Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens Reconsider Travel to Turkmenistan due to Embassy Ashgabat’s limited capacity to provide support to U.S. citizens, and COVID-19-related restrictions. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is required. US citizens will need to get in touch with the country’s embassy or nearest consulate to obtain a visa prior to visiting the country.
US Embassy/Consulate
+(993)(12)94 0045, Consular Information Line: +(993)(12)94 0049 (Monday and Friday, 11am – 1pm); EMER: Local calls: 940045; US Embassy Ashgabat, 9 1984 Street (formerly Pushkin Street), Ashgabat, Turkmenistan 744000; ConsularAshgab@state.gov; https://tm
Telephone Code
993
Local Emergency Phone
3
Vaccinations
See WHO recommendations
http://www.who.int/
Climate
Subtropical desert
Currency (Code)
Turkmenistani manat (TMM)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
220 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, F
Major Languages
Turkmen, Russian, Uzbek
Major Religions
Muslim 93%, Christian 6.4%, Buddhist <1%, folk religion <1%, Jewish <1%
Time Difference
UTC+5 (10 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Potable Water
Opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit
Suggested
Road Driving Side
Right
Tourist Destinations
Ashgabat (includes National Museum, Carpet Museum); Turabeg Khanym Complex; Kow Ata Underground Lake; Yangykala Canyon; Mary Regional Museum; Ancient Merv & Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar
Major Sports
Soccer
Cultural Practices
It is best to use your right hand or both hands to give and receive gifts, as the left hand is sometimes considered unclean.
Tipping Guidelines
Tip guides $8-10 (USD) per person per day for a tour. Tour drivers may be tipped $5 (USD).
Souvenirs
Carpets, scarves, silk, gold statues, Turkmen calendars, Turkmen sheepskin hats
Traditional Cuisine
Ishleki — a flatbread-type dough wrapped around a filling including minced lamb, onions, and spices and then fried
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444
Page last updated: Wednesday, October 19, 2022
