Turkmenistan Tours (FAQ)
How to get a visa for Turkmenistan?
You need to obtain a Letter of Invitation (LOI). Send a passport copy (valid 6+ months), a photo (no glasses, no smiling, light background), and personal data. The LOI takes around 2 weeks. Then you can get the visa at the embassy or directly at the border/airport.
Can I get a visa at the border?
Yes, it is possible. With a valid LOI, tourists can obtain their visa on the border the same day.
How much does the visa and border fee cost?
Usually between $55 and $110 per person, depending on nationality.
How do I pay for the tour?
Usually in cash upon arrival (most convenient). Wise transfer is also possible, but with +4% fee.
What is included in the tour price?
LOI support and registration, accommodations (hotels/yurts), professional guide/driver, transportation and fuel, Ashgabat city tour, breakfasts, meals and overnight at Darvaza, entrance fees, and all taxes.
What is not included in the tour price?
Visa fees, border fees, lunches and dinners (except Darvaza), museum entrance fees, and tips.
Can I pay part in advance and the rest on arrival?
Yes, partial advance payment is possible via Wise or bank transfer, with the rest in cash at the start of the tour.
Can I join a group to reduce the cost?
Yes. If other travelers join for the same dates, the price per person decreases. The more people, the cheaper it is.
How long does the LOI take?
Normally about 2 weeks. In urgent cases, sometimes within 2–3 business days.
Are guides available in Japanese, German, or Russian?
Yes, on request guides can be arranged in different languages (English, Russian, Japanese, German).
What are the road conditions in Turkmenistan?
Some routes are very good (new paid highways), others are bad and take longer. For example: Ashgabat–Darvaza ~4.5 hours; Darvaza–Dashoguz ~7 hours.
When is the best time to arrive at the border to start the tour?
Usually between 09:00 and 10:00 AM to allow enough time for border formalities.
What if I cannot come on the planned date?
The tour can be rescheduled for other dates or seasons. The company always tries to keep the booking valid.
How long does it take to drive from Ashgabat to Darvaza Gas Crater?
About 4.5 hours (271 km). The road is not very good but passable.
How long does it take to drive from Darvaza to Dashoguz?
Around 7 hours (300 km). The road is very bad.
Is it possible to travel from Dashoguz to Mary or Merv in one day?
No, it is not possible by car in one day.
How long is the trip from Ashgabat to Mary?
388 km, around 4 hours on a paid highway. The road is very good.
How long does it take from Mary to Turkmenabat?
251 km, about 4.5 hours. The road is bad.
What is the travel time from Ashgabat to Balkanabat?
430 km, about 5 hours. The road is very good.
How long does it take from Balkanabat to Turkmenbashi?
150 km, about 1.5 hours. The road is very good.
How long is the drive from Turkmenbashi to Yangikala?
142 km, about 2 hours. The road is bad.
How far is Mary from Merv?
33 km, about 30 minutes drive. The road is good.
What are the luxury hotels in Ashgabat?
Oguzkent Hotel, Yyldyz Hotel, and Archabil Hotel.
Is there a night train from Mary or Merv to Ashgabat?
Yes. It departs around midnight and arrives in Ashgabat in the morning.
How many border crossing gates does Turkmenistan have?
Six: Ashgabat (flights), Farab (Bukhara), Shavat (Khiva), Howdan/Bajgiran (Iran), Khojaeli (Nukus/Kunya-Urgench), and Serhetabat (Afghanistan).
Can I pay in Euros or Uzbek sums instead of US dollars?
Yes, but then +4% more is added. US dollars (2009 and later, blue banknotes) are preferred.
Do I need small banknotes for border fees?
Yes, bring small USD notes for visa fees at the border, as they often don’t have change.