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Before you go to Turkmenistan: money, phones, registration, safety and health — checked
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UK government advice: Turkmenistan is largely a cash-based society. Carry cash and pay in the Turkmen currency, manat.
Bring crisp, clean notes as creased, damaged or marked notes will be rejected. Notes issued before 2013 may also be rejected.
The UK government's travel advice (FCDO, updated ) says WhatsApp and many other apps are blocked in Turkmenistan and that the single state-owned mobile operator "does not provide a roaming service"; Ireland's travel advice (DFA, updated ) says foreign mobile phones do not work there.
Sources differ on roaming: see Phones below.
Agree with your agency, before you travel, how you will reach each other once you arrive.
UK government advice: If you're staying in the country for more than 3 working days, you must register with the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan within 3 days of your arrival. Your hotel or sponsor will usually register you.
Your agency sponsors your visa; ask it what else it arranges, such as registration and transfers.
How a tour in Turkmenistan works
UK government advice: On 1 October 2026 Turkmenistan introduced an electronic (e-visa) system for tourists …
UK government advice: You cannot apply for one of these visas directly. Your tour agency or event organiser will continue to act as a sponsor.
UK government advice: If you're staying in the country for more than 3 working days, you must register with the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan within 3 days of your arrival. Your hotel or sponsor will usually register you.
Governments name different restricted areas: see Restricted border areas.
Whether e-visa holders must be accompanied by a guide.
No official source we read covers this; ask your agency.
What a tour includes is set by each agency: read its rule cards.
Money and cash
UK government advice: Turkmenistan is largely a cash-based society. Carry cash and pay in the Turkmen currency, manat.
Some larger hotels and restaurants accept US dollars - you should check before purchasing. Other outlets are only allowed to accept manat.
You can exchange US dollars at the official manat rate at your hotel or a bank.
Bring crisp, clean notes as creased, damaged or marked notes will be rejected. Notes issued before 2013 may also be rejected.
100 US dollar bills with the blue ribbon are favoured over the older white and green notes.
- Other currencies are difficult to exchange.
- U.S. currency and euros can be exchanged into the local currency at banks and exchange bureaus.
Manat cannot be re-converted, so exchange only as much as you need.
- It is possible in Ashgabat to use a UK bank card to withdraw manat from an ATM or buy manat over the counter, but only at the State Bank for Foreign Economic Affairs. There's a 3% withdrawal charge for each transaction. You are strongly recommended to bring enough dollars for your entire trip.
- A few hotels and restaurants in Ashgabat accept credit cards (specifically American Express and Visa) … Since there are few international ATMs in the country, you may find it difficult to obtain cash.
- VISA and Mastercard credit cards (but not American Express) are accepted by a few hotels in Ashgabat, though not in the provinces. There are a few cash machines in the capital … Constant availability is not guaranteed.
- Bank cards issued outside the country are practically not accepted in Turkmenistan. They can be used only in large hotels and shopping centres.
The importation of foreign currency in cash to Turkmenistan is allowed without limitation if declared to customs. Individuals may export foreign currency in an amount not exceeding $10,000 or an equivalent currency amount, as well as foreign currency that was imported before in cash and declared to Turkmenistan customs by providing the import declaration.
Government of Canada advice: You must declare all foreign currency you bring into the country.
Government of Ireland advice: reported as “only change money through official exchange booths.” by Ireland DFA, Turkmenistan travel advice
Government of Germany advice: reported as “Illegal currency exchange is punished with heavy fines and the confiscation of the amount exchanged; prison sentences are also possible.” by Turkmenistan: Reise- und Sicherheitshinweise
- On arrival, you must pay a migration fee of 14 US dollars. All foreign visitors must also pay a ‘tourism tax’ of 2 US dollars for each day of their stay in Turkmenistan. Hotels include the tax as a separate item on your bill. You may be charged additional taxes on entry. Bring enough cash (US dollars) to cover unexpected charges.
- All foreigners entering Turkmenistan must register at the border on entry. The consular fee is 25 USD. On top of this there is a registration fee of about 15 USD, payable in TMT. Foreign tourists and visitors must pay a tourism fee of 2 USD per night in addition to the cost of their accommodation.
- All travellers entering Turkmenistan must undergo a COVID-19 test upon arrival, which costs 31 US dollars cash. Confirm the latest requirements with your Turkmen sponsor.
- While Turkmenistan doesn't require COVID-19 vaccination, all travellers arriving by air must undergo a COVID-19 test upon arrival, which costs about 31 US dollars, to be paid in cash.
