Criminal Penalties in Tajikistan
While you are traveling in Tajikistan, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen. Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different from our own. In some places you may be taken in for questioning if you don't have your passport with you. In some places it is illegal to take pictures of certain buildings. In some places driving under the influence could land you immediately in jail. These criminal penalties will vary from country to country. There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visit, but still illegal in the United States, and you can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States. If you break local laws in Tajikistan, your passport won’t help you avoid arrest or prosecution. It's very important to know what's legal and what's not in the countries where you are going.
Persons violating Tajik laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Tajikistan are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.
The Government of Tajikistan may enforce strict customs regulations. Customs authorities may subject all items, including travel souvenirs, imported into or exported from Tajikistan to a high level of scrutiny. The export of antiques, precious stones and metals, and cultural valuables requires special permission. The number of items that can be exported may be limited. It is illegal to export or possess unprocessed stones and metals and jewelry without a hallmark (mark of authenticity). Even if travelers have a receipt confirming legal purchase of such items at a store in Tajikistan, the items must be declared upon departure. Failure to abide by Tajik customs laws and regulations may result in heavy fines, arrest, or imprisonment.
There are also currency restrictions. You must fill out a Customs Declaration Form upon arrival in Tajikistan, have it stamped by Tajik customs officials at the port of entry and retain the form until your departure to demonstrate that you are not leaving Tajikistan with more money than you brought into the country. Please contact the Embassy of the Republic of Tajikistan in the United States for specific information about customs requirements.
While some countries will automatically notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate if a U.S. citizen is detained or arrested in a foreign country, that might not always be the case. To ensure that the United States is aware of your circumstances, request that the police and prison officials notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate as soon as you are arrested or detained overseas.
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