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Turkmenistan Visa Policy

Turkmenistan has an immigration law that guides immigration and visa issuing as embedded in the country's constitution. Under the current law, citizens of all foreign nations must have visas to visit the country unless they hold special passports. For a time, only citizens from Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan (2003-2013) enjoyed visa exemptions to Turkmenistan.

Under current rules, to obtain a tourist visa, the applicant must apply by submitting a cover letter to a licensed travel agency licensed with the government of Turkmenistan. If successful, the government will issue an invitation letter through the travel agent, which the Foreign Affairs Ministry approves. This letter can then be used to get a visa on arrival at the point of entry for 10 days which can then be extended for a further 10 days.

Furthermore, citizens of all countries enjoy visa free transit through Ashgabat International Airport as long as they remain in the transit area for their next flight.

Denied Entry

It is important to notify travelers that citizens from some countries or territories are not allowed into Turkmenistan. Holders of passports from Kosovo, Abkhazia, Donetsk, and Luhansk regions are not allowed into Turkmenistan. Northern Cyprus, Artsakh, and Somaliland, including a few other countries, are also denied entry. Before your trip, check your list to ensure your country is not among the banned nations.

Turkmenistan Travel Information For Visitors

Turkmenistan is a highly conservative society and is one of the most difficult countries to visit due to its extremely strict yet confusing visa policy. There are no visa exemptions for foreigners, so every visitor must obtain a visa before arrival. Here are some important details to know before your visit.

Holy Spots: Turkmenistan is 89% Muslim, 9% Orthodox, and other religions, and the people are highly religious. They also treat their homes as scared as well. Always remove your shoes if you must enter their homes or holy places of worship. Wearing shoes in such enclosed areas is considered disrespectful. It is also customary to bring sweets or cakes to your host when visiting them at home.

Home Etiquette: Besides bringing sweets or cakes on your visits, most homes have a small table of low height with a tablecloth cover for eating. Stay away from the table, and should you sit down to eat with your host, ensure that your foot doesn't point towards the food. Offering a visitor bread is also customary, so receive it with grace and eat part or all of it, as refusing the offering is considered disrespectful too.

Taking a Picture: Always ask a local for permission before taking their picture. Remember, people tend to be shy and reclusive and react negatively to their pictures taken without permission.

Public: Some practices are discouraged in Turkmenistan, like kissing, hugging, or showing public displays of affection, which is an act the locals find offensive. Throwing one's hat on the floor is frowned upon, and so is eating all the food on your plate within leaving a piece. Furthermore, whistling inside a building is not encouraged as the people believe it brings bad financial luck. Lastly, licking your nose or sneezing when conversing with others over a table is considered an insult.

Identity: As a foreigner, always carry your ID card along in public places as police officers perform random checks often.

Public Buildings: Always be on your best when inside or around government buildings and public utilities like military installations, transport hubs, and sensitive sites. Moving around with a guide will also help avoid potential issues with the authorities or locals.

Smoking: Smoking is not an illegal act, but it is banned in public. However, there are designated smoking spots where smokers congregate to light up. Furthermore, it is forbidden in Turkmenistan culture to give a tobacco product as a gift to others.

Same-Sex Relationships: Homosexuality is banned in Turkmenistan, and violators are harshly punished. Overall, the country is not a safe place for people with a homosexual orientation, so it is advisable to stay away.

Public Discuss: The society is highly intolerant of political or religious views do refrain from having such discussions in public. As a visitor, topics that reveal sensitive politics and religion should be off-limits. If strangers bring up such conversations around you, don't participate.

Commuting: To make your visit pleasurable, you can ask your guide or hotel to book a licensed taxi anytime you want to go out. This will save you the stress of jumping buses in the chaotic city centers.

Night Outings: Always be alert when out at night, and keep your wallet and valuables hidden. Although the country has a very low crime rate, there are still risks of petty theft everywhere, so do well to protect yourself and your belongings. Moving in groups at night is always best.

These are some of the important things to bear in mind when preparing for your trip. While they may appear odd, they are a part of people's way of life and should be respected.

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