Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan’s rhythms emerge from desert expanses, Silk Road echoes, and the singular spirit of Ashgabat.
Overview
The Karakum desert sets the tone for daily life, while Ashgabat stands as a striking, idiosyncratic capital. Turkmen is the primary language, and the country’s position along the Caspian and historic trade routes shapes its cultural landscape. Past and present blend in a society marked by both tradition and state-driven narratives.
At a glance
Languages
- Turkmen(Official)
- Russian(Widespread)
Population6,117,933
CurrencyTurkmenistan new manat (TMT)
1 TMT = 0.2849 USD
1 USD = 3.5100 TMT
Popular places
Turkmenistan
Cost of living
Numbeo publishes these source indexes relative to New York City.
Cost of LivingPotentially less expensiveSource category: All | 2026
RentPotentially much less expensiveSource category: Rent | 2026
GroceriesPotentially more expensiveSource category: Grocery | 2026
RestaurantPotentially similar cost levelSource category: Restaurant | 2026
Local Purchasing PowerMuch weaker local purchasing powerSource category: Purchasing Power | 2026
Sources
- Numbeo Cost of Living Index
Quality of life
Quality of Life IndexStrongSource category: Quality Of Life | 2026 | Overall quality of life index
Healthcare IndexMixedSource category: Healthcare | 2026 | Healthcare quality index (100 = best healthcare)
Crime IndexModerateSource category: Crime | 2026 | Crime index (100 = highest crime)
Safety IndexMixedSource category: Safety | 2026 | Safety index (100 = safest)
Pollution IndexLowSource category: Pollution | 2026 | Pollution index (100 = most polluted)
Traffic IndexElevatedSource category: Traffic | 2026 | Overall traffic index (considers time + inefficiency + CO2)
Sources
- Numbeo Cost of Living Index
Entry requirements
Visa and residency reference data is available for Temporary Residence, Long-Stay Visa, Tourist / Visa Waiver, and 2 more.
Temporary Residence
- Residence Permit
Turkmenistan residence permit route for foreign citizens and stateless persons, with official sources identifying residence permits as the basis for long stay and describing State Migration Service residence-permit processing.
Long-Stay Visa
- Sponsored Entry Visa
LOI-backed Turkmenistan visa family covering diplomatic, official, work permit, business, investor, study, and private visas; the inviting company, organization, or person in Turkmenistan requests the State Migration Service invitation letter.
Tourist / Visa Waiver
- Tourist Visa
Turkmenistan tourist visa route requiring a Letter of Invitation from the State Migration Service through a Turkmenistan national tourism agency or travel agency; once the LOI is obtained, the visa may be stamped at a Turkmenistan embassy, consulate, border crossing, or international airport.
Languages
- Turkmen(Official)
- Russian(Widespread)
Sources
- Country language reference
Safety
3 source-backed travel advisories are available for Turkmenistan.
Canada
Exercise a high degree of caution
Advisory effective · Verified
Exercise a high degree of caution in Turkmenistan due to heightened tensions throughout the region and crime.
United Kingdom
No destination-wide FCDO travel warning
Advisory effective · Verified
FCDO travel advice currently has no destination-wide warning for Turkmenistan. Review the full FCDO travel advice before travelling, including safety, entry, health, and insurance guidance.
United States
Level 1Exercise Normal Precautions
Advisory effective · Verified
There were no changes to the advisory level or risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated. Exercise normal precautions in Turkmenistan. Advisory summary Turkmenistan is generally a safe destination for travelers. Medical services for routine and emergency procedures are limited. Review the Health section of the Travel Guidance on this page for more information. Turkmenistan is located in a seismically active zone. Review our information on Weather and Natural Distasters. Review our Travel Guidance for Turkmenistan to learn how to prepare for a safe trip. If you decide to travel to Turkmenistan: Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate. Enrolling helps the U.S. embassy or consulate contact you or your
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