Turkmenistan

April 9, 2004

COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Turkmenistan is a Central Asian nation roughly the size of California. It shares borders with Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and Iran. Turkmenistan gained its independence in 1991 during the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Primarily a desert country, it has a small population of around six million people. Tourist facilities, especially outside of the capital city of Ashgabat, are not highly developed. Many of the goods and services taken for granted in North American and Western European countries are not yet available. Travel within the country can be difficult due to limited infrastructure and government imposed internal travel restrictions.

ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: American citizens must have a valid passport and visa to enter and exit Turkmenistan. To apply for a visa, all U.S. citizens must complete an application and have a letter of invitation approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) in Ashgabat. The letter of invitation on behalf of an American citizen must be submitted to the MFA by an individual or organization in Turkmenistan. The MFA requires at least ten working days for approval. The U.S. Embassy in Ashgabat does not issue letters of invitation to citizens interested in private travel to Turkmenistan. Applications for a Turkmen visa can be submitted to the Turkmen Embassy in Washington, D.C. or directly to the MFA in Ashgabat. A traveler with a stamped and approved invitation letter from the MFA may also obtain a visa at the Ashgabat International Airport upon arrival in Turkmenistan.

The price for the visa will vary according to the intended length of stay. For an additional charge the visa can be extended at the MFA in Ashgabat from its initial validity. Any traveler arriving without a visa or without the needed documents to obtain a visa will be denied entry and may be held at the airport or border until the traveler has secured transportation out of Turkmenistan. Travelers departing Turkmenistan must have a valid visa or they will be denied exit until they extend the validity of the visa. In addition, U.S. citizens traveling in Turkmenistan should be aware that they may need special permission from the MFA to travel to some areas of the country that have been restricted by the Government of Turkmenistan.

Upon arrival at an airport or border entry point, foreigners will be charged $10 for an immigration card issued by Turkmen authorities. All foreigners are required to carry this immigration card for the duration of their stay in Turkmenistan. The immigration card will be collected by authorities upon departure from Turkmenistan.

There are also local Turkmen registration requirements. Americans who plan to stay more than three working days in Turkmenistan must register with the State Service for the Registration of Foreigners (SSRF). SSRF offices are located in all of Turkmenistan's five major cities: Ashgabat, Dashoguz, Mary, Turkmenabat and Turkmenbashi. Prior to departure, foreigners must return to an SSRF office to register their departure. Foreigners who fail to register their departure may be prevented from leaving until they have done so. The penalties for remaining in Turkmenistan with an expired visa, and for failing to register with SSRF, include fines and arrest. Foreigners may also be deported and not allowed to return to Turkmenistan for up to five years.

American citizens in Turkmenistan are strongly urged to ensure that their Turkmen visas do not expire and that they register with SSRF upon arrival and upon departure.

According to a decree issued December 10, 2002, by Ashgabat city authorities, foreign guests in Ashgabat for temporary stays are required to stay in hotels. Unless they are legally resident in Turkmenistan, foreigners may not rent or buy private residences and may not stay at the private residences of Turkmen citizens in Ashgabat. Similar decrees have not been issued for other areas in Turkmenistan. Hotels will not accept foreign guests who do not have valid visas and SSRF OVIR registrations.

For complete information concerning entry and exit requirements, as well as internal travel restrictions, U.S. citizens should contact the Embassy of Turkmenistan at 2207 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 588-1500. The Embassy may also be reached at its homepage on the Internet: http://www.turkmenistanembassy.org.

In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated procedures at entry/exit points. These often include requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission for the child's travel from the parent(s) or legal guardian not present. Having such documentation on hand, even if not required, may facilitate entry/departure.

SAFETY AND SECURITY: Those considering travel to Turkmenistan should take the country's proximity to regions of past and current instability into account before making any plans. The Government of Turkmenistan has designated many areas throughout the country as “restricted zones,” particularly the border areas next to Iran, Uzbekistan, and Afghanistan, the city of Dashoguz, and areas of the Caspian coast. Travel to these areas is forbidden without special permission from the Government of Turkmenistan. Turkmen Air, the national airline, will not sell a ticket to any traveler who intends to travel to a “restricted zone” without proof of permission from the Government. Travelers who wish to visit a “restricted zone” must have a valid passport and visa and must apply to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. There is a minimum processing time of 10 working days.

Visible police and military presence in Turkmenistan is not uncommon. Both uniformed and plainclothes officials frequently ask to see passports, visas, migration cards, and SSRF registrations. Travelers should ask to see identification if they are not certain that the person asking is an official. In addition to the questioning of foreigners, home and car searches are not uncommon. Security personnel man checkpoints on major roads.

Security personnel may at times place foreign visitors under surveillance. Hotel rooms, telephones, and fax machines may be monitored, and personal possessions in hotel rooms may be searched. Taking photographs of anything that could be perceived as being of military or security interest, such as government buildings, may result in problems with authorities.

