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Exercise a high degree of caution
Exercise a high degree of caution in Turkmenistan due to heightened tensions throughout the region and crime.
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 = 0.2857 USD
1 USD = 3.5000 TMT
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 LifeStrongSource category: Quality Of Life | 2026 | Overall quality of life index
SafetyMixedSource category: Safety | 2026 | Safety index (100 = safest)
HealthcareMixedSource category: Healthcare | 2026 | Healthcare quality index (100 = best healthcare)
PollutionLowSource category: Pollution | 2026 | Pollution index (100 = most polluted)
TrafficElevatedSource 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.
- No work rights
Transit Visa
Turkmenistan transit visa route requiring State Migration Service transit LOI or approval; the official source lists a maximum five-day transit window and one-month LOI processing.
- 5 days
- No work rights
Work (Employer-Sponsored)
- Work Permit
Turkmenistan work authorization route; the official migration law overview states that foreign citizens and stateless persons carrying out labor activity must have a permit.
- Employer-sponsored only
Languages
- Turkmen(Official)
- Russian(Widespread)
Sources
- Country language reference
Safety
3 source-backed travel advisories are available for Turkmenistan.
United Kingdom
No destination-wide FCDO travel warning
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
Exercise normal precautions in Turkmenistan.
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