do i need visa for turkmenistan

How do I get a Turkmenistan visa?

You can only visit Turkmenistan and get a visa through an authorized travel agency or another sponsor. It is one of the least visited countries in the world. The Turkmenistan visa policy is fairly strict. Everyone has to get a visa and an invitation letter before they travel, except certain holders of diplomatic or service passports.

What do I need to travel to Turkmenistan?

American citizens must have a valid passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity as well as a Turkmenistan visa and/or letter of invitation from the Government of Turkmenistan to enter and exit Turkmenistan.

How long is a Turkmenistan visa valid for?

Turkmenistan visa on arrival. The Turkmenistan visa on arrival is valid for 10 days, with extensions possible based on the duration of the booking. Transit visas are not available at Ashgabat airport, however, there is a transit area in the airport for passengers in transit for which no special visa is required.

Do Georgians need a visa to visit Turkmenistan?

According to Timatic, Georgians can visit Turkmenistan visa-free for up to 90 days per 180-day period. Everybody else needs a visa. The Turkmenistan transit visa is issued for 3-7 days. How many days you get is essentially up to the whims of the official granting the visa, but 5 days is standard. 7 days is rarely given.

Which countries need visa for Turkmenistan?

Who Needs a Turkmenistan Visa?Holders of diplomatic or service passports issued by: Armenia. Azerbaijan. Belarus. Bulgaria. China. Czech Republic. Georgia. Hungary. Iran. Japan. Kazakhstan. Kyrgyzstan. Moldova. Mongolia. Romania. Russia. Slovakia. South Korea. ... Holders of diplomatic passports issued by: Estonia. India. Pakistan. Uzbekistan.

Which countries do not need visa for Turkmenistan?

Holders of diplomatic or service category passports of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bulgaria, China, Czech Republic, Georgia, Hungary, Iran, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Mongolia, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, South Korea, Tajikistan, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates and holders of diplomatic passports of ...

Why is it so hard to get a visa to Turkmenistan?

With fewer tourists per year than even North Korea, Turkmenistan guarantees difficulties when getting a visa. The Turkmen visa office is renowned for their strictness. They will use any excuse to make the application even harder for you. If you work in media, local government, can speak Russian, have a beard, etc…

Who can visit Turkmenistan?

You must present proof that you have been fully vaccinated to enter Turkmenistan. All citizens of foreign countries arriving into Turkmenistan must have a document confirming that they have been vaccinated against COVID-19, or a certificate confirming the presence of antibodies to COVID-19 (IgM, IgG).

How can I get Turkmenistan tourist visa?

The person or organization inviting you must submit a request to the State Migration Service (SMS), along with a copy of your passport ID page. After receiving the letter of invitation, apply for a visa at the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Washington, D.C. or at the airport in Ashgabat upon arrival.

How much does it cost to travel to Turkmenistan?

The average Turkmenistan Travel Costs is up to $1095 (including ~$200 single supplement) for around 7-8 days on Turkmenistan Tours. The itinerary includes transportation, accommodation, and some meals are included. In case your travel extends to Mary and Merv the average cost increases to $339.

Is Turkmenistan worth visiting?

Turkmenistan is not well-known as a travel destination. So far, the main reasons for visiting have been the difficult visa process, the astounding marble capital of Ashgabat and the flaming gas crater known as the Door to Hell.

How safe is it to visit Turkmenistan?

Turkmenistan is a safe place to travel so long as you follow the law. Stepping out of line here could land you in trouble. According to the 2020 Global Peace Index, Turkmenistan is ranked 116 out of 163 countries when it comes to safety and peace in the country.

How do I get a letter of invitation to Turkmenistan?

To get a letter of invitation to Turkmenistan (LOI), please do the following:Fill out Turkmenistan Visa Support / Letter of Invitation (LOI) Form;Email us a good quality scan of your passport;Email us a scan of an employment letter (retired and housewives do not need to provide a letter);Book any tour package;More items...

Do I need a visa for Tajikistan?

Do I Need a Visa for Tajikistan? Yes. US citizens must have a visa to travel to Tajikistan, and the visa must be obtained before arrival. It is very important that your visa is valid for your entire trip since you can be required to exit the country immediately once your visa's validity expires.

Which countries do not need visa for Uzbekistan?

On 10 February 2018 Uzbekistan abolished visa requirements for 7 countries: Israel, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Turkey.

