- Local time
- 10:21
- Currency
- Turkmenistani Manat (TMT)
- Capital
- Ashgabat
- Calling code
- +993
- Drive on the
- right
Overview
The Silk Road ruins of Merv, Konye Urgench and Nisa, the burning Darvaza crater and the Karakum desert, visited with a guided tour.
Turkmenistan lies in Central Asia between the Caspian Sea, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan and Iran. Many of its towns grew up as oases on the Silk Road, and three of its cities are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You can walk through the ruins of Merv, the monuments of Konye Urgench, once a capital of the Khorezmshahs, and Nisa, a city of the Parthian Empire just outside Ashgabat. The capital, known for its white marble buildings, was razed by an earthquake in 1948. About 80% of the country is covered by the Karakum, the Black Sand desert, where a gas crater has been burning since 1971.
This is not a country for improvised travel. You need a visa backed by a letter of invitation, which for tourism comes from an authorised travel agency, and Wikivoyage reports that tourist visas are given only to people on a guided tour for their whole stay. Many regions also need a travel permit, which you apply for through your agency. Summers are extremely hot, with 45 °C in the shade, the economy runs on cash, so bring US dollars, and the internet is slow and many websites are blocked.
- Merv: An ancient Silk Road city near Mary, with the fortresses of Erk Kala, Giaur Kala, Kyz Kala and Sultan Kala.
- Konye Urgench: The remains of the capital of the Khorezmshahs, with medieval mausoleums.
- Nisa: A Parthian city 19 km west of Ashgabat.
- Darvaza gas crater: A crater in the Karakum desert that has been on fire since 1971.
- Ashgabat: A capital of white marble buildings, with the Turkmen Carpet Museum.
- Kow Ata: An underground lake of warm mineral water where you can swim all year.
Places to visit
- City
- Town
- Coast
- Park
- Historic site
- Area
Cities
- Ashgabat: The capital and largest city, known for its white marble buildings, and the starting point for most trips.
- Mary: The city for the ruins of Merv, with flights from Ashgabat.
- Türkmenabat: A city in the east, 45 km from the Farab border crossing on the road from Bukhara in Uzbekistan.
- Daşoguz: The northern city with flights for Konye Urgench; it lies in a restricted zone that needs government permission.
- Turkmenbashi: A port on the Caspian Sea and the country's main access to the sea; a travel permit is needed.
- Balkanabat: A western city, formerly called Nebit-Dag, that you can visit without a travel permit.
Beyond the cities
- Merv (site): An ancient Silk Road capital whose ruins include Erk Kala, Giaur Kala, Kyz Kala and Sultan Kala.
- Konye Urgench (site): The remains of the capital of the Khorezmshahs, with the Nedjmeddin Kubra Mausoleum; it lies in the Dashoguz region, which needs a travel permit.
- Nisa (site): One of the most important cities of the Parthian Empire, 19 km west of Ashgabat.
- Darvaza gas crater (site): A crater in the Karakum where an oil rig hit a pocket of natural gas in 1971 and collapsed into a crater that filled with fire; it still burns.
- Kow Ata (site): An underground sulphur lake in the mountains about an hour from Ashgabat, with water at 33 to 37 °C.
- Geok-tepe (town): The site of a battle between Turkmen and Russian forces in 1881.
- Yangykala Canyon (area): A canyon in the west reached on off-road tours; a travel permit is needed.
- Avaza (coast): A large construction project near Turkmenbashi to create a national tourist zone with hotels and shopping.
- Köýtendag Nature Reserve (park): Mountains in the south east on the border with Uzbekistan, with the Kyrk Giz shrine in a canyon; a travel permit is needed.
Regions
- Ahal Province: The most populated region, with Ashgabat close to the Iranian border, and the starting point for most travel.
- Balkan Province: The western province, in the Caspian basin, with Turkmenbashi.
- Dashoguz Province: The north, home to the historic city of Konye Urgench.
