Arrest of a U.S. Citizen

While you are in Tajikistan, you are subject to Tajik laws and procedures, which are often quite different from those in the United States.

If you are arrested or involved in a dispute with Tajik authorities, you should ask the authorities to immediately notify the Consular Officer of the U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe.  We cannot get you out of jail but we can ensure that you are not discriminated against because you are an American citizen.

Should you be kept in police custody, we can provide a list of local attorneys, visit you, and, if you choose, contact your friends and relatives on your behalf.  We can also transfer money, food, and clothing to prison authorities from your family or friends.

The U.S. Embassy cannot, however, become involved in private legal disputes, such as between you and your Tajik business partner.  In these situations it might be helpful to retain a lawyer.  The consular section maintains a list of lawyers (PDF 161 KB) in Tajikistan who have told us that they are willing to represent foreigners.

For more information, please see Assistance to U.S. Citizens Arrested Abroad on the U.S. Department of State Travel website.