Turkmenistan Travel Risk

Exercise normal precaution in Turkmenistan.

Turkmenistan is generally a safe destination for travelers.

Medical services for routine and emergency procedures are limited.

• Review the Health section of the Travel Guidance on this page for more information.

Turkmenistan is located in a seismically active zone.

• Review our information on Weather and Natural Distasters.
• Review our Travel Guidance for Turkmenistan to learn how to prepare for a safe trip.

Global travel impacts due to escalation in the Middle East

Escalation in the Middle East has caused widespread travel disruption, including airspace closures, delayed and cancelled flights.

Your travel plans may be affected, even if your destination is not in the Middle East. Before you travel:

• check travel advice for any countries or territories you are transiting through
• check for the latest updates from your airline or tour operator before travelling
• review your travel insurance policy for coverage before you travel
• monitor local and international media for the latest information and sign up for travel advice email alerts

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Turkmenistan

Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Turkmenistan, attacks cannot be ruled out.

Border restrictions

Turkmen land border crossings can be subject to occasional and unannounced closures. The borders with Afghanistan and Iran are particularly sensitive, with access to areas near these borders being tightly restricted.

Laws and cultural differences

Personal ID

Police sometimes carry out checks of identity documents. Always carry your passport on you. Keep a copy of the photo page of your passport and your letter of invitation in a safe place.

Crime

Whilst the crime rate is low, you should exercise a similar level of caution as you would in the UK.

Ramadan

Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims. The dates vary by year and country. Cafés and restaurants may amend their menus and be busy around fast-breaking (‘Iftar’). Areas around mosques are also likely to be busy around prayer times. Take particular care not to offend religious sensitivities at this time.

Alcohol laws and bans

It is illegal to drink alcohol in any communal spaces, including:

• parks or public squares
• forests or beaches
• train stations, airports or sea ports
• underpasses
• government offices

If you’re caught drinking alcohol in these places you can get a fine of 100 manats.

Smoking and e-cigarette bans

It is illegal to smoke outside or in any communal spaces unless they contain a designated smoking area.

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

If you’re found guilty of possession or use of illegal drugs, you could face a lengthy prison sentence in very basic conditions.

Taking photos in secure areas

It is illegal to take pictures of certain buildings. Check before taking photos of or near airports, military infrastructure, police stations, government buildings or embassies. The guards at the presidential palace may tell you not to take photos of it.

The Turkmen can be sensitive about having their picture taken without their consent.

Internet and mobile network

Internet connections outside the larger hotels can be unreliable. Many social media apps and websites are blocked, including YouTube, X, Facebook and WhatsApp. Access to Yahoo, Gmail and Hotmail is often difficult. VPNs are illegal in Turkmenistan and are usually blocked as soon as the authorities identify them.

There is a single state-owned mobile telephone provider, Altyn Asyr, which uses the TM CELL brand. Altyn Asyr does not provide a roaming service and the quality of the network is low.

Comments, including content posted on social media, interpreted as being negative about Turkmenistan’s political system and traditions are taken very seriously and may constitute an offence. Many Turkmen are uncomfortable discussing politics.

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

Relationships with Turkmens

It is illegal for a Turkmen woman to have a sexual relationship with a foreign national. Foreign nationals who provide gifts, transport or other benefits to women in expectation of even a short relationship can be immediately fined and deported.

LGBT+ travellers

Male same-sex sexual activity is illegal, and punishable by a prison sentence. Same-sex relationships generally meet with disapproval in Turkmen society. Avoid showing affection in public.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Risk level

Turkmenistan - Exercise a high degree of caution

Exercise a high degree of caution in Turkmenistan due to heightened tensions throughout the region and crime.

Regional risks

Border with Afghanistan - Avoid all travel

Avoid all travel to within 5 km of the border with Afghanistan due to the dangerous security situation and the risk of terrorism.

Border areas with Afghanistan

The Turkmenistan–Afghanistan border has transit points for drugs and other smuggled goods. The security situation in Afghanistan is extremely unpredictable due to ongoing insurgency, terrorist attacks, kidnapping and a high crime rate. You should not travel near or attempt to cross the border.

Border with Kazakhstan

The border between Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan is currently closed to traffic.

Crime

Street crime, such as mugging and pickpocketing, occurs. Acts of banditry occur in remote areas. Remain vigilant and ensure that your personal belongings, passports and other travel documents are secure. Don’t travel alone, and avoid showing signs of affluence. Alcohol-related incidents, including bar fights and drunk driving, are common. At nightclubs, drinks should never be left unattended, and drinks should never be accepted from unknown people.

Terrorism

There is a threat of terrorism.

Terrorist attacks could occur at any time.

Targets could include:

• government buildings and military installations
• schools
• places of worship
• airports and other transportation hubs and networks
• public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners

Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places.

Be particularly vigilant during:

• sporting events
• religious holidays
• public celebrations
• major political events, such as elections

Terrorists may use such occasions to mount attacks.

土库曼斯坦风险等级为黄色（中风险）。

外交部提醒在土库曼斯坦中国公民，密切关注当地安全形势，提高警惕，加强防范，注意安全。如遇紧急情况，请及时报警并与中国驻当地使领馆取得联系。

外交部和驻外使领馆将继续密切关注海外安全形势变化，动态调整有关风险评估，并实时在中国领事服务网等平台发布、更新相应安全提醒，请持续关注。