What language do they speak in Turkmenistan?

TurkmenTurkmenistan / Official languageTurkmen language, member of the Turkic language family within the Altaic language group. Turkmen is spoken in Turkmenistan, in parts of neighbouring Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, and, by fewer people, in Iran and Afghanistan.

Does Turkmenistan need visa for Turkey?

Turkmen citizens don't need a visa for travelling to Turkey.

Which countries do not need visa for Uzbekistan?

On 10 February 2018 Uzbekistan abolished visa requirements for 7 countries: Israel, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Turkey.

Do Canadians need a visa for Turkmenistan?

Canadian citizens using Canadian passports require a visa to enter Turkmenistan. According to the Embassy of Turkmenistan, Canadian citizens using Canadian passports "can also obtain a visa upon arrival at the International Airport of Ashgabat.

Do I need visa for Kyrgyzstan?

US citizens are permitted to enter Kyrgyzstan for tourism for up to 60 days without a visa. However, a visa is required if you are traveling to Kyrgyzstan for religious or business purposes, and this visa must be obtained in advance of arrival via the Embassy of the Kyrgyz Republic in Washington, DC.

How long is a visa valid in Turkmenistan?

Holders of a letter of invitation issued by a company registered in Turkmenistan with a prior approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs can obtain a visa on arrival valid for 10 days, and extendable for another 10 days.

Who is exempt from visa issuance in Turkmenistan?

Foreign nationals who are employees of the United Nations or its specialized agencies accredited by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, as well as members of their families, are exempt from visa issuance during the period of work in Turkmenistan.

How long can a foreigner stay in Turkmenistan?

UN United Nations laissez-passer — foreign nationals with UN passports are allowed up to 30 (thirty) calendar days from the date of arrival in Turkmenistan without a visa to come to Turkmenistan, stay in it, travel outside it, cross the border, and cross the territory in transit the territory of Turkmenistan.

Which airport has a visa free transit area?

Citizens of all countries have the right to visa-free transit through the international transit area of Ashgabat International Airport.

Can you get a visa for Singapore?

Holders of diplomatic passports of Canada , New Zealand , United Kingdom and the United States may obtain a free visa on arrival. A mutual visa exemption agreement for diplomatic, service and official passports was signed with Singapore in August 2019; however, it has yet to be ratified.

Is Turkmenistan open to foreigners?

Very few foreigners are granted a Turkmenistani visa. Directly after independence, in the 1990s, Turkmenistan was a slightly more open country than it is now, and in 1998, for example, 300,000 foreigners visited the country. Between 2000 and 2013, however, the number of visas issued was tiny fitting a policy of isolationism, the neutral status of Turkmenistan and the dictatorship in that country.

How long does it take to get a visa for Turkmenistan?

Allow at least 15 business days for approval. After receiving the letter of invitation, apply for a visa at the Embassy of Turkmenistan in D.C. or at the airport in Ashgabat upon arrival.

What is the official currency of Turkmenistan?

The official currency in Turkmenistan is the Turkmen Manat. It is illegal to use foreign currencies and to exchange money on the black market. You can obtain Manat in ATM machines.

What are the requirements to drive in Turkmenistan?

Driving Requirements: You must have a valid international driving permit. Foreigners residing in Turkmenistan must apply for a local driver’s license with the Road Police Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Turkmenistan. For more specific information about driving in Turkmenistan, contact the Embassy of Turkmenistan at 202-588-1500.

What happens if you arrive in Turkmenistan without a visa?

If you arrive without a visa or certified letter of invitation, authorities may hold you at the airport until you arrange transportation out of Turkmenistan.

Where to register for SMS in Turkmenistan?

If you are in Turkmenistan more than three working days, you must: Register at an SMS office in Ashgabat, Dashoguz, Mary, Turkmenabat, or Turkmenbashy, depending on where your sponsoring organization is located. Inform the SMS in advance of travel outside the city where you are registered.

What happens if you violate local laws?

If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the U.S., regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

Does Turkmenistan recognize dual citizenship?

Turkmenistan’s Law on Citizenship does not recognize dual citizenship for its citizens. Consequently, U.S.-Turkmen dual citizens are often denied departure from the country until they renounce their Turkmen citizenship, a process that can take several months. The ability of the U.S. Embassy in Ashgabat to assist such dual citizens is very limited. We strongly urge all dual U.S.-Turkmen citizens to contact the Embassy for more information before traveling to Turkmenistan.

