Turkmenistan Travel Advice
Turkmenistan is a Central Asian country bordered by Kazakhstan to the northwest, Uzbekistan to the north and east, Iran to the south, Afghanistan to the southeast, and the Caspian Sea to the west.
It is one of the most isolated and least visited countries in the world, known for its rich history, vast deserts, and significant energy resources. The country is rich in natural gas reserves, among the largest in the world. It has an economy largely driven by natural gas exports, particularly to China. Other key sectors include agriculture, notably cotton production, though much of the economy is state-controlled. Despite these resources, the country faces economic challenges due to its isolation, lack of diversification, and authoritarian policies.
Turkmenistan has a population of about 6 million people, with Turkmen as the dominant ethnic group. Other ethnic groups include Russians, Uzbeks, and others.
A significant portion of Turkmenistan is covered by the Karakum Desert, one of the largest deserts in Central Asia. The country’s landscape is mostly flat with some mountainous regions in the south and east. The Caspian Sea forms its western border.
Turkmenistan has a deep-rooted history dating back to the Silk Road era. The country’s culture is a blend of Turkic traditions and Islamic influences, with a strong focus on nomadic heritage. Notable cultural elements include carpet weaving, horse breeding, and traditional dance.
Travelers to Turkmenistan should strictly follow local laws and customs, as the country enforces strict regulations, particularly regarding behavior, public conduct, and respect for Islamic traditions. It is essential to be mindful of and respect these cultural norms to avoid any legal complications. For more detailed guidance on Islamic culture and appropriate behavior while in Turkmenistan, it is recommended to see our guide on the subject: Guide to Islamic culture.
Visiting Turkmenistan FAQsHire a bodyguard in Turkmenistan
If you are interested in hiring a bodyguard for your travel to Turkmenistan, please contact our team to discuss the options available.
Key Information for Turkmenistan
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Country Overview
Capital City: Ashgabat
Official State Language(s): Turkmen and Russian
Official State Religion(s): Islam (Sunni)
State Currency: Turkmenistani Manat (TMT)
Current Capital Time:
How safe is Turkmenistan?
Turkmenistan is generally considered a stable but highly controlled country with low levels of violent crime and unrest.
The authoritarian government maintains tight control over all aspects of society, and political dissent is not tolerated. As a result, protests and public unrest are extremely rare, and the government’s strict surveillance limits internal security threats.
Turkmenistan is one of the most politically isolated countries in the world. Its leadership, particularly under President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow, has emphasized neutrality in global affairs. The country does not participate in military alliances and maintains limited political engagement with its neighbors.
The regime's tight control ensures internal stability, but this also results in a lack of political freedoms, restricted media, and suppressed dissent. There are no significant opposition parties, and international observers have criticized the country for its human rights abuses, including arbitrary detention and lack of free speech.
Turkmenistan’s borders with Afghanistan are a point of concern due to the unstable situation in Afghanistan. While the government has increased security measures along the border, the potential for cross-border issues such as drug trafficking and militant movements remains.
Turkmenistan also has tense relations with Uzbekistan and Iran, but these tensions are largely related to resource competition and trade, not military conflict.
Visiting Turkmenistan FAQsHealth Emergencies in Turkmenistan
Health emergencies in Turkmenistan can be challenging due to the country's underdeveloped healthcare system and limited access to medical resources, particularly in rural areas.
Below are key concerns related to health in Turkmenistan:
Infectious Diseases:
Tuberculosis (TB) remains a public health issue in Turkmenistan, with the World Health Organization (WHO) classifying the country as having a medium-to-high burden of TB, especially multi-drug-resistant TB.
Hepatitis A is prevalent, often transmitted through contaminated water or food. Travelers are encouraged to be vaccinated.
Waterborne diseases such as typhoid and cholera are risks, particularly in rural areas where sanitation facilities may be inadequate.
Air Pollution:
In urban areas, particularly Ashgabat, air pollution poses a risk to public health. Respiratory illnesses, such as asthma and bronchitis, may be exacerbated by poor air quality.
Healthcare Infrastructure:
- Healthcare facilities in Turkmenistan are limited in scope, particularly outside the capital, Ashgabat. Hospitals in rural areas are under-equipped, with shortages of essential medicines, trained professionals, and modern equipment.
- Emergency medical care may be delayed due to poor road infrastructure and a lack of modern medical transportation services.
Malnutrition and Food Insecurity:
Although Turkmenistan has vast natural resources, food insecurity and malnutrition are ongoing problems in certain regions. These issues are exacerbated by economic challenges and government controls over food distribution.
In summary, while Turkmenistan remains a relatively stable country, its healthcare system is underdeveloped and can face significant challenges during health emergencies. Travelers should take precautions and have contingency plans in place for medical treatment if necessary.
Key Security Issues
Turkmenistan is generally considered a politically stable country, but it faces several key security issues, particularly due to its geographical location, authoritarian governance, and economic challenges. Here are the main security concerns:
Authoritarian Political System and Human Rights Issues:
Political repression is a major issue in Turkmenistan. The country is governed under an authoritarian regime with tight control over all aspects of political and civil life. Freedom of speech, assembly, and press are heavily restricted, and dissent is not tolerated. Political opposition is virtually non-existent, and there are reports of widespread human rights abuses.
