Orientation briefing in Turkmenistan

Present-day Turkmenistan has been at the crossroads of civilizations for centuries. Various Persian empires ruled the area in antiquity, and Alexander the Great, Muslim armies, the Mongols, Turkic warriors, and eventually the Russians conquered it. In medieval times, Merv (located in present-day Mary province) was one of the great cities of the Islamic world and an important stop on the Silk Road. Annexed by Russia in the late 1800s, Turkmen territories later figured prominently in the anti-Bolshevik resistance in Central Asia. In 1924, Turkmenistan became a Soviet republic; it achieved independence when the USSR dissolved in 1991.

President for Life Saparmurat NIYAZOV died in 2006, and Gurbanguly BERDIMUHAMEDOV, a deputy chairman under NIYAZOW, emerged as the country's new president. BERDIMUHAMEDOV won Turkmenistan's first multi-candidate presidential election in 2007, and again in 2012 and 2017 with over 97% of the vote in elections widely regarded as undemocratic. In 2022, BERDIMUHAMEDOV announced that he would step down from the presidency and called for an election to replace him. His son, Serdar BERDIMUHAMEDOV, won the ensuing election with 73% of the vote. Gurbanguly BERDIMUHAMEDOV, although no longer head of state, maintains an influential political position as head of the Halk Maslahaty (People’s Council) and as National Leader of the Turkmen People, a title that provides additional privileges and immunity for him and his family. Since Gurbanguly BERDIMUHAMEDOV stepped down from the presidency, state-controlled media upgraded his honorific from Arkadag (protector) to Hero-Arkadag, and began referring to Serdar BERDIMUHAMEDOV as Arkadagly Serdar, which can be translated as "Serdar who has a protector to support him."

Turkmenistan has sought new export markets for its extensive hydrocarbon/natural gas reserves, which have yet to be fully exploited. Turkmenistan's reliance on gas exports has made the economy vulnerable to fluctuations in the global energy market, and economic hardships since the drop in energy prices in 2014 have led many citizens of Turkmenistan to emigrate, mostly to Turkey.

Global travel impacts due to escalation in the Middle East

Escalation in the Middle East has caused widespread travel disruption, including airspace closures, delayed and cancelled flights.

Your travel plans may be affected, even if your destination is not in the Middle East. Before you travel:

• check travel advice for any countries or territories you are transiting through
• check for the latest updates from your airline or tour operator before travelling  
• review your travel insurance policy for coverage before you travel  
• monitor local and international media for the latest information and sign up for travel advice email alerts

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

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Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Turkmenistan

Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Turkmenistan, attacks cannot be ruled out.

Border restrictions

Turkmen land border crossings can be subject to occasional and unannounced closures. The borders with Afghanistan and Iran are particularly sensitive, with access to areas near these borders being tightly restricted.

Laws and cultural differences

Personal ID

Police sometimes carry out checks of identity documents. Always carry your passport on you. Keep a copy of the photo page of your passport and your letter of invitation in a safe place.

Crime  

Whilst the crime rate is low, you should exercise a similar level of caution as you would in the UK.

Ramadan

Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims. The dates vary by year and country. Cafés and restaurants may amend their menus and be busy around fast-breaking (‘Iftar’). Areas around mosques are also likely to be busy around prayer times. Take particular care not to offend religious sensitivities at this time.

Alcohol laws and bans

It is illegal to drink alcohol in any communal spaces, including:

• parks or public squares
• forests or beaches
• train stations, airports or sea ports
• underpasses
• government offices

If you’re caught drinking alcohol in these places you can get a fine of 100 manats.

Smoking and e-cigarette bans

It is illegal to smoke outside or in any communal spaces unless they contain a designated smoking area.

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

If you’re found guilty of possession or use of illegal drugs, you could face a lengthy prison sentence in very basic conditions.

Taking photos in secure areas

It is illegal to take pictures of certain buildings. Check before taking photos of or near airports, military infrastructure, police stations, government buildings or embassies. The guards at the presidential palace may tell you not to take photos of it.

