Turkmenistan is a country with strict visa policies, and the majority of foreign visitors are required to obtain a visa prior to entry.
Independent travel is not permitted in Turkmenistan. Your visa will only be valid for the duration of your booked tour services, and you must adhere to the Turkmenistan tour itinerary.
Below is an overview of Turkmenistan’s visa requirements, exemptions, and special conditions for various categories of travelers.
Who Needs a Visa to Enter Turkmenistan?
Citizens of all countries need a visa to visit Turkmenistan unless they hold a special passport (such as a diplomatic or service passport). The standard tourist visa requires an invitation letter from a licensed travel agency based in Turkmenistan. This applies to nearly all foreign nationals.
Visa Exemption
The only exemption to Turkmenistan’s strict visa policy is for United Nations Laissez-Passer holders. Since 2023, foreign citizens holding UN passports are allowed visa-free entry for up to 30 calendar days. This exemption covers all UN employees and their family members accredited by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan.
In this visa-free period, UN personnel can enter, exit, and transit through Turkmenistan without needing a visa.
Types of Visas
There are several types of visas available depending on the purpose of travel:
- Tourist Visa:
- Requires an invitation letter from a licensed travel agency in Turkmenistan.
- Can be issued for a maximum of 10 days, with the option to extend for an additional 10 days.
- Tourists have the option to obtain a Turkmenistan Visa on Arrival, which can be issued upon landing at Ashgabat airport. However, prior to your arrival, you must secure a Letter of Invitation (LOI), a crucial requirement for obtaining the visa. The LOI, included in our Turkmenistan tour packages, must be arranged and processed in advance.
- Business Visa:
- Issued upon presentation of an invitation letter from a Turkmen company with prior approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Visa on arrival may be available for 10 days, with the possibility of extension.
- Transit Visa:
- Granted to travelers passing through Turkmenistan to another country.
- Diplomatic and Official Visa:
- Citizens holding diplomatic, service, or official passports may be exempt from visa requirements, or eligible for visa-on-arrival privileges.
Visa on Arrival
For business travelers, holders of an invitation letter from a Turkmen company, with prior approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, can obtain a visa on arrival at the airport. This visa is valid for 10 days, with an option to extend it for another 10 days.
Diplomatic passport holders from select countries such as Canada, New Zealand, the UK, and the United States can also obtain a free visa on arrival.
Non-Ordinary Passports
Holders of diplomatic, service, and official passports from several countries are exempt from visa requirements, typically for stays of up to 30 days. These countries include:
- Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Ukraine, and many more.
Diplomatic passport holders from countries such as Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States are eligible for free visas on arrival at Turkmenistan’s international airports.
Special Permits
In addition to a visa, travelers visiting specific regions in Turkmenistan must obtain a special permit from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This is required for areas including:
- Kerki
- Hazar
- Dashoguz
- Serakhs
- Serhetabat
These permits are mandatory for both tourists and business travelers planning to visit restricted areas in Turkmenistan.
Admission Restrictions
Travelers holding passports from certain territories or unrecognized states are denied entry to Turkmenistan. This includes:
- Abkhazia
- Kosovo
- Northern Cyprus
- Somaliland
- South Ossetia
- Transnistria
These restrictions are due to Turkmenistan’s non-recognition of these entities.
Application Process
To apply for a visa to Turkmenistan, travelers need:
- An invitation letter from a licensed travel agency or Turkmen company.
- Valid passport with at least 6 months validity remaining.
- Completed visa application form.
- Visa fees, which vary by nationality and type of visa.
Visa processing times vary, but it is recommended to apply at least one month before travel.
Visitor Statistics
While Turkmenistan is known for its relatively low number of visitors compared to neighboring countries, the country attracts travelers for its unique cultural heritage and historical sites like Merv and Ashgabat.
Turkmenistan’s stringent visa policy and mandatory travel agency arrangements make it a challenging destination for independent travelers. However, tourists are still drawn to its impressive architecture, ancient cities, and the famous Darvaza gas crater.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Do I need a visa to visit Turkmenistan? Yes, citizens of all countries require a visa unless they hold a diplomatic or UN passport.
- Can I get a visa on arrival in Turkmenistan? A visa on arrival is available for business travelers with prior approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and holders of diplomatic passports from select countries.
- What documents do I need to apply for a Turkmenistan visa? You will need a valid passport, invitation letter, completed visa application form, and payment of visa fees.
- Are there any visa exemptions? Yes, holders of UN passports are exempt from visa requirements for stays of up to 30 days.
- Can I visit any area in Turkmenistan with a regular visa? No, certain areas like Kerki and Dashoguz require special permits in addition to a visa.
- What is the duration of a tourist visa for Turkmenistan? Tourist visas are generally issued for 10 days, with an option to extend for another 10 days.