Surveillance and censorship are common, with the government monitoring communications and restricting access to the internet and independent media. This creates an atmosphere of fear and limits civil engagement.
Border Security and Regional Instability:
Turkmenistan shares a border with Afghanistan, which raises concerns about cross-border terrorism, drug trafficking, and potential refugee influxes. Although the Turkmen government has fortified its border with Afghanistan and maintains a policy of neutrality, it remains vigilant regarding security risks associated with instability in the region.
There are occasional reports of drug smuggling along the Afghan border, as Afghanistan is a major source of narcotics, which sometimes transit through Turkmenistan to other regions.
Economic Dependency and Instability:
Turkmenistan’s economy is highly dependent on its natural gas exports, particularly to China. This lack of economic diversification creates vulnerabilities, especially when there are fluctuations in global gas demand or disruptions in export routes.
Economic difficulties, including high unemployment and food shortages, have led to internal dissatisfaction, though public unrest is tightly controlled by the government.
Crime in Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan is considered a low-crime country, particularly when it comes to violent crime, largely due to its authoritarian government’s strict control over society and heavy policing. The government’s surveillance and repression create a climate of order, with severe penalties for any form of dissent or lawbreaking. However, there are some crime-related concerns that both residents and visitors should be aware of:
Pickpocketing and theft can occur, especially in crowded public spaces and markets. However, the incidence of petty crime is lower compared to many other countries, mainly because of the government's heavy surveillance.
Tourists are advised to remain vigilant in public places, although crime targeting foreigners is rare.
You should be respectful of the country's local laws and customs, and take this into consideration at all times. Homosexual activity is illegal in Turkmenistan and can bode severe punishments including imprisonment. You should act discretely during your stay.
Relationships between foreign nationals and local women is generally frowned upon and can lead to action from authorities. Any woman leaving a club late at night with a foreign man is considered to be a prostitute.
Do not take photographs of official buildings as this is forbidden. This may apply to other buildings such as the presidential palace, airports, embassies and police stations, please ask permission before taking photos of such establishments. There is also strong feelings towards refraining from taking photos at Teke and Russian bazaars in Ashgabat.
For foreign visitors, the risk of crime is low, but travelers should be aware of the surveillance state and restricted freedom of movement. Independent travel outside major cities like Ashgabat requires government approval, and the authorities monitor communications and movement closely.
Turkmenistan, due to its proximity to Afghanistan, is vulnerable to drug smuggling, particularly opiates, although drug-related crimes among the general population are rare. The government actively combats trafficking with strict penalties. While organized crime exists, mainly in smuggling and black-market activities, it operates out of public view, kept in check by the state's tight control.
Global Travel AdvisoriesFAQs for visiting Turkmenistan
You can find the following embassies in Turkmenistan for the US and UK:
U.S. Embassy Ashgabat
9 1984 Street (formerly Pushkin Street,
Ashgabat,
744000,
Turkmenistan
Telephone: +99312 940045
Email: [email protected]
British Embassy Ashgabat
3rd Floor Office Building,
Four Points Ak Altyn Hotel,
Ashgabat,
744001,
Turkmenistan
Telephone : +99365 712033
Email: [email protected]
The visa requirements for visiting Turkmenistan depend on your nationality and the purpose of your visit:
To visit Turkmenistan, most foreign nationals are required to obtain a visa before entering the country. Here are the main visa requirements and types of visas available:
tourist visa is required for most travelers visiting Turkmenistan. You must obtain a Letter of Invitation (LOI) from a licensed travel agency in Turkmenistan before applying for a tourist visa. The LOI must be approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan.
- Once the LOI is approved, you can apply for the tourist visa at a Turkmen embassy or consulate, or in some cases, obtain it on arrival at the airport.
Business Visa:
- For business purposes, a business visa is required. Similar to the tourist visa, you need a Letter of Invitation from a Turkmen company or government organization approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- The business visa can be obtained at Turkmen embassies or consulates.
A visa on arrival can sometimes be obtained at Ashgabat International Airport, but only if the traveler has already secured a Letter of Invitation (LOI). It is highly recommended to apply for the visa in advance to avoid any issues.
Transit Visa:
- A transit visa is available for travelers passing through Turkmenistan en route to another destination. This visa is usually valid for up to 5 days, and you must provide proof of onward travel.
Required Documents:
- A valid passport with at least 6 months of validity.
- A completed visa application form.
- Passport-sized photos.
- Letter of Invitation (LOI) for tourist or business visas.
- Proof of onward or return travel (for transit visas).
- Visa fees, which vary by country and type of visa.
Given the complexity of Turkmenistan’s visa process, it is advisable to contact your nearest Turkmen embassy or consulate for detailed instructions and requirements.
In recent years, there have been no widely reported terrorist attacks in Turkmenistan.
