Visa policy of Turkmenistan

The visa policy of Turkmenistan is among the most restrictive of any country in the world. Citizens of all countries (except Uzbekistan in certain cases) require a visa to enter Turkmenistan unless they have special passports or a United Nations Laissez-Passer. To obtain a tourist visa for Turkmenistan, all foreign citizens must supply an invitation letter issued by a travel agency licensed 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 may obtain a visa on arrival valid for 10 days, and extendable for another 10 days.

There are plans to introduce electronic visas and abolish the requirement of a letter of invitation. With the goal of allowing smoother business visits and boosting foreign tourism, President Serdar Berdimuhamedow signed a decree on 18 April 2025 that will introduce these changes. The types of electronic visas that will be available, how they will be issued, and how long they will be valid for have yet to be decided.

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

Visa policy map

Visa exemption Ordinary passports United Nations Laissez-Passer — from 2023, foreign citizens with UN passports were allowed up to 30 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. Foreign citizens 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, were exempt from visa issuance during the period of work in Turkmenistan.

— from November 2025, citizens of Uzbekistan can visit the Shavat-Dashoguz Border Trade Zone without a visa for up to 15 days.

Non-ordinary passports

Holders of diplomatic, official and service passports of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bulgaria, China, Georgia, Hungary, Iran, Japan (90 days), Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Mongolia, Romania, Russia, Switzerland, Singapore, Slovakia, South Korea, Tajikistan, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates and holders of diplomatic passports of Estonia, India, Pakistan and Uzbekistan do not require a visa to visit Turkmenistan for up to 30 days (unless otherwise stated). Holders of diplomatic passports of Canada and the United States may obtain a free visa on arrival.

Electronic visa (e-Visa) Starting from 02 October 2026, Turkmenistan has unveiled its new e-Visa portal. The platform now provides details on available visa categories, required documents and processing times ranging from 24 hours to seven business days.

However, it is currently no possible to register in order to apply for an e-Visa.

Special permit A special permit, issued prior to arrival by Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is required if visiting the following places: Kerki, Hazar, Dashoguz, Serakhs and Serhetabat.

Admission restrictions Entry and transit is refused to holders of passports of the following jurisdictions, even if not leaving the aircraft and proceeding by the same flight:

Visitor statistics

Turkmenistan is among the least visited countries in the world. Very few foreigners are granted a Turkmenistani visa. After gaining its independence in 1991, Turkmenistan was a slightly more open country than it is now. For example, 300,000 foreigners visited the country in 1998. Between 2000 and 2013, however, the number of visas issued decreased significantly, due to isolationist policies and a totalitarian regime. Year Visitors 218,000 217,000 257,000 300,000 3,256 5,200 10,800 8,200 14,800 11,600 5,600 8,177 9,777 7,628 9,631 8,687 More 110,000Approximate numbers More 110,000 More 130,000 More 130,000 More 130,000 Total (1995-1998, 2000-2011 and 2014-2018) More 1,700,000

Country 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2000 108,288 105,269 98,176 96,604 77,387 No data No data No data No data No data No data No data No data No data No data No data 3,874 3,397 2,391 2,355 2,133 122 No data No data No data No data No data 1,143 1,277 1,392 1,576 1,338 270 No data No data No data No data No data 531 660 535 663 566 430 No data No data No data No data No data 277 392 412 595 600 340 No data No data No data No data No data 253 388 344 508 537 282 No data No data No data No data No data 245 238 296 439 160 95 No data No data No data No data No data 212 230 315 232 682 650 Other No data No data No data No data No data 2,080 2,799 1,803 3,313 2,081 999 Total No data No data No data No data No data 8,697 9,631 7,628 9,777 8,177 3,256

Citizens of the Russian Federation Country 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 6,096 11,322 30,504 28,127 27,490 29,047 28,470 29,530 34,494 36,387 42,664 45,052

Transit Passengers transiting through Aşgabat International Airport do not require a visa for direct airside transit only within 24 hours.

Visa policy of Turkmenistan

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