Do I Need a Visa for Turkmenistan?

Yes. All US citizens must have a valid passport, letter of invitation certified by the government of Turkmenistan, and a visa to enter the country. The letter of invitation allows travelers to apply for a visa, and it must be obtained before arrival in the country. The letter can only be obtained from the State Migration Services in Turkmenistan, and a request for an official letter must be submitted by the person or organization you intend to visit. It typically takes a minimum of 15 working days for the letter to be approved. Once you have your letter, you may work with a travel document expert to apply for a visa at the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Washington, DC. The price of the visa varies depending on how long you intend to stay in Turkmenistan.

Can I Obtain My Visa for Turkmenistan on Arrival?

Yes. You can apply for a visa on arrival at the airport in Ashgabat. However, be prepared for a long wait, and you must have your visa in advance if you plan to enter via any other port of entry. If you do attempt to apply for an on arrival visa, you still must have your letter of invitation before you arrive. If you arrive in the country without a valid letter or visa, you will be detained until you can arrange transportation out of Turkmenistan. Given that on arrival visa policies are subject to change without advance notice, it is advisable to obtain your visa before departure.

How long is a US passport valid in Turkmenistan?

Make sure your US passport is still valid and will be for 6 months after the date you apply for your letter of invitation from Turkmenistan. If your departure date is approaching and your passport is about to expire, use Passport Health Passports and Visas’s expedited passport service; we can get you a new passport in as few as 1-3 business days. ...

What happens if you arrive in Turkmenistan without a visa?

If you arrive in the country without a valid letter or visa, you will be detained until you can arrange transportation out of Turkmenistan. Given that on arrival visa policies are subject to change without advance notice, it is advisable to obtain your visa before departure.

How long does it take to get a letter from Turkmenistan?

It typically takes a minimum of 15 working days for the letter to be approved.

How much does a single entry visa cost?

Single- and multiple-entry visas can be granted for anything from 10 days to 12 months with costs varying from US$35 for a 10-day single-entry visa to US$515 for a 12-month multiple-entry visa. Fees are doubled for an express service.

How long is a passport valid in Turkmenistan?

To enter Turkmenistan, a passport valid for six months is required by all nationals referred to in the chart above.

Where can I get a visa for Turkmenistan?

Visas are issued at the airport in Ashgabat and the ferry port at Turkmenbashi, but prior approval from the Turkmenistan Migration Service is needed. It is, however, highly recommended that you obtain a visa before leaving for Turkmenistan; there have been cases of airline staff not allowing passengers to board flights without a visa.

How long is a Turkmenistan visa valid?

The Turkmenistan visa on arrival is valid for 10 days, with extensions possible based on the duration of the booking. Transit visas are not available at Ashgabat airport, however, there is a transit area in the airport for passengers in transit for which no special visa is required.

How to apply for transit visa in Turkmenistan?

To apply for a transit visa, go to a Turkmen embassy with the documents listed under Visa requirements and registration. If you are applying on the road, additionally see Embassy reports.

How many rejections for transit visas in 2015?

Since summer 2015, random rejections for transit visas became common, with an estimated 50% rejection rate. No embassy, nationality or itinerary seemed to be excluded. Tourist visas also got refused, although the rejection rate here was much lower. Young men had the lowest chances, as well as travelers from the US, Middle East and the former Soviet Union.

Why did people get stuck at the border?

Some people got stuck at the border in no man’s land for several days, because they were on the last day of their visa from the previous country, and they did not have a visa code in hand. Rather, the embassy just said they could pass at the border, but forgot to send a letter or code.

How to apply for Turkmen visa?

Go to the embassy or (e-)mail them if they accept (e-)mailed applications. You can download and fill in the necessary forms from the Turkmen Migration website. Some embassies provide these forms for you when you come, others will not have them at hand, you will need to download and print them yourself in that case.

How long can Georgians travel to Turkmenistan?

According to Timatic, Georgians can visit Turkmenistan visa-free for up to 90 days per 180-day period. Everybody else needs a visa.

What does D-YOL mean?

D-YOL means train, AWTO means car. If you are entering by train (very, very, very unlikely), check D-YOL. If you are entering by road, check AWTO.

What is required for immigrant visas in 2021?

