Visa application requirements for Turkmenistan

To enter Turkmenistan, all foreign travelers are required of a visa which, in turn, is subject to visa support documents such as a Letter of Invitation approved by the government. The requirements for obtaining a single-entry or multiple-entry tourist visa include a valid passport with at least 6-month validity remaining, two visa application forms, two passport-size photographs, a Letter of Invitation from the person to be visited, which must be certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and onward or return ticket or confirmed itinerary. The requirements for obtaining a business visa are almost the same as those for obtaining a tourist visa except for a letter from the company in company letterhead, stating the purpose and duration of the trip. A tourist or business visa is issued for a single entry valid for three months from the date of issue, for the dates of entry and exit not exceeding the duration stated in the invitation or tourist confirmation. A passport which must be valid for six months remaining is required to enter the country of the citizens of Britain, Australia, Canada, United States, and other European Union countries. However, nationals of other countries not otherwise mentioned in the list are advised to contact the country’s Embassy to check visa requirements.

The government has also issued certain guidelines for tourists and travelers in the country, including (1) special permit must be obtained by those intending or wishing to visit border zones, (2) the visa regulations are subject to change at short, or without prior notice, (3) tourists are required to book through a recognized tour operator, and (4) nationals without a Turkmen embassy in their country can obtain a visa upon arrival but prior permission to enter the country must be obtained before the intended travel.