The country maintains tight control over its borders and enforces strict internal security, which helps in minimizing the risk of terrorism. Turkmenistan’s authoritarian government places a strong emphasis on maintaining internal stability, with extensive surveillance systems in place.
While the country’s geographic location near unstable regions such as Afghanistan could pose potential security risks, the Turkmen government’s policy of neutrality and limited international engagement has kept it relatively insulated from regional conflicts and terrorist activity. However, issues like drug trafficking from Afghanistan remain a security concern.
Given the opaque nature of Turkmenistan’s government, detailed information about potential security incidents is not always readily available or reported internationally.
Before visiting Turkmenistan, it's essential to ensure you're up to date on several vaccinations and immunizations to protect against potential health risks. Here are the recommended vaccines:
Routine Vaccinations: Make sure you're up to date on standard vaccines, including:
- Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR)
- Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTP)
- Polio
- Influenza
Hepatitis A: This is recommended for all travelers, as you can contract Hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Turkmenistan.
Hepatitis B: If you plan to have close contact with local residents or engage in activities that may expose you to bodily fluids, such as healthcare work, this vaccine is recommended.
Typhoid: Particularly advised if you're traveling to rural areas or eating outside of major tourist hubs where food hygiene may be less regulated.
Rabies: While not common in urban centers, rabies vaccination is recommended if you plan to engage in outdoor activities, such as hiking or camping, or if you expect to be in close contact with animals.
Lyme Disease: Ticks are present in Turkmenistan, particularly in rural and forested areas, posing a risk for tick-borne diseases. While Turkmenistan is not known for major outbreaks of tick-borne diseases like Lyme disease, precautions should still be taken when engaging in outdoor activities, especially in grassy, wooded, or rural environments.
It's always advisable to consult with a healthcare provider or travel clinic at least 4–6 weeks before your trip to Turkmenistan, to ensure you're fully protected based on your specific health history and travel itinerary.
Public Transportation in Turkmenistan
Public transportation in Turkmenistan is limited, especially outside major cities. The capital, Ashgabat, has a relatively well-organized public transportation system that includes buses and taxis. The buses are affordable, though often crowded, and primarily serve local residents. The country does not have a subway or light rail system, and public transport outside of Ashgabat and other larger cities can be inconsistent or difficult to access.
In smaller towns and rural areas, public transportation is minimal, and locals often rely on shared taxis or private cars for transportation. Long-distance travel between cities is usually done by bus or train, though services may not be frequent and standards can vary.
Driving in Turkmenistan with a Foreign License
Foreigners can drive in Turkmenistan using a valid foreign driving license for short visits. It is advisable to carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your original license. If you plan to stay in the country long-term, you may need to obtain a Turkmen driver’s license.
Road Conditions in Turkmenistan
The quality of roads in Turkmenistan varies significantly between urban areas, such as the capital Ashgabat, and rural or remote regions.
Urban Areas:
In Ashgabat, the road infrastructure is relatively well-developed, with well-maintained paved roads and wide streets, particularly in central areas. The government has invested heavily in modernizing the capital’s road network, which includes broad boulevards and modern bridges. Traffic in Ashgabat is usually light, and congestion is uncommon due to the limited number of vehicles.
Rural Areas:
Outside Ashgabat and other large cities like Turkmenbashi and Mary, road conditions can deteriorate significantly. Roads in rural and remote regions may be unpaved, poorly maintained, or riddled with potholes. In desert regions, like the Karakum Desert, the roads can become sandy or eroded, making travel more challenging, especially without a suitable vehicle such as a 4x4.
Highways and Long-Distance Travel:
The country's highways, especially the Ashgabat-Turkmenbashi highway, which connects the capital to the Caspian Sea coast, are in relatively good condition. However, not all major routes are well-maintained, and weather conditions can affect their quality. The long distances between major cities, coupled with the sparsely populated desert regions, mean that travelers should be prepared for long stretches without service stations, and carrying extra fuel and water is advisable.
The harsh desert climate in Turkmenistan can affect road conditions, particularly during extreme weather. Sandstorms in the Karakum Desert can reduce visibility and cover roads in sand, making driving hazardous. In the winter months, rural areas can become difficult to navigate due to snow and ice in more mountainous regions.
Driving Behavior:
Local driving habits can be unpredictable, with drivers frequently disregarding traffic rules, such as speeding and ignoring traffic signals. There may also be occasional police checkpoints along major highways, and it’s advisable to carry identification and necessary vehicle documents at all times.
Our closest office
For any enquiries about our security services in Turkmenistan, please contact our London office and our team will assist you.
Intelligent Protection International
330 High Holborn
WC1V 7QT
London
United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 207 4566740
Email: [email protected]
Disclaimer
You are responsible for your own safety abroad and for making the decision to travel. The information contained in this Travel Advice for Turkmenistan is provided for information only.
Whilst care is taken to ensure that this country brief is as up-to-date and accurate as possible, it is provided on an “as is” basis without any representation or endorsement made and without warranty of any kind, express or implied. Intelligent Protection International Limited does not assume responsibility and shall not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.