Turkmenistan Visa — Types, Policy & How to Get One
Almost every nationality needs a visa to visit Turkmenistan. This guide covers the visa policy, the difference between tourist, transit and business visas, the current status of the e-visa system, and exactly how we get your Letter of Invitation ready.
Tours with Full Visa Support Included
Every tour below includes a Letter of Invitation (LOI), the document required for your Turkmenistan tourist visa, prepared and submitted on your behalf.
New Tour
4-Day Turkmenistan Transit Tour from Bukhara to Khiva or Nukus via Merv, Overnight Train & Darvaza
3-Day Turkmenistan Transit Tour from Bukhara to Khiva or Nukus via Merv, Overnight Train & Darvaza
8-day tour "Main attractions of Turkmenistan": Yangi-Kala Canyon, Merv and Darvaza Crater
2-Day Turkmenistan Tour from Bukhara to Ancient Merv and Turkmenabat
4-day Turkmenistan tour from Bukhara to Iran/Ashgabat: Merv, Darvaza and Ashgabat
Turkmenistan Tour from Bukhara to Khiva/Nukus (5 days): Turkmenabat, Merv, Ashgabat, Darvaza, and Kunya-Urgench
Upcoming Departures
Join a guaranteed small-group departure — visa paperwork is handled for you.
How the Turkmenistan Visa Process Works
Getting a Turkmenistan visa follows the same basic steps for almost every traveler:
1. Check which visa type you need
Tourist, transit or business — each has different requirements, covered below.
2. We prepare your Letter of Invitation (LOI)
Required for tourist visas, issued by the State Migration Service through a licensed local sponsor.
3. Apply for your visa
At an embassy, or on arrival for eligible nationalities — we confirm which applies to you.
4. Travel with everything confirmed
Once your visa is issued, your tour, guide and transport are already arranged.
What You Need to Know About the Turkmenistan Visa
Who needs a visa
Almost all nationalities require a visa to enter Turkmenistan, with very few exceptions under bilateral agreements.
Visa types
Tourist visas require a sponsoring local operator and an LOI; transit visas generally do not; business visas follow a separate invitation process.
E-visa status in 2026
The e-visa law took effect in April 2025, but as of 2026 the system is not yet operational — visas are still processed through licensed agencies.
Processing time
LOI processing typically takes 15–20 business days, plus embassy or border processing — we recommend starting 6–8 weeks ahead.
Already Know You Need an LOI?
A Letter of Invitation (LOI) is the specific document required to apply for a Turkmenistan tourist visa. See our dedicated LOI guide for the exact process, documents and timing.
Ready to Start Your Turkmenistan Visa?
Visa processing takes time — the earlier you start, the more flexible your travel dates. We reply within 24 hours.
