GBAO situation - 2014 [locked]

[malma]

Due to these restrictions, the British Embassy will not be able to provide a full range of consular services to British nationals currently in GBAO.

There was a shooting incident on the Tajikistan/Afghanistan border close to the town of Khorog, the administrative centre of GBAO on 10 June 2014, following earlier outbreaks of localised violence in Khorog in late May 2014. The government has increased security and there is a heightened military presence on the streets. Further violence is possible.

If you’re currently in GBAO, you should consider leaving. If you decide to stay, you should keep off the streets for the time being and avoid any large gatherings. The FCO is following the situation closely and seeking further clarity regarding travel permits and the situation in the area. You should check this site regularly for further updates.

Tajikistan’s borders with neighbouring countries are subject to closure without notice. Check in advance which border posts are currently open. You may also wish to check with the British embassy in Dushanbe for up to date information on border restrictions.

[NasiGoreng.pl]

Hi, we have just received today (13th June) a GBAO permit from Tajik embassy in Bishkek! What's more, we know of one person who also got it yesterday from same embassy plus on other forums you can now read some more successful stories from Bishkek so hopefully things are getting back to normal, at least for the time being.

Having said that, we will be moving on to Dushanbe on 15th June before heading off to Khorog. If anybody is also going to the Pamirs same or similar time and is interested in sharing a transportation, do let us know here or at [email protected].

Save travels!

[Roman]

Looks like GBAO permits are issued on embassies again.

Today I went to Beijing embassy (with Tajik visa already issued in my passport) and they gave me GBAO permit on spot (no application or fees, very nice staff again).

The same situation is in Vienna where my friends got it yesterday.

[steven]

Yesterday a woman did not manage to get one at OVIR in Dushanbe.

[kiwiot]

GBAO's are not being handed out in Dushanbe again ?! There are 8-10 travelers here all in the same boat. Trying to go through an agent. As of Mon 22nd

[nagwon]

Received my visa and GBAO permit at the Tajikistan embassy in Bishkek this morning. Got both within the hour for $75.

[NasiGoreng.pl]

Hi All,

We've just finished the circuit (Osh > Dushanbe > Khorog > Murghab) and arrived back to Osh.

3 updates:
1) Road from Dushanbe to Khorog (via Kulob) was 100% passable and quite OK actually
2) Road from Murghab to Osh was 100% passable (no sign of the recent road block)
3) 2 weeks ago when OVIR in Dushanbe was not issuing permits, the agency located just oppostie the OVIR did manage to get it for 30USD

Enjoy the Pamirs!

[six2]

After a great deal of pressure from the tourist agencies on Friday July 4th, over a hundred of us waiting in Dushanbe were finally able to get permits. I suspect the situation is still fluid with permits off and on, and more likely available through a tourist agency. We paid $35 and have happily arrived in Khorog.

[DeanM]

Hi Folks have been in Dushanbe trying for a GBAO permit for a couple of days. Definite no from the OVIR office stating the road is definitely closed. Went throught the travel agent over the road and they have just rang to say that even their submission wasnt accepted and they were told at the office that people with permits were being turned back at Khorog. Anyone have any idea's or any other news? Cheers Dean

[rosruby]

A friend of us asked the GBAO to the Geneve Embassy around the end of May, and they told him that GBAO issuance by Embassies was suspended.
We asked for Visas and GBAO to the same Geneve Embassy just on the beginning of July and we had our Visas back WITH GBAO in 15 days.
They were very quick and efficient.

Hope it helps
Rossana - See more at: viewtopic.php?f=15&t=458#sthash.ubl2nZwn.dpuf