Turkmenistan Visa Policy

You can realize a planned trip to Turkmenistan by getting a Turkmenistan visa. Foreign nationals can apply for Turkmenistan short-term visas (Single, Double and Multiple entries) for temporary reasons (tourism, business, cultural, and other short-term). If you want to stay in Turkmenistan longer for any reason (such as education, work, etc.), you can also apply for Turkmenistan Residence Permit visas.

Foreign citizens, stateless persons, as well as individuals and legal persons who have invited them to enter Turkmenistan and leave Turkmenistan for the purpose of obtaining visas, will apply to the State Migration Service:

Outside Turkmenistan - Applies through the consular and diplomatic missions of Turkmenistan in foreign countries.

Within Turkmenistan - Applies through the Regional Office of the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan.

Invitations for obtaining visas are issued by the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan for three months. 

You can apply for a Turkmenistan Short-term visa for realizing your temporary travel to Turkmenistan. Reasons to apply for this type of visa can be tourism, visiting family or friends, business trips, short-term education, exchange programs, and many other non-permanent nuances. Turkmenistan Short-term visa’s validity period can be 10, 20, 30 days and can be extended. Short-term visas can be both single-entry and multiple-entry.

Required Documents for Turkmenistan Visa

1. Application Form 

• Fully completed in English and signed and dated by the applicant himself, 3 copies (signed by both parents in case of minors, below the age of 18)

2. Passport

• Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your departure from Turkmenistan.
• Signed by bearer
• Passport not older than 10 years (issued in the last 10 years)
• At least one or two free “visa pages”
• Undamaged pictures securely affixed with/to passport

3. Photo

• NEW! Should not be older than 6 months.
• A frontal view of the face-covering 70-80% (32-26mm) of the photo.
• A uniform and white background.
• Clear facial features and eyes – not covered by hair or glasses frame.
• 5x6 size

4. ID Card Copy

• Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your departure from Turkmenistan.

5. Residence Permit/Visa Copy (if your country of residence and citizenship are different)

• Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your departure from Turkmenistan.

6. Photocopies

• Copy of the main page of your passport
• Copies of previous visas
• Copy of visa for the final destination (if any)