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement for Immigrant Visa Medical Exams: Starting October 1, 2021, applicants for immigrant visas will be required to obtain full COVID-19 vaccination as part of their mandatory medical screening, according to a new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) policy. Certain waivers may be available, such as for applicants in countries where a COVID-19 vaccine is not routinely available or if the vaccine is not age appropriate for the applicant. Applicants must complete the entire vaccine series in order for the medical examination to be considered complete. Please contact the Consular Section at [email protected] or the Panel Physician if you have any questions. This particular requirement applies only to immigrant visa applicants.

What is required to travel to the US in 2021?

Beginning November 8, 2021, foreign nationals traveling on a nonimmigrant visa will be required to demonstrate proof of vaccination against COVID-19 in order to board a flight to the United States. For the purposes of this regulation, accepted vaccines include those approved and authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and those listed for emergency use by the World Health Organization. All incoming passengers – including U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and immigrants – will also continue to be required to show a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 when traveling to the United States. For more information, please see https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/proof-of-vaccination.html#covid-vaccines.

What determines what type of visa is required?

The purpose of your intended travel and other facts will determine what type of visa is required under U.S. immigration law. As a visa applicant, you will need to establish that you meet all requirements to receive the category of visa for which you are applying.

What is business traveler?

Business traveler, we will establish appropriate mechanisms to facilitate business travel and expedite cases of particular concern to American business.

How to prepare for an interview?

Prepare for your interview by being able to clearly and concisely describe your intentions.

Turkmenistan Visa Requirements

To apply for a visa, all U.S. citizens must complete an application and have a letter of invitation approved by the State Migration Service (SMS), formerly known as the State Service for the Registration of Foreigners (SSRF), in Ashgabat.

Responsibilities Upon Arrival in Turkmenistan

Upon arrival at an airport or border entry point, foreigners will be issued an immigration card by Turkmen authorities. All foreigners are required to carry this immigration card for the duration of their stay in Turkmenistan. Authorities will collect the immigration card upon departure.

Special Circumstances and Potential Problems

Transit visas - Based on past incidents, the Embassy discourages travelers from planning to use transit visas in lieu of obtaining tourist visas through a travel agency. The U.S. Embassy in Ashgabat is unable to intervene with Turkmenistani authorities regarding the admission of private travelers to Turkmenistan.

How long does it take to get a visa for Turkmenistan?

All visa applications made at Turkmen Embassies in the UK and overseas are referred to Ashgabat for a decision. This can take 20 days or more . There is an accelerated 24 hour service, but a supplementary fee of approximately US$150 will be charged.

How long do you quarantine if you have a positive test?

Regardless of whether the test is positive or negative, all arrivals will be placed into quarantine for 21 days. If, however, you can provide a certificate of vaccination against COVID-19, you may remain at your place of residence (under the supervision of a local doctor) for seven days.

Where to register for a visa in Turkmenistan?

You must register within three days of arrival with the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan at their office at 57 Azadi Street, Ashgabat. Registration is for the period of the visa and may be carried out on your behalf. If you are not staying in Ashgabat, you should register at the local department of Migration Service instead. You should bring two passport size photos. The State Migration Service of Turkmenistan will need a letter confirming your departure from Turkmenistan. A de-registration stamp in your passport is no longer required.

Does Turkmenistan accept UK?

Turkmenistan has not yet confirmed that it will accept the UK solutions for demonstrating your COVID vaccination status. You should follow guidance for alternative entry requirements. Your NHS appointment card from vaccination centres is not designed to be used as proof of vaccination.

Can I enter Turkmenistan without a visa?

Without prior approval from the Turkmen authorities, it is not possible to enter Turkmenistan. It is possible to buy a visa on arrival at either Ashgabat airport or the ferry port at Turkmenbashi but only if you have approval from the Turkmenistan Migration Service before arrival.

Is it illegal to travel to Turkmenistan?

At present, entry to Turkmenistan is prohibited except for Turkmen nationals and accredited diplomats, permanently registered foreigners and some employees of international companies and organisations.

Can you travel with a prescription to Turkmenistan?

If you’re travelling with prescription medicines, you should carry a doctor’s prescription and declare the items on your customs declaration form. Some medicines that are non-prescription in the UK, including codeine, can cause problems on entry into Turkmenistan.

Overview

Special permits

Special visa exemptions in 2003–2013

Non-ordinary passports

See also

Links