Turkmenistan

Use Normal Level of Caution

Turkmenistan is located in central Asia between Kazakhstan and Iran. The population is about 5 million people. Although Turkmen is the official language, Russian and Uzbek are also spoken.

Turkmenistan's government is a republic with a single party system. A president is chief of state and head of government.

In ancient times, Turkmenistan was part of the Persian Empire. In the eighth century, Arabs invaded bringing Islam to the area. During the late 1800s, this area was incorporated into Russia; and in 1925, Turkmenistan became a republic within the USSR. The country achieved independence in 1991 upon the dissolution of the USSR.

The country has not been able to fully benefit from large gas reserves due to a lack of export routes. Some of the problems for Turkmenistan are widespread poverty, corruption, government misuse of revenue, and a poor education system.

The tourism sector has not been heavily promoted. Visitors will need a tourist visa and, at this time, would need an official guide to travel in the country. Travellers should explore recent travel visa requirements and rules carefully.

Currency	TMT: Turkmen new manat
Language	Turkmen
Capital	Ashgabat
Recent Alerts	1
Latest Alert	April 06, 2021 - COVID-19 Precautionary Measures Turkmenistan (15 April Update)

Diseases To Be Aware Of

The diseases listed below are those which occur most often in Turkmenistan. Other, less frequently encountered diseases might be displayed within the Travel Alerts section if they have occurred recently.

Hepatitis A There is a high risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Turkmenistan through contaminated food or water.
Hepatitis B There is a high risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Turkmenistan.
Typhoid Fever Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Turkmenistan, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.
Tuberculosis Travellers to Turkmenistan are at significant risk for tuberculosis, including multi-drug resistant tuberculosis, if visiting friends or family, working in the health care field, or having close prolonged contact with the general population.
Rabies Rabies occurs in this country. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.
Leishmaniasis Leishmaniasis occurs in this country.

Vaccinations to Consider

The following is a list of recommended vaccinations for travelling to Turkmenistan.

Hepatitis A Vaccine There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Hepatitis B Vaccine There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Typhoid Fever Vaccine There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities or rural areas, where food and water sources may be contaminated.
Rabies Vaccine Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.

Medications to Consider

The following is a list of recommended medications for travelling to Turkmenistan.

None required.

Safety and Security in Turkmenistan

Emergency Numbers

Personal Safety

The crime rate is low in this country, and most travellers have no trouble. However, always be alert to your surroundings and personal safety. Keep valuables secured and out of sight. Safeguard your important documents, such as your passport. Women should avoid travelling alone in Turkmenistan due to the risk of harassment.

Carry your passport or a copy of their passport at all times, as police and military officials may question foreigners and request proof of identity. Curfews are sometimes in place and should be obeyed. Violation of curfews can result in deportation.

Road travel outside of cities can be hazardous at night due to poor road conditions. Also drivers may not follow rules of the road.

Areas To Avoid

Avoid areas bordering Afghanistan and Iran.

Political Unrest

Minimize safety risk by avoiding any public and political gatherings and demonstrations since even peaceful protests can quickly and unexpectedly escalate.

Get A Free Account!

Sitata uses advanced software algorithms to monitor the world for disease outbreaks and safety hazards. Each travel alert published by Sitata is reviewed by staff to ensure it meets the concerns of a traveller.

Plan A Trip

Updated: April 15, 2021