Visa to Turkmenistan

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Turkmenistan visa

Traveling to Turkmenistan can be quite challenging due to its stringent visa regulations. The country enforces strict rules on entry, requiring all foreign visitors to secure a visa before arrival. This visa can be obtained either in advance from a Turkmenistan embassy or consulate or, in some cases, at the border upon arrival.

The cost of a visa is relatively high, and there have been instances where applications were rejected without explanation. However, in recent years, the rate of visa rejections has decreased, making it somewhat easier to visit Turkmenistan, one of the world’s most isolated countries alongside North Korea.

When planning a visit to Turkmenistan, you should consider applying for one of two types of visas: a tourist visa or a transit visa. To obtain a tourist visa, you must arrange a tour through an authorized travel agency. On the other hand, if you’re applying for a transit visa, you do not need to have a tour arranged.

Tourist visa to Turkmenistan

Obtaining a tourist visa for Turkmenistan involves several key steps and requirements. To apply for a tourist visa, you must first secure a tour through a licensed travel agency in Turkmenistan. This tour booking is essential as it is required for the issuance of the visa.

The process begins with obtaining a visa support document, also known as a Letter of Invitation (LOI), from the travel agency. This support document is crucial and must be submitted along with your visa application. The LOI is processed by the Turkmenistan Immigration Service, and the review period typically ranges from 2 to 4 weeks. After this period, you will receive either an approval or a rejection notice without specific reasons for the latter.

To apply for a tourist visa, you will need to present the following documents to the Turkmenistan embassy or consulate:

  1. A valid passport and a copy of all pages with any stamps or visas. The passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your entry date into Turkmenistan.
  2. A completed visa application form in duplicate, with a passport-sized photo (3×4 cm) affixed to each form.
  3. The visa support document (LOI).
  4. The consular fee, which varies depending on factors such as nationality, length of stay, number of entries, and processing urgency. The fee ranges from $50 to $150 USD.
  5. A self-addressed envelope if you are submitting your application by mail.

The visa support document, or LOI, is issued by a licensed Turkmen travel agency and is a critical part of your visa application. It is advisable to apply for your visa at least a month before your planned travel date to avoid delays, as the LOI can be obtained up to three months in advance.

Additionally, there is an option to obtain a visa on arrival at the border. Once your travel agency has provided you with the LOI and authorization code, this document will be emailed to you. Upon arrival at the border, you can present this document to receive your visa. The visa on arrival is typically valid for 10 days, with the possibility of extension based on the length of your tour booking. Your guide will assist with the visa issuance process upon your arrival.

For those who prefer not to visit the embassy, the visa on arrival provides a convenient alternative, provided you have the necessary documentation in advance. Shahina Travel offers visa support through their partners in Turkmenistan, streamlining the process for travelers.

Obtaining visa support (LOI)

To obtain visa support for Turkmenistan, you will need to provide your travel agency with a comprehensive set of details. This information is crucial for the agency to submit a complete application for your visa support document, or Letter of Invitation (LOI). Here is the list of required documents and information:

  1. Copy of your valid international passport: This should include all pages with stamps or visas, provided in either JPG or PDF format, with clear, high-resolution images.
  2. Passport-sized photo: A photo with dimensions of at least 3×4 cm.
  3. Marital status: Indicate whether you are single, married, divorced, or widowed.
  4. Spouse’s details: Full name and date of birth of your spouse.
  5. Children’s details: Full names and dates of birth of your children, if applicable.
  6. Permanent address: Your home address, not a temporary residence.
  7. Educational background: Name and location of your educational institution, including diploma details, city, and country.
  8. Field of study: Details about your major or specialization.
  9. Current profession: Your job title, duties, and the name of your current employer.
  10. Workplace details: Name of the company and its exact address.
  11. Travel dates: Planned dates for your entry and exit from Turkmenistan.
  12. Number of entries: Specify if you require a single or multiple entries.
  13. Entry and exit points: Indicate where you will enter and exit Turkmenistan, such as border checkpoints or Ashgabat airport.
  14. Visa collection location: Indicate where you plan to collect your visa, whether at the embassy, upon arrival at the border, or at the airport.
  15. Previous visits: Information about any prior trips to Turkmenistan, including year, month, and purpose.
  • — Copies must be made from the original documents and sent in JPG or PDF format. All pages of the passport must clearly show the text, photo, signature, and barcode. The files should be high-quality, with a resolution of no less than 250 KB.

The travel agency will use this information to arrange the necessary visa support services. In addition to securing the LOI, the agency will provide the following services:

  1. Border meet-and-greet: Assistance upon arrival at the border.
  2. Entry Travel Pass: Documentation required for entering Turkmenistan.
  3. Immigration registration: Assistance with registration at the Immigration Department upon arrival.
  4. Hotel reservations: Booking accommodations based on your preferences.
  5. Accompanying guide: A guide to assist you throughout your stay.

