Turkmenistan is the southernmost country of the former Soviet Union. It is bordered by Uzbekistan to the north and east, Kazakhstan to the northwest, the Caspian Sea to the west and Iran and Afghanistan to the south.. Turkmenistan gained its independence in 1991 during the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Primarily a desert country, it has a population of around six million people. Tourist facilities, especially outside of the capital city of Ashgabat, are not highly developed. Many of the goods and services taken for granted in Western European countries are not yet available. Travel within the country can be difficult due to limited infrastructure and government-imposed internal travel restrictions.

Visible police and military presence in Turkmenistan is common. Both uniformed and plainclothes officials frequently ask to see passports, visas, migration cards, and SSRF registrations. Travelers should ask to see identification if they are not certain that the person requesting the information is an official. These documentation checks, and residence and vehicle searches, are common. Security personnel maintain checkpoints on major roads.

Security personnel may at times place foreign visitors under surveillance. Hotel rooms, telephones, and fax machines may be monitored, and personal possessions in hotel rooms may be searched. Taking photographs of anything that could be perceived as being of military or security interest, such as government buildings, may result in problems with authorities. Visitors should ask whether buildings may be photographed

Medical care in Turkmenistan is limited and well below Western European standards. All visitors are strongly advised to purchase medical evacuation insurance to cover costs associated with transporting them to adequate medical facilities in the event of serious illness or injury. Such travel can be expensive if undertaken under emergency conditions, and absent this insurance, medical evacuation travel may be logistically impossible on an emergency basis. Travelers with medical conditions should consult their regular physician to determine whether travel to Turkmenistan is advisable in light of the level of available health care.

Turkmenistan has a cash-only economy. However, several new hotels accept credit cards. Vnesheconombank and the National Bank of Pakistan cash traveler’s checks and personal checks for a fee, although cashing a personal check is a lengthy process that could require up to two months. Vnesheconombank also accepts Visa for cash advances, for a fee.

Although the manat is the official currency, U.S. dollars are widely accepted and are required as payment for certain goods and services. Travelers may wish to bring sufficient U.S. currency to exchange into manat to cover expenses not payable in U.S. Dollars. Old U.S. dollar bills (issued before 1990) and/or those in poor condition (with tears, writing or stamps) are not acceptable forms of currency in Turkmenistan. Banks frequently do not have small bills for change.
The official Trukmenistan websites are: www.turkmenistan.gov.tm; www.turkmenistan.ru  

Turkmenistan entry requirements

Where do I get a Turkmen visa?

All travellers are advised to obtain a Turkmen visa prior to travelling to Turkmenistan.

Turkmen visas are issued by Turkmen Embassies and Consulates overseas. If travelling from a country without a Turkmenistan Embassy or Consulate a visa can be obtained on arrival but prior permission (usually an invitation letter certified by the Foreign Citizens Registration Office of Turkmenistan) to enter the country must be obtained before travelling.

A visa issued on arrival at the airport will be valid for a maximum stay of 10 days.

How do I get an invitation letter?
 
Before applying for a visa you must apply for an invitation letter from a sponsor resident in Turkmenistan, or a company registered in the country, or a state organisation. The invitation letter should be certified by the Foreign Citizens Registration Office of Turkmenistan. The service charge is normally 24 USD.

If you have no contacts in Turkmenistan you can apply for an invitation letter from the State Tourism Corporation of Turkmenistan, a tourist company or the Chamber of Commerce (a fee will be charged, usually in USD):

• Ministry of Tourism of Turkmenistan
  
  Tel: (993-12) 354777, 398691
  Fax: (993-12) 396740, 390065
• Tourist Companies
   
  Ayan Tel:350797
  e-mail: ayan_tour@online.tm
  Ovadan Tourism Tel: (993-12) 354860, 391825
  Alho Tel: (993-12) 354159, 355520
  Latif Tel: (993-12) 415077, 415087

How much does a Turkmen visa cost?
 
The cost of a visa issued at Turkmen Embassies varies. Published prices state that a 10 day visa costs $46 and a 12 month visa $500.

A visa issued at Ashgabat airport on arrival normally costs US$71 and is valid for a 10 day visit only. The cost does however vary and is also dependent on nationality.

If you intend to stay in Turkmenistan for longer than 10 days, you should apply for a visa extension at the Foreign Citizens Registration Office of Turkmenistan within the first 3 days of arrival in the country.

After I arrive in Turkmenistan Do I need to Register?
 
If you plan to stay in Turkmenistan for more than 3 days, you must register with the Foreign Citizens Registration Office of Turkmenistan.

How do I contact the Embassy in London?
 
The contact details of the Embassy of Turkmenistan in London are as follows,
St George’s House
14-17 Well Street
London W1P 3FP
Tel:44 207 255 10 71