How to Apply for a Turkmenistan Visa in Miami

Turkmenistan – one of the most repressive and isolated countries in the world – is also one of the least visited nations for travelers from Miami.  However, cautious, adventurous travelers who are not deterred by the difficult process for obtaining a Turkmen visa can enjoy historic, cultural and religious sites, as well as ancient Silk Road trading posts, rare desert wildlife, and resorts on the Caspian Sea.

More than 6.5 million people live in the former Soviet republic, making it one of the most sparsely populated countries in Asia (as a point of reference, the population of the Miami metropolitan area is nearly 6.3 million).  Turkmenistan is bordered by Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Iran, and Uzbekistan.  For centuries, Turkmenistan has been a trade thoroughfare, as the ancient Silk Road spans the country.  In recent years, its major international trade activities have revolved around its large oil and natural gas reserves.

The Russian Empire annexed Turkmenistan in 1881 and made it part of the Soviet Union in 1925.  The country gained independence in 1991 with the fall of the Iron Curtain.  However, the country has since been ruled by a series of autocratic and repressive totalitarian regimes. “Those who manage to travel to the country will be able to see a society that is still under strict control and supervision,” Wikivoyage noted (https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Turkmenistan).  Despite widespread poverty and political control, the BBC added, “Turkmenistan has been an island of stability in restive Central Asia (https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-16094646).”

Most travelers from Miami enter Turkmenistan through the airport at the capital city of Ashgabat.  Known as the “City of White Marble,” a former Turkmen president “transformed the city from a relatively drab Soviet capital to a city of pure white marble buildings,” Wikivoyage stated.  Major historic and cultural sites include the National Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts, Oguzhan Palace, the Wedding Palace, Turkmenbashy Ruhy Mosque, the colorful Tolkuchka Bazaar, and Jeitun archaeological site, the oldest such site in the country.  Tourists also enjoy the World of Turkmenbashi Tales amusement park; the Ferris wheel at Alem Center; Asghabat Zoo; and Aşgabat Golf klub binasy (golf club), designed by Jack Nicklaus

While special permits are not required to visit Ashgabat and many other parts of Turkmenistan, travel permits are required for several regions that border other countries.  The nation has three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, all away from the capital city.  One is the State Historical and Cultural Park at Ancient Merv, the oldest and best-preserved oasis-city along the Silk Route in Central Asia.  A major Islamic city, Merv was once the largest city in the world.  The Parthian Fortresses of Nisa contains the site of one of the earliest and most important cities of the Parthian Empire, a major power from the mid-Third Century BC to the Third Century AD.  The old town of Kunya-Urgench in northwestern Turkmenistan contains monuments primarily from the Eleventh to Sixteenth centuries, including a mosque, the Gates of the Caravanserai, fortresses, mausoleums, and a 60-meter-high minaret.

Natural attractions in Turkmenistan include the Karakum Desert and the Caspian Sea.  The Karakum, which covers 70 percent of the country, includes a unique tourist attraction: the Darvaza gas crater (known locally as the "Gates of Hell").  This a natural gas crater has been burning non-stop for more than 50 years.  While wildlife is sparse in the desert, the Karakum hosts such mammals as the tolai hare, goitered gazelle, and corsac fox.  The first phase of the Awaza National Resort Zone near Türkmenbaşy on the Caspian Sea – promoted as a "Turkmen Las Vegas" – opened in 2009 at a cost of $1.5 billion.  The development includes world-class hotels, cottages, boarding houses, an entertainment complex, waterpark, campgrounds, restaurants, shopping centers, and a yacht club.  A nine-kilometer river through the resort zone offers canoeing and other water sports.

Requirements for Obtaining a Turkmenistan Visa from Miami

Turkmenistan is one of the most difficult countries in the world for visitors from Miami to enter, in part because its visa policies are both strict and confusing.  Citizens of the United States and most other countries outside of Central Asia are required to obtain a visa before visiting Turkmenistan (unless they already hold a special passport).  However, citizens of any country can transit through Ashgabat International Airport without a visa.

The main eligibility requirements to obtain a Turkmen visa include:

  • Holding a current passport valid for more than six months.
  • A letter of invitation from the person or organization you will visit. The person inviting you must submit the letter to the State Migration Services of Turkmenistan.  Once the government has approved the letter (which typically takes about 15 days), you can proceed with your visa application.
  • Tourists traveling alone will still need a letter of introduction, according to the Washington, D.C. embassy. “If you are only a tourist and will not be visiting anyone in particular, then you need to contact a tourist agency and obtain LOI from them.” Organized tour groups can provide the letter to their clients.

The government also requires all visitors ages 18 and higher to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19.  Additional vaccines may also be recommended, based on current health conditions.  Travel and health advisories issued by the U.S. State Department for Turkmenistan can be found at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Turkmenistan.html.

You can download the Turkmenistan visa application form from the government’s U.S. Embassy website at https://usa.tmembassy.gov.tm/en/consular-services/visa.  Required documents to obtain a visa are:

  • Valid passport for at least six months.
  • Copy of another form of ID, such as a driver’s license.
  • Copy of the first page of your passport.
  • Two recent passport-style photographs.
  • Proof of COVID-19 vaccination (adults).
  • Copy of government-approved letter of invitation.
  • Three copies of your completed and signed application form.
  • Health Insurance. Although not required for the visa, we recommend purchasing international medical insurance to cover accidents, injuries, and illnesses while traveling in Turkmenistan.  International medical insurance from GeoBlue can be purchased from Visa Supply online through the following link: ⇒ Order Now.

Depending on the type of visa you are requesting (tourist, family visit, etc.), you may also have to provide additional documentation.  The visa types are listed at the State Migration Service website (https://migration.gov.tm/en/citizen/registration-and-renewal-of-visa/).  Specific documents are listed on the visa application for each category.

Processing time is typically two to three weeks.  Despite the complex process for obtaining a Turkmenistan visa, fees are relatively low compared to other countries.  According to the embassy website in Washington D.C., the fees and length of stay vary by length of stay, single versus multiple entry, and expedited entry. (NOTE: The embassy rates vary from those found on the State Migration Service site.).  The current embassy-listed rates are:

  • For stays up to 10 days and nights: $35 single entry/$75 multiple entry.
  • Up to 20 days: $45 single/$75 multiple.
  • First month: $50 single/$75 multiple.
  • Each additional month: $30 single/$40 multiple.
  • Multiple entry: One month $60, each additional month $40.
  • Expedited entry: starts at $55 single/$135 multiple for 10 days, and increases with duration.

Applicants also have the option to obtain a visa upon arrival at the International Airport of Ashgabat, which starts at $50.  Upon arrival, you must provide a valid passport, plus the original or photocopy of the valid letter of invitation from a legal or physical person, certified with the State Migration Service.  However, delays waiting in line are common, and there is no guarantee your visa will be issued, so obtaining a visa in advance is highly recommend.

We Can Help if You Need Assistance

If you live in Miami or anywhere in the state of Florida and have difficulty applying for a visa for Turkmenistan, or require assistance with any part of the visa process, please give our office a call at 404-682-5445 or schedule an appointment with our company.  We are a private agency in Atlanta providing Turkmenistan visa services for Americans and other U.S.-based residents.  Our number one goal is to ensure your application documents for a visa are submitted accurately to the Turkmenistan government.  Our services eliminate delays and give you the peace of mind to focus on your travel plans. 

We provide the following Turkmenistan visa services for our customers in Miami:

  • Turkmenistan Tourist Visa
  • Turkmenistan Business Visa
  • Turkmenistan Official Visa
  • Turkmenistan Work Visa
  • Turkmenistan Family Visa