Turkmenistan visa: A single-entry permit required for most nationalities, valid for 30 days with the possibility of extension once. Application process includes submitting an invitation letter from a local sponsor, completing an online application, and paying the fee. Processing times can vary, so it’s recommended to apply well in advance. Note that some embassies may require additional documents, such as proof of travel insurance or a hotel reservation. Visitors must also register with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs upon arrival.
Table of Contents
Important informations
| Topic | Description |
|---|---|
| Who Needs a Visa? | Everyone except holders of diplomatic or service passports from certain countries. |
| Types of Visas | Tourist, Transit, Business, Work, Private/Personal, Family, and Student visas. |
| Required Documents | Application form, travel programme, copy of passport and ID, cover letter, recent passport-size picture, and a letter of permission for travel obtained by the sponsor. |
| Getting a Visa | Apply at an Embassy or Consulate with a sponsor and LOI or directly for a transit visa. |
| Visa Fees | Ranges from $20 to $60. |
| Duration of Visa | Depends on the reason for traveling and can range from 10 days to one year. |
| Extending a Visa | Possible for an additional 3 to 5 days with a letter explaining why and payment of the visa extension fee. |
Who Needs a Turkmenistan Visa?
Citizens of most countries require a visa to enter Turkmenistan. The visa application process involves obtaining an invitation letter from an authorized entity in Turkmenistan, which is then used to apply for the visa at the Turkmen embassy or consulate in your country. The type of visa you need depends on the purpose of your trip – business, tourism, or work. Visa fees vary depending on the length of stay and the type of visa. It’s important to note that the visa application process can take several weeks, so it’s recommended to apply well in advance of your intended travel date. Additionally, some nationalities may require additional documentation or may be subject to special entry requirements. It’s always best to check with the Turkmen embassy or consulate in your country for the most up-to-date information on visa requirements.
Types of Turkmenistan Visas
Turkmenistan offers several types of visas for foreign nationals intending to enter the country. The most common types include:
1. Tourist Visa: Issued to individuals planning to travel to Turkmenistan for sightseeing or recreational purposes. This visa allows a stay of up to 30 days.
2. Business Visa: Intended for individuals planning to engage in business activities in Turkmenistan. The validity of this visa ranges from 30 to 90 days.
3. Work Visa: Granted to individuals who have secured employment in Turkmenistan. This visa requires a work permit and is typically valid for the duration of the employment contract.
4. Student Visa: Issued to individuals planning to study in Turkmenistan. This visa requires proof of acceptance into an accredited educational institution and is typically valid for the duration of the academic program.
5. Transit Visa: Intended for individuals passing through Turkmenistan en route to another destination. The validity of this visa depends on the length of the transit period.
6. Diplomatic and Official Visa: Granted to diplomats, government officials, and their families. This visa is issued for an indefinite period and is subject to renewal.
7. Humanitarian Visa: Issued to individuals seeking medical treatment in Turkmenistan or those in need of humanitarian assistance. The validity of this visa depends on the nature of the humanitarian situation.
It is important to note that the visa application process requires submission of various documents, including a valid passport, completed application form, and proof of financial means. Additionally, some visas may require a sponsor or invitation from a Turkmen organization or individual.
Turkmenistan Visa Requirements
Turkmenistan visa requirements:
Turkmenistan requires foreign nationals to obtain a visa before entering the country. The type of visa required depends on the purpose and duration of the stay. Tourist visas are valid for up to 30 days, while business visas can last up to 90 days. Visas for work, study, or residence require separate applications and longer processing times.
Applicants must provide several documents, including a valid passport with at least six months’ validity, completed application form, recent passport-size photographs, proof of travel arrangements, and evidence of sufficient funds to cover expenses during their stay. Business visa applicants may also need to provide an invitation letter from a Turkmenistan company or organization.
Visas can be obtained through the Turkmenistan embassy or consulate in the applicant’s country or through an authorized travel agency. Processing times vary, so applicants are advised to apply well in advance of their intended travel date. Transit visas are available for travelers passing through Turkmenistan en route to another destination, but they must also meet the visa requirements and obtain the necessary documents.
How Do I Get a Turkmenistan Visa?
To obtain a Turkmenistan visa, follow these steps:
1. Identify the type of visa you need: Turkmenistan issues various types of visas, including tourist, business, work, and student visas. Determine which one suits your purpose of travel.
2. Prepare the required documents: Gather the necessary documents, such as a valid passport with at least six months’ validity, completed visa application form, invitation letter (if applicable), travel itinerary, and proof of financial means.
3. Apply through a local embassy or consulate: Submit your application, along with the required documents and application fee, to the Turkmenistan embassy or consulate in your country of residence.
4. Wait for processing: The visa processing time varies, but it usually takes around 10 business days. You can check the status of your application online or by contacting the embassy.
5. Receive your visa: Once approved, you will receive your visa in the form of a stamp or a sticker in your passport. Ensure that you have enough blank pages for the visa.
6. Register with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Within five working days of arrival in Turkmenistan, you must register with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the place of your stay. Failure to do so may result in fines or deportation.
Applying for a Visa to Transit Through Turkmenistan
To apply for a transit visa in Turkmenistan, travelers must provide several documents and follow specific procedures. First, applicants need to obtain an invitation letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or a local travel agency. This invitation serves as a crucial requirement for the visa application.
Next, applicants should submit their visa application to the Turkmen embassy or consulate in their home country. The application must include a valid passport, completed visa application form, two recent passport-size photographs, the invitation letter, proof of travel insurance, and payment for the visa fee.