7. Invitation Letter issued by the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan

8. Supporting Documents that Show Your Reason for a Trip

• For tourism (TU):
  • Tourist program for obtaining a tourist visa (TU) for a foreign citizen, in 3 copies
  • List of a tourist group for obtaining a tourist visa (TU) for foreign citizens
  • A copy of the applicant's license to carry out tourism activities (upon the first application of the inviting party and the expiration of the license) (for legal entities)
• For business (BS1, BS2):
  • List of foreign citizens for whom an application for a business visa has been issued (BS1, BS2), in 3 copies
  • In the case of inviting foreign citizens by legal entities and individuals receiving in Turkmenistan for the implementation of contracts concluded with ministries and departments or other organizations of Turkmenistan, the application shall be respectively accompanied by a petition by the heads of the ministry, department or other organization with which the agreement has been concluded, or documents confirming agreement with The Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan on the issue of the stay of these foreign citizens in Turkmenistan
  • Information about the activities carried out by a legal entity or an individual without forming a legal entity, accepting them in Turkmenistan, for obtaining a business visa (BS1, BS2) for a foreign citizen, indicating the expediency of inviting a foreign citizen
  • Copies of the constituent documents of a legal entity accepting a foreign citizen in Turkmenistan
  • A registration certificate of an individual entrepreneur
  • A patent confirming the payment by an individual entrepreneur of the established patent fee
  • A certificate of tax registration of an individual
  • Licenses for activities by legal entities and individuals carrying out the type of activity subject to licensing, as well as copies of concluded agreements (required upon the first appeal of a legal entity or individual entrepreneur, the expiration of the term of the constituent (registration) documents or amending them)
• For private visit (PR1, PR2):
  • Original invitation letter by inviting person
  • The original document that confirms the ownership of estate (home) of your inviting person, if you are going to stay there
  • Copies of passport, ID card/residence permit of your inviting person
  • A copy of the document confirming the relationship
• For student (ST):
  • Written application (appeal) of educational institutions of Turkmenistan
  • List of foreign citizens for whom an application for a student visa (ST) has been submitted, in 3 copies
• For investment (IN):
  • List of foreign citizens for whom an application for an investment visa (IN) has been submitted, in 3 copies
  • Certificates confirming the contribution of monetary and material resources to the economy of Turkmenistan in the amount of 250 (two hundred fifty) thousand US dollars
  • Information about the activities carried out by a legal entity or an individual carrying out entrepreneurial activities, accepting them in Turkmenistan, for obtaining an investment visa (IN) for a foreign citizen
  • Copies of the constituent documents of a legal entity accepting a foreign citizen in Turkmenistan
  • A registration certificate of an individual entrepreneur
  • A patent certifying payment by an individual entrepreneur of the established patent fee
  • A certificate of tax registration of an individual
  • Licenses to carry out activities by legal entities and individuals, certified in accordance with the procedure established by the legislation of Turkmenistan, carrying out a type of activity subject to licensing, as well as copies of concluded agreements (required upon the first appeal of a legal entity or individual entrepreneur, expiration of the term of constituent (registration) documents or amendments to them)
• For family visa (FM):
  • A list of foreign citizens for whom an application for a family visa (FM) has been submitted, in 3 copies
  • A copy of a valid passport of a foreign citizen staying in Turkmenistan with a stuck visa on the basis of a business (business), work, student, or sports visa
  • A copy of a valid passport of family members (husband/wife, minor children, and dependent parents) of a foreign citizen staying in Turkmenistan on the basis of a business (business), work, student, or sports visa
  • Documents confirming their relationship
• For sports visa (SP1, SP2):
  • A list of foreign citizens for whom an application for a sports visa has been submitted (SP1, SP2)
  • The necessary documents guaranteeing the sporting nature of the trip to participate in a sporting event or organize sporting events, sporting cooperation;
• For humanitarian visa (HM):
  • A list of foreign citizens for whom an application for a humanitarian visa (NM) has been submitted
  • The necessary documents guaranteeing the humanitarian nature of the trip, namely:
    • The implementation of cultural and educational activities
    • The holding of international exhibitions, fairs, conferences, festivals and other events with a cultural and educational purpose
  • Copies of documents confirming the registration of religious organizations in Turkmenistan
  • The provision of humanitarian assistance within official agreements with the relevant government organizations
  • The implementation of funeral and memorial rites with close relatives in Turkmenistan, copies of educational programs for the exchange of youth and schools
• For health visa (HL):
  • Copies of documents issued by medical institutions of Turkmenistan and confirming the need for the arrival of these persons in Turkmenistan
• For driver's visa (DR):
  • List of foreign citizens for whom an application for a driver's visa (DR) has been submitted (attached to the application of legal entities and entrepreneurs), in 3 copies
  • Copies of the constituent (registration) documents of the enterprise or the registration certificate of the entrepreneur
  • Licenses for the right to carry out activities and concluded agreements certified in accordance with the procedure established by the legislation of Turkmenistan (required upon the first application of the enterprise or entrepreneur, expiration of the validity period of the documents specified in this section or amendments to them)
• For exit visa (EX):
  • List of foreign citizens for whom an application for an exit visa (EX) has been submitted (attached to the application of legal entities and entrepreneurs), in 3 copies
  • Copies of the constituent (registration) documents of the enterprise or the registration certificate of the entrepreneur
  • Licenses for the right to carry out activities and concluded agreements certified in accordance with the procedure established by the legislation of Turkmenistan (required upon the first application of the enterprise or entrepreneur, expiration of the validity period of the documents specified in this section or amendments to them)
• For work visa (WP) and work permits:
  • List of foreign citizens for whom an application for a work visa (WP) and work permit has been issued, in 3 copies
  • In the case of inviting foreign citizens by legal entities and individuals receiving in Turkmenistan for the implementation of contracts concluded with ministries and departments or other organizations of Turkmenistan, the application shall be respectively accompanied by a petition by the heads of the ministry, department or other organization with which the agreement has been concluded, or documents confirming agreement with The Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan on the issue of the stay of these foreign citizens in Turkmenistan
  • Information about the activities carried out by a legal entity or an individual without the formation of a legal entity, accepting them in Turkmenistan, for obtaining a work visa (WP) and work permit for a foreign citizen, indicating the advisability of inviting a foreign citizen
  • A document (certificate) certified by the authorized body of Turkmenistan on the absence of a chronic infectious disease (HIV infection) that causes the human immunodeficiency virus
  • A copy of the employment contract between the invited party and a foreign citizen (in some cases, a document confirming the position is required)
  • Obligation to ensure the living conditions of foreign citizens in Turkmenistan, required for obtaining a work visa (WP) and work permit for a foreign citizen
  • A copy and translation of a document confirming the education of a foreign citizen certified by the employer (not required when extending the visa of the same foreign citizen, transferring from one employer to another, changing the specialty (position) indicated by the work permit)
  • A copy of the work permit issued to a foreign citizen; the original work permit is not required for the transfer of a foreign citizen from one employer to another, changing the specialty (position) indicated by the work permit)
  • Letter of approval of the previous employer for the transfer of a work permit of a foreign citizen from one employer to another
  • Information on the number and percentage of employees of an enterprise or an entrepreneur for obtaining a work visa (WP) and a work permit (Form A) for a foreign citizen
  • Information about foreign citizens working in an enterprise or for an entrepreneur for a work visa (WP) and a work permit (form B)
  • Information about citizens of Turkmenistan working at an enterprise or for an entrepreneur to obtain a work visa (WP) and a work permit for a foreign citizen (form Ç) (required upon the initial application of an enterprise or a private entrepreneur and in case of a change in the percentage)
  • A power of attorney issued by an authorized official of the applicant to an authorized representative for visa work (required upon the first application of an enterprise or entrepreneur, expiration of the term of the power of attorney or changes)
  • Copies of the constituent documents of a legal entity accepting a foreign citizen in Turkmenistan
  • A registration certificate of an individual entrepreneur
  • A patent certifying payment by an individual entrepreneur of the established patent fee
  • A certificate of tax registration of an individual
  • Licenses to carry out activities by legal entities and individuals
  • Certified in accordance with the procedure established by the legislation of Turkmenistan, carrying out a type of activity subject to licensing, as well as copies of concluded agreements (required upon the first appeal of a legal entity or individual entrepreneur, expiration of the term of constituent (registration) documents or amendments to them)