- Lebap Province: The largely empty east, along the Amu Darya river and the border with Uzbekistan.
- Mary Province: The south east, where travellers come for the Silk Road city of Merv.
Things to do
See
- The ruins of Merv Mary: Walk between the fortresses of Erk Kala, Giaur Kala, Kyz Kala and Sultan Kala, once a centre of Silk Road trade.
- Konye Urgench Dashoguz Province: The mausoleums of the old capital of the Khorezmshahs, including Nedjmeddin Kubra and Kyrk Molla; a travel permit is needed.
- Nisa Near Ashgabat: The remains of a Parthian city, 19 km west of the capital.
- Darvaza gas crater Karakum desert: A crater full of fire where natural gas has burned since 1971.
- Turkmen Carpet Museum Ashgabat: A huge collection of antique carpets, some in designs no longer made, and a handmade carpet of 14 by 21 m.
Do
- Swim in Kow Ata About an hour from Ashgabat: Warm mineral water at 33 to 37 °C in a cave more than 200 m long; the steps down are slippery.
- Hiking Köýtendag Nature Reserve or the mountains around Nokhur: Mountain walks in areas that need a travel permit, arranged through your agency well in advance.
- Camel treks and off-road trips Karakum desert and Yangykala Canyon: Tour operators run desert trips with camel treks and drives to the canyons of the west.
Eat
- Plov and green tea: Rice with mutton, onions and carrots, sold in the markets, with gok chai, green tea often served with dried fruit or mint.
Shop
- Bazaars and carpets Ashgabat: Turkmen rugs in rich reds with tribal patterns; the large Tolkuchka Bazaar outside Ashgabat opens only two or three mornings a week. Carpets need an export certificate before you leave.
Itineraries
Ashgabat, Konye Urgench and Merv in 5 days (5 days)
- Ashgabat (4 nights): Your base: arrive, see the capital and the Carpet Museum, and fly out on day trips.
- Konye Urgench (0 nights): A day trip: fly to Daşoguz in the morning and back in the evening.
- Merv (0 nights): A day trip: fly to Mary in the morning and back in the evening.
- Nisa (0 nights): A short trip from the capital, 19 km to the west.
The Karakum and the Silk Road in 8 days (8 days)
- Ashgabat (2 nights): The capital, Nisa and the Kow Ata underground lake.
- Darvaza gas crater (1 night): The burning crater in the desert, with your guide.
- Konye Urgench (0 nights): The mausoleums of the old Khorezmshah capital.
- Daşoguz (1 night): Fly south from here; a permit is needed for this region.
- Merv (2 nights): Stay in Mary for the ruins of Merv.
- Ashgabat (1 night): Back in the capital before you fly home.
West to the Caspian in 5 days (5 days)
- Ashgabat (1 night): Start in the capital.
- Balkanabat (1 night): A stop on the way west.
- Yangykala Canyon (0 nights): An off-road trip to the canyon; permit needed.
- Turkmenbashi (2 nights): The port on the Caspian Sea, with the Avaza tourist zone nearby; permit needed.
Climate and best time to visit
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max °C | 7 | 10 | 16 | 24 | 30 | 36 | 38 | 37 | 32 | 23 | 17 | 10 |
| Min °C | -2 | -0 | 5 | 11 | 16 | 21 | 23 | 21 | 15 | 9 | 5 | 1 |
| Rain mm | 22 | 27 | 39 | 44 | 28 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 14 | 20 | 21 |
Turkmenistan has a continental climate with long, very hot summers. In Ashgabat the average maximum is about 38 °C in July, with nights around 23 °C, and the UK FCDO notes that temperatures regularly reach 45 °C in the shade. Wikivoyage reports that in June, July and August cities can come close to 50 °C, so locals do their business in the morning and evening. Winters are not too cold: Ashgabat averages about 7 °C by day and -2 °C at night in January, but in the north temperatures can fall to -20 °C.
