that a visa regime will be put in place starting April 20, 2024.

Turkish officials have not provided specific reasons for the change, but analysts suggest that the decision may be related to security concerns.

There have been numerous reports in the media about the detention of Tajik citizens suspected of ties to terrorist organizations.  Some of the recent cases involved individuals connected to potential threats in Turkiye and Russia.

A year ago, in a reciprocal measure, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan also imposed a visa regime on Turkish passport holders.

What difficulties do Tajik citizens face?

According to applicants, obtaining a visa has become a serious challenge.  The required documents are more extensive than for a visa to EU countries: from a police clearance certificate and financial guarantees to notarized invitations.

Online registration, flight and accommodation bookings, as well as medical insurance, are also required.  Applications must be submitted well in advance, at least one month before the planned trip.

Visa fees range from US$60 to US$190, and payments are only accepted in cash.