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Home Turkmenistan Your dream destination Turkmenistan Turkmenistan travel guide Turkmenistan is located at the very heart of Central Asia, and its position at the crossroads of Asia is apparent – the language and alphabet resemble Turkish, the cuisine is heavily influenced by Iran, the fierce independence of the Turkish people reflective of tribal Afghanistan and the religious practices similar to other post-Soviet Central Asian nations. Yet despite countless influences from ancient invaders and present-day neighbors, the Turkmen people have retained an identity uniquely their own. Of all the Central Asian nations, Turkmenistan alone is home to the awe-inspiring cliffs of Yangykala Canyon, the futuristic white-marbled capital Ashgabat, an underground sulfuric lake where visitors can go for a therapeutic swim and the incessantly burning Darvaza Gas Crater better known as the ‘Gates of Hell’. Granted, Turkmenistan visas can be a challenge to procure and the conditions in country may present certain challenges, but tourists who choose to visit Turkmenistan almost exclusively speak of it as a thrilling, unforgettable experience that they would gladly choose again. Our aims to answer travelers’ most frequent questions about this secretive country and prepare you for your upcoming trip! 1. When is the best time to visit Turkmenistan? 2. What airlines fly into Turkmenistan? 3. Can you travel to Turkmenistan by land? 4. Do I need a visa for Turkmenistan? 5. What are the customs regulations of Turkmenistan? 6. Do I need to register in Turkmenistan? How do I register? 7. What do they speak in Turkmenistan? 8. Is English spoken in Turkmenistan? 9. Is Turkmenistan safe for tourists? 10. Is Turkmenistan safe to travel alone? 11. Is Turkmenistan expensive? 12. What do they eat in Turkmenistan? 13. Can you drink alcohol in Turkmenistan? 14. What should I wear in Turkmenistan? 15. What accommodations are available in Turkmenistan? 16. How do you get around Turkmenistan? 17. What is Turkmenistan famous for, and what kind of souvenirs can I bring home? 18. Can I use credit cards in Turkmenistan? 19. Does Turkmenistan have internet? 20. What should I expect when exiting Turkmenistan? General information about Turkmenistan: Turkmenistan Capital: Ashgabat Population: 5.94 million (2019) Languages: Turkmen, Russian Religion: Islam (89%), Eastern Orthodox (9%), other (2%) Electricity: 220V AC, 50 Hz; Round two-pin continental plugs are standard Time zone : GMT+5 International dialing code: +993 Monetary unit: Turkmenistan manat When is the best time to visit Turkmenistan? Turkmenistan is a desert country, with many of its finest attractions square in the middle of the wilderness, and this should be kept in mind when planning your trip. The country is at its best in spring, from mid-March to May, or from late September through November. Winters can be frigid in the north and in the desert, but milder in the south. Summertime, especially July and August, is scorching hot, with temperatures easily soaring above 50 Celsius. For travelers interested in participating in a local holiday, Navruz (Persian New Year) can be a great option. It falls on 21-22 March, just as the first blossoms are appearing on the trees and the weather begins to warm up for spring. It’s also one of the most colorful and festive celebrations in the country, and a great way to participate in local customs. Bear in mind that during certain national holidays, particularly Independence Day on September 27, city streets and tourist attractions may be closed, and border crossings may not be functioning for several days before and after the holiday. What airlines fly into Turkmenistan? Turkmenistan is surprisingly easy to reach by air via major hubs in Central Asia, Turkey, the Caucasus, Dubai, Russia, Europe, India, Thailand and China. The following airlines service flights to Turkmenistan, and further information can be found on their websites: Belavia China Southern Airlines FlyDubai Lufthansa S7 Airlines Turkmenistan Airlines* Turkish Airlines * Turkmenistan Airlines is by far the most common carrier, and currently it’s only possible to purchase tickets with them through a qualified travel agency. Contact us to get an up-to-date travel timetable or purchase tickets. Can you travel to Turkmenistan by land? It’s possible to enter Turkmenistan by land via its borders with Iran, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Afghanistan. As there are no train or bus services to Turkmenistan, land crossings must be done by private car or on foot. Each land crossing is located in a relatively isolated area, so if you don’t have your own vehicle, be prepared to hire a taxi to the Turkmenistan border and to walk a kilometer (or five) in between checkpoints. The Kazakhstan and Afghanistan crossings tend to be the most rugged. Most borders are open from around 9am-6pm and close for a one-hour lunch break at 1pm, but times vary at each crossing, and thus it’s advised to allow yourself plenty of time to cross before the evening closure. Expect more thorough luggage searches at land crossings than at the airport, and when possible keep an eye on your valuables while they’re being searched. Any vehicle brought into the country is subject to fees from $100-150. If arriving from Azerbaijan, entering Turkmenistan by ferry is also possible. There is no set timetable for ferry departures, but Azerbaijan-owned cargo ferries make the Turkmenbashi-Baku route 3-4 times per week. Passengers and private vehicles are also allowed on these boats for a fee, and the ferry has several basic sleeper cabins that are rented out to passengers. The ferry crossing takes anywhere from 12-24 hours, in addition for time to embark and disembark the boat. As there is no restaurant on board, passengers are strongly encouraged to bring their own stock of food and drink supplies. The ferry can be a fun and unique experience, but keep in mind that departure times are quite unpredictable and dependent on weather and cargo needs. When the vessel is transporting crude oil, passengers are not allowed on board. Do I need a visa for Turkmenistan? Citizens of all nations are required to have a visa to enter Turkmenistan, and while obtaining a visa isn’t simple, it is possible! Two types of visas are available to tourists, a transit visa and a tourist visa. The good news with a transit visa is that you’re not required to be accompanied by a guide while traveling, and a Letter of Invitation (LOI) from a travel agency is rarely required. The downside is that you must be traveling from one adjoining country to the next, with visas from those countries proving your route, in order for your request to be accepted. Transit visas also tend to be rejected more frequently than LOI-supported tourist visas, particularly if you apply around a Turkmenistan national holiday. When issued, they’re given for 3-7 day periods. The second option is to apply for a tourist visa, which is possible only with a visa support letter (LOI) from a recognized travel agency. Visa costs range from $60-$100. Citizens of Russia, Ukraine and other Central Asian nations are nearly always rejected for a tourist visa. More recently Chinese nationals have been rejected at abnormal rates, while citizens of other nati...