Almost no rain falls from June to September. Most of it comes between November and May, with April the wettest month in Ashgabat at about 44 mm. Going by these averages, April to May and September to October are the most comfortable months to visit, with daytime highs of about 23 to 32 °C, although spring and autumn can be cloudy and rainy. Severe gales and dust storms often occur, and heavy rain can trigger floods and landslides. In summer, drink plenty of water and protect yourself from the sun.
Getting around
| International driving permit | Required |
|---|
For safety, Wikivoyage recommends hiring a car and driver through your travel agency or hotel. Domestic flights on Turkmenistan Airlines link Ashgabat daily with Mary, Turkmenbashi, Daşoguz and a few other cities, and are the quickest way to reach Merv and Konye Urgench. Trains run at least once a day between the major cities; they are slow and cheap, tickets cannot be bought online and trains fill up fast. Canada advises avoiding trains because crime is common on them: if you do take one, keep your belongings safe and lock the compartment from the inside. Intercity buses connect most cities. Canada advises against using public transport after dark.
Taxis: use only licensed taxis, marked in white and green, and agree the price before you get in. In 2026 drivers usually charged foreigners about 20 manat for a trip in central Ashgabat; asking for US dollars is illegal. Licensed taxis wait outside Exit 2 at Ashgabat International Airport, and upmarket hotels can arrange transfers. Avoid shared taxis.
Driving: you need a 1968 International Driving Permit with your licence; UK drivers must get the permit before leaving the UK. Traffic drives on the right. Driving standards are poor, rural roads are often damaged and unlit, animals wander onto the road and there is no roadside assistance, so avoid driving outside cities at night. Much of Ashgabat has a 60 km/h limit enforced by cameras, with no warning signs. Police checkpoints are common: carry your passport and car papers. Any alcohol in your blood can mean a fine or jail.
Flying to Turkmenistan? PartnerCompare fares and find the cheapest datesSearch flightsWhere to stay
- Hotels: The main option, and comfortable ones are expensive; the larger hotels have the most reliable internet and the few card payments.
- Yurts: Turkmen yurts differ in design from Kazakh, Kyrgyz and Mongolian ones; ask your tour company about a night in one.
| Tourist tax | US$2 per person per day, added to your hotel bill as a separate item (UK FCDO, June 2026). |
|---|
Wikivoyage warns that affordable accommodation is hard to find. If you stay more than 3 working days you must be registered with the State Migration Service, and your hotel or sponsor usually does this for you: check with them before you travel and keep 2 passport photos handy (see Entry).
Eat and drink
Dishes to try
- Plov: Rice with mutton, onions, carrots and spices, sometimes with raisins, peas or quinces.
- Chorba: A meat and vegetable soup that often starts a meal.
- Manty: Steamed dumplings filled with lamb.
- Ku'urma: Lamb cooked in its own fat.
- Ichlekli: A meat and onion pie.
- Gutap: A pie filled with meat, potatoes, spinach and pumpkin.
- Caspian sturgeon: Worth trying if you find it, sometimes fried in a tempura style.
Drinks
- Gok chai: Green tea, the local favourite, often with dried fruit or herbs such as mint.
- Berk beer: A local beer worth asking for; Russian Baltika beer is common.
- Vodka: A range of local vodkas is sold, including the Turkmenbashi label.
- Bottled water: Drink it instead of tap water; ask for still water if you do not want it fizzy.
Restaurants mostly serve Russian food, while plov and other Central Asian dishes are easier to find in the markets. Bread is offered whenever you visit a home. Drinking alcohol is illegal in any communal space, including parks, squares, beaches, stations and airports, with a fine of 100 manats. Smoking is banned outdoors and in communal spaces except in designated areas. During Ramadan cafés and restaurants may change their menus and are busy around the evening meal that breaks the fast.
