Central Asia & Caucasus
Turkmenistan
One of the world's most closed countries: tourist visas need an agency invitation and usually a guide. Rewards are Ashgabat's white marble, the Darvaza gas crater and almost no other tourists.
- US travel advisoryLevel 1Exercise normal precautionsDetails
- Visa0 of 198passports can visit visa-freeDetails
- CurrencyTMTUS$1 ≈ m3.50Details
- English1/5Rare
- PlugsType B, C, F220 V, 50 HzDetails
- Emergency02 or 002Police 02 or 002 · Ambulance 03 or 003 · Fire 01 or 001
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled water; it is cheap and sold everywhere.Details
- LGBTQ+CriminalizedExtremely hostile and closely policed; there is no visible community.Details
- Internet2 MbpsMedian fixed broadbandDetails
- DrivingOn the rightTourists rarely self-drive; tours include a driver. Overlanders on transit visas drive their own vehicles on a fixed route.
Where to go in Turkmenistan
1 place with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
| Place | Safety | Month, comfortable | Best months | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AshgabatCapital city | 3/5 | — | Apr–May, Oct | — |
When to visit Turkmenistan
April–May and September–November; summers top 40°C and winters are cold. Visit the Darvaza crater after dark.
Good to know
Entry
- Tourist visas need a letter of invitation through a licensed Turkmen travel agency, and itineraries are usually guided.
- Transit visas (up to 5 days) allow independent travel on a fixed route with an onward visa.
- Visa and entry fees on arrival are paid in clean, recent US dollar notes.
- A new official e-Visa portal launched in October 2026; check whether it covers your trip before relying on it.
Laws visitors break by accident
- Photographing government buildings, police, military or the presidential palace is forbidden.
- VPNs are blocked and using one can bring trouble; assume communications are monitored.
- Smoking in public is banned, and customs tightly limit tobacco.
Etiquette
- Follow your guide's lead on photos, dress and where you can go.
- Remove shoes in homes; accept tea and bread.
- Avoid political talk; criticism of the president can endanger your hosts.
Tipping
Tip guides and drivers at the end of a tour; small tips in restaurants are appreciated.
Neighbouring countries
Sources
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.