Turkmenistan travel guide

Travel Advice

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

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This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Turkmenistan’s current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Turkmenistan set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the UK.

COVID-19 rules

You do not require a COVID-19 vaccination to enter Turkmenistan. All travellers by air must undergo a COVID-19 test upon arrival at Ashgabat airport, which costs 31 US dollars cash. There is no test if you enter by land or sea.

Confirm the latest requirements with your Turkmen sponsor, or with the embassy that issued your visa if you have one. Check with your travel company or airline for changes.

Passport validity requirements

To enter Turkmenistan, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you plan to leave Turkmenistan.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Visa requirements

You must have a visa to visit Turkmenistan.

If you have the wrong visa or if you overstay your visa, you could be prosecuted and possibly imprisoned.

Applying for a visa

You need a letter of invitation to support your visa application. For tourist visits, authorised travel agents can provide these letters. If you are travelling on business, you will need letters from the relevant government ministries or companies you want to do business with. If you want to attend an exhibition or event, the organiser normally provides visa support. 

Once you have your letter of invitation you can either apply for a visa at your nearest Embassy of Turkmenistan or purchase a visa on arrival. The visa on arrival option is available at Ashgabat International Airport and some land borders. Check with your sponsoring tour agency for latest details on land border crossings.

Visas applications to an Embassy of Turkmenistan are referred to Ashgabat for a decision, which can take up to a month.  

The cost of a visa is dependent on the length of stay in Turkmenistan, whether you are applying for a single or multiple entry visa and whether or not you are opting for the “Express Service” from the Embassy or visa on arrival option at Ashgabat airport. For a full list of prices for visas visit the Embassy of Turkmenistan website of the Embassy of Turkmenistan in London where a PDF document called “Visa Fees” outlines the range of prices for visas.

Transit visas and travelling through Turkmenistan by car

If you will be in Turkmenistan for fewer than 5 days you may also be able to use a transit visa. These are most commonly used for entry to Turkmenistan through a land border, for example if travelling overland from Uzbekistan. Apply for a letter of invitation through your nearest Embassy of Turkmenistan.   

When you apply for a transit visa, the sponsor will be the Turkmen State Migration Service, rather than a tour agency. Check the  website of the Embassy of Turkmenistan in London for further information. 

You must secure the letter of invitation before you travel, and it can take up to a month for a letter of invitation to issue. This can then be converted to a transit visa at the land border checkpoint. 

The website of the Embassy of Turkmenistan in London sets out the eligibility criteria for a transit visa. You cannot change your transit visa to a tourist visa, and you must enter and leave Turkmenistan using the border crossings you included on the letter of invitation. 

You cannot buy a transit visa for Turkmenistan at Baku seaport. You must secure it ahead of time. If you want to travel from Turkmenistan to Azerbaijan by sea, you need to have visas for both Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan. 

You will be charged up to 150 US dollars to bring a car into Turkmenistan by land or sea. 

A transit visa is not usually required for layover flights where you will remain airside. You should contact the Embassy of Turkmenistan in London or your airline with further questions. 

Border officials may close Turkmen border crossings without notice.

Vaccine requirements

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Turkmenistan guide.

Registering with the authorities

If you’re staying in the country for more than 3 working days, you must register with the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan within 3 days of your arrival. Your hotel or sponsor will usually register you. Confirm this with them before you travel, including what documentation is required.

To register, you will usually need:

• your passport
• 2 passport-size photos, and
• written confirmation of where you are staying from your sponsor

Taxes for foreign nationals

On arrival, you must pay a migration fee of 14 US dollars. All foreign visitors must also pay a ‘tourism tax’ of 2 US dollars for each day of their stay in Turkmenistan. Hotels include the tax as a separate item on your bill.

You may be charged additional taxes on entry, bring enough cash (US dollars) to cover unexpected charges.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Turkmenistan. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

‘Tobacco products to the amount of 2 packs’ means you can bring one of:

• 2 packets of cigarettes – a total of 40 cigarettes
• 2 cigars
• 2 packs of tobacco each weighing no more than a packet of cigarettes

It is illegal to give tobacco products as a gift. If you are caught, you could get a fine.

Taking money into Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan is largely a cash-based society. Carry cash and pay in the Turkmen currency, manat. Some larger hotels and restaurants accept US dollars - you should check before purchasing. Other outlets are only allowed to accept manat.

You can exchange US dollars and euros at the official manat rate easily at a bank or money exchange. Bring new, clean notes as exchanges will reject damaged or marked notes. An increasing number of establishments also refuse to accept $100 bills produced before 2009. You can check which version of dollar notes you have on the US government website. Other currencies are difficult to exchange. Manat cannot be re-converted, so exchange only as much as you need.

There are a limited number of international ATMs in Ashgabat, but they can run out of manat notes. There’s a 3% withdrawal charge for each transaction. You are strongly recommended to bring enough dollars for your entire trip.

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Turkmenistan

Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Turkmenistan, attacks cannot be ruled out.

Border restrictions

Turkmen land border crossings can be subject to occasional and unannounced closures. The borders with Afghanistan and Iran are particularly sensitive, with access to areas near these borders being tightly restricted.

Laws and cultural differences

Personal ID

Police sometimes carry out checks of identity documents. Always carry your passport on you. Keep a copy of the photo page of your passport and your letter of invitation in a safe place.

