Travel Vaccines and Advice for Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan remembered for its weird dictatorship of Saparmyrat Niyazov. He ruled until 2006 when he died, and he had monuments as well as statues of himself to show what he achieved.
Turkmenistan is a country that has been less explored and is more of a mystery then Central Asia’s ‘stans. It’s natural beauty, traditions, and spirituality makes Turkmenistan a great destination.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Turkmenistan?
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Turkmenistan?
What Is the Climate like in Turkmenistan?
How Safe Is Turkmenistan?
The Gates of Hell
What Should I Take to Turkmenistan?
Embassy of the United Kingdom in Turkmenistan
Do I Need Vaccines for Turkmenistan?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Turkmenistan. The National Travel Health Network and Centre and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Turkmenistan: COVID-19, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, rabies, and tetanus.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunisations:
- COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for all travellers - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers to the region, especially if unvaccinated. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travellers to most regions. - Tetanus –
Wounds or Breaks in Skin –
Recommended for travelers to most regions, especially if not previously vaccinated. - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Jab lasts 3 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-stay travellers and those who may come in contact with animals.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Turkmenistan |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for all travellers |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers to the region, especially if unvaccinated. |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
| Tetanus | Wounds or Breaks in Skin | Recommended for travelers to most regions, especially if not previously vaccinated. |
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Jab lasts 3 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-stay travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
See our vaccinations page to learn more about these infections and vaccines. Ready to protect yourself? Book your travel health appointment today by calling or schedule online now.
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Turkmenistan?
Turkmen visa requirements change regularly. Be sure to consult the Turkmen Embassy in London well in advance of your trip. Visa processing can take 20 days or more.
Travellers must present a letter of invitation, proof of onward travel and other documents as part of the visa process. Visas on arrival are available, but not recommended.
Passports must have at least six months’ validity at entry.
Turkmenistan Entry Requirements |
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| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Turkmenistan? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | |
|
| Business Visa | |
|
| Vaccinations | ||
Sources: Embassy of Turkmenistan and GOV.UK
What Is the Climate like in Turkmenistan?
Turkmenistan’s climate is continental. April to June is the best time to visit with sunshine and cool temperatures. From September to November you will feel the summer heat. In December it’s important to stay warm. You will see snow in the desert if you plan to travel this time of year.
January is the coolest month with temperatures ranging from below freezing. The hottest month is July and the temperatures can reach the high-20’s.
How Safe Is Turkmenistan?
People visiting Turkmenistan are not allowed to travel to “restricted zones” without permission. Iran, Uzbekistan, and Afghanistan are places people are restricted from. Dashoguz, Dashoguz City, and some places along the coast of Caspian are not allowed as well. It usually takes 10 working days for the State Migration Service to process requests. People who plan to travel by Turkmenistan Airlines need to have proof of their permission to travel to the restricted zones.
Visitors to the country may be put under surveillance. Certain places or things may be monitored like hotel rooms, telephones and internet traffic. It’s important to keep your passport with you at all times because you don’t want to be detained. At night officers may be more aggressive in asking for your identity papers and they might ask for a bribe. If you’re unsure that the officer is official, you should ask for their identification to feel more at ease.
There aren’t many reports of violence. But, you should take precautions anyway. Don’t travel in the dark or in deserted or unfamiliar areas of Turkmenistan. Victims of a crime or victims of domestic violence should contact the embassy for assistance.
The Gates of Hell
There is so much to see and do in Turkmenistan. If you’re interested in a real piece of history in nature, the Gates of Hell is the place to see. It is a 70 metre wide crater that is located in the Karakum Desert and can be seen for a great distance. The crater is about the size of a football field and is approximately 20 meters deep. It has been on fire for more than 50 years and travellers can see the flames rising from the earth.
The people who live nearby this crater call it the Gates of Hell because of the glow that continues to come up from the pit. This place has become a popular tourist site, as travellers stay overnight to experience it. Visitors will experience the extreme heat if they stay near the crater.
Tourists can get to the Gates of Hell from Ashgabat on camel. A traditional yurt is what tourists will be able to stay in when they arrive at the Gates of Hell.
What Should I Take to Turkmenistan?
When you travel to Turkmenistan, there are some things you should take with you on your trip.
- Passport and Visa — You must have a passport that is valid for six months. A blank page on your passport is needed to get an entry stamp. A visa is also required to enter Turkmenistan.
- Money — Manat is the official currency of Turkmenistan. Credit cards can only be used in Ashgabat at big international hotels. In the capital you shouldn’t rely on credit or debit cards.
- Health and Safety — Travellers should pack all the medications you may need for your trip. Supplies to prevent illness or injury and a first-aid kit are recommended.
Embassy of the United Kingdom in Turkmenistan
If you are in Turkmenistan and have an emergency (for example, been attacked, arrested or someone has died) contact the nearest consular services. Contact the embassy before arrival if you have additional questions on entry requirements, safety concerns or are in need of assistance.
British Embassy Ashgabat
3rd Floor Office Building
Four Points Ak Altyn Hotel
Ashgabat
744001
Turkmenistan
Telephone: +993 12 36 34 62/64
Emergency Phone: +993 12 36 34 62/64
Fax: +99 312 363 465
Email: ukembassy.ashgabat@fco.gov.uk
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