The Turkmen can be sensitive about having their picture taken without their consent.

Internet and mobile network

Internet connections outside the larger hotels can be unreliable. Many social media apps and websites are blocked, including YouTube, X, Facebook and WhatsApp. Access to Yahoo, Gmail and Hotmail is often difficult. VPNs are illegal in Turkmenistan and are usually blocked as soon as the authorities identify them.

There is a single state-owned mobile telephone provider, Altyn Asyr, which uses the TM CELL brand. Altyn Asyr does not provide a roaming service and the quality of the network is low.

Comments, including content posted on social media, interpreted as being negative about Turkmenistan’s political system and traditions are taken very seriously and may constitute an offence. Many Turkmen are uncomfortable discussing politics.

It is illegal to take pictures of certain buildings. Ask before taking pictures of anything of possible military or security interest, including government buildings and food markets.

Relationships with Turkmens

It is illegal for a Turkmen woman to have a sexual relationship with  a foreign national. Foreign nationals who provide gifts, transport or other benefits to women in expectation of even a short relationship can be immediately fined and deported.

LGBT+ travellers

Male same-sex sexual activity is illegal, and punishable by a prison sentence. Same-sex relationships generally meet with disapproval in Turkmen society. Avoid showing affection in public.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Transport risks

Road travel

If you are planning to drive a hire car or a UK vehicle, see information on driving abroad.

You’ll need to have both the 1968 version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence with you in the car. You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel.

Driving standards are poor. Road travel at night outside cities is particularly dangerous because of the condition of the roads. There is a 60km/h speed limit in much of Ashgabat, enforced by both static speed cameras and police with mobile speed cameras. There are no signs warning of speed cameras.

Taxis

Licensed taxis are clearly identified by white and green markings. Avoid unlicensed taxis.

Although taxis have meters, drivers will usually charge foreign nationals around 20 manat for a journey within the city centre. They might ask for payment in US dollars, but this is illegal. Most taxi drivers do not speak much English.

Licensed taxis are also available from Exit 2 of Ashgabat International Airport (outside Exit 2 of the terminal), although you should agree a price before getting in. Receipts are rarely provided. Alternatively, most upmarket hotels can arrange airport transfers. Email them in advance to make arrangements or ask at the front desk.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.

Earthquakes

Turkmenistan is in an active seismic zone. There are regular tremors and there have been strong earthquakes.

The US Federal Emergency Management Agency has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake.

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Call 03 from a landline or 003 from a mobile and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance or medical assistance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for Turkmenistan
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on NHS travel vaccinations page

See what health risks you’ll face in Turkmenistan.

Air quality in cities in Turkmenistan can deteriorate from time to time. Minimise your exposure by staying indoors in an air-conditioned environment. Wash all fruit, vegetables and other foods that might have been exposed, and regularly damp-dust indoor surfaces.

Typhoid and hepatitis A are endemic. You should drink or use only boiled and filtered or bottled water and avoid ice in drinks.

In the summer temperatures regularly reach 45°C in the shade, so drink plenty of water in the summer and avoid sunburn.

Medication

Turkmenistan’s State Customs Service report that individuals may enter Turkmenistan with prescription medicines providing they have a copy of the prescription with the medicine. There is no requirement to declare the medicine. Before travelling check with your tour company and the State Customs Service for the latest regulations.

You could be prosecuted for possession of some drugs that Turkmenistan may classify as narcotics, such as morphine or even strong painkillers, if you do not have a prescription, or if you’re carrying more than you need for your visit and do not declare them on arrival.

TravelHealthPro explains best practice when travelling with medicines.

Healthcare in Turkmenistan

There is no reciprocal healthcare agreement between the UK and Turkmenistan.

The quality of medical care is poor, and it is a lot more expensive than in the UK. Anything other than basic or emergency treatment, particularly outside Ashgabat, is usually best avoided. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Turkmenistan where some staff will speak English.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.