Turkmenistan Travel FAQ
Quick, honest answers from our local team about visas, payments, roads, borders and what your tour includes. Can't find your question? Message us and we will reply quickly.
Visa & Entry
The short version is below. For the full picture, read our Turkmenistan e-Visa guide.
How do I get a visa for Turkmenistan?
Since 1 October 2026, tourists travel on an electronic visa (e-Visa). Contact us first so we can confirm your itinerary, dates and entry and exit points. Then we check your documents and guide you through the e-Visa step by step. You will need a clear passport scan, a recent passport-style photo and a few personal details. See how our visa support works.
Do I still need a Letter of Invitation (LOI)?
No. A traditional Letter of Invitation is not required for the tourist e-Visa. We confirm the current requirements for your trip before you travel.
How long does the e-Visa take?
Regular processing takes 7 business days, urgent processing 3 business days and super-urgent processing 24 hours. We recommend starting as soon as your tour dates are confirmed.
Are visa fees included in the tour price?
Our e-Visa assistance is included in every tour. Official e-Visa, migration, border and other government fees are paid by the traveller, unless your confirmed quotation says otherwise. We confirm the latest amounts before your trip.
Should I bring cash for entry-related fees?
Yes, it is a good idea. Some official migration or border fees may need to be paid locally, so bring a reasonable amount of clean, recent US dollar notes in small denominations.
Booking & Payment
How do I pay for the tour?
Most guests pay in cash on arrival, which is the most convenient option. Payment by Wise transfer is also possible, with a 4% fee.
Can I pay part in advance and the rest on arrival?
Yes. You can pay part in advance by Wise or bank transfer and the rest in cash at the start of the tour. You can also pay a tour deposit online.
Can I pay in euros or Uzbek som instead of US dollars?
Yes, with a 4% surcharge. US dollars are preferred: please bring clean notes, series 2009 or newer.
Can I join a group to reduce the cost?
Yes. When other travellers join for the same dates, the price per person goes down: the bigger the group, the lower the price. Check our upcoming group departures.
What if I can't come on the planned date?
We can move your tour to other dates or another season, and we always try to keep your booking valid.
What's Included
What is included in the tour price?
Exact inclusions depend on your itinerary and are always listed in your quotation. Normally the price includes:
- Accommodation and transport as listed in your itinerary
- Guide and driver services, including fuel
- Breakfasts, plus camp accommodation and meals at Darvaza where applicable
- e-Visa assistance and foreigner registration support
- Applicable tour taxes
What is not included?
Official e-Visa, migration, border and other government fees (unless stated in your quotation), international flights, meals not listed in the itinerary, personal expenses, tips and optional services.
Are guides available in other languages?
Yes. All our guides speak English, Russian and Turkish. Guides in other languages, such as German or Japanese, can be arranged on request.
Borders
Which border crossings does Turkmenistan have for travellers?
There are six main entry points:
- Ashgabat International Airport for flights
- Farap from Bukhara, Uzbekistan
- Shavat from Khiva, Uzbekistan
- Khojeli from Nukus, Uzbekistan, near Kunya-Urgench
- Howdan / Bajgiran from Iran
- Serhetabat from Afghanistan
Our tours usually start at Ashgabat airport, Farap or Shavat. Read more about crossing from Khiva via Shavat.
What time should I arrive at a land border?
Usually between 09:00 and 10:00, so there is enough time for border formalities. Your guide meets you on the Turkmen side.
Roads & Travel Times
Some routes run on new toll highways, others are slow. Here are typical driving times between the main stops on our tours.
| Route | Distance | Driving time | Road |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ashgabat → Darvaza Gas Crater | 271 km | ~4.5 h | Passable |
| Darvaza → Dashoguz | ~300 km | ~7 h | Very bad |
| Ashgabat → Mary | 388 km | ~4 h | Very good, toll |
| Mary → Merv | 33 km | ~30 min | Good |
| Mary → Turkmenabat | 251 km | ~2 h | New highway |
| Ashgabat → Balkanabat | 430 km | ~5 h | Very good |
| Balkanabat → Turkmenbashi | 150 km | ~1.5 h | Very good |
| Turkmenbashi → Yangykala Canyon | 142 km | ~2 h | Bad |
Can I travel from Dashoguz to Mary or Merv in one day?
No, it is not possible by car in one day, so routes like this are split over at least two days. See our sample itineraries.
Is there a night train from Mary to Ashgabat?
Yes. It leaves around midnight and arrives in Ashgabat in the morning, which saves a full day of driving.
On Tour
Which are the best hotels in Ashgabat?
For a comfortable stay we recommend Oguzkent Hotel, Yyldyz Hotel and Archabil Hotel. We can also offer good standard hotels to keep the price lower.
When is the best time to visit Turkmenistan?
Spring and autumn are the most pleasant seasons for most routes. Read our best time to visit guide for month-by-month details.
What should I pack?
Comfortable clothes for long drives, layers for cool desert nights, a torch for Darvaza and cash in US dollars. See our full Turkmenistan packing list.
Still Have a Question?
Tell us your dates and what you would like to see. We will answer your questions and suggest the best route.