Welcome to Turkmenistan

From a burning crater in the middle of the vast Karakum Desert to the white-marble architectural marvels of Ashgabat, Turkmenistan is an intriguing, though largely undiscovered, Central Asian destination.

Discover its traditions and natural beauty as you explore the ancient Silk Road cities of Merv and Konye-Urgench, get to know the hospitable people who live here and venture into the neverending Karakum Desert. Consider, too, making your way to Gonur Tepe, an ancient desert city and archaeological site with incredible ruins of Zoroastrian fire pits.

Unique Facts

• The landscape of Turkmenistan is 70 percent desert, the Karakum Desert to be exact. Hard to believe, but this was the area of a massive sea 30 million years ago.
• “The gate of hell,” or the Darvaza gas crater, burns continually in the middle of the desert. It is the result of a geologist error in 1971 when equipment fell into a natural gas drilling hole. They lit it on fire, thinking it would burn for a few days, but it has been decades!
• Several Silk Road cities and UNESCO World Heritage Sites from the 11th and 12th centuries are found in Turkmenistan, including Merv, the oasis city and capital of the Great Seljuk state, and Kunya-Urgench, an important cultural center.
• Be sure to eat a Turkmen melon – they’re sweet, juicy, large and have their own national holiday: Melon Day!
• The Akhal Teke horse breed is thought to be the most exotic and rare horse breed in the world. Turkmenistan has devoted a special ministry to the breed’s care and upkeep.

Language

Turkmenistan’s official language is Turkmen.

When To Go

The best time to go to Turkmenistan is from mid-March to the end of May and mid-September to November.

Airports

Ashgabat International Airport

Passport Validity

Passport must be valid for six months beyond arrival date.

Visa Required By US Citizen?

Yes

Vaccinations

The CDC recommends the following vaccines for most travelers when visiting Turkmenistan: Hepatitis A and Typhoid. Depending on where you are traveling, you may also need Hepatitis B and Rabies vaccines.

Electrical Outlets

Power plugs and sockets: types C and F. Standard voltage: 220V. Frequency: 50Hz.

Currency

Official local currency: Turkmenistan manat

Getting Around

Use caution when driving in Turkmenistan due to potholes in the road, uncovered manholes, poor lighting and pedestrians ignoring oncoming traffic. Most roads outside the cities are narrow, poorly lit and not well marked.

Public transportation options include unregulated taxis. There is one government-regulated taxi company in Ashgabat.

Driver’s License

An international driving permit is required.

US Embassy Info

U.S. Embassy Ashgabat
9 1984 Street (formerly Pushkin Street)
Ashgabat, Turkmenistan 744000
Telephone: +(993)(12) 94 0045
Consular Information Line:
+(993)(12) 94 0049 (Monday and Friday, 11am – 1pm)
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: Local calls: 940045;
When calling from the U.S.: +(993)(12)94 0045
Fax: +(993)(12) 94-26-14
consularashgab@state.gov

Local Visitor Info

n/a

Local Emergency Phone Numbers

Ambulance: 03
Police: 02
Fire: 01

Safety and Security

The crime rate is low in Turkmenistan. Take normal safety precautions, such as avoiding travel after dark or in unfamiliar areas.