9. For Minors:

• Copy and English translation of either birth certificate/proof of adoption/custody decree if parents are divorced/death certificate of parent
• Letter of consent from parent/s or legal guardian/s, if traveling unaccompanied

*Additional documents can be required by the embassy.

NOTE:  Furthermore, at the request of the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan to the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan, in addition to the documents and information set out in the above-mentioned chapters of this List, certificates issued by the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan that a person does not suffer from chronic infectious diseases may be requested. (AIV virus, which causes human immunodeficiency virus, sexually transmitted diseases, drug addiction, or diseases that harm the health of the population of Turkmenistan.

NOTE: When applying for an invitation or visa extension in proportion to the validity period of a work permit of a foreign citizen, those specified in clauses 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10 are required.

Processing Time for Turkmenistan Visa

The average processing time for a Turkmenistan Short-term Visa is 10 working days. It depends on your visa application country.

Turkmenistan Visa Fees

Turkmenistan Visa fees are the following (please see below) (it can vary depending on your country and nationality). Additionally, you may also need to pay other Administrative fees such as the Visa Application center fee, courier service fee, etc., depending on the country and location of your documents' submission.

Where to Apply for Turkmenistan Visa?

You will apply for a Turkmenistan visa in Turkmenistan visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

Residence Permit in Turkmenistan - a document issued in accordance with the procedure established by the legislation of Turkmenistan to foreign citizens, stateless persons, proving their identity and granting the right to reside in Turkmenistan.

