£1 TMT 4.76
Today
10:24 pm
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Weather & climate
Weather in Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan
20°
Overcast
Thu
9°
20°
Fri
9°
19°
Sat
11°
24°
Sun
14°
29°
Mon
19°
29°
Tue
15°
21°
Wed
14°
19°
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.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the date you plan to leave Turkmenistan.
You need a letter of invitation to support your visa application, which for tourist visits can be provided by authorised travel agents.
If you stay more than 3 working days, you must register with the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan within 3 days of arrival.
All travellers by air must undergo a COVID-19 test upon arrival at Ashgabat airport, which costs 31 US dollars cash.
Good to know:
When entering by land from Iran, you will need special authorisation and confirmation of an onward flight, and normal visa fees of 70-100 US dollars must be paid in cash on arrival.
You must declare goods when entering, and you can only bring in 2 packets of cigarettes, 2 cigars, or 2 packs of tobacco, as giving tobacco as a gift is illegal.
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.
UK Embassy
British Embassy Ashgabat
Office 4, 3rd Floor, Business Centre 'A', Bekreve Street 241, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
Phone
Website
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.