Turkmenistan Travel Guide

The story

Open, but only on its own terms

Turkmenistan has one of the most restrictive visa policies in the world. In practice the only visa available to independent travellers is a transit visa, usually granted for 3 to 7 days.

Tourist visas are only possible by joining a guided tour that lasts the entire time you are in the country. The Darvaza gas crater in the Karakum Desert is one of its best-known sights.

3-7 daystypical transit visa length, per Wikivoyage

10 daysvisa processing, about 10 business days

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Practical guide

Plan your Turkmenistan trip

Check before you go: a letter of invitation is normally required and there are restrictions on photography and conduct. Read your government's travel advice and confirm the visa process with a Turkmen embassy before planning.

Visa

Wikivoyage says the only independent visa is a transit visa, and tourist visas require a full guided tour.
You typically need a passport valid for more than six months, an authenticated letter of invitation, and copies of your passport page and ID.
Processing normally takes about 10 business days. The government approved an e-visa, but details were not decided.

Getting around

Turkmenistan Airlines flies between major cities, and fares are very cheap because they are subsidised.
Trains are slow and subsidised. Tickets cannot be bought online and sell out quickly.
Wikivoyage warns that traffic rules are routinely ignored and driving is risky.

What to see

Ancient cities: Konye Urgench, Merv and Nissa.
Natural sites: the Karakum Desert and Yangykala Canyon.

Climate

Summers from May to September are extremely hot and dry, and winters are cold and windy.

Safety and conduct

Crime is low because it is severely punished, but Wikivoyage describes the country as authoritarian with a poor human rights record and advises watching what you say.
Corruption is common and police may target foreigners for bribes. Stay polite and do not argue.
Do not photograph or record police, and be careful with photography generally.

Details come from Wikivoyage, which may lag behind policy changes. We checked on November 1, 2026. Entry rules, fees and prices change, so confirm them with official sources before you reserve.