DUSHANBE, 30.01.2017. /NIAT «Khovar»/. On January 25, 2017, the Founder of Peace and National Unity — Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan, His Excellency Emomali Rahmon has signed the Decree of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan “On the rules for registration and issuance of visas / Electronic visas of the Republic of Tajikistan to Foreign Nationals and Stateless Persons».

The Government of Tajikistan in its session of January 24, 2017, considered and approved the draft decree on the rules for registration and issuance of visas / Electronic visas of the Republic of Tajikistan to Foreign Nationals and Stateless Persons. The decree consists of 12 points and determines the rules of registration, issuance of visas / Electronic visas of the Republic of Tajikistan to Foreign Nationals and Stateless Persons.

The decree contains general provisions, categories and types of visas, the document requirements for visa and electronic visas, validity of visa, the procedure and terms of consideration of applications, payment of consular fees for issuing visas and the reasons for refusal of a visa, the procedure of registration and granting of visa support, prolongation of the term, cancellation and renewal of the visa, registration of visas issued, the liability of legal entities and individuals of the Republic of Tajikistan for the invitation of foreign nationals and stateless persons, the list of foreign countries whose nationals are eligible for visa of the Republic of Tajikistan under the simplified procedure.

The objective of the adoption of these Rules is to improve the system of registration and issuance of visas/electronic visas of the Republic of Tajikistan for foreign nationals and stateless persons enacted on 1 June 2016 in Tajikistan.

The new Rules also include a number of changes aimed at simplifying the process of obtaining Tajik visa, stay of foreign nationals and stateless persons, as well as attracting foreign investors and tourists. In particular, according to it, the issuance of visas to former citizens of the Republic of Tajikistan, the family members and close relatives of citizens of the Republic of Tajikistan for a temporary visit is simplified. In addition, the flight crew members can enter and exit Tajikistan without a visa on the basis of the ICAO Universal Declaration provisions. The rules also simplified the process of application for investment visa.

The system of registration and issuance of visas and electronic visas to foreign nationals and stateless persons is another important step in the setting up of public e-services. Moreover, as a result of introducing of the new system all border crossing points get connected with each other and make up a unified management system. This system will contribute to strengthening the national security, preventing threats, fight against terrorism and extremism, as well as strengthening the management of migration of citizens. The level of Electronic Information Network services is as high as in the Schengen Visa System.

The Founder of Peace and National Unity — Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan, His Excellency Emomali Rahmon in his address to the Majlisi Oli (Parliament) of Tajikistan delivered in December 22, 2016, noted that the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan pays a significant attention to the field of tourism and has been ensuring necessary framework for its further development.

The approved rules are aimed at expanding the range and the system of electronic public services, improving e-visa issuance management, and further development of tourism in the country.

Electronic visa is a visa issued electronically to foreign nationals and stateless persons. Citizens of 78 countries which have been entitled by the Republic of Tajikistan to simplified visa issuance may apply online by submitting relevant information and making visa payment and obtain visa via e-mail.