Turkmenistan
Summary
Before you travel, check the ‘Entry requirements’ section for Turkmenistan’s current entry restrictions and requirements. These may change with little warning. Monitor this advice for the latest updates and stay in contact with your travel provider.
If you plan to pass through another country to return to the UK, check the travel advice for the country you’re transiting.
It is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover. See the FCDO’s guidance on foreign travel insurance.
Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Turkmenistan, attacks can’t be ruled out. See Terrorism.
You should carry identification at all times. The police often carry out checks.
Visa requirements are strict. You should contact the Turkmen Embassy in London well in advance of travel. If you are staying for more than 3 days, you will also need to register with the State Migration Service. Don’t overstay your visa. See Entry requirements.
If you need to contact the emergency services, call 01 (from landline) or 001 (from mobile) for fire, 02 (from landline) 002 (from mobile) for police, and 03 (from landline) 003 (from mobile) for an ambulance.
If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission.
Update history
2025-12-10 12:50
New information about dual nationals returning to the UK (‘Entry requirements’ page).
2025-10-08 11:08
New information about taxi and airport transfer options from Ashgabat International Airport and updated information about relationships with Turkmens (See ‘Taxis’ and ‘Relationships with Turkmens’ on the ‘Safety and Security’ page ).
2025-07-30 14:28
Updated information about transit visas and travelling through Turkmenistan by car (‘Entry requirements’ page).
2025-07-23 14:48
Clarification that you can get a visa on arrival at Ashgabat International Airport and some land borders (‘Entry requirements’ page).
2025-07-21 10:48
This advice has been reviewed throughout, and includes updates to the entry requirements section, and about taking photographs or using social media (‘Entry requirements’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages).
2025-07-07 16:48
Removal of information on entering Turkmenistan across the land border from Iran.
2025-06-20 14:58
Addition of information on entering Turkmenistan across the land border from Iran (‘Entry requirements’ page).
2025-06-18 20:57
Updated information for British nationals wanting to enter Turkmenistan from Iran (‘Entry requirements’ page)
2025-02-13 16:50
Updated guidance on taking dollars into Turkmenistan for exchange (‘Entry requirements’ page).
2023-10-06 11:42
This travel advice has been rewritten to make it easier to read and understand.
2023-06-22 10:22
Information about the global terrorism risks to British nationals abroad on all FCDO travel advice pages
2023-04-11 13:50
Updated information on international and domestic travel, and COVID-19 entry requirements (‘Coronavirus’ and ‘Entry requirements’ pages).
2023-03-10 11:45
Updated information on international and domestic travel, and COVID-19 entry requirements (‘Coronavirus’ and ‘Entry requirements’ pages).
2023-02-10 13:18
Update on international and domestic travel, and COVID-19 entry requirements (‘Coronavirus’ and ‘Entry requirements’ pages)
2022-10-11 14:47
Updated information on PCR testing (‘Entry Requirements’ page).
2022-09-05 09:55
Update on air safety (‘Safety and Security’ page)
2022-09-01 11:49
Updated information on international transportation and COVID-19 quarantine or self-isolation restrictions (‘Coronavirus’ and ‘Entry requirements’ pages).
2022-08-03 17:02
Updated information on international and domestic transportation and COVID-19 vaccines (‘Coronavirus’ and ‘Entry requirements’ pages)
2022-05-18 17:07
Updated information on chartered flights, domestic COVID-19 measures and the charging of fees for COVID-19 tests on arrival (‘Coronavirus’ and ‘Entry requirements’ pages)
2022-05-12 15:59
The FCDO no longer advises against all but essential travel to Turkmenistan based on the current assessment of COVID-19 risks (‘Summary’ page).
2022-02-21 12:33
Republished with stylistic edits to the ‘Entry requirements’ section.