Genvisec advises that all business and leisure travel should continue to Turkmenistan avoiding travel to the restricted border areas (borders with Afghanistan and Iran). All tourist areas are ok to visit.

 

Crime

 

Incidents of mugging, theft and pick pocketing are rare, but take sensible precautions and keep valuables out of sight. Women should avoid going out alone late at night.

 

Road travel

 

You can drive in Turkmenistan using an International Driving Permit.

 

Driving standards are poor. Road travel at night outside cities is particularly dangerous because of the condition of the roads.

 

Seat belts, if fitted, should be worn at all times.

 

Licensed taxis are clearly identified and yellow in colour. Although taxis have meters, drivers will usually ask foreign nationals for a set fee of around 5 to 10 Manat. Taxis from the airport cost more and drivers usually ask for US$. Most taxi drivers do not speak much English. Don’t use unlicensed taxis.

 

Rail travel

 

Rail travel is slow and can be uncomfortable. If you have to travel overnight, keep valuables in a safe place. Don’t leave the compartment unattended. Lock the door from the inside.

 

Air travel 

In 2010, the International Civil Aviation Organisation carried out an audit of the level of implementation of the critical elements of safety oversight in Turkmenistan.

 

A list of incidents and accidents in Turkmenistan can be found on the website of the Aviation Safety network.

 

It is not clear whether maintenance procedures are always properly observed on internal flights.

 

Political situation

 

The political situation is calm. Nonetheless, there is traditionally a relatively high state of security in Turkmenistan. You should avoid any demonstrations or large gatherings of people.

 

Telephones

 

The state-owned mobile telephone provider in Turkmenistan, Altyn Asyr, does not provide a roaming service, and the quality of the network is low. Roaming is however provided by a Russian service provider, MTS, which re-entered the Turkmen market in 2012. It is possible to purchase a local SIM card

 

Local laws and customs

Possession and use of drugs is illegal. If you are found guilty, you could face a lengthy prison sentence in very basic conditions.

 

Male homosexual activity is illegal, punishable by a custodial sentence. Homosexuality is still very much frowned upon socially. You should take care over public displays of affection.

 

There remain sensitivities around relationships between foreign men and local women, and the Turkmen authorities are known to take action against both. For foreign nationals this could result in a fine and deportation from the county.

 

Photographing official buildings is forbidden. Check before taking photographs near potentially sensitive sites such as airports, military barracks, police stations, government buildings, embassies and the Presidential Palace. The Turkmen are also sensitive about pictures being taken in the Teke & Russian bazaars in Ashgabat.

 

It has been against the law to smoke outside in Turkmenistan for several years. This law has been extended to restaurants and other communal spaces (unless they contain a designated smoking area). From January 2015 a new regulation has banned the import of more than 2 packets of 20 cigarettes per person and cigarette sales will be restricted to state run shops and outlets. It is also against the new law to give tobacco products as a gift. If you are caught you could be fined.

 

Money

Turkmenistan remains largely a cash-based society and we advise you to carry cash for your expenses. There are only a handful of international ATMs and you may find it difficult to withdraw cash. Visa and MasterCard are the only cards currently accepted by some larger hotels and restaurants. List of accessible ATMs in Ashgabat:

• the State Bank for Foreign Economic Affairs, 32 Garashsyzlyk st.

• 22 Asudalyk st. (near Magtymguly monument)

• Berkarar Mall, near the entrance to Kamil supermarket on the ground floor

• Ashgabat airport, arrival hall

US Dollars and Euros can be easily exchanged into the local currency (Manat) at banks and Bureaux de Change. Bring new notes in low denominations as damaged or marked notes are often refused even by official travel exchange offices. Other currencies are difficult to exchange.

New regulations introduced from 1 January 2016 means that US dollars will no longer be accepted at hotels and other tourist facilities as payment. Some outlets might still request dollar payments but caution is recommended as strict controls and harsh penalties are being applied to those who contravene this regulation. Currency regulations are also liable to sudden and unannounced change.

 

Health

The quality of medical care is poor. There are some diagnostic facilities, particularly in Ashgabat, but treatment may be unreliable or even unwise due to poorly trained staff, limited facilities and a lack of drugs and equipment. Anything other than basic or emergency treatment, particularly away from the capital, is usually best avoided. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

 

Typhoid and hepatitis A are endemic. You should ensure your inoculations are up to date. You should drink or use only boiled and filtered or bottled water and avoid ice in drinks. Avoid unpasteurised milk.

 

In the summer temperatures can reach up to 50° Celsius in the shade, so drink plenty of water in the summer and avoid sunburn.

 

The number for the local ambulance service in case of an emergency is 03. Please note however that the operator may only speak Russian or Turkmen. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

 

Natural disasters

Turkmenistan is located in an active seismic zone. Earth tremors can occur and there is a possibility of earthquakes.

 

Visas

 

The following information is subject to change. You should consult the Turkmen Embassy in your home country well in advance of your intended travel date. All visa applications made at Turkmen Embassies 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.

 

Foreign nationals need a visa to enter Turkmenistan. You will need a letter of invitation, certified by the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan, from a private individual or company to support your application. For tourists, these can be obtained from authorised travel agents. A list is available from the British Embassy in Ashgabat. Those travelling on business for the first time must obtain letters from relevant ministries, departments or companies they wish to co-operate with, unless the visit is made to attend an exhibition or other event, in which case the organiser normally provides visa support.

 

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. If you break your journey or try to enter Turkmenistan without the right visa you will face a long and uncomfortable wait in the offices of the Immigration Service at the airport or ferry port.

 

If you are staying for more than 3 days you should register with the State Service of Turkmenistan for the Registration of Foreign Nationals.

 

Don’t overstay your visa.

 

All foreign nationals need a visa to transit Turkmenistan by train. You can be registered at entry and exit points if your stay is not longer than five days and you hold a valid transit visa. But you won’t be able to change your transit visa in-country, and you must notify the authorities if you intend to vary your route through the country.

 

If you intend to travel from Turkmenistan to Azerbaijan across the Caspian Sea you should be aware that it is not possible to buy a visa on arrival at Baku seaport. Make sure you have a valid visa to enter Azerbaijan if you take the ferry.

 

Dual nationality

 

Dual nationality isn’t recognised in Turkmenistan. If you enter Turkmenistan on a Turkmen passport and also hold foreign nationality your Embassy can only provide very limited consular assistance. In cases of arrest or detention, consular access is unlikely to be granted.

 

Passport validity

 

Your passport should be valid for at least the length of your visa.

 

Registration

 

On arrival, you must complete a migration card and pay a US$12 migration fee ($10 fee plus $2 Admin charge). The authorities will retain the card.

 

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 ‘velayat’ office 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.

 

Non-compliance with these requirements could lead to prosecution and possible detention.

 

Travelling with children

 

Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should contact the Turkmen Embassy in your home country for advice about the documents that will be required at immigration.

 

Emergency Travel Documents

 

You won’t be able to enter or transit Turkmenistan using in Emergency Travel Document (ETD). If your ETD has been issued in Turkmenistan, you will need an exit visa from the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan or Department of Visa and Registration before you can travel out of Turkmenistan. This process can take up to 5 working days.