Supporters of extremist groups such as the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, Al-Qaeda, and the Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement remain active in Central Asia. These groups have expressed anti-U.S. sentiments and may attempt to target U.S. Government or private interests in the region, including in Turkmenistan. Terrorists do not distinguish between official and civilian targets. Because of increased security at official U.S. facilities, terrorists are seeking softer civilian targets such as residential areas, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, hotels, schools, outdoor recreation events, resorts, beaches, maritime facilities, and planes.

For additional regional security information concerning Central Asia, U.S. citizens should check the Consular Information Sheets and current Travel Warnings or Public Announcements for nearby countries, including Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan on a regular basis. The U.S. Embassy in each of these countries can provide up-to-date information about local crime and safety issues. Information about how to contact each Embassy directly is available on the Internet at the Consular Affairs home page, http://travel.state.gov, or by calling the U.S. Embassy in Ashgabat. For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should also regularly monitor the above web site where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Travel Warnings, and Public Announcements can be found.

Up to date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or, for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-317-472-2328. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

CRIME: Turkmenistan has a low rate of violent crime, but ordinary street crime is common. Foreign visitors, including American citizens, present an attractive target for criminals. Travelers should exercise the same common sense, good judgment, and caution in their activities as they would in any major U.S. city. There is a high incidence of petty theft and pickpockets in crowded public places, especially in the local bazaars. Visitors should take appropriate measures to safeguard their passports and valuables in such areas.

The U.S. Embassy strongly recommends that Americans avoid carrying large sums of money on the street. Travelers, especially women, should not take public transportation or walk alone after dark. Taxi service should be used with caution and unregistered taxis should be avoided. Visitors in bars and restaurants, particularly men, should be aware of women who may attempt to steal money and valuables. It is not advisable to go alone to unpopulated locations with an unknown person. The U.S. Embassy has also received reports of police asking to view passports, and refusing to return the passports until the owner has paid a “fine.”

The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, to contact family members or friends and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.

U.S. citizens may refer to the Department of State's pamphlet, A Safe Trip Abroad, for ways to promote a trouble-free journey. The pamphlet is available by mail from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, via the Internet at http://www.gpoaccess.gov, or via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov.

MEDICAL FACILITIES: Medical care in Turkmenistan is limited and well below North American and Western European standards. The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of public hospitals and English-speaking physicians in the country. Basic medical supplies, including disposable needles, anesthetics, and antibiotics are often in short supply. Two clinics can conduct consultations and/or operations performed by foreign (German and Turkish) specialists. Elderly travelers and those with pre-existing health problems may be at risk due to inadequate medical facilities. Most resident American citizens travel to Western Europe for treatment of any serious medical condition. Such travel can be extremely expensive if undertaken under emergency conditions. Travelers requiring prescription medications should bring sufficient supplies of all necessary medications.

MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health costs incurred outside the United States unless supplemental coverage is purchased. Further, U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. However, many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas including emergency services such as medical evacuations.

When making a decision regarding health insurance, Americans should consider that many foreign doctors and hospitals require payment in cash before providing service and that a medical evacuation to the U.S. may cost more than $50,000. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas often face extreme difficulties. When consulting with your insurer before your trip, ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas healthcare provider or whether you will be reimbursed later for expenses you incur. Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death.

Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure, Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad, available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page.

OTHER HEALTH INFORMATION: The Embassy recommends that travelers ensure that their hepatitis, diphtheria, and typhoid fever vaccinations are current. Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747); fax 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299), or via the CDC's Internet site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization's website at http://www.who.int/en. Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith.

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Turkmenistan is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Safety of public transportation: Fair
Urban road conditions/maintenance: Fair
Rural road conditions/maintenance: Poor
Availability of roadside/ambulance assistance: Poor

Road conditions in Turkmenistan can make driving difficult and sometimes dangerous. Most roads outside of major cities are narrow, riddled with potholes, unlit at night, and without proper road signs. Driving at night on these roads should be avoided. City roads are better in comparison to rural routes but may be hazardous due to potholes, uncovered manholes, and poor lighting. Many city streets lack designated crosswalks, forcing pedestrians to cross against traffic and create dangerous conditions. Traffic accidents involving serious injury to drivers, passengers, and pedestrians are not uncommon.

In general, visitors should use caution when driving in Turkmenistan and be prepared for surprises and behavior not normally exhibited in the United States. Drivers may pay little attention to lanes and other road markings, with weaving and sudden lane changes a common occurrence (usually without use of the turn signal). Drivers will often encounter cars going the wrong way on one-way streets or divided highways. Cars also frequently make left-turns from the right lane and vice-versa.

Roadside assistance does not exist in Turkmenistan where vast stretches of highway are often unmarked. Police checkpoints (where cars are required to stop and register) are a common feature on major routes between cities. The Embassy in Ashgabat has received reports that police stationed at checkpoints may arbitrarily fine motorists. Turkmen law requires that traffic fines be paid within twelve hours. If a fine is not paid within that period, the amount may double every 12 hours up to 72 hours, after which the vehicle may be seized.