Crime  

Whilst the crime rate is low, you should exercise a similar level of caution as you would in the UK.

Ramadan

Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims. The dates vary by year and country. Cafés and restaurants may amend their menus and be busy around fast-breaking (‘Iftar’). Areas around mosques are also likely to be busy around prayer times. Take particular care not to offend religious sensitivities at this time.

Alcohol laws and bans

It is illegal to drink alcohol in any communal spaces, including:

• parks or public squares
• forests or beaches
• train stations, airports or sea ports
• underpasses
• government offices

If you’re caught drinking alcohol in these places you can get a fine of 100 manats.

Smoking and e-cigarette bans

It is illegal to smoke outside or in any communal spaces unless they contain a designated smoking area.

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

If you’re found guilty of possession or use of illegal drugs, you could face a lengthy prison sentence in very basic conditions.

Taking photos in secure areas

It is illegal to take pictures of certain buildings. Check before taking photos of or near airports, military infrastructure, police stations, government buildings or embassies. The guards at the presidential palace may tell you not to take photos of it.

The Turkmen can be sensitive about having their picture taken without their consent.

Internet and mobile network

Internet connections outside the larger hotels can be unreliable. Many social media apps and websites are blocked, including YouTube, X, Facebook and WhatsApp. Access to Yahoo, Gmail and Hotmail is often difficult. VPNs are illegal in Turkmenistan and are usually blocked as soon as the authorities identify them.

There is a single state-owned mobile telephone provider, Altyn Asyr, which uses the TM CELL brand. Altyn Asyr does not provide a roaming service and the quality of the network is low.

Comments, including content posted on social media, interpreted as being negative about Turkmenistan’s political system and traditions are taken very seriously and may constitute an offence. Many Turkmen are uncomfortable discussing politics.

It is illegal to take pictures of certain buildings. Ask before taking pictures of anything of possible military or security interest, including government buildings and food markets.

Relationships with Turkmens

The Turkmen authorities sometimes prosecute Turkmen women if they start a sexual relationship with a foreign man, who may be fined and deported.

LGBT+ travellers

Male same-sex sexual activity is illegal, and punishable by a prison sentence. Same-sex relationships generally meet with disapproval in Turkmen society. Avoid showing affection in public.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Transport risks

Road travel

If you are planning to drive a hire car or a UK vehicle, see information on driving abroad.

You’ll need to have both the 1968 version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence with you in the car. You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel.

Driving standards are poor. Road travel at night outside cities is particularly dangerous because of the condition of the roads. There is a 60km/h speed limit in much of Ashgabat, enforced by both static speed cameras and police with mobile speed cameras. There are no signs warning of speed cameras.

Taxis

Licensed taxis are clearly identified by white and green markings. Avoid unlicensed taxis.

Although taxis have meters, drivers will usually charge foreign nationals around 20 manat for a journey within the city centre. They might ask for payment in US dollars, but this is illegal. Most taxi drivers do not speak much English.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.

Earthquakes

Turkmenistan is in an active seismic zone. There are regular tremors and there have been strong earthquakes.

The US Federal Emergency Management Agency has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake.

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Call 03 from a landline or 003 from a mobile and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance or medical assistance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for Turkmenistan
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on NHS travel vaccinations page

See what health risks you’ll face in Turkmenistan.

Air quality in cities in Turkmenistan can deteriorate from time to time. Minimise your exposure by staying indoors in an air-conditioned environment. Wash all fruit, vegetables and other foods that might have been exposed, and regularly damp-dust indoor surfaces.

Typhoid and hepatitis A are endemic. You should drink or use only boiled and filtered or bottled water and avoid ice in drinks.

In the summer temperatures regularly reach 45°C in the shade, so drink plenty of water in the summer and avoid sunburn.

Medication

If you intend to enter Turkmenistan with medicines, whether prescription or non-prescription, check with your tour company or the Turkmenistan Embassy in London in advance whether there are any legal restrictions on those medicines.

You could be prosecuted for possession of some drugs that Turkmenistan may classify as narcotics, such as morphine or even strong painkillers, if you do not have a prescription, or if you’re carrying more than you need for your visit and do not declare them on arrival.

TravelHealthPro explains best practice when travelling with medicines.

Healthcare in Turkmenistan

There is no reciprocal healthcare agreement between the UK and Turkmenistan.

The quality of medical care is poor, and it is a lot more expensive than in the UK. Anything other than basic or emergency treatment, particularly outside Ashgabat, is usually best avoided. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Turkmenistan where some staff will speak English.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in Turkmenistan

Ambulance:

• 03 from landline
• 003 from mobile

Fire:

• 01 from landline
• 001 from mobile

Police:

• 02 from landline
• 002 from mobile

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding English-speaking lawyers, funeral directors and translators and interpreters
• dealing with a death in Turkmenistan
• being arrested or imprisoned in Turkmenistan
• getting help if you’re a victim of crime
• what to do if you’re in hospital
• if you’re affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO 

Help abroad  

See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency. 

Help in the UK  

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.  

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)  

Find out about call charges

Get travel advice updates  

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.  

Follow FCDO: 

• travel advice on X

• travel advice on Facebook

Risk information for British companies

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Turkmenistan on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.