Tajikistan Border Crossings

Ishkashim Bridge, Ishkashim border crossing, Tajikistan Afghanistan border crossing, Adventures of Nicole

Tajikistan Border Crossings

Updated February 2025, Tajikistan Border Crossings was originally published in January 2021

Tajikistan has several border crossings with its four neighboring countries- Afghanistan, China, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan, making Tajikistan an awesome destination for overland travel across Central Asia.

It’s worth noting that not all border crossings are open to foreigners and that some are not open at all. Here is an up to date listing of all the border crossings with Tajikistan.

Start planning here: The Tajikistan Travel Guide

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Tajikistan Border Crossings Table Of Contents
  1. Tajikistan Border Crossings

Tajikistan Border Crossings

Kyzyl Art, Kyzyl Art Pass, Tajikistan, Tajikistan-Kyrgyzstan Border Crossing, Adventures of Nicole
A Rainbow Mountain in the no-man’s land between Kyzyl Art Pass and Bordöbö

Kyrgyzstan Border Crossings

Open to Foreigners

Permission to cross the Kyzyl Art-Bordobo Border Crossing is no longer needed as of July 2025.

  • Isfara-Batken- For those in the Fergana Valley, this is the crossing to get between Khujand and Osh.
  • Ovchi Kalacha-Kulundu- This is an alternative crossing in the Fergana Valley between Khujand and Osh, via Isfana. This is an uncommon border crossing, but you can read more info on it here.

Bilateral

  • Jirgatol-Karamyk- Currently closed to foreigners. If tensions rise and Kyzyl-Art is closed it could re-open (as it did in 2012).

Need help planning? Pick up a copy of Bradt’s Tajikistan guidebook

Uzbekistan Border Crossings

Exiting Tajikistan into Uzbekistan at the Sarezm Border Crossing

Relations between Tajikistan and Uzbekistan have warmed in 2018 and have seen the Panjakent-Samarkand border re-open after being closed for many years, as well as the Dusti-Pap border open.

*Note: Most westerners can either apply for an e-visa or can enter Uzbekistan visa-free. Read more here to find out if you need a visa, and how to get one.

  • Buston-Oybek- This is the border crossing that will get you between Khujand and Tashkent.My friend Bekah reported that the crossing was a breeze in summer 2024.
  • Konibodom-Beshariq- Cross here for those wanting to travel between Khujand and the Uzbek Fergana Valley city of Kokand.
  • Panjakent-Samarkand– After having been closed for several years because of bitter relations between the two countries, this crossing re-opened in 2018. This is a convenient crossing for those wanting to combine the Silk Road history of Samarkand with the stunning mountain landscapes in the Fann Mountains. Crossing here is smooth sailing and pretty hassle-free in my experience, read about it here. The Panjakent-Samarkand crossing became incredibly corrupt in summer 2024, demanding bribes of up to $100 per person crossing at times. Others have reported no problems, but something to be aware of.
  • Tursanzade-Denau- This is the border crossing that will take you between Dushanbe and little-visited southeastern Uzbekistan. This was an alternative route commonly used when the Panjakent-Samarkand border was closed.
  • Dusti-Pap- This crossing is a more direct route for those wanting to go between Namangan and Khujand. This is a newly opened crossing in 2018.

*Other crossings that may potentially open in the future: Kushtegirmon-Bekabod and Zafarobod-Khavast in the Fergana Valley, and Shahrtuz-Gulbahor connecting southwest Tajikistan to Termez.

Plan the perfect trip with my 10 day Uzbekistan & Tajikistan itinerary

China Border Crossings

Kalasu Port on the Chinese side of Qolma Pass
  • Qolma Pass/Kalasu– Finally opened to foreigners in the summer of 2017. This is Tajikistan’s only border crossing with China that connects Murghab to Tashkurgan and Kashgar/Kashi. Knowledge of Mandarin is helpful with this crossing. I have now done the crossing in both directions in 2018. You cannot take your own transport or walk over the border. You must hitchhike with truckers headed over the pass. Border patrol on either side know this and will assist you in getting on a truck. Learn more about the Qolma Pass border crossing here.

Afghanistan Border Crossings

The Afghan side of the border at Ishkashim

*Note: You will need a visa in advance to visit Afghanistan. Read this post to learn how to get an Afghan visa in Khorog.  

Open for Foreigners

  • Panji Poyan-Shir Khan Bandar– This is the border crossing that will take you from Dushanbe to Kunduz. It is possible to obtain an Afghan visa on the border for $100 USD. Visa issued at the Afghan Embassy in Dushanbe WILL NOT be accepted here.
  • Ishkashim-Sultan Eshkashim– The gateway into the Afghan Wakhan Corridor. Please note that as of July 2025, the Ishkashim Border Crossing is closed. This border crossing is also the site of the cross-border market on Saturdays, held on an island on the Panj River that technically sits on the Afghan side. You do not need a visa for the cross-border market, and you will only need to hand over your passport to the border officer during the duration of your visit to the market. The market is frequently cancelled so do enquire locally if it will be happening if you are planning a visit.
  • Khorog-Shegnan- A bridge across the Panj River connects Khorog to Shegnan. This border is also called Tem. Khorog-Shegnan is still closed as of July 2025. It only opens to Afghan traders coming to sell goods on Saturdays at the Tem Afghan Bazaar.
  • Kokul-Darkod- This border crossing is located about 70 km east of the Panji Poyon crossing. Crossing at Kokul requires a ride on a rickety boat across the River Panj as there is no bridge. Closed as of July 2025.
  • Ruzvai-Nusai- Border crossing bridge over the River Panj, located about 3 km east of Qala i Khumb. Crossing here could be of interest to those wanting to explore the rural Badakhshan Province that you will see along the M41 from Qala i Khumb to Khorog. Closed as of July 2025.
  • Kupruki Vanj- Jomarji Bolo- Border crossing over a bridge across the River Panj from near the terminus of the Vanj Valley Road at the Pamir Highway. Similar notes can be said here about crossing at Vanj as is about crossing at Ruzvai. Closed as of July 2025.

Closed

  • Langar- Langar is currently closed to all traffic. If the border crossing at Langar ever does open, it will prove useful for those accessing the Little Pamir in Afghanistan’s Wakhan Corridor. There have been some obvious improvements to the structures on both sides of this border crossing (new buildings) as of 2020 (I witnessed them in July 2021)- the rumor is that they are preparing the Langar crossing to open to tie into the rumored opening of Broghil Pass between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Still closed as of July 2025.

Have Any Questions About Any Tajikistan Border Crossings?

Ask in the comments section below.

More posts from Tajikistan:

2 thoughts on “Tajikistan Border Crossings”

    1. Nicole  

      Yes, it is because the Dushnabe embassy is still staffed by the former Afghan govt and the Taliban knows this so they will reject any visa on the border with the stamp from the Dushanbe embassy.

      There’s talks that the Taliban are going to open a consulate in Dushanbe, so this could change in the future.

      Reply

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