£1 TMT 4.61
Today
3:29 pm
+5h from you
Weather & climate
Weather in Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan
36°
Overcast
Thu
27°
36°
Fri
24°
34°
Sat
25°
35°
Sun
27°
36°
Mon
23°
28°
Tue
22°
33°
Wed
24°
31°
SPF level in Turkmenistan
Recommended: SPF 50
Spring
SPF 30
Summer
SPF 50
Autumn
SPF 30
Winter
SPF 15
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Before you go
Entry requirements for Turkmenistan
What British travellers need to know
You must have a visa to visit Turkmenistan, and you need a letter of invitation to support your visa application.
Your passport must have an expiry date at least 6 months after the date you plan to leave Turkmenistan.
If you're staying in the country for more than 3 working days, you must register with the State Migration Service within 3 days of your arrival.
On arrival, you must pay a migration fee of 14 US dollars and a tourism tax of 2 US dollars for each day of your stay.
You can purchase a visa on arrival at Ashgabat International Airport, but the process for a letter of invitation can take up to a month.
Good to know:
When travelling by car, you will be charged up to 150 US dollars to bring a car into Turkmenistan by land or sea.
You can bring a total of 40 cigarettes, 2 cigars, or 2 packs of tobacco, but it is illegal to give tobacco products as a gift.
Safety in Turkmenistan
Tips when travelling
Turkmenistan is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Always carry your passport with you as police conduct identity checks.
Do not drink alcohol in parks, beaches, train stations, or any other communal space as it is illegal and carries a fine.
Smoking is illegal outside or in communal spaces unless in a designated smoking area.
Be respectful during Ramadan and avoid offending religious sensitivities, as cafes and mosques will be busy.
Take care when taking photos and always ask for consent before photographing people, as it can cause offence.
Bonus tips:
Avoid unlicensed taxis and use only the clearly marked white and green licensed ones.
Be aware that many social media apps and websites like Facebook and WhatsApp are blocked, and using a VPN is illegal.
More information
Driving in Turkmenistan
A UK driving license is generally accepted for short-term visits. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended alongside your UK license. Check with the rental company or local authorities for specific requirements.
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
120 km/h
Urban speed limit
60 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.0%
Remember: Turkmenistan drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Health in Turkmenistan
Make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including repatriation, as medical facilities in Turkmenistan are limited. Confirm your insurance covers all planned activities.
Medical facilities in Turkmenistan are limited, particularly outside of Ashgabat. Ensure you have adequate travel insurance and necessary vaccinations. It's advisable to carry a personal medical kit, including any prescription medications you require.
Cards & payments
Low. Credit card payments are not widely accepted, except in larger hotels and some tourist-oriented establishments in Ashgabat. Smaller businesses and local shops predominantly use cash.
Visa
Low
Mastercard
Low
American Express
Very Low
Lost card? Call Visa: +13039671096
Tipping in Turkmenistan
Tipping is not customary in Turkmenistan, but small gestures of appreciation are usually accepted, especially for good service.
Restaurant
5-10% for exceptional service, but not expected.
Bar/Café
Small change for good service is appreciated, but not expected.
Taxi
Round up the fare, but not required.
Hotel Porter
1-2 TMT per bag is appreciated.
Hotel Housekeeper
Small tip at the end of the stay for good service.
Tour Guide
5-10% of the tour price if you are happy with their service.
Mobile & roaming
Roaming in Turkmenistan can be expensive. Check with your UK mobile provider for roaming charges before you travel. EU roaming regulations no longer apply post-Brexit. Consider purchasing a local SIM card for more affordable rates.
Local SIM
10 GB for 100 TMT (~£22)
Network coverage
4G, 3G, 2G
Electrical in Turkmenistan
Voltage
220V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type C, Type F
WiFi & internet
Limited. Available in some hotels and cafes in Ashgabat, but not widely available elsewhere.
Average speed
5 Mbps
Internet access is limited and generally slower than in the UK. Wi-Fi is available in some hotels and cafes in larger cities like Ashgabat, but can be unreliable. Mobile data is an option with a local SIM.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
112
Police
02
Ambulance
03
Fire
01
Save 112 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Turkmenistan
Country code
+993
To call the British Embassy in Ashgabat from the UK, you would dial 00 993 12 363462.
The country code for Turkmenistan is 993. When calling from outside Turkmenistan, use your country's exit code followed by 993 and the local number. Mobile phone coverage can be limited in some areas.
Languages in Turkmenistan
UK Embassy
British Embassy Ashgabat
Office 4, 3rd Floor, Business Centre 'A', Bekreve Street 241, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
Phone
Website
Recent updates
Entry requirements
21 days ago
Health
- All travellers entering Turkmenistan now need a COVID-19 test on arrival, regardless of entry method.
- The phrase 'by air' has been removed from the COVID-19 test rule.
Airports in Turkmenistan
Beaches in Turkmenistan
Frequently asked questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.