Turkmenistan Visa: How to Apply
Most foreign nationals need a visa to enter Turkmenistan. The standard route is a tourist visa issued on the basis of a Letter of Invitation (LOI), which a licensed local travel agency (such as Sayoda Travel) arranges for you before arrival.
- Choose a tour and confirm dates with the agency.
- Send a passport copy and a completed application form.
- Receive the approved Letter of Invitation (usually 2–3 weeks).
- Collect the visa at a Turkmen embassy or on arrival at Ashgabat airport.
Transit visas (up to 5 days) are also available for travellers crossing the country.
Embassies in Turkmenistan
Information about foreign embassies and consulates accredited in Turkmenistan will be published here soon.
Embassies Abroad
| № | Name of institution | Head | Position | Contact information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Embassy of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Austria | Gurbanguly Annagulyev | Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary | Rudolfinergasse 14, 1190 Vienna, Austria +43 1 328 08 33 info@turkmenembassy.at |
| 2 | Embassy of Turkmenistan to the United States of America | Meret Orazov | Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary | 2207 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA +1 202 588 1500 info@turkmenistanembassy.org |
| 3 | Embassy of Turkmenistan to the Russian Federation | Batyr Rejepov | Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary | Filippovsky Lane 12, Moscow 119019, Russia +7 495 690 31 31 info@turkmenistan.ru |
| 4 | Embassy of Turkmenistan to the Federal Republic of Germany | Pirjan Pirjanov | Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary | Lindenallee 29, 14169 Berlin, Germany +49 30 30 10 59 0 info@turkmenistan.de |
| 5 | Embassy of Turkmenistan to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland | Yazgul Rejepova | Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary | 131 Holland Park Avenue, London W11 4UT, United Kingdom +44 20 7251 1072 info@turkmenembassy.org.uk |
| 6 | Embassy of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Turkey | Ishankuli Amanlyev | Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary | Koza Sokak No: 25, GOP, Ankara, Turkey +90 312 447 00 51 info@turkmenistan.org.tr |
| 7 | Embassy of Turkmenistan to the United Arab Emirates | Sapar Palvanov | Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary | Villa No. 12, Al Mushrif Area, Abu Dhabi, UAE +971 2 446 6222 info@turkmenistan.ae |
| 8 | Embassy of Turkmenistan to the People's Republic of China | Parahat Durdyev | Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary | No. 11, Dongzhimenwai Street, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China +86 10 6532 3635 info@turkmenistan.cn |
Crossing Borders
Detailed information about border crossing points and procedures is available in the Turkmen Visa section.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa for Turkmenistan?
Yes, citizens of most countries do. A tourist visa is issued only on the basis of a letter of invitation from a licensed Turkmen operator — we arrange it for you, so there is no separate application to make.
How long does the invitation take?
Usually 2–3 weeks from the moment we receive your passport copy and application form. It is best to start at least a month before the trip.
Is Turkmenistan safe to travel in?
Yes. Street crime is rare, and a guide and driver accompany you along the route. Some areas require permits — we obtain those in advance.
What is included in the tour price?
As a rule: the invitation, transport along the route, accommodation, meals per the programme, a guide and entrance fees. The exact included and excluded list is on each tour page.
Can I travel on my own rather than in a group?
Yes. We build a private tour around your dates, pace and interests — we will send the programme and the price after a short conversation.
What languages do the guides speak?
Russian, English and Turkmen. Other languages on request, if you let us know in advance.
