Is Ashgabat safe?
Street crime is very low. The risk is the state: constant police checks, strict photography rules and monitored communications, with little help for foreigners if things go wrong.
Key facts
- SoloSquare safety rating: 3/5, take real precautions.
- US travel advisory: Level 1: Exercise normal precautions, updated 2026-08-20.
- Homicide rate in Turkmenistan: 1.0 per 100,000 people (2015, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths in Turkmenistan: 13.5 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 02 or 002 · Ambulance 03 or 003 · Fire 01 or 001.
Safety in Ashgabat at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Crime | Petty theft is rare; officials and police ask for documents often, and photographing restricted sites can bring detention. |
| At night | The center is quiet and well lit; police are visible and curfews or restrictions can apply near sensitive sites. |
| Solo women | Low crime and guided tours make travel straightforward. Dress modestly outside the center. |
| Other risks | Extreme summer heat above 40°C; Strict rules on photography and movement |
Scams, areas and local laws
Take care
- Photographing government buildings, police or the presidential palace
- Using VPNs or posting about the government online
Calmer areas to stay
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.
Quick answers
Is Ashgabat safe for solo female travelers?
Low crime and guided tours make travel straightforward. Dress modestly outside the center.
Is Ashgabat safe at night?
The center is quiet and well lit; police are visible and curfews or restrictions can apply near sensitive sites.
What is the crime rate in Ashgabat?
Petty theft is rare; officials and police ask for documents often, and photographing restricted sites can bring detention. Nationally, Turkmenistan records 1.0 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2015).
What number do I call in an emergency in Ashgabat?
Police 02 or 002 · Ambulance 03 or 003 · Fire 01 or 001.
More about Ashgabat
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Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan
- World Bank: intentional homicides (UNODC)
- World Bank: road traffic deaths (WHO)
Safety ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment from official advisories, crime data and local reporting. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.