Phones, internet and messaging
Internet connections outside the larger hotels can be unreliable. Many social media apps and websites are blocked, including YouTube, X, Facebook and WhatsApp. Access to Yahoo, Gmail and Hotmail is often difficult.
Some messaging Apps, such as WhatsApp, are also blocked.
- There is a single state-owned mobile telephone provider, Altyn Asyr, which uses the TM CELL brand. Altyn Asyr does not provide a roaming service and the quality of the network is low.
- There is no roaming service within Turkmenistan which means that foreign mobile phones do not work there.
- Only one mobile operator works in Turkmenistan, the company Altyn Asyr. … Numbers of Russian operators, except MTS, work in Turkmenistan in roaming.
Cellular reception is poor outside of major cities.
For the UK government's advice on VPNs, monitoring and what you post online, read its safety page.
Whether Telegram works in Turkmenistan.
No official source we read covers this; ask your agency.
Buying a local SIM card as a visitor.
No official source we read covers this; ask your agency.
Agree with your agency how you will reach each other once you arrive.
Registration on arrival
UK government advice: If you're staying in the country for more than 3 working days, you must register with the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan within 3 days of your arrival. Your hotel or sponsor will usually register you.
Confirm this with them before you travel, including what documentation is required.
- You must also deregister with the SMS prior to departure.
- After departure, the inviting party must deregister the visitor with the Migration Service.
Government of Canada advice: reported as “Failure to register properly can result in fines, arrest and/or deportation. If you are deported for these violations, authorities will bar your return to Turkmenistan for up to five years.” by Government of Canada, Turkmenistan travel advice
Safety
reported as “Exercise a high degree of caution (with regional advisories)” by Government of Canada, Turkmenistan travel advice
reported as “High Degree of Caution … This is level two of four ratings.” by Ireland DFA, Turkmenistan travel advice
reported as “No travel can be guaranteed safe.” by Turkmenistan travel advice
reported as “Whilst the crime rate is low, you should exercise a similar level of caution as you would in the UK.” by Turkmenistan travel advice
reported as “Crime in Turkmenistan is comparatively low, but you should always take sensible precautions” by Ireland DFA, Turkmenistan travel advice
reported as “Street crime, such as mugging and pickpocketing, occurs. Acts of banditry occur in remote areas.” by Government of Canada, Turkmenistan travel advice
Although there's no recent history of terrorism in Turkmenistan, attacks cannot be ruled out.
- Police sometimes carry out checks of identity documents. Always carry your passport on you. Keep a copy of the photo page of your passport and your letter of invitation in a safe place.
- you should carry a photocopy of your passport and visa at all times during your stay because local police often request proof of identity.
- Licensed taxis are clearly identified by white and green markings. Avoid unlicensed taxis.
- Use official white or yellow taxis, and do not share them with strangers.
UK government advice: Driving standards are poor. Road travel at night outside cities is particularly dangerous because of the condition of the roads. There is a 60km/h speed limit in much of Ashgabat, enforced by both static speed cameras and police with mobile speed cameras. There are no signs warning of speed cameras.
Avoid overland journeys after dark. … Always make trips into the desert with an experienced local guide and in groups, not alone.
Turkmenistan is in an active seismic zone. There are regular tremors and there have been strong earthquakes.
In the summer temperatures regularly reach 45°C in the shade
Laws and customs, as official advice
UK government advice: It is illegal to drink alcohol in any communal spaces, including: parks or public squares · forests or beaches · train stations, airports or sea ports · underpasses · government offices. If you're caught drinking alcohol in these places you can get a fine of 100 manats.
Government of Ireland advice: Consumption of alcohol in public spaces, outside of licensed bars and restaurants is illegal.
- It is illegal to smoke outside or in any communal spaces unless they contain a designated smoking area.
- Smoking in public is prohibited.
- Smoking cigarettes in restaurants is allowed.
UK government advice: It is illegal to give tobacco products as a gift. If you are caught, you could get a fine.
Government of Germany advice: No more than two packs of cigarettes may be brought in.
UK government advice: If you're found guilty of possession or use of illegal drugs, you could face a lengthy prison sentence in very basic conditions.
UK government advice: Male same-sex sexual activity is illegal, and punishable by a prison sentence. Avoid showing affection in public.
UK government advice: It is illegal for a Turkmen woman to have a sexual relationship with a foreign national. Foreign nationals who provide gifts, transport or other benefits to women in expectation of even a short relationship can be immediately fined and deported.
