Central Asia & Caucasus
Is Turkmenistan safe?
L1Exercise normal precautions
Is Turkmenistan safe?
Street crime is very low; the main risk is the state. Expect police checks and surveillance, and follow your guide's rules on photos and movement.
Key facts
- US travel advisory: Level 1: Exercise normal precautions, updated 2026-08-20.
- Homicide rate: 1.0 per 100,000 people (2015, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths: 13.5 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 02 or 002 · Ambulance 03 or 003 · Fire 01 or 001.
- Solo women: Low crime and guided tours make it straightforward; dress modestly outside central Ashgabat.
Risks, scams and laws
Main risks
- Police stops and repeated document checks
- Extreme summer heat in the Karakum desert
- Strict photography rules around official buildings
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.
Safety by place in Turkmenistan
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| Ashgabat | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
Quick answers
Is Turkmenistan safe for tourists?
Street crime is very low; the main risk is the state. Expect police checks and surveillance, and follow your guide's rules on photos and movement.
Is Turkmenistan safe for solo female travelers?
Low crime and guided tours make it straightforward; dress modestly outside central Ashgabat.
What is the emergency number in Turkmenistan?
Police 02 or 002 · Ambulance 03 or 003 · Fire 01 or 001.
Safety by place
Sources
- World Bank: intentional homicides
- US State Department travel advisory
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan
- World Bank open data
Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.