Turkmenistan

Safety and security

Emergency phone numbers

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes and providing emergency services.

• Dial 02 (landline) or 002 (mobile) for police.
• Dial 03 (landline) or 003 (mobile) for ambulance.
• Dial 01 (landline) or 001 (mobile) for fire.
• Dial 112 for general emergencies.

Crime

Crime is rare. There are few reports of violent crime in Turkmenistan.

• Take normal safety precautions, such as avoiding travel after dark or in deserted or unfamiliar areas.
• Tell your friends and family where you are. Meet in a popular public place and avoid consuming suspicious food or drinks.
• Avoid traveling alone to bars or nightclubs.

Scams

Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams.

• If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help.

Financial scams and internet romance scams are common in Turkmenistan. Be careful of anyone asking for money, especially those who start a "romantic" relationship online or claim local authorities want money. Scams often begin through online posts, emails, or letters. Scammers pretend to be U.S. citizens in need of help.

Common scams include:

• Romance and online dating
• Money transfers
• Work permits and job offers

Victims of crimes

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. You may report crimes to the local police by dialing 02 (landline) or 002 (mobile) for police.

Review our information for Victims of Crime.

The U.S. embassy or consulate can:

• Replace a stolen or lost passport.
• Help you find medical care.
• Assist you in how to report a crime to the police.
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent.
• Provide general information regarding the criminal justice system.
• Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys.
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States or limited medical support in cases of need.
• Help you find accommodation and options to travel home.

Sexual assault and domestic violence

• U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy and local law enforcement for assistance.
• U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy and local law enforcement for assistance.

Technology use abroad

Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and damage anywhere in the world. Follow these safe practices:

• Update all software (operating system and apps) before leaving the United States.
• Use reputable, U.S.-based VPN or VoIP applications.
• Don’t connect to public Wi-Fi networks.
• Research the safety of routes recommended by GPS. The fastest route is not always the safest.
• Be cautious using dating apps abroad, as scammers often target U.S. citizens.

Tourism safety

The tourism industry is not well regulated:

• Safety inspections for equipment and facilities are rare.
• Dangerous areas and activities are not always marked with signs.
• Staff may not be trained or certified.
• If you get injured, you will likely need to travel to a major city for appropriate medical care.
• First responders cannot reach remote areas in case of emergencies.
• U.S. citizens are encouraged to have medical evacuation insurance.
• Review our information on Travel Insurance.

Local laws and customs

Criminal penalties

• U.S. citizens must follow local laws.
• If you break local laws, even by mistake, you could be deported, arrested, or imprisoned.
• Travelers who accidentally break local laws have been detained. Sometimes, this can be for a long time. They may also face criminal charges and even be convicted of a crime.
• You may be prosecuted in the United States for crimes committed abroad regardless of the local law. Review the information provided by the U.S. Department of Justice about crimes against minors abroad.
• Before you start a business or a profession in Turkmenistan seek information from the local authorities about what permits or licenses are required.

Prostitution

• Prostitution is illegal. Police are known to raid local establishments for prostitution.

Photography

• It is illegal to take pictures of certain buildings. Ask before taking pictures of anything of possible military or security interest, including government buildings.

Overnight stays

• If you stay overnight in a location other than the one where you are registered with the SMS, you may be arrested.

Checkpoints and military searches

Police and military are present in all regions of Turkmenistan.

• Security personnel maintain checkpoints on major roads and may place visitors under surveillance.
• Security forces may monitor hotel rooms, telephones, e-mail, and fax machines. They may also search personal possessions in hotel rooms.
  
• Always carry your passport or you may face detention. Police asking to see identity papers can be aggressive and have been known to solicit bribes. Ask to see ID if you're unsure if the person requesting your documents is an official.

Arrest notification

• If you are arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the U.S. embassy or consulate immediately.

Counterfeit and pirated goods

Counterfeit and pirated goods are common in many destinations.

• They may be illegal according to local laws.
• Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety.
• You may be subject to fines or have to surrender counterfeit and pirated goods to authorities if you bring them back to the United States.

Learn more about U.S. restrictions on counterfeit and pirated goods:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• U.S. Department of Justice

Faith-based travelers

Faith-based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects, and mission work. Prepare for your travel using these resources:

• Faith-Based Travel
• Volunteering Abroad
• International Religious Freedom Reports

Gay and lesbian travelers

Sexual contact between men is illegal and carries criminal penalties.

• The law does not mention same-sex sexual contact between women, but social norms in the country are very conservative.
• Enforcement of the law is often selective. Harassment, detention, and prison sentences are possible.
• Avoid displays of affection in public.
• Review our information for Gay and Lesbian Travelers.

Travelers with accessibility needs

The law in Turkmenistan prohibits discrimination against people with physical disabilities. The law is enforced.

• Expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation, lodging, communication/information, and general infrastructure throughout Turkmenistan.
• Public transportation, sidewalks, many buildings, and public areas are not wheelchair accessible.
• Review our information on Accessibility Needs.

Students

• Review our information on Studying Abroad.

Women travelers

• Review our information for Women Travelers.

Human rights

• Review the Department of State’s Human Rights Report for your destination prior to traveling.

Health

Health resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Turkmenistan Traveler Information provides destination specific information on prevalent diseases and vaccination recommendations.
• CDC Medical Tourism information
• World Health Organization
• Medicine and Health
• Travel Insurance

Emergency phone numbers

• Dial 03 (landline) or 003 (mobile) for ambulance services.

Ambulance services

• Ambulance services are not staffed with trained paramedics. They often have little or no medical equipment.