Government of Germany advice: reported as “Unmarried couples spending the night together is in some cases regarded as prostitution. When the Migration Service checks accommodation, documents proving marital status may be requested.” by Turkmenistan: Reise- und Sicherheitshinweise
Government of Canada advice: Dual citizenship is not legally recognized in Turkmenistan. … The renunciation process can take six months or longer.
Government of Germany advice: Exporting Turkmen carpets and paintings without the corresponding permit is prohibited.
Antique carpets and hand-made rugs* | State Association "Turkmenhaly" … Works of art (pictorial graphics, painting), antiquities … | The Ministry of Culture of Turkmenistan
Government of Germany advice: reported as “Note that the import of drones and GPS devices is often handled very restrictively, and some of them need a special permit beyond the standard customs declaration.” by Turkmenistan: Reise- und Sicherheitshinweise
Cafés and restaurants may amend their menus and be busy around fast-breaking ('Iftar'). Take particular care not to offend religious sensitivities at this time.
Photography
UK government advice: It is illegal to take pictures of certain buildings.
Check before taking photos of or near airports, military infrastructure, police stations, government buildings or embassies.
The guards at the presidential palace may tell you not to take photos of it.
The Turkmen can be sensitive about having their picture taken without their consent.
Ask before taking pictures of anything of possible military or security interest, including government buildings and food markets.
Government of Canada advice: Photography of military installations, police stations, airports, government buildings and other sensitive sites may result in a penalty. Seek permission from local authorities before taking photographs.
Health and insurance
At least 8 weeks before your trip: check the latest vaccine recommendations for Turkmenistan
Recommended travel vaccinations are hepatitis A and, for long stays or special exposure, also hepatitis B, typhoid, rabies and meningococcal disease (ACWY).
All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine
There are no certificate requirements under International Health Regulations.
Typhoid and hepatitis A are endemic. You should drink or use only boiled and filtered or bottled water and avoid ice in drinks.
reported as “The World Health Organisation declared the country malaria-free in 2010.” by Ireland DFA, Turkmenistan travel advice
Dogs infected with rabies are commonly found in Turkmenistan. If rabies exposures occur while in Turkmenistan, rabies vaccines may only be available in larger suburban/urban medical facilities.
The quality of medical care is poor, and it is a lot more expensive than in the UK. Anything other than basic or emergency treatment, particularly outside Ashgabat, is usually best avoided. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.
Most health-care providers only accept cash payments. Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.
Individuals may import prescription medicines providing they have a copy of the prescription with the medicine. The individual does not have to declare this importation.
UK government advice: You could be prosecuted for possession of some drugs that Turkmenistan may classify as narcotics, such as morphine or even strong painkillers, if you do not have a prescription, or if you're carrying more than you need for your visit and do not declare them on arrival.
Whether travel insurance is required for the visa.
reported as “Optional Documents: Travel itinerary or confirmed hotel booking; Medical insurance” by State Migration Service of Turkmenistan, e-visa portal, tab "Tourist" (e-TU)
Emergency numbers and consular help
Ambulance: 03 from landline · 003 from mobile · Fire: 01 from landline · 001 from mobile · Police: 02 from landline · 002 from mobile
The UK government's advice to British nationals: See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.
UK government advice: Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)
Rules for your nationality may differ; ask your agency.
The Government of Canada's advice to Canadian citizens: There is no office of the Government of Canada in Turkmenistan. … For emergency assistance at any time: contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.
Rules for your nationality may differ; ask your agency.
The Government of Ireland's advice to Irish citizens: As Ireland does not have an Embassy or Consulate in Turkmenistan, consular assistance is provided via the Embassy of Ireland in Ankara, Türkiye. … Tel: +90 312 459 1000
Rules for your nationality may differ; ask your agency.
Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany Ashgabat. Address: Hotel „Ak Altyn“, Magtymguly Ave., Hydyr Deryayev St., 744 000 Aschgabat. Telephone: +99 312 36 35 15/17/18/19/20/21
On-call service for emergencies of German nationals outside opening hours, no answers to visa questions: +993 65 03 35 80 (Turkmen/Russian), +993 65 03 35 76 (German)
Rules for your nationality may differ; ask your agency.
Russian embassy contacts in Ashgabat.
No official source we read covers this; ask your agency.
Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad.
if you have problems when you're in Turkmenistan, try talking to your local contacts, tour operator representative or hotel management.
Official advice: UK government (FCDO), updated · Government of Canada, updated · Ireland (DFA), updated — checked by us on .