Useful Information

Turkmen Visas for American Citizens

American Citizens must have a valid passport and visa to enter and exit Turkmenistan.  To apply for a visa, all U.S. citizens must complete an application and have a letter of invitation approved by the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan.  The U.S. Embassy does not issue letters of invitation to citizens interested in private travel to Turkmenistan. Additional information regarding visa application procedures and entry requirements for Turkmenistan may be addressed to the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Washington, D.C.  They can be contacted by phone at (202) 588-1500 or via the Internet at: http://www.turkmenistanembassy.org

Turkmenistan’s Registration and De-Registration Requirements

Americans who plan to stay more than three working days in Turkmenistan must register with the State Migration Service and de-register one day prior to their departure. Migration Service’s offices are located in all of Turkmenistan’s five major cities.  Visitors who do not register may have to pay fines upon departure.

Turkmen Customs

Turkmenistan Customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning the temporary importation into or export from Turkmenistan items such as carpets, jewelry, musical instruments, pieces of art, archaeological artifacts, antiques, etc.  It is advisable to contact the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Washington, D.C. for specific information regarding customs requirements. 

Travelers who want to take carpets out of Turkmenistan must obtain a certificate from the Carpet Museum in central Ashgabat indicating that the carpet is not of historical value.   In addition, buyers may have to pay a tax calculated on the size of the carpet.

Crime and Credit Cards

Turkmenistan has a low rate of violent crime, but ordinary street crime is common.  You should take all due precautions to safeguard your belongings, especially in hotel rooms, on trains and in public places.  If you are the victim of a crime, report it immediately to the local police and to the Consular Section. In the Consular Section, we have a number of brochures on travel safety in general and on traveling in the former Soviet republics. 

Turkmenistan is largely a cash economy.  Traveler’s checks and credit cards are rarely accepted.  You should be extremely careful in protecting your cash.  If you are traveling with your family, you may want to distribute your money among the members of your family and have each person use several hiding places.  When you are able to use your credit card, you should exercise caution to make sure the clerk or attendant does not keep a copy of the impression made from your credit card or write down the card number.  You should request that any carbons made of the credit card impression be given to you.  You should also verify all charges made to your card to prevent unauthorized use of your credit card number.  If your credit card is stolen, you should call the appropriate number in the U.S. below to cancel it immediately:

• American Express:
  Outside of the U.S. tel: (336) 393-1111 (collect) 
• Mastercard:
• Outside of the U.S. tel: (636) 722-7111 (collect)
• Visa Card:
• Outside of the U.S. tel: (410) 581-3836 (collect) 
• Discover Card:
• Outside of the U.S. tel: (801) 902-3100 (toll)

Traffic Safety

Traffic safety is also something all travelers should keep in mind.  Roads in Turkmenistan may be in very poor condition and unlit.  Rules of the road are often completely ignored.  Motorists race about recklessly and at excessive speeds. Pedestrians enjoy no right of way and are advised to be cautious when crossing streets.

Banking Services

Turkmenistan is a cash-only economy.  However, several new hotels accept credit cards.   Although the manat is the official currency, U.S. dollars are widely accepted and are required in payment for certain goods and services.  Travelers may wish to bring sufficient U.S. currency to exchange into manat to cover expenses not payable in U.S. dollars.  Travelers should be aware that black-market currency exchange and paying for goods and services at the black market rate is illegal in Turkmenistan.  Old U.S. dollar bills (issued before 1990) and/or those is poor condition (with tears, writing or stamps) are generally not accepted. 

Vnesheconombank and the National Bank of Pakistan cash traveler’s checks, but charge 5% of the total amount for this service.  Vnesheconombank also accepts Visa, Mastercard and Eurocards for cash advances. 

Western Union services are available at the following location:

Senagat Bank
S. Turkmenbashi Street, 42
Ashgabat, Turkmenistan 744013
Tel: (993-12) 45-44-10

Mail Service

There are currently no DHL or FedEx services in Turkmenistan. The local Express Mail Service:

16 2023 (Myati Kosaev) Street
Ashgabat, 744000, Turkmenistan
Phone: (993 12) 35-64-06, 35-15-55
Fax: (993-12) 39-89-31

There is mail service that can deliver mail from outside of Turkmenistan:
Website: http://www.tnt.com
Tel: (993-12) 23-07-60

Telephone Service

You can place international calls from most hotels and guesthouses. If you have a direct dial international phone line, you may call the U.S. by dialing 8-10-1 and then the area code and phone number you need. 

Marriage in Turkmenistan

Recent changes to Turkmen marriage laws make marriage to a Turkmen citizen in Turkmenistan virtually impossible for the average foreigner.

The following is a list of documents required from US citizen to register marriage in Turkmenistan:

• Certified copies of all passport pages (including one year Turkmen visa) and notarized translation into Turkmen.
• Divorce decree (if any) and confirmation document that indicates that person not currently married.
• Medical examination and AIDS test results.
• Notarized marriage contract indicating a specific agreement about property ownership and child custody issues in case of divorce.  

Even if marriage to a Turkmen citizen takes place outside of Turkmenistan, these requirements must still be met before the Government of Turkmenistan will recognize the marriage.  

If you are an American Citizen planning to marry a citizen of Turkmenistan, you may wish to contact the Consular Section in Ashgabat or U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service in the U.S. for information on how your loved one may obtain a fiancée or immigrant visa to the United States. Proceed to Steps to a Turkmen Marriage.