Travelers who wish to drive in Turkmenistan must have a valid international driving permit. Foreigners who plan to reside in Turkmenistan must apply for a Turkmen Driver's License with the Road Police Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Turkmenistan. American citizens, who want more specific information about driving in Turkmenistan should contact the Embassy of Turkmenistan at 2207 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 588-1500. Local traffic customs will appear unfamiliar to American drivers.

For additional general information about road safety, including links to foreign government sites, see the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov/road_safety.html. For specific information concerning Turkmenistan driving permits, vehicle inspection, road tax and mandatory insurance, contact the Turkmenistan national tourist organization offices at its Permanent Mission in New York. The address is: 136 East 67th Street, NY, NY 10021. The phone number is 1-212-472-5921.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: As there is no direct commercial air service by local carriers at present, or economic authority to operate such service, between the U.S. and Turkmenistan, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the Turkmenistan Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with international aviation standards for oversight of Turkmenistan's air carrier operations. Travelers may experience significant delays, unexpected re-routing, and sudden cancellations of flights, including those of Turkmen Air (Turkmenhowayollary), the Turkmen national airline.

For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation within the U.S. at 1-800-322-7873, or visit the FAA's Internet website at http://www.faa.gov/avr/iasa/index.cfm. The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) separately assesses some foreign air carriers for suitability as official providers of air services. For information regarding DOD policy on specific air carriers, travelers may contact the DOD at tel. (618) 229-4801.

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS: Turkmenistan customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from Turkmenistan of items such as carpets, jewelry, musical instruments, pieces of art, archaeological artifacts, antiques, etc. It is advisable to contact the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Washington for specific information regarding customs requirements. Travelers who want to take carpets out of Turkmenistan must obtain a certificate from the Carpet Museum in central Ashgabat indicating that the carpet is not of historical value. In addition, buyers may have to pay a tax calculated according to the size of the carpet. In many countries around the world, counterfeit and pirated goods are widely available. Transactions involving such products are illegal and bringing them back to the United States may result in forfeitures and/or fines. A current list of those countries with serious problems in this regard can be found at http://www.ustr.gov/reports/2003/special301.htm.

CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Turkmenistan laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs in Turkmenistan are strict and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines. Under the PROTECT Act of April 2003, it is a crime, prosecutable in the U.S., for U.S. citizens or permanent resident aliens to exploit children sexually via pornography, the Internet or other means or to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a person under the age of 18 in a foreign country, regardless of whether there was intent.

CONSULAR ACCESS: U.S. citizens are encouraged to carry a copy of their U.S. passports and Turkmen visas with them at all times, so that, if questioned by local officials, proof of identity and U.S. citizenship are readily available.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Turkmenistan is a cash-only economy. However, several new hotels accept credit cards. Vnesheconombank and the National Bank of Pakistan cash traveler's checks and personal checks for a fee, although cashing a personal check is a lengthy process that could require up to two months. Vnesheconombank also accepts Visa for cash advances, for a fee.

Although the Manat is the official currency, U.S. dollars are widely accepted and are required in payment for certain goods and services. Travelers may wish to bring sufficient U.S. currency to exchange into Manat to cover expenses not payable in U.S. Dollars. Old U.S. dollar bills (issued before 1990) and/or those in poor condition (with tears, writing or stamps) are not acceptable forms of currency in Turkmenistan. Banks frequently do not have small bills for change.

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS: Turkmenistan is an earthquake-prone country. Building practices within Turkmenistan do not generally meet U.S. seismic standards. In addition, local authorities do not have sufficient resources to respond to a large-scale disaster. American citizens traveling to Turkmenistan are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy Consular Section. Registration can assist the Embassy in quickly contacting American citizens during an emergency. General information about natural disaster preparedness is available via the Internet from the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at http://www.fema.gov.

CHILDREN'S ISSUES: For information on international adoption of children and international parental child abduction, please refer to our Internet site at http://travel.state.gov/children's_issues.html or telephone Overseas Citizens Services at 1-888-407-4747. This number is available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Callers who are unable to use toll-free numbers, such as those calling from overseas, may obtain information and assistance during these hours by calling 1-317-472-2328.

There is no specific legislation in Turkmenistan that governs the adoption of a Turkmen citizen by a foreigner. Accordingly, adoption procedures vary widely. American citizens should expect long bureaucratic delays during the adoption process.

REGISTRATION/EMBASSY AND CONSULATE LOCATIONS: Americans living in or visiting Turkmenistan are encouraged to register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Ashgabat and obtain updated information on travel and security within Turkmenistan. Registration with the Embassy can assure quick communication during an emergency and help replacement of a lost and/or stolen passport. The U.S. Embassy is located at 9 Pushkin Street, off Magtymguly Street, tel. (993-12) 35-00-45; fax (993-12) 39-26-14. The Consular Section can also be contacted by e-mail at: consularashgab@state.gov. The Embassy's Internet address is http://www.usemb-ashgabat.rpo.at/.

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This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated August 5, 2003, to update the sections on Country Description, Entry Requirements, Safety and Security, Crime, Aviation Safety Oversight, Customs Regulations, Criminal Penalties, Consular Access, and Special Circumstances.

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