Entry requirements and visas
| Passport validity | At least 6 months after the date you plan to leave (UK advice); Canada asks for 6 months beyond the date on your letter of invitation, and the passport must be in good condition |
|---|
| Passport | Entry | Max stay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | Visa required | A letter of invitation is needed; with it you can apply at an embassy or buy a visa on arrival at Ashgabat airport and some land borders. | |
| Canada | Visa required | Tourist, business and student visas are required, with a letter of invitation. |
Other nationalities: check the official source below.
According to UK and Canadian advice you need a visa, and the application needs a letter of invitation. For tourism it comes from an authorised travel agency, and Wikivoyage reports that tourist visas are granted only if you join a guided tour for your whole stay. With the letter you can apply at a Turkmen embassy, which refers the decision to Ashgabat and can take up to a month, or buy a visa on arrival at Ashgabat International Airport and some land borders. For stays under 5 days, for example overland from Uzbekistan, you may get a transit visa: the letter of invitation must be issued before you travel and can take up to a month, you cannot change it into a tourist visa, and you must enter and leave by the crossings named in the letter. Overstaying can lead to prosecution and prison. Rules depend on your passport and can change: check the official link or the Turkmen embassy before you book.
On arrival you fill in a migration card, which you must keep and hand back when you leave, and you pay a migration fee of US$14; the UK FCDO, updated in October 2026, also reports a compulsory COVID-19 test on arrival for US$31 in cash. If you stay more than 3 working days you must be registered with the State Migration Service within 3 days of arrival, usually by your hotel or sponsor, and you must deregister before you leave. Failure to register can mean fines, arrest or deportation with a ban of up to 5 years. Bring spare US dollars for unexpected charges. Areas near the borders with Iran, Uzbekistan and Afghanistan, including the city of Dashoguz and parts of the Caspian coast, need government permission: apply at least 10 working days ahead. Stays longer than 3 months require a negative HIV test certificate.
Customs: declare anything that may be prohibited or taxed, and Canada advises declaring all the foreign currency you bring in. You can bring 2 packs of tobacco products, and giving tobacco as a gift is illegal. Prescription medicines are allowed with a copy of the prescription, but strong painkillers without one can lead to prosecution. Carpets and other cultural objects must be certified by the authorities before you take them out of the country, or they may be confiscated.
Money and payments
| Currency | Turkmenistani Manat (TMT) |
|---|---|
| Cards | Rare |
The currency is the manat (TMT), divided into 100 tenge, and Turkmenistan is largely a cash society. Pay in manat: some larger hotels and restaurants accept US dollars, but other shops are allowed to take only manat. Exchange US dollars or euros at a bank or exchange office at the official rate; other currencies are hard to change. Bring new, clean notes, because damaged or marked ones are refused and more and more places refuse US$100 bills printed before 2009. Manat cannot be changed back, so exchange only what you need.
A few hotels and restaurants in Ashgabat take cards, mainly Visa and American Express. There are only a few international ATMs, in Ashgabat; they can run out of notes and charge 3% for each withdrawal. The UK FCDO strongly recommends bringing enough US dollars for the whole trip.
Health
| Recommended vaccines | Routine vaccines, including measles (MMR), Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Rabies, for some travellers: dogs with rabies are common, Typhoid, for rural areas, long stays or visiting friends and relatives |
|---|---|
| Malaria | None |
| Tap water | Not safe |
No vaccinations are required to enter Turkmenistan, and yellow fever vaccination is not recommended. Ask a travel health professional about the recommended vaccines at least 8 weeks before you go. Typhoid and hepatitis A are endemic: drink only boiled and filtered or bottled water, avoid ice, peel fruit and vegetables and avoid unpasteurised dairy products. Rabies is common in dogs and treatment after a bite may be available only in larger towns, so avoid animals. Ticks can carry Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever and sand flies leishmaniasis, so protect yourself from bites. Off the roads, watch out for snakes and scorpions.