Meeting these requirements is crucial as Turkmenistan’s visa application process involves more than just presenting hotel bookings and travel tickets. Even if you are a solo travelers, it is essential to engage a licensed travel agency in Turkmenistan to fulfill these requirements. The agency will handle all aspects of your visa application, ensuring that you comply with the country’s entry regulations and facilitating a smooth travel experience.

Be prepared for potential delays in the processing of your documents, as reasons for such delays may not always be provided. It’s advisable to allocate extra time for this procedure. Once everything is in order, you will receive an invitation letter detailing your full name, passport information, and the specific dates during which you are permitted to stay in the country.

Getting visa sticker after LOI approved

Once your Letter of Invitation (L.O.I.) has been approved, you can proceed to obtain your Turkmenistan visa. You have several options for acquiring your visa:

  1. Embassies and Consulates: You can apply for a visa at any Turkmenistan embassy or consulate located abroad. This is a common method for those who prefer to sort out their visa before travel.

  2. On Arrival: Visas can also be obtained upon arrival at Ashgabat International Airport. Additionally, you can secure a visa at several land border crossings including Farab (near Bukhara, Uzbekistan), Shavat (near Khiva, Uzbekistan), Khojeyli (near Nukus, Uzbekistan), Gaudan (near Bajgiran/Mashhad, Iran), and Bekdash (near Aktau, Kazakhstan).

    However, note that visas are not issued at the land borders of Serakhs (Iran), Serhetabat (Afghanistan), and Turkmenbashi (the Caspian Sea Port).

For obtaining your visa, you will need to provide the following:

  1. Completed Visa Applications: Submit two filled-out visa application forms.
  2. Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your intended date of entry into Turkmenistan, along with a copy.
  3. Passport Photos: Provide two passport-sized photographs, which should be affixed to the application forms.
  4. Visa Fee: Pay the required visa fee.
  5. Approved L.O.I.: Submit the approved Turkmenistan Visa Support (L.O.I.).
  6. Self-Addressed Envelope: If applying by mail, include a stamped, self-addressed envelope for the return of your visa.

For assistance with your travel arrangements and visa support in Turkmenistan, feel free to contact us. Many of our travel packages include comprehensive visa support services.

Arrival to country

Upon arriving in Turkmenistan, you will be assigned a guide who will accompany you throughout your stay. Independent travel within the country is not permitted, so you should expect to be accompanied by your guide at all times.

It’s important to note that Turkmenistan requires a PCR test upon entry. You will need to undergo this test at the border, which costs $43 USD (cash only). Additionally, you will need to present your passport and the invitation letter. The border official will verify the validity of your invitation, and if everything is in order, they will affix a large, decorative visa sticker to your passport.

With these steps completed, you are all set to begin your visit to Turkmenistan!

Transit Visa for Turkmenistan

A transit visa for Turkmenistan is ideal for travelers passing through the country en route to a final destination. This type of visa allows for a stay of up to 5 days, though occasionally it can be issued for up to 7 days. However, it is essential to note that transit visas cannot be obtained upon arrival at Ashgabat airport or at other land borders; they must be secured from Turkmenistan’s embassies or consulates prior to travel.

To apply for a transit visa, you do not need to arrange a tour or obtain visa support from a tour company, such as a Letter of Invitation (LOI). Instead, you will need to provide certain documentation, including:

  • A valid visa for the next country you are traveling to, if applicable.
  • Proof of your travel itinerary through Turkmenistan, including tickets.

While applying for a transit visa, be prepared for the consular authorities to scrutinize your application carefully. They may deny your request if they believe the transit is not essential, or if your travel plans involve entering and leaving Turkmenistan through the same country. Note that transit visa means that you need to go from one country to another through Turkmenistan. You cannot go back to the same country you came from on a transit visa. You need to enter your entry and exit points on the visa application form, although some travelers claim that deviations are possible. Still, to be on a safe side it is better to stick to authorized itinerary.

The likelihood of a visa denial can be higher around significant national holidays like Independence Day (September 27) and Flag Day (February 19).

For those planning to travel to Turkmenistan by ferry from Azerbaijan, it’s worth noting that Azerbaijani customs may allow passengers to board the Caspian Sea ferry with just an email confirmation of your visa code, without needing the actual visa in your passport. This code will be issued by the Turkmen embassy and can be used to obtain the visa sticker upon arrival in Turkmenistan. If your visa application was approved via email, the visa code, which might look like «TJ1234,» will suffice to get your visa sticker at the border.

When applying for a transit visa, you have the option to either visit the Turkmenistan Consulate in person or send an email application if the consulate accepts such submissions. If you choose to apply via email, you will receive a visa code that can be used to get the visa sticker at the border. This means there is no need to send your passport by postal services. In cases where you’ve already obtained a visa code from one embassy, you might also be able to get the visa sticker from another Turkmen embassy in a different country, provided you have the visa code.

