Turkmenistan

Crime in Turkmenistan includes:

• pickpocketing
• mugging
• theft

The risk is higher:

• on trains, particularly overnight services
• at markets

People travelling in unofficial taxis have been robbed.

To protect yourself from crime in taxis:

• ask staff at hotels, restaurants or places of entertainment to book a licensed taxi for you
• avoid getting into taxis that are already occupied

The risk of crime is also higher at night.

Crime risks are higher for women.

To protect yourself from crime:

• avoid travelling or walking alone, especially at night
• avoid isolated areas
• pay attention to your surroundings
• avoid using public transport
• keep valuables out of sight

Police and other local officials have reportedly harassed, mistreated and extorted foreigners. Ask for identification if you are unsure the person is an official.

Drink Spiking

Methanol poisoning

Cyber security

Demonstrations and protests

Public protests and events that attract large groups of people can turn violent. 

To stay safe during civil unrest:

• avoid large gatherings and protests
• monitor the media for possible unrest
• follow the advice of local authorities

Be prepared to change your travel plans in case of disruptions.

More information:

• Protests and civil unrest

Terrorism

Terrorism is a threat worldwide. Terrorist attacks could occur anywhere and at any time. Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places. 

To protect yourself from terrorism:

• be alert to possible threats, especially in public places
• take care near possible targets
• report suspicious activity or items to the police
• monitor the media for new threats
• take official warnings seriously
• follow the advice of local authorities

If there’s a terrorist incident, leave the area if it’s safe to do so and follow the instructions of local authorities. 

More information:

• Terrorism

The security situation is extremely dangerous in the region bordering Afghanistan due to:

• militant activity
• clashes between militants and Afghan forces
• drug smuggling
• smuggling of other goods

The security situation could get worse without warning.

We are extremely limited in the consular help we can provide to Australians in these border regions.

If you travel to this region despite our advice, monitor local and international media for updates.

Turkmenistan can experience natural disasters and severe weather.

Earthquakes

Earthquakes are a higher risk in the south-west and north-east regions.

Register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System to receive alerts on major disasters.

Severe weather

Flooding can occur in the Chardzhou region.

To stay safe during a natural disaster or severe weather:

• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof location
• keep in regular contact with friends and family
• follow the advice of local authorities
• monitor media for updates

More information:

• earthquakes
• severe weather
• flooding

Kidnapping can happen anywhere, anytime, including in destinations that are typically at lower risk.  

The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers. 

More information:

• Kidnapping
• Scams that affect travellers

Some sleeping tablets and medications containing codeine are controlled in Turkmenistan.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Turkmenistan. 

Declare all prescription medication and other restricted items on arrival.

Ask DFAT to authenticate medical documents if needed.

You could be refused entry, prosecuted or charged if you:

• carry amounts over the legal limit
• don't have a prescription for medication you're carrying
• don't declare medication and other restricted items, even if you have a prescription

Waterborne, foodborne, parasitic and other infectious diseases are common, including:

• cholera
• hepatitis
• measles
• tuberculosis
• typhoid

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid raw and undercooked food, such as salads

Get urgent medical attention if you suspect food poisoning, or if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

Ask your doctor about health risks and vaccines before you go.

More information

• Infectious diseases

There’s no agreement between Australia and Turkmenistan for free healthcare. Tourists must pay for all medical care, even if they need to stay in hospital or be evacuated. This can be very expensive. Make sure your travel insurance covers you. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

Medical facilities are limited in Turkmenistan.

Medicines and equipment are often in short supply.

You may need to pay cash up-front to doctors and hospitals, even for emergency care.

If you become seriously ill or injured, you'll be evacuated to a place with better facilities. 

Law enforcement agencies in Turkmenistan cooperate closely with agencies in Commonwealth of Independent State (CIS) countries. If you commit an offence in one of these countries, you may be detained in another (including at the border) and extradited for prosecution.

Proof of identity

Always carry ID. Security officials often ask for proof of identity.

Internal security may target foreigners with extra security checks and increased scrutiny. Internal security may question you or search your home or car.

Drug laws

Penalties for drug offences are severe. They can include long prison sentences.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Cyber security laws

Turkmenistan has blocked many social media platforms, messaging apps and websites, including WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, Signal and YouTube. Access to Yahoo, Gmail and Hotmail can also be difficult.

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are illegal and actively blocked in Turkmenistan.

More information:

• Cyber security when travelling overseas
• Agency for Transport and Communications under the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan

Other laws

Several informal restrictions have been introduced with respect to women's appearance and behaviour. There have been some reports of women not being allowed to sit in the front seat of cars and ride with male drivers who are not their family members.

In Turkmenistan it's illegal to:

• have sexual relations between males
• drive with a blood alcohol reading over zero percent (0%)
• smoke in restaurants, hotels and public spaces
• gift tobacco

It's also illegal to take photos of sensitive sites, such as:

• military zones, assets and personnel
• transportation facilities
• government buildings

Penalties can be severe and can include:

• imprisonment
• your equipment being confiscated

More information:

• LGBTQIA+ travellers

Turkmenistan doesn't recognise dual nationality. The government prohibits dual nationality for all adults.

If you're a dual national and you travel on your Turkmen passport, this limits the consular services we can give if you're arrested or detained.

