Last updated: March 23, 2024, 7:24 a.m.
Travel Guide: Obtaining GBAO Permit (and Tajikistan Visa)
Overview:
The Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast (GBAO) comprises nearly forty-five percent of Tajikistan's land area, encompassing the iconic Pamir Mountains. This region is a special border zone, requiring a specific permit, known as the GBAO permit, for travel.
Purpose of the GBAO Permit:
The GBAO permit, issued since 2004 by the Department of Visas and Registration of Foreign Citizens (OVIR), allows access to designated regions within Gorno-Badakhshan.
Ways to Obtain the GBAO Permit (and Tajikistan visa):
This guide outlines various methods to acquire the GBAO permit (and Tajik visa), tailored to citizens of different countries, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free journey through Tajikistan's breathtaking landscapes.
For Citizens of Visa-Free Regime Countries:
- If your stay in Tajikistan is more than 14 days:
- Upon arrival at the airport or border-crossing zones, obtain a stamp on your passport, which will be valid for 30 days.
- However, if you plan to stay in Tajikistan for more than 14 days, you must register at the OVIR within 14 days of your arrival. For this registration, you will need your original passport and a letter from your accommodation confirming your stay.
Note 1: It is worth mentioning that pre-registration through a travel agency is not possible, as they require original passports upon arrival.
- If you intend to visit Pamir, you must obtain the GBAO permit from the OVIR along with your registration.
Note 2: If you leave the GBAO region before 14 days (i.e., return to Dushanbe) and plan to stay in Tajikistan for more than 14 days, you will only need to register at the OVIR after returning from GBAO (Pamir).
- If your intended stay in Tajikistan is less than 14 days:
- You do not need a registration.
- You can obtain the GBAO permit using one of the following convenient methods:
- By visiting the OVIR office in Dushanbe upon arrival:
At the OVIR office, you will need to present your original passport displaying your arrival date. The GBAO permit is typically issued for 14 days, starting from your arrival date in Tajikistan. Applications are usually processed within one to two days.
- Apply for the GBAO permit along with the visa online:
Since obtaining the GBAO permit separately online is not possible, you need to apply for the e-visa (even if you don't need a visa) and select the GBAO permit option to receive both documents before your arrival. The benefit is that you'll receive a visa and GBAO permit valid for 60 days, eliminating the need for OVIR registration in this case.
- Through the Tajikistan Embassy:
Apply for the GBAO permit through the Embassy of Tajikistan in your country or a neighboring country. You will need an Invitation Letter from a travel agency that organizes your tour to Tajikistan.
- Through Discover The Pamirs:
We can obtain the GBAO permit before your arrival and provide it to you in Dushanbe. If you enter the GBAO region from Osh, we can email you a copy of the GBAO permit, allowing you to enter the region. We only require a copy of your passport and your entry date to Tajikistan.
Also, if you have the Tajik visa, but not the GBAO permit, you can send us a copy of your visa and copy of your passport and we can obtain the GBAO permit before your arrival to Tajikistan.
You can extend your GBAO permit and registration at the OVIR offices in Dushanbe and Khorog.
For Non-Visa-Free Regime Countries:
You can apply for your Tajikistan e-visa and GBAO permit online at https://www.evisa.tj or through the Tajikistan Embassy or Consulate in your country. After submitting your application, they will ask you to provide an Invitation Letter from an agency, as well as the itinerary you plan to take with your agency. Make sure to ask the travel agency to mention in the letter that you plan to visit the GBAO region if that's part of your itinerary. Once processed, you will receive your Tajikistan e-visa and GBAO permit electronically via email.