Hi there,
I arrived to Dushanbe in October and this is what I learned from the visa process. I hope it's useful.
i) I'm Canadian / British passport holder. I speak Russian and Tajik.
ii)I received a letter of invitation before I arrived.
iii) When I arrived (from Dubai, AirSomon, 1pm) the sparse (computers not on, printer covered with a sheet, dusty papers, only thing working was a mobile phone) visa room, there was one person "working". Clearly junior.
iv) I had to fill out the entrance form (don't ever lose it, the cockroaches will take lots of money for ya if you don't have this when you LEAVE), in addition to the visa application form.
v) I had to then wait for a supervisor who arrived.
vi) My Letter of invitation was then found in their pile of papers and invites (most were UN Agencies, a few travel agencies, and some ministry of education for the rare student or visiting professor).
vii) I then gave in the filled in application and they processed my visa.
viii) PRICE: It costs 30$USD (payable in USD, no receipt as TIT... This is Tajikistan) and it was valid for 45 days - single entry.I asked what it would take for a DOUBLE ENTRY and they said it would just cost 10 USD more. In fact, my LoI stated I requested a double-entry which I then declined.
ix) I asked about what would happen if I didn't have a LoI and they said that it WAS possible but the process would be "different". They won't deport anyone; instead, it seems they'll just ask for some more back-sheesh (tea money) and dreadfully involve some hotel or something.
So, the message: get your LoI beforehand.
Thanks for traveling,
Fox-
Edited by: shikibu on May 8, 2013 12:11 PM