Immigration
Visas required of nearly everyone, with letters of invitation
Turkmenistan operates one of the world's most restrictive entry regimes. Almost all visitors need a visa supported by a letter of invitation, and independent tourism requires a state-licensed guide.
Key rules
- Jurisdiction — State Migration Service. Internal travel to border and closed zones requires additional permits.
- Deadline — Registration with the State Migration Service within three working days of arrival
- Deadline — Transit visas are typically limited to five days
Governing law
- Law on Migration2005
- Law on the Legal Status of Foreign Citizens
In practice
Letters of invitation must be approved before a visa is issued, and refusals are common and unexplained. Tourist visas require an accompanying licensed guide for the whole stay. Work permits are tied to employers and require ministry approval. Exit restrictions also apply to citizens, and there are documented cases of individuals barred from leaving without stated reasons. Residence permits for foreigners are rare outside diplomatic and major-project contexts.