Medical payments and insurance

Make sure you know if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses abroad. Most U.S. plans do not.

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills.
• U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover expenses or bills abroad.
• Most hospitals and doctors abroad do not accept U.S. health insurance.
• Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments.
• Make sure you know if your health insurance plan provides coverage abroad or reimbursement of payments. The CDC provides more information on types of insurance.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Vaccinations

Stay up to date with the vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• CDC Travelers’ Health
• World Health Organization Travel Advice

Healthcare facilities

Medical care is limited and well below U.S. standards.

• U.S. citizens in Turkmenistan often travel to other countries for medical treatment. This includes many routine procedures.
• Basic medical supplies, including disposable needles, anesthetics, and antibiotics, are often in short supply.
• Undergoing invasive procedures in Turkmenistan may place you at risk of serious illness.
• If you have a serious medical condition, check with your physician before planning travel to Turkmenistan.
• The U.S. embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

Prescription medications

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.

• Check with the Government of Turkmenistan to ensure the medication is legal in Turkmenistan.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have rules for bringing medication back into the United States. If you buy medications abroad, the medications must meet CBP’s and the FDA’s requirements to bring them back legally.

The medications must also be for personal use and approved for use in the United States.

For more information:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• Food and Drug Administration

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and surrogacy

• If you are considering traveling to Turkmenistan to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please review our information on ART and Surrogacy Abroad.
• Surrogacy is largely unregulated in Turkmenistan with no clear legal protections for foreign intended parents.
• Surrogacy agreements may not be enforced by Turkmenistan courts.

Water quality and food safety

• Tap water is not safe to drink.
• Bottled water and beverages are generally safe. Use major brands and ensure the seal is intact.
• Many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested.
• You may want to request no ice in your drinks since it may be made using tap water.

Air quality

Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations abroad.

• Check NASA’s Air Quality Forecast. It uses Artificial Intelligence (AI), historical data, and global pollution modeling to generate a 3-day forecast of expected air quality in Turkmenistan.
• For information about common air pollutants, check the CDC’s Air Quality page.
• For information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance, check out the EPA’s AirNow.
• For general health information, visit the Medicine and Health page.

Transportation

Road conditions and safety

Road conditions are different from the United States.

• Traffic accidents involving serious injury to drivers, passengers, and pedestrians are common.
• Many city roads are hazardous because of potholes, uncovered manholes, poor lighting, and pedestrians ignoring oncoming traffic.
• Most roads outside of major cities are narrow, unlit, and lack road signs. Avoid driving at night on rural roads.
• Drive defensively and use extra caution.
• Driving practices are different from those in the United States.  This can include drivers going the wrong way on 1-way streets or divided highways, sudden lane changes, left-hand turns from the right lane, etc.
• There is no roadside assistance in Turkmenistan.

Traffic laws

You must have a valid International Driving Permit. Foreigners living in Turkmenistan must apply for a local driver’s license with the Road Police Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Turkmenistan.

• If you drive while intoxicated, you may face fines, imprisonment, or may have your license revoked.
• You may face fines if you don’t use seat belts or if you drive while using a cell phone.
• Police at checkpoints, where cars are required to stop and register, may arbitrarily fine motorists.

Taxis and ride-shares

Most taxis are unregulated. They lack basic safety features. Always negotiate fares in advance with unregulated taxi drivers.

• Avoid taking unregulated taxis after dark or sharing unregulated taxis with other passengers. When traveling at night, hire a driver through your travel agency or hotel.
• The only government-owned or government-regulated taxi company operates in Ashgabat. Dial 993-12-760501 to book services, or look for white taxis with a green checkered pattern.

Public and commercial transportation

Buses operate within major cities and between regions. Travelers should exercise normal precautions when using public transportation.

• Review our information on Driving and Transportation Safety Abroad.

Aviation safety and oversight

• The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Turkmenistan for compliance with international standards for aviation safety oversight. FAA's website includes more information on its assessment program.

Maritime travel

There is very little information available about maritime travel to Turkmenistan. Caspian ferry services are considered unreliable and not recommended.  “Ferries” crossing the Caspian Sea are cargo ships that also take on passengers as space permits. Food and water are not typically provided. Sleeping and sanitary facilities are basic. Ships arriving in Turkmenbashy may take a week to find a vacant dock.

Mariners and passengers planning travel to Turkmenistan should check the following:

• U.S. Maritime Advisories
• U.S. Maritime Alerts
• Maritime Safety Office Navigational Warnings
• U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Commons

Weather and natural disasters

Weather conditions

Earthquakes and mudflows

Ahal Province, which includes Ashgabat, is particularly affected by seismic activity and mudflows. Mudflows are more likely during rainy periods but can happen year-round.

Severe storms

Heavy rains and strong winds can cause extensive damage especially in April and May.

• Storms cause disruptions in water, electricity, mobile communication, and internet services.
• These storms can result in casualties and property damage.

Extreme heat and drought

Summers are very hot and dry with desert conditions.

• Over 80% of Turkmenistan's territory is desert
• Droughts impact agriculture and water availability
• Low irrigation water levels during spring can affect crop yields.

U.S. citizens living abroad

Living abroad resources

If you live outside the United States for a long time, you or your family may experience various life events, wish to exercise U.S. citizenship rights, or need to meet U.S. legal obligations while abroad.

• Learn how to prepare for voting in U.S. elections, the birth of a child, or getting married.
• Ensure you have a plan for healthcare and medical insurance abroad.
• Even abroad, you still have certain obligations such as paying your U.S. taxes or registering for military selective service.
• Review information on federal benefits, such as Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits.

Embassies and consulates