Passengers arriving in Tajikistan are now required to present a PCR/Rapid Antigen Test negative result or a COVID-19 vaccination certificate to be permitted entry.
The state-run news agency Khovar says Tajikistan's Standing Committee on COVID-19 Response has made this decision following increase in COVID-19 cases in some countries.
The Agency for Civil Aviation under the Government of Tajikistan is reportedly instructed to bring the information to the attention of citizens and guests of the republic.
The Agency for Civil Aviation notes that every nation has introduced its requirements on presenting a negative PCR test or a COVID-19 vaccination certificate and nationals of Tajikistan are asked to study carefully travel requirements when buying an air ticket.
An official source within the Civil Aviation Agency says the restrictions are temporary and will be lifted as situation improves.
Recall, Tajikistan has not canceled a PCR-based test for passengers to enter the country. They can enter the country without a PCR-based test if they have a COVID-19 vaccination certificate.
Passengers who were not vaccinated against COVID-19 are required to hold a certificate of a negative COVID-19 PCR-based test, made no earlier than 72 hours (3 days) prior to arrival in Tajikistan.
But, due to the improvement of the coronavirus situation, many people have not taken the test and the inspections have mostly been advisory in nature.
In March this year, Tajik authorities lifted almost all coronavirus restrictions, including mandatory mask wearing in public places and a temporary ban of traditional ceremonies and celebrations, including weddings.
The restrictions were imposed in July 2020. Wedding parties were limited to up to 40 close family members and had to be held inside private homes.
As of March 7, 2022, the number of participants in wedding parties and other traditional celebrations was raised to up to 200 people.