• A residence permit is granted for a fixed period.
• Foreign citizens, stateless persons who have received a residence permit in Turkmenistan, along with documents for the right to cross the state border of Turkmenistan, enter Turkmenistan and stay in Turkmenistan without a visa. A residence permit in Turkmenistan gives the right to repeatedly cross the state border of Turkmenistan.
• Entry and stay in the territory of Turkmenistan of foreign citizens, stateless persons arriving for residence are carried out on the basis of a residence permit issued in the manner prescribed by the legislation of Turkmenistan.
• Foreign citizens, stateless persons temporarily staying in Turkmenistan and wishing to obtain a residence permit in Turkmenistan, submit a petition to the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan addressed to the President of Turkmenistan.
• Capable foreign citizens, stateless persons who have reached the age of 18 have the right to apply for a residence permit in Turkmenistan.
• Foreign citizens, stateless persons can apply for a residence permit if they have lived in the territory of Turkmenistan for at least two recent years. In special cases, the President of Turkmenistan may issue a residence permit on grounds not specified in part two of this article and paragraph one of this part.
• Foreign citizens, stateless persons who are outside of Turkmenistan and wishing to obtain a residence permit in Turkmenistan, submit to the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan a corresponding petition addressed to the President of Turkmenistan through diplomatic missions or consular offices of Turkmenistan in foreign countries. This application through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan is sent for consideration to the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan.
• A residence permit issued to parents or one of them also applies to children (including adopted children) who have not reached the age of 16. For children, upon reaching the age of 16, a residence permit is issued by the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan in agreement with the Commission for Control over the Issuance of Visas on the basis of a notarized application of the parents or one of the parents holding a residence permit in Turkmenistan.
• A foreign citizen, a stateless person, in order to extend the term of a residence permit, applies to the authorities of the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan.
• The replacement of the residence permit is carried out by the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan.
• To obtain a Residence Permit, One of the Following Grounds is Required:
  • Turkmen nationality
  • Marriage concluded with a citizen of Turkmenistan
  • Residence in Turkmenistan of close relatives (spouses, grandfather and grandmother on the part of the father and mother, parents, brother, sister, children, including adopted children, grandchildren) who are citizens of Turkmenistan
  • Registration in the prescribed manner of guardianship and guardianship in relation to the citizens of Turkmenistan
  • Investing in the economy of Turkmenistan at least 500 thousand US dollars
  • High qualifications in various professions, as well as significant achievements in the fields of science, culture, art, and sports, can be used in the interests of Turkmenistan
  • If citizens of the CIS countries or stateless persons who arrived from the CIS countries registered in Turkmenistan before the introduction of a visa regime with the CIS countries

Required Documents for Turkmenistan Residence Permit Visa

1. Application Form 

• Fully completed in English and signed and dated by the applicant himself (signed by both parents in case of minors, below the age of 18)

2. Passport

• Validity minimum of six-year beyond the date of your departure from Turkmenistan.
• Signed by bearer
• Passport not older than 10 years (issued in the last 10 years)
• At least one or two free “visa pages”
• Undamaged pictures securely affixed with/to passport

3. Three Photos

• NEW! Should not be older than 3 months.
• A frontal view of the face-covering 70-80% (32-26mm) of the photo.
• A uniform and white background.
• Clear facial features and eyes – not covered by hair or glasses frame.
• 3x4 size

4. ID Card Copy

• Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your departure from Turkmenistan.

5. Residence Permit/Visa Copy (if your country of residence and citizenship are different)

• Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your departure from Turkmenistan.

6. Photocopies

• Copy of the main page of your passport
• Copies of previous visas

7. Travel Itinerary 

• Flight reservation
• Proof of accommodation

*Depending on the purpose of your trip, the list of documents will change.

*Additional documents can be required by the embassy.

Processing Time for Turkmenistan Residence Permit Visa

The average processing time for Turkmenistan Residence Permit Visa is 10 working days. It depends on your visa application country.

Turkmenistan Residence Permit Visa Fee

Turkmenistan Residence Permit Visa fee vary depending on your country and nationality. Additionally, you may also need to pay other Administrative fees such as the Visa Application center fee, courier service fee, etc., depending on the country and location of your documents' submission.

Where to Apply for Turkmenistan Residence Permit Visa?

You will apply for a Turkmenistan Residence Permit visa in Turkmenistan visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.