Turkmenistan

See our Fact Sheet on Turkmenistan for information on U.S.-Turkmenistan relations.

Transportation

Road Conditions: Traffic accidents involving serious injury to drivers, passengers, and pedestrians are common. Many city roads are hazardous due to potholes, uncovered manholes, poor lighting, and pedestrians ignoring oncoming traffic. Most roads outside of major cities are narrow, unlit, and lacking road signs. Avoid driving at night on rural roads.

Drive defensively and use an abundance of caution. Drivers going down the wrong way on one-way streets or divided highways, sudden lane changes, left hand turns from the right lane, etc. are common.

There is no roadside assistance in Turkmenistan.

Traffic Laws: If you drive while intoxicated, you may be fined, be imprisoned, and have your license revoked. You may be fined if you don’t use seat belts or drive while using a cell phone.

Police at checkpoints (where cars are required to stop and register) may arbitrarily fine motorists. If you do not pay traffic fines within 12 hours, the fine will double every 12 hours up to 72 hours, after which time police may seize your vehicle.

To drive, you must have a valid international driving permit. Foreigners residing in Turkmenistan must apply for a local driver's license with the Road Police Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Turkmenistan. For more specific information about driving in Turkmenistan, contact the Embassy of Turkmenistan at (202) 588-1500.

For specific information concerning driving permits, vehicle inspection, road taxes, and mandatory insurance, contact the Turkmenistan National Tourist Organization offices at 212-472-5921.

Please also refer to our Road Safety page for more information.

Public Transportation: Most taxis are not regulated and lack basic safety features. Always negotiate fares in advance with unregulated taxi drivers.

Avoid taking taxis after dark or sharing a taxi with other passengers. When traveling at night, hire a driver through your travel agency or hotel.

The only government-owned/ regulated taxi company operates in Ashgabat (telephone 993-12-32-97-75.)

Travel by Ferry: “Ferries” crossing the Caspian sea are cargo ships that also take on passengers as space permits. Food and water is not typically provided, and sleeping and sanitary facilities are basic. Ships arriving in Turkmenbashy may take a week to find a vacant dock.

Airlines: If you transit through Turkmenistan, but miss your connection, you will have to purchase a ticket for an onward flight before being allowed to leave the arrival area.

Aviation Safety Oversight: As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Turkmenistan, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the Government of Turkmenistan’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.

Safety and Security

Potential for Terrorist Activity: While there has been no known terrorist activity in Turkmenistan, travelers should be aware of the continuing threat that exists in Central Asia.

Extremist groups such as the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan and al-Qaida remain active in Central Asia, and the Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement, in the Afghanistan-Pakistan region. These groups have expressed anti-U.S. sentiments and may attempt to target U.S. government or private interests in the region.

Restricted zones: Foreigners are forbidden to travel to “restricted zones” without special permission from the SMS. These areas include:

• Border areas with Iran, Uzbekistan, and Afghanistan
• All of Dashoguz, including Dashoguz city
• Some areas along the Caspian coast

The SMS takes at least 10 working days to process requests for special travel permits to restricted zones. Turkmenistan Airlines (the national airline) requires proof of SMS permission before selling tickets to people traveling to a restricted zone.

Police and military are present in all regions of Turkmenistan. Security personnel maintain checkpoints on major roads and may place visitors under surveillance. Hotel rooms, telephones, e-mail, and fax machines may be monitored, and personal possessions in hotel rooms may be searched.

Carry your passport at all times; otherwise, you may be detained. Police asking to see identity papers are especially aggressive at night and may ask for a bribe. Ask for identification if you are unsure the person requesting to see your documents is an official.

Crime: The 2015 OSAC Annual Crime Report provides a comprehensive overview of crime in Turkmenistan.

There are limited reports of violent crime in Turkmenistan. Take normal safety precautions, such as avoiding travel after dark or in deserted/ unfamiliar areas.

Prostitution is illegal. Authorities will generally consider any woman leaving a club with a foreign man late at night to be a prostitute, and on that basis, the foreigner may be detained.

Victims of Crime: U.S. citizen victims of rape should first contact the U.S. Embassy. Report crimes to the local police at 03 and contact the U.S. Embassy at +692-688 (local number). Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes.

See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information on scams.

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas.

We can:

• help you find appropriate medical care
• assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• explain the local criminal justice process in general terms
• provide a list of local attorneys
• provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
• provide an emergency loan
• help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance.

For further information:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. 
• Call us in Washington at 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the State Department's travel website for Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts.
• Follow us on Twitter and Facebook. 
• See traveling safely abroad for useful travel tips.