Turkmenistan Border Crossings — Farap & Shavat
Entering Turkmenistan overland from Uzbekistan? Two crossings matter most: Farap and Shavat/Dashoguz. The Howdan/Bajgiran crossing from Iran is temporarily not operating. Here is how the open ones compare and which one fits your route.
Tours Starting at Farap or Shavat
Whichever crossing fits your route, a guide and vehicle are ready on the Turkmenistan side the same day. Popular continuations include Konye-Urgench, the Darvaza Gas Crater, Ashgabat and Ancient Merv.
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7-Day Turkmenistan Highlights Tour: Ashgabat to Khiva / Nukus
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9-Day Turkmenistan Highlights Expedition: Ashgabat, Merv, Yangykala & Darvaza
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4-Day Turkmenistan Transit Tour from Bukhara to Khiva or Nukus via Merv, Overnight Train & Darvaza
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3-Day Turkmenistan Transit Tour from Bukhara to Khiva or Nukus via Merv, Overnight Train & Darvaza
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8-day tour "Main attractions of Turkmenistan": Yangi-Kala Canyon, Merv and Darvaza Crater
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2-Day Turkmenistan Tour from Bukhara to Ancient Merv and Turkmenabat
Upcoming Departures Near the Borders
Prefer a fixed date and a ready-made group over a fully custom crossing? Here are our next guaranteed departures.
How to Choose Your Crossing
Compare the overland routes into Turkmenistan:
1. Farap (from Bukhara / Turkmenabat)
The most direct route if you are finishing your trip in Bukhara — leads straight into Turkmenabat.
2. Shavat / Dashoguz (from Khiva)
Closer if coming from Khiva, and puts you near the Konye-Urgench UNESCO site.
3. Howdan / Bajgiran (from Iran) — temporarily not operating
The crossing from northeastern Iran is closed to our tours for now because of the current situation in Iran. We will update this page when it resumes.
4. Your e-visa must be ready in advance
We prepare and submit the e-visa application before you travel. Standard processing is 9 business days, or 5 if expedited.
What to Expect at the Border
We know the crossings
Farap and Shavat/Dashoguz each work a little differently — we tell you exactly what to expect and how long to allow.
Visa sorted before you arrive
Everyone needs an e-visa before arriving. We prepare and submit the application as part of every booking.
A guide waiting on the Turkmenistan side
No dead time at the border — your guide and vehicle are ready the same day you cross, whichever checkpoint you use.
Typical crossing time
Usually 1–3 hours depending on traffic and processing at both checkpoints — we advise building in some buffer.
Visa for an Overland Crossing — Plan Ahead
Your e-visa must be ready before you reach the border, and a separate Letter of Invitation is no longer required. Read our full visa guide for cost and timing.
Plan Your Overland Crossing
Tell us which border and your dates — we handle the visa application and have a guide ready on the other side. We reply within 24 hours.
