Turkmenistan visa
Turkmenistan Visa information
There are two main types of visas that tourists can use to visit Turkmenistan: a tourist visa and a transit visa. The tourist visa is the most common option, but it can only be obtained if travelers purchase a tour through an authorized agency. When you purchase a Turkmenistan tour through a licensed operator, such as through our services, the visa procedure is typically included in the tour price, unless otherwise specified in the program. This streamlined approach helps to simplify the process, ensuring that all the necessary paperwork is taken care of in advance.
COVID-19 Test on Arrival for Turkmenistan Visa at Airport or Border
Upon arrival, an express PCR test for COVID-19 will be conducted. The cost of the test is 40 USD (2025), and the results will be available in approximately 10-15 minutes. While this test is required for official purposes, it is generally considered a formality rather than a strict health check. Based on our experience, there have been no reported positive COVID-19 cases from our travelers. Rest assured, the process is efficient, and the test is primarily for procedural compliance.
How to Obtain a Turkmenistan Visa: A Step-by-Step Guide
To obtain a Turkmenistan visa, the first step is to secure a Letter of Invitation (LOI), which is a requirement for most travelers. The LOI can only be issued through registered travel agents in Turkmenistan, such as our trusted partners.
If you book a tour through us, we will handle the entire LOI process and send it to you via email once it’s approved by the State Migration Service. With the LOI in hand, you can obtain your visa upon arrival at Turkmenistan’s international airports, including Ashgabat International Airport, or at land borders like Hojeyli, Dashoguz, Farap, and Howdan if you wish to enter Turkmenistan for example from Uzbekistan.
Turkmenistan Letter of Invitation (LOI) Requirements
The processing time for the LOI is typically around two weeks. To apply, you’ll need to provide the following documents:
- A color copy of your passport (including the main page with your photo)
- A passport-sized digital photo with a white background
- A completed application form (we will provide this for you)
A COVID-19 vaccination certificate, confirming that you’ve received at least two doses of the vaccine- Additional documents may be requested by the authorities if necessary
If you’ve booked one of our Turkmenistan Tours or Central Asia Tours, we will take care of the LOI process for you. It’s important to note that obtaining the LOI without booking a tour can be very challenging. Central Asia Guide does not provide assistance in LOI or Visa issues without tour services.
Turkmenistan Visa Updates 2025 - Eases Visa Rules for Travellers 2025
Turkmenistan’s migration service has introduced several updates in June 2025 to make travel easier and more flexible. Travellers can now apply for the Letter of Invitation (LOI) up to 6 months in advance, doubling the previous 3-month limit. This gives visitors more time to plan and prepare. A new two-entry visa option is also available, allowing tourists to enter the country twice within one month, great for regional trips or multi-stop journeys.
Visa processing has also improved. Standard applications now take just 10–14 working days, while express processing is even faster at 3–7 working days. Additionally, rejection rates have dropped significantly, making it easier and more reliable than before obtaining a visa for Turkmenistan
Entry to Turkmenistan
Khiva border (Shavat / Dashoguz)
Opens at 9 am, and closes at 6 pm. Lunch break between 13:00 and 14:00. Transportation will drop you off nearby Uzbek border buildings. Tourists will be stamped out of Uzbekistan. There is a 1km walk till to Turkmen customs building. There is no shared vehicle. After the walk, PCR tests will be taken and the LOI’s asked to obtain a visa. The visa fee is depends on nationality and in addition there is a 10-14$ custom fee (together no more than 100 USD). Then stamp in and fill out the custom declaration form, and custom formalities. From here the Turkmen guide will meet you and provide assistance. Leaving the building and walking 150 m to the transportation.
Bukhara border (Farap / Alat)
Opens 24 hours. Lunch break between 13:00 and 14:00. Transportation will drop you off nearby Uzbek border buildings. Tourists will be stamped out of Uzbekistan. There is a 300-meter walk to customs gate with a shared minivan charging 1 USD for the transfer till to Turkmen side (1km). After PCR test you will have to change the minivan to a Turkmen minivan, also charging 1 USD. Drive to 1.5 km until to Turkmen custom building where Turkmen guide will meet you and provide and provide assistance. At arrival you will be asked for your LOI. The visa fee is depends on nationality and in addition there is a 10-14$ custom fee (together no more than 100 USD). Then stamp in and fill out the custom declaration form, and custom formalities.The transportation will be waiting for you outside the building.
Ashgabat airport
Upon arrival, follow the direction of the “Luggage” or “exit” sign.
First you will need to make a PCR Covid test. Ask the airport staff where they make it and where you should go. Please do not hesitate to ask airport staff for assistance. After this, you will need to go to the cashier and pay for the test and visa fee. Don’t forget to take a receipt, you will need it to apply for a visa. Payment is made in US dollars, the test costs about 33 US dollars (price may change). The visa fee is about 55-75$ depending on nationality in addition to 10-14$ custom fee. We advise you to carry also small bills of good condition USD banknotes with you as change might be limited.
After payment, you go to the Migration Service/ Visa Service, they will issue you a visa. You will need to present a letter of invitation (LOI), a valid passport and payment receipt for the visa and Covid Test. The visa is pasted into the passport.
More About Turkmenistan
Page updated 17.6.2025