Medical care is poor and expensive. Avoid anything but basic or emergency treatment, especially outside Ashgabat, and get insurance that covers evacuation and repatriation; most providers accept only cash. Bring all the medicines you need in their original packaging with the prescription, as they are hard to find outside the capital. In summer temperatures reach 45 °C in the shade: drink plenty of water and avoid sunburn. Air quality in cities can sometimes worsen. For an ambulance, call 03 from a landline or 003 from a mobile.
This is general information, not medical advice: check with a travel health professional before you go.
Safety
- United States: Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions (2026-10-20)
- Canada: Exercise a high degree of caution (2026-10-20)
- United Kingdom: No advice against travel (2026-10-20)
Canada advises against all travel within 5 km of the border with Afghanistan. The UK FCDO notes that the borders with Afghanistan and Iran are particularly sensitive and that access to areas near them is tightly restricted; check the advice before you go. Land crossings can close without notice, and Canada reports that the border with Kazakhstan is closed to traffic. Curfews may be imposed and areas cordoned off at short notice; breaking a curfew can mean deportation and a 5-year ban.
The UK FCDO describes the crime rate as low, while Canada reports muggings and pickpocketing and banditry in remote areas: keep your documents secure, do not show signs of wealth and avoid travelling alone. Canada advises women not to travel alone. Alcohol-related fights happen, so never leave a drink unattended at a nightclub. There is a strong police and military presence, with checkpoints on main roads: always carry your passport, keep a copy of its photo page and of your letter of invitation in a safe place, and cooperate if you are stopped. Avoid demonstrations and large gatherings.
Several laws can catch visitors out. Do not photograph airports, military sites, police stations, government buildings, embassies or food markets, and ask people before you photograph them. VPNs and satellite phones are illegal. Comments seen as negative about the country's political system and traditions, including posts on social media, are taken very seriously and may be an offence. It is illegal for a Turkmen woman to have a sexual relationship with a foreign national, and foreigners who give gifts or favours to women in expectation of a relationship can be fined and deported. Male same-sex sexual activity is illegal and punishable by prison. Drug offences carry long prison sentences. Turkmenistan is in an active earthquake zone, with regular tremors. For the police, call 02 from a landline or 002 from a mobile.
Customs and etiquette
Turkmens are friendly and hospitable, and saving face matters, so choose your words with care. Take off your shoes when you enter a home and never arrive empty-handed: a small gift is enough, while a very expensive one will be met with suspicion. You will usually be offered bread; accept it and eat it with both hands. Many people are superstitious: do not whistle inside a house, which is believed to make the owner poor, and do not stand on the doorstep.
Turkmenistan is a Muslim but secular country, and many people hold relaxed views on religion. Public displays of affection, even holding hands or hugging, are frowned on. Many Turkmen are uncomfortable discussing politics, and Canada advises avoiding the subject in public. Ask before you photograph anyone. During Ramadan, which in 2027 is expected to begin on or around 7 February, be discreet about eating, drinking and smoking in public by day.
Language
| Official languages | Turkmen |
|---|---|
| English | Limited |
| Hello | Salam |
|---|---|
| Thank you | Sag boluň |
| Please | Baş |
| Yes / No | Hawa / Ýok |
| Excuse me | Bagyşlaň |
| Goodbye (informal) | Görüşýänçäk |
| Do you speak English? | Siz iňlisçe gepleýärsiňizmi? |
| Help! | Kömek ediň! |
What to pack
- Passport, with copies of the photo page and your letter of invitation: You must carry your passport at all times; keep the copies in a safe place.
- New, clean US dollar notes: Enough for the whole trip: cards are rarely accepted, ATMs are few, and damaged notes or US$100 bills printed before 2009 may be refused.
- 2 passport photos: Needed to register with the State Migration Service.
- 1968 International Driving Permit: Needed with your licence to drive; UK permits cannot be bought outside the UK.
- Prescription medicines in their original packaging, with the prescription: Medicines are hard to find outside Ashgabat, and some painkillers need a prescription to avoid prosecution.
- Sun protection and a water bottle: Summer temperatures reach 45 °C in the shade.
