What does it take to visit Turkmenistan?
Turkmenistan’s strict visa policies, including mandatory letter of invitation, bureaucratic delays, and limited travel flexibility, create significant barriers for both tourists and business travelers, making the country less accessible compared to its regional neighbors and hindering tourism and economic growth.
Turkmenistan enforces a highly restrictive visa policy, requiring visitors from all countries to secure a visa before entry. Exceptions are made for holders of diplomatic, official, and the United Nations Laissez-Passer passport holders who are permitted visa-free entry.
Byzantine Procedures
For all other foreign nationals, obtaining a visa is mandatory, including for business trips. The key prerequisite for a visa application is a certified Letter of Invitation (LOI) from a host individual or organization in Turkmenistan. This letter must be approved by the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan, and remains valid for only three months from the date of certification. Tourists not visiting a specific individual/organization must work with a travel agency operating in Turkmenistan to get an LOI. The processing of LOI takes around 1 month and processing of visa application takes 10 days.
Soviet Tours
Currently, the only way to secure an LOI is by joining a group tour. Upon booking a trip, the tour agency will handle the LOI application and coordinate with the foreign ministry for any necessary paperwork. Once approved, the agency will arrange hotel accommodations and ground transportation in Turkmenistan, while travelers are generally responsible for booking their own flights to Turkmenistan. Even if the tourist is invited by locals, they still have to stay in the hotel in Turkmenistan overnight. Exceptions apply for transit visas, in which a foreign tourist can stay in the host apartment overnight.
Turkmenistan’s visa requirements reflect a Soviet legacy through their strict oversight, mandatory Letters of Invitation, and centralized bureaucratic processes, mirroring the USSR’s controlled approach to foreign access.
Visa Fees and Soviet Registration Policies
Visa fees vary based on the type and duration of the visa. For example, a single-entry visa valid for 10 days costs $35 for U.S. citizens, with higher fees for longer stays, multiple entries, or expedited processing. Travelers transiting through Ashgabat International Airport do not require a visa.
Additionally, a $29 registration fee is required upon arrival. Foreign nationals planning to stay longer than three days must register with the State Migration Service within three working days.
Tourists coming to Turkmenistan
Annually, Turkmenistan receives an estimated 10,000 to 20,000 visitors. In comparison, Uzbekistan welcomed 7.3 million tourists in 2024, Kazakhstan hosted 11.5 million visitors the same year, and Kyrgyzstan had over 6 million tourists in 2024.
On Travel Freedom for Turkmenistan Passport Holders
- Turkmenistan’s passport ranks 92nd globally on the Passport Index, offering limited travel freedom. Turkmen citizens can visit only 15 countries visa-free, including Georgia (360 days), Malaysia (90 days), and the Philippines (30 days).
- It is important to note that Turkmenistan ranked better in the Passport Index in 2006 being 77th globally.
- Visa requirements also extend to neighboring nations like Russia and Turkey, which are key destinations for Turkmen emigrants. It is important to note that Turkmen citizens could also visit Turkey earlier for 30 days, however visa-free access to Turkey was revoked in September 2022 at the request of Turkmenistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Turkmen nationals can apply for electronic visas to 50 countries, including Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, and Armenia. Nevertheless, they must apply in person for visas to 130 countries.
In summary, Turkmenistan maintains stringent visa requirements for foreign visitors, with minimal exemptions for diplomatic or official purposes. Similarly, Turkmen passport holders face significant travel restrictions, requiring careful preparation for international trips.