Most embassies now issue visa codes that are valid for 3 months from the date of issuance. Your 5-day transit visa will be valid within this 3-month period, ensuring a smooth journey through Turkmenistan.

For more detailed information and assistance with your visa application, it’s advisable to consult with your travel operator or the relevant consulate.

Visa costs

The cost of a visa for Turkmenistan varies depending on nationality. For most travelers, the fee is around $85. However, UK nationals face a higher charge of $115, and Russian passport holders can expect to pay even more, often up to $155. It’s important to bring clean, fresh, and new dollar bills for payment, whether at the embassy or at the border.

Obtaining a tourist or transit visa with a Russian passport can be particularly challenging, with frequent rejections and higher fees. In addition to the visa cost, travelers arriving in Turkmenistan will need to pay $33 for a PCR test, plus additional fees for the visa sticker and the process of affixing it to the passport.

Due to fluctuating pricing, the exact amount can vary; some travelers may be charged slightly more or less. Russian nationals generally face the highest visa costs. In contrast, visas for Kazakh citizens cost $60, and for Uzbek citizens, the fee is $80.

Children also require a separate visa, which costs $15.

Registration Requirements for Foreign Visitors to Turkmenistan

Foreign nationals arriving in Turkmenistan for more than three working days are required to register with the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan by the third working day following their arrival. The main office for this service is located in Ashgabat at 63 Azadi Street. Typically, your tour company will manage this registration process on your behalf.

Travelers with a transit visa are exempt from registering with the Migration Police (OVIR) unless their transit visa is valid for more than 5 days. If your stay extends beyond this period, you must reside in a hotel to have a registered address. Hotel staff will handle your registration and provide you with the necessary documentation. It is crucial to keep this registration certificate until the end of your trip.

After receiving the registration certificate from the hotel, you should proceed to the OVIR office on Gogol Street in Ashgabat. To complete your registration, you will need to present a copy of your passport (including the main page and the visa for your next destination) and a passport-sized photo.

Upon entry into Turkmenistan, tourists are issued an immigration card, which must be updated with details of your accommodation and the daily fee of $2. If you receive your visa upon arrival in Turkmenistan, you will also be required to pay an immigration tax of $14.

Following these procedures will ensure compliance with Turkmenistan’s immigration regulations and facilitate a smooth visit to the country.

Exiting Turkmenistan: Essential Checks and Procedures

Before departing Turkmenistan, it’s important to ensure that you have all the necessary documents and comply with the regulations to avoid any last-minute issues. Here’s a checklist to guide you:

  1. Passport: Ensure your passport is valid and has not expired. Your passport should be in good condition and meet any entry and exit requirements.

  2. Immigration Card: This card, issued upon your entry into Turkmenistan, must be kept with you throughout your stay and presented upon departure.

  3. Customs Declaration: Retain the second copy of the customs declaration form that you completed upon entry. This document is required for verification during your departure.

  4. Visa Validity: Check your visa for any specific entry and exit dates or locations. If your visa includes such details, ensure that you exit Turkmenistan through the designated border crossing and by the expiry date indicated.

During customs control, the amount of cash you are carrying may be inspected. You are allowed to export only the amount of currency that you declared upon entry. Additionally, exporting Turkmen manat is prohibited. To avoid complications, compare the customs declaration with your cash and, if possible, exchange any remaining manat before your departure.

Lastly, verify that you have all necessary receipts for purchased souvenirs and check your luggage thoroughly. Retrieving lost items can be challenging, so it’s best to ensure everything is in order before leaving the country.

Customs Procedures

Before departing Turkmenistan, it’s important to ensure that you have all the necessary documents and comply with the regulations to avoid any last-minute issues. Here’s a checklist to guide you:

  1. Passport: Ensure your passport is valid and has not expired. Your passport should be in good condition and meet any entry and exit requirements.

  2. Immigration Card: This card, issued upon your entry into Turkmenistan, must be kept with you throughout your stay and presented upon departure.

  3. Customs Declaration: Retain the second copy of the customs declaration form that you completed upon entry. This document is required for verification during your departure.

  4. Visa Validity: Check your visa for any specific entry and exit dates or locations. If your visa includes such details, ensure that you exit Turkmenistan through the designated border crossing and by the expiry date indicated.

During customs control, the amount of cash you are carrying may be inspected. You are allowed to export only the amount of currency that you declared upon entry. Additionally, exporting Turkmen manat is prohibited. To avoid complications, compare the customs declaration with your cash and, if possible, exchange any remaining manat before your departure.

Lastly, verify that you have all necessary receipts for purchased souvenirs and check your luggage thoroughly. Retrieving lost items can be challenging, so it’s best to ensure everything is in order before leaving the country.