Before your trip to Turkmenistan, decide on the route and key sights you’d like to explore. Our team will assist in providing the best alternatives and options for your tour and itinerary. You can find various travel styles on our website.
A visa is required for all travelers to Turkmenistan. The visa process through Turkmen authorities typically takes at least 14 business days. Charyyar Ogly can assist in securing an invitation letter (necessary for visa application). Obtaining official approval for the invitation letter generally takes 14-20 business days. We kindly ask that you book services through Charyyar Ogly, with payment required in advance (credit cards are not accepted).
To obtain the LOI, clients must:
Confirm their tour itinerary, including travel dates, entry/exit points, and a detailed list of planned sightseeing activities.
Complete the application form (which we will send to your email).
Provide a color scan of your passport (photo page), preferably in PDF format.
Submit a colored passport-style photo (5 cm x 6 cm), ideally in JPEG, JPG, or PNG format.
After submitting the application, you will receive a Letter of Invitation (LOI) to use when applying for a Turkmen visa at any Turkmen Embassy or Consulate globally. Some embassies offer visa issuance via mail using courier services (at your own cost). If there’s no time to get your visa beforehand, you can also obtain it on arrival at Ashgabat International Airport or most land borders (visa fees vary based on nationality and must be paid in USD cash).
The LOI provides a 1-month validity for a single entry. For any itinerary changes, please contact our office at least 10 days prior to your trip.
Once in Turkmenistan, travelers must complete registration with the Ministry of Culture within three working days. Charyyar Ogly will handle this process for you.
Included:
-
Visa support (Letter of Invitation)
-
English-speaking tour guide (or other language options)
-
Air-conditioned transportation
-
Hotel accommodation
-
Camping gear for desert stays
-
Meals for remote desert tours (such as Darvaza)
-
Entrance fees to tourist sites
-
Bottled water during the tour
Not Included:
-
Visa cost ($50-$150 depending on nationality)
-
Migration fee ($14)
-
PCR test on arrival ($33)
-
Additional hotel services
-
Meals not covered in the program
-
Soft drinks and alcohol
-
Camera fees (photos/videos)
-
Souvenir taxes and charges
-
Any costs not specified in the itinerary
-
Tips for guides (recommended)
-
Half-Board or Full-Board options (optional)
-
Domestic flights
You can travel to Turkmenistan by air, land (via borders with Iran, Kazakhstan, or Uzbekistan), or ferry (from Baku, Azerbaijan). The most convenient and fastest way is by flight to Ashgabat. Alternatively, you can drive through the land borders with Iran, Kazakhstan, or Uzbekistan. For the adventurous traveler, a ferry ride from Baku is also an option, though the schedule is irregular and the crossing time can range from 12 to 24 hours.
Land Border Crossings:
-
With Iran: Bajigiran/Gaudan, Artyk/Loftabad, Sekakhs/Sarahs
-
With Uzbekistan: Shavat/Khiva, Hodjeyli/Nukus, Farap/Alat, Bukhara
-
With Kazakhstan: Karabogaz/Temirbaba
-
With Azerbaijan: Sea Port “Turkmenbashi”
Travelers can bring prescription drugs for personal use, but morphine, codeine, tramadol, temazepam, and similar substances are prohibited. Carry your prescriptions with you.
Upon arrival and departure, you’ll need to complete a Customs Declaration in duplicate. Declare the amount of foreign currency you’re bringing in or out, as well as all electronic devices (phones, cameras, laptops) and valuable items (especially souvenirs like rugs and handicrafts). Keep one stamped copy of the declaration for smoother exit procedures, especially if traveling to other CIS countries.
After entering Turkmenistan, foreign visitors must register with the Ministry of Culture within three working days. This involves submitting your passport, 2 passport-sized photos, and a tourist voucher. CO Travels will assist with this process.
In Turkmenistan, you can travel by plane, train, bus, minibus, or taxi. For longer distances, Turkmenistan Airlines offers daily flights to Dashoguz, Mary, Turkmenabad, and Turkmenbashi. Trains are available to these cities as well.
We provide various transport options based on group size, including buses (25-45 seats), minibuses (10-12 seats), minivans (3-4 passengers), and private sedans. For off-road travel, we offer 4×4 vehicles.
Turkmenistan offers a range of accommodations, particularly in Ashgabat, Dashoguz, Turkmenabad, and Turkmenbashi. In Ashgabat, you can stay in luxurious 4- and 5-star hotels with full amenities. Outside the capital, 3-star hotels are available, and for a more authentic experience, you can spend the night in a yurt or tent, especially near attractions like the Darvaza gas crater.
Turkmen cuisine is meat-heavy, with lamb, beef, and occasionally poultry and fish being the main proteins. Flour-based dishes like fitchi, somsa, chebureks, and tamdyrlama are common. Due to the climate, vegetables take a backseat but are consumed fresh in salads during the season.
Turkmenistan is also known for its melons and watermelons, which make for refreshing desserts in summer. You can find good and safe restaurants in Ashgabat and other large cities. It’s advisable to carry medicine for food-related issues, as new bacteria may cause digestive problems.
Turkmenistan has a rich array of unique souvenirs, such as carpets, jewelry, and textiles. The Altyn Asyr Bazaar in Ashgabat is the largest market, offering national costumes, musical instruments, and dried fruits. Gülistan Bazaar, another popular market, sells Turkmen textiles, including high-quality local jeans.
Rugs & Jewelry:
When buying carpets or jewelry, ensure you receive an official receipt and registration form for export. Antique items, particularly silver, may be restricted from leaving the country.
Turkmenistan experiences high temperatures, especially in the summer, though the low humidity makes it more bearable. The best time to visit is during the spring (April-June) and fall (September-October), when temperatures are moderate and fresh produce is abundant.
Turkmenistan is generally a safe destination for travelers. Always carry your passport with a valid visa. Basic medical services are available in Ashgabat, and travelers are advised to have medical insurance. Hepatitis vaccinations are recommended.
The currency used is the Turkmen manat (TM), and exchange rates for currencies like the Pound Sterling or Euro are not favorable outside of official exchange offices. It’s best to carry new U.S. dollar bills (2006 or later). Most hotels in Ashgabat accept credit cards.
Dress modestly, especially when visiting mosques or pilgrimage sites. Women are not required to wear headscarves but should cover their heads in summer to protect against the sun. Carry bottled water and avoid drinking tap water unless boiled. Bring a small flashlight and toilet paper for rural areas.
The local mobile network, Altyn Asyr, works in most urban and rural areas. International GSM networks do not operate in Turkmenistan. For long-distance calls, visit a hotel or post office. Internet cafes are available in Ashgabat.
Smoking is banned in public places, but some restaurants allow it.
Avoid taking photos of state buildings, and ask for permission before photographing people.
Public displays of affection are not acceptable, even for married couples.
If you have any questions, ideas, or suggestions, you can contact our company.
Turkmenistan, Ashgabat city,
Bitarap Turkmenistan Avenue,
Ak-Maya Building, Office – 94
