Ak GamyşAk GamyşTurkmenistan
Travel Guide

Visa & Entry to Turkmenistan

How the tourist visa works, the letter of invitation, documents, entry points and fees — and how we handle it all for you.

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We handle your visa

Visa support is included in every Ak Gamyş journey. We prepare and submit your letter of invitation, guide you through each step and meet you at the border.

Who needs a visa

Almost every foreign national needs a visa to enter Turkmenistan, arranged in advance. The only exception is passengers transiting through Ashgabat airport who remain in the international zone. Independent tourism is not permitted — visas are issued to travellers booked with a licensed tour operator.

The letter of invitation (LOI)

The LOI is an official approval from the State Migration Service, and it is the foundation of every tourist visa: no invitation, no visa. We prepare and submit it for you.

  • Issued by the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan.
  • Approval typically takes 10–20 business days.
  • Lists your passport details, travel dates and approved itinerary.
  • Only a licensed operator can request it — we do this as part of your tour.
Step by step

How the process works

01

Book your journey

Choose a tour or ask us to design one. A confirmed itinerary is required for the invitation.

02

We request the LOI

We submit your invitation to the Migration Service. Approval takes about 10–20 business days.

03

Receive the reference

Once approved, you receive the LOI reference number needed for your visa.

04

Collect your visa

Get it on arrival at Ashgabat airport, or from a Turkmen embassy before you travel.

Documents you'll need

Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates.
A colour scan of the passport photo page.
One passport photo, 3×4 cm, on a white background.
A completed visa application form.
Your tour confirmation and itinerary.
Note: exact requirements vary by embassy and nationality.
Getting in

Entry & exit points

By air

Ashgabat International Airport is the main gateway, with visa-on-arrival for travellers holding an approved invitation.

By land

Road borders connect Turkmenistan with Iran, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Afghanistan. Crossings usually operate 09:00–18:00 (closed 13:00–14:00).

By sea

A ferry links Turkmenbashi with Baku across the Caspian, though sailings run on an irregular schedule.

Visa fees

Tourist visa (single entry)$55–155
Border / entry fee$14
Medical check (if required)$33

Fees are paid in cash, in US dollars, and depend on your nationality. Notes issued after 2006 are required, and fees are non-refundable if a visa is refused.

Timing

LOI approval10–20 business days
Start the process30+ days ahead
Tourist visa validityTied to your tour
Visa rules, fees and opening hours are set by the Turkmen authorities and can change without notice. Treat this page as general guidance — we confirm the current details for your nationality and dates when planning your trip.

Questions about your visa?

Tell us your nationality and dates — we'll confirm exactly what you need and handle the invitation.

Plan a bespoke trip