What Is a Visa on Arrival in Turkmenistan: Key Facts and Details
Turkmenistan is often called one of the most closed-off and mysterious countries in Central Asia. There are many rumors circulating about its entry requirements, but the actual process for foreign travelers is well-established. The main way for organized tourists to enter the country is through a visa on arrival, which can be obtained directly at Ashgabat International Airport or at land border crossings.
An important distinction: The “visa on arrival” option does not mean you can simply fly into the country without any prior preparation. In order to have a visa sticker affixed at the border, you must have an official Letter of Invitation (LOI) issued in advance by the State Migration Service.
With an approved LOI, citizens of virtually every country in the world are eligible to receive a tourist visa at the point of entry. Our team at the tour operator TmTourism handles all the paperwork, opening the doors for you to the masterpieces of the Silk Road: the monumental white-marble capital of Ashgabat, the ruins of ancient civilizations, and the fiery landscapes of the Karakum Desert.
List of countries eligible for a visa upon arrival with an LOI
From a legal standpoint, the option to obtain a visa upon arrival with an LOI applies to most countries worldwide:
- 🌍 European and Schengen Area countries: All EU countries (Germany, France, Italy, Spain, etc.), the United Kingdom, and EFTA countries (Switzerland, Norway, etc.).
- 🌎 North, Central, and South America: the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, and other countries on the continent.
- 🌏 Asia-Pacific region: Japan, South Korea, China, Singapore, India, Australia, New Zealand, and others.
- 🗺️ CIS Countries: Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, and others.
- 🐪 Middle East and Africa: UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey, Israel, Egypt, South Africa, and others.
Where to obtain a visa upon arrival: border crossing points
Ashgabat International Airport (ASB)
The 24-hour visa issuance office in the capital’s airport terminal is the most convenient and fastest option. The immigration service office is located in the transit area before passport control.
Land border crossings
If you are traveling along the Great Silk Road, you can have your invitation-based visa stamped at the following border crossings:
- Border with Uzbekistan: Shavat–Dashoguz (ideal for a trip to the Kunya-Urgench complex from Khiva), Farap–Alat (Bukhara–Turkmenabat), Khojeyli–Dashoguz (from Nukus). A great option: a 1-day transit tour to Kunya-Urgench from Khiva.
- Border with Iran: Gaudan — Badjgiran (near Ashgabat), Serakhs — Sarakhs (route to Merv), Artyk — Lyutfabad.
- Border with Kazakhstan: Temir-Baba — Garabogaz (along the Caspian Sea coast).
For longer itineraries, consider the 5-day transit tour: from Ashgabat to Khiva/Nukus via Merv and Darvaza.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Obtain a Visa on Arrival
Step 1: Apply for a Letter of Invitation (LOI) online
- Booking a tour: The invitation is issued only for a booked tour package (for example, a 4-day tour: Ashgabat, Merv, and the Darvaza Crater).
- Submitting documents: You send us a scanned copy of your passport, a photo, and the application form.
- Waiting Period: We submit your application to the Migration Service (processing time is 2–3 weeks).
- Receiving the LOI: We’ll send you a PDF document with a QR code that you’ll need to print out.
Step 2: Obtaining a visa at the border
- Boarding the flight: Present your printed LOI at the check-in counter (you will not be allowed to board without it).
- Visa Counter: Upon arrival, go to the visa counter and hand the officer your passport, LOI, and immigration card.
- Paying Fees: Pay the visa and immigration fees in U.S. dollars cash.
- Visa Stamp: Once you receive the visa sticker in your passport, proceed through passport control and meet your guide.
Cost of the visa on arrival and additional fees
Important: All border fees must be paid strictly in cash in U.S. dollars (USD). Banknotes must be clean, new (preferably issued after 2013), and free of writing or damage.
Estimated fees for a single-entry visa:
- Up to 10 days: $35 to $55 (depending on citizenship)
- Up to 20 days: $45 to $75
- Up to 1 month: $55 to $95
- Express processing fee: + $20–$40
- *For citizens of certain countries (e.g., the United Kingdom), bilateral fees apply ($85–$120). Our manager will calculate the exact amount.
Mandatory immigration fee
Every foreign national pays a single state fee for registration/entry—14 USD. A bank fee for processing cash may also apply (approximately $2–$4).
Important practical tips for tourists
- Cash: Card payments are not accepted at the border. Be sure to carry a supply of both small and large USD bills.
- Check Dates: The visa is issued strictly for the dates specified in the LOI. Your flight tickets must exactly match this timeframe.
- Registration: Foreigners are required to register within 3 business days. When traveling with TmTourism, you don’t have to worry about this—we take care of everything for you.
- Special Permits: Permits are required to visit border areas (e.g., the Darvaza Gas Crater). These are automatically included in the tour package.
Summary: Why a Visa on Arrival Is Easy with TmTourism
Although the rules may seem strict, the process of obtaining a visa on arrival via an LOI (Letter of Invitation) runs like clockwork. You don’t need to visit the embassy, mail your passport, or wait in lines. Just choose your itinerary, send us a copy of your passport, and relax as you prepare to explore one of the most impressive countries on the Silk Road!