- A small gift: Useful if you are invited into a home.
Quick reference
Country facts
| Capital | Ashgabat |
|---|---|
| Population | 7,618,847 (2025) |
| Area | 469,930 km² |
| Time zone | Asia/Ashgabat (UTC+5) |
| Calling code | +993 |
| Driving side | right |
Staying connected
| SIM and eSIM | There is a single, state-owned mobile provider, Altyn Asyr, which uses the TM CELL brand; network quality is low and reception is poor outside the major cities. |
|---|---|
| Roaming | Altyn Asyr does not provide a roaming service, according to the UK FCDO. |
| Wi-Fi | Available in major hotels; elsewhere internet access is slow, unreliable and expensive. Many sites and apps are blocked, including YouTube, X, Facebook and WhatsApp, and Gmail, Yahoo and Hotmail are often hard to reach. VPNs are illegal. |
Emergency numbers
| Police | 02 |
|---|---|
| Ambulance | 03 |
| Fire | 01 |
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa for Turkmenistan?
Yes. You need a letter of invitation, which for tourism comes from an authorised travel agency, and then a visa from an embassy or on arrival at Ashgabat airport. Rules depend on your passport, so check the official link before you book.
Can I travel independently in Turkmenistan?
Not on a tourist visa: Wikivoyage reports that tourist visas are given only to people on a guided tour for their whole stay. Independent travellers can in practice get only a transit visa, usually for 3 to 7 days.
Do I need to register when I arrive?
Yes, if you stay more than 3 working days. Your hotel or sponsor usually registers you with the State Migration Service, and you must deregister before you leave.
When is the best time to visit Turkmenistan?
April to May and September to October. Summers regularly reach 45 °C in the shade, and the north can fall to -20 °C in winter.
Can I pay by card in Turkmenistan?
Rarely: only a few hotels and restaurants in Ashgabat take cards. Bring enough clean US dollar notes for the whole trip and change them into manat at banks.
Can I drink the tap water in Turkmenistan?
No. Drink boiled and filtered or bottled water and avoid ice.
Sources This guide was last checked on · 17 sources
- Wikivoyage: Turkmenistan · Overview, Places to visit, Things to do, Itineraries, Climate and best time to visit, Getting around, Where to stay, Eat and drink, Entry requirements and visas, Money and payments, Health, Safety, Customs and etiquette, Language, What to pack, Staying connected, Frequently asked questions
- Wikidata: Turkmenistan · Overview, Places to visit, Money and payments, Country facts
- UK FCDO: Turkmenistan entry requirements (updated 4 June 2026) · Overview, Things to do, Getting around, Where to stay, Entry requirements and visas, Money and payments, Safety, What to pack, Frequently asked questions
- UK FCDO: Turkmenistan health · Overview, Climate and best time to visit, Health, What to pack
- Government of Canada: Turkmenistan travel advice (updated 14 October 2026) · Things to do, Climate and best time to visit, Getting around, Where to stay, Entry requirements and visas, Money and payments, Health, Safety, Customs and etiquette, What to pack, Staying connected, Frequently asked questions
- WMO World Weather Information Service: Ashgabat · Climate and best time to visit
- UK FCDO: Turkmenistan safety and security · Getting around, Eat and drink, Safety, Customs and etiquette, What to pack, Staying connected
- UK FCDO: Turkmenistan warnings and insurance · Getting around, Safety
- ISO 4217 (SIX), published 2026-09-17 · Money and payments
- CDC Travelers' Health: Turkmenistan · Health, Frequently asked questions
- US Department of State: Turkmenistan travel advisory · Safety
- UK FCDO: Turkmenistan travel advice · Safety
- Wikivoyage: Turkmen phrasebook · Language
- World Bank, SP.POP.TOTL · Country facts
- World Bank, AG.LND.TOTL.K2 · Country facts
- IANA Time Zone Database, zone.tab · Country facts
- UK FCDO: Turkmenistan getting help · Emergency numbers
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