Processing times for transit visas can vary, so applicants are advised to submit their applications well in advance of their intended travel date. Once approved, the transit visa will be valid for a specific period, allowing the traveler to transit through Turkmenistan to their final destination.
It’s essential to note that transit visa requirements and procedures may change, so travelers should always check the latest information from the Turkmen embassy or consulate in their home country before applying.
Turkmenistan Visa on Arrival
Turkmenistan offers a Visa on Arrival (VoA) facility at certain border checkpoints for select nationalities. Eligible travelers can obtain this visa upon entering the country, without the need for prior application or approval. The VoA is valid for a stay of up to 30 days and can be extended once for an equal period. To qualify for a VoA, applicants must present a valid passport, proof of sufficient funds, and a return ticket. The visa fee is typically paid in cash at the border, and the amount may vary. It is recommended that travelers confirm their eligibility for a VoA and the required documentation before departing for Turkmenistan.
Registering Your Turkmenistan Visa
To register a Turkmenistan visa, travelers must follow a specific process. First, obtain a letter of invitation from a local agency or organization in Turkmenistan. This invitation serves as a crucial document for the visa application. Once the invitation is secured, applicants can submit their visa application to the Turkmenistan embassy or consulate in their home country. The application requires a valid passport, completed visa application form, two recent passport-size photographs, and the invitation letter. Processing times may vary, so applicants are advised to submit their applications well in advance of their intended travel date. Upon approval, the embassy or consulate will issue the visa, which can be a single-entry or multiple-entry permit, depending on the purpose and duration of the trip. Travelers should ensure they have all necessary documents and meet the visa requirements to avoid any delays or complications during the application process.
Turkmenistan Visa Fees
Turkmenistan visa fees vary depending on the type of visa and the length of stay. As of now, a 5-day tourist visa costs $125, a 15-day business visa costs $160, and a 30-day work visa costs $250. The visa application process includes paying the fee online through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan’s website or at the embassy or consulate. It is important to note that these fees are subject to change and it is best to check the official government website for the most up-to-date information. Additionally, some travelers may be required to pay additional fees for processing or other services.
How Long to Process a Turkmenistan Visa?
A Turkmenistan visa processing time can vary depending on the type of visa and individual circumstances. Generally, it takes between 5 to 10 business days for tourist visas to be processed. Business visas and other types of visas may take longer, up to 30 business days or more. Applicants are advised to submit their application and required documents well in advance of their intended travel date to allow for any potential delays. Processing times can also be influenced by factors such as peak travel seasons, holidays, or changes in government policy. It’s recommended to check with the Turkmenistan embassy or consulate for the most current and accurate information on visa processing times.
What Is the Duration of a Turkmenistan Visa?
A Turkmenistan visa duration depends on the type of visa issued. Generally, there are two main categories: short-term and long-term visas. Short-term visas, also known as tourist visas, are valid for up to 30 days. Long-term visas, which include work, study, and business visas, can range from 3 months to 1 year with the possibility of extension. It is essential to apply for the correct visa length based on your intended stay in Turkmenistan. Visa processing times may vary, but typically take around 5-10 business days.
Can You Extend a Turkmenistan Visa?
In Turkmenistan, visa extensions are generally granted for a fee at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The length of the extension varies, but it can range from one to three months. To apply for a visa extension, travelers must provide a valid reason for the extension, such as ongoing business, study, or medical treatment. They will also need to provide supporting documents, such as proof of accommodation and financial means. It’s important to note that visa extensions are not guaranteed and are subject to the discretion of the authorities. Travelers are advised to apply for extensions well before their current visa expires to avoid any potential complications or delays.
Eligible countries
- Armenia
- Azerbaijan
- Belarus
- Bulgaria
- China
- Czech Republic
- Georgia
- Hungary
- Iran
- Japan
- Kazakhstan
- Kyrgyzstan
- Moldova
- Mongolia
- Romania
- Russia
- Slovakia
- South Korea
- Tajikistan
- Turkey
- Ukraine
- United Arab Emirates
- Estonia (diplomatic passport holders only)
- India (diplomatic passport holders only)
- Pakistan (diplomatic passport holders only)
- Uzbekistan (diplomatic passport holders only)
This list includes all the countries whose citizens do not need a visa to obtain a Letter of Invitation from Turkmenistan, except for diplomatic passport holders from Estonia, India, Pakistan, and Uzbekistan.
Summary
* Everyone needs a Turkmenistan visa to visit, except holders of diplomatic or service passports from certain countries.
* Main types of Turkmenistan visas: tourist, transit, business, work, private/personal, family, and student visas.
* Required documents include application form, travel program, passport, ID, cover letter, recent passport-size picture, and sponsor’s letter of permission.
* Apply for a visa at an Embassy or Consulate, but first, obtain a Letter of Invitation (LOI) from the Turkmen State Migration Service through a sponsor (travel agency, individual, organization, or educational institution).
* Processing time for a visa is 10 days, but obtaining an LOI can take up to a month.
* Turkmenistan transit visa can be obtained without an LOI, but only for 3-7 days and requires a valid ticket or visa for a third country.
* Register your stay at the Migration Police (OVIR) if you will be staying longer than 3 days.
* Visa fees range from $20 to $60, depending on the type and duration of the visa.
* Visas can be extended for an additional 3-5 days by applying to the Turkmen State Migration Services.