Always travel on your Australian passport.

Australian-Turkmen dual nationals may be required to perform military service in Turkmenistan.

If you're a dual national, seek advice from an embassy or consulate of Turkmenistan before you travel.

More information:

• Dual nationals

Behaviour

Obvious displays of affection, even between married couples, may offend. Police may harass or detain you. Avoid public displays of affection.

Ramadan

The Islamic holy month of Ramadan is observed in Turkmenistan. Respect religious and cultural customs and laws at this time.

During Ramadan, eating, drinking and smoking may be illegal in public during the day. If you're not fasting, avoid these activities around people who are. Seek local advice to avoid offence.

Explore our Ramadan page to learn more, including dates for Ramadan.

Visas

You need a letter of invitation from the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan to apply for a visa, even if you're only transiting. You must keep the letter of invitation with you when you are in Turkmenistan.

You need a visa to enter Turkmenistan, even if you're only transiting.

You must get a visa before you arrive.

Make sure you have the right visa for the purpose of your visit, especially for business and work visas.

Before you travel, make sure your visa has the correct:

• passport number
• date of birth
• validity

Turkmen visas specify:

• the validity of the visa
• the number of entries you're allowed to make
• how long you can stay

You can only stay in Turkmenistan for the number of days shown on your visa.

There are penalties for infringing your visa, including:

• fines
• arrest
• deportation

Transit visas

Transit visa holders must:

• register at entry and exit points
• let authorities know of any changes to their route through the country

You can't change a transit visa to another class of visa once you're in Turkmenistan.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

There is no embassy or consulate of Turkmenistan in Australia. See the Turkmenistan Government's list of embassies and consular offices.

Border measures

You must take a COVID-19 (PCR) test on arrival, and if you have a positive test result, you may be required to quarantine in a state-run facility or at your place of residence under medical supervision.

Contact your airline or the nearest embassy or consulate to confirm entry and quarantine requirements. There is no embassy or consulate of Turkmenistan in Australia. See the Turkmenistan Government's list of embassies and consular offices.

When you arrive, you must:

• present a migration card
• pay a migration fee
• register with the State Migration Service within 3 working days of arrival, not counting the arrival date

If you don't register, or if you stay in Turkmenistan with an expired visa, you may face:

• fines
• arrest
• deportation

All foreign citizens, except accredited diplomats, must pay a tourist fee for each day of their stay. Your hotel may include the fee in your bill.

Adults travelling with a child may need evidence of parental, custodial or access rights. They may also need a letter of consent from any non-travelling parent.

Import and export

Customs rules control the import or export of:

• carpets
• jewellery
• musical instruments
• antiques
• protected animals

You need an export permit from the ‘Turkmenhaly’ State Association to export carpets from Turkmenistan. You may be able to get this permit in some private shops.

More information:

• State Migration Service of Turkmenistan 

Validity

Lost or stolen passport

Passport with 'X' gender identifier

The official currency is the Turkmen Manat (TMM).

Declare any foreign currency when you arrive and depart.

Turkmenistan is largely a cash-based economy.

Traveller's cheques are only accepted in some major hotels.

There are very few ATMs in Ashgabat, and none outside the capital city.

US dollars can be readily exchanged. Make sure banknotes are in good condition and aren't counterfeit. Only use authorised foreign exchange providers.

Converting local currency is extremely difficult. Local exchanges and hotels offer widely varying exchange rates, so exercise caution and exchange only as much as you need.

Driving Permit

You will need both a valid Australian and International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Turkmenistan (digital driver's licences may not be accepted).

Road travel

Road travel between regions of Turkmenistan can be restricted at short notice.

Designated restricted zones are closed to foreigners who don't have government permission. These zones include:

• regions bordering Afghanistan, Iran and Uzbekistan
• areas of the Caspian Sea coast
• areas of Dashoguz

Road conditions and driving standards are poor.

Avalanches and landslides can make road conditions dangerous, particularly during winter and spring.

Driving at night is dangerous due to a lack of lighting.

Access to service stations can be limited in rural areas.

Random police checks and security checkpoints on roads are common. Carry certified copies of your passport and visa.

Vehicle restrictions (that may include the colour of the vehicle) can apply in downtown areas of Ashgabat, be aware of local rules. 

More information:

• Driving or riding

Taxis

Only use licensed, official taxis. These are yellow and clearly identified.

Negotiate your fare with the driver before you travel to avoid disagreement.

Rail travel

Rail travel can be unreliable and dangerous due to criminal activity.

To protect yourself on trains:

• store your valuables in a safe place
• don't leave luggage in your compartment unattended
• lock your compartment door from the inside

Air travel

Check Turkmenistan's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

Fire and rescue services

Call 01.

Medical emergencies

Call 03 or go to the hospital.

Police

Call 02 or go to the local police station.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

The Australian Government aims to provide high quality consular assistance. There are limits to what we can do. Read the Consular Services Charter to understand how we can assist you overseas.

Australia doesn't have an embassy or consulate in Turkmenistan. The Australian Embassy in Russia provides consular assistance to Australians in Turkmenistan.

Australian Embassy, Moscow

13 Kropotkinsky Pereulok
Moscow 119034
Russia

Phone: +7 495 956-6070
Website: russia.embassy.gov.au
X: @PosolAustralia

Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia