Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan visa guide

11 visa types
checked 25 October 2026

How visas for Turkmenistan work

Visas for Turkmenistan are issued by its diplomatic missions and consular offices, by the representations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the provinces and at Ashgabat International Airport. The basis for most visas is an invitation letter issued by the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan at the request of a company or individual in the country. Applicants abroad apply at the Turkmen embassy or consulate responsible for their place of residence.

Turkmenistan's visa regulation, as set out by its embassies, lists fifteen visa levels: diplomatic (DP), service (OF), entrepreneurship (BS1, BS2), investment (IN), work (WP), family (FM), sports (SP1, SP2), humanitarian (HM), private (PR1, PR2), student (ST), tourist (TU), transit (TR1, TR2), health (HL), driving (DR) and exit (EX).

Fees depend on the visa type, the number of entries and the length of stay. Bilateral agreements can provide a different procedure for citizens of certain states. Inside Turkmenistan, the State Migration Service issues invitations, extends visas, grants work permits and residence permits of up to five years, and registers foreigners within three working days of arrival.

Which visa do I need?

Tourism: TU tourist visa on the basis of an invitation letter.

Visiting relatives or friends: private visa (PR1, PR2) on a personal invitation.

Meetings, negotiations and contracts: business visa (BS1, BS2) on the host company’s invitation.

Employment: work visa (WP) with a work permit requested by the employer.

Study: student visa (ST) requested by the Turkmen educational institution.

Capital invested in Turkmenistan: investment visa (IN); USD 500,000 or more can later support a residence permit.

Family of a foreign worker, student or business visitor: family visa (FM).

Foreign spouse or child of a Turkmen citizen: entry visa on the citizen’s application at a Turkmen mission.

Passing through to a third country: TR1 or TR2 transit visa, up to 5 days per transit.

Visa types for Turkmenistan

Visits and short stays

Tourist visa Tourist visa (TU) and other entry visas on an invitation letter
Travellers to Turkmenistan apply for a tourist visa (TU), or another entry visa matching their purpose, on the basis of an invitation letter issued by the State Migration Service at the request of a legal or natural person in Turkmenistan.
Maximum stay: As stated in the visa; fees are set by duration.
Family and friends visit visa Private visa (PR1, PR2) on a personal invitation
Relatives and acquaintances visiting a person in Turkmenistan travel on a private visa (PR1, PR2).
Maximum stay: As stated in the visa.
Transit visa Transit visa (TR1, TR2)
Travellers crossing Turkmenistan to another country use a transit visa (TR1 or TR2), valid for up to five days per transit.
Maximum stay: Up to 5 days per transit.
Medical treatment visa Health visa (HL)
The health visa (HL) is for foreigners whose arrival is needed by a medical institution of Turkmenistan, for example for treatment.
Maximum stay: As stated in the visa.

Business and self-employment

Business visa Business visa (BS1, BS2)
The business visa (BS1, BS2) is issued to foreigners invited by a company, organisation or individual entrepreneur in Turkmenistan.
Maximum stay: As stated in the visa; the fee is set by length of stay.
Investor visa Investment visa (IN)
The investment visa (IN) is for foreigners whose money or material resources have been put into the economy of Turkmenistan.
Maximum stay: As stated in the visa.

Study and training

Student visa Student visa (ST)
The student visa (ST) is for foreigners admitted to an educational institution in Turkmenistan.
Maximum stay: As stated in the visa.

Work

Work visa Work visa (WP) and work permit
Foreigners employed in Turkmenistan need a work visa (WP) and a work permit, which the employer requests together from the State Migration Service.
Maximum stay: In line with the work permit, up to one year.

Family

Spouse and partner visa Entry visa for the foreign spouse or child of a Turkmen citizen (family visa)
This route is published only by the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Ankara and applies to Turkmen citizens living in Türkiye, who can obtain an entry visa to Turkmenistan for their foreign spouse or foreign child at its Consular Department.
Processing time: 10 calendar days; 3 working days urgently at double fee.
Family reunification visa Family visa (FM) for relatives of foreign residents
The family visa (FM) lets the husband or wife, minor children and dependent parents of a foreigner living in Turkmenistan on a business, work, student or sports visa join that person.
Maximum stay: As stated in the visa.

Residence

Residence permit Residence permit (up to five years)
Turkmenistan’s residence permit is issued for up to five years and lets the holder enter and leave the country repeatedly without a visa.
Maximum stay: Up to five years, in line with the validity of the passport.

Frequently asked questions

What is the invitation letter?

A letter issued by the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan on behalf of a legal or natural person in Turkmenistan; Turkmen missions list it as the first document for visa procedures.

How long does a visa take?

Consular actions are carried out within 10 calendar days of receiving the documents; urgent processing within 3 working days costs 100 percent more.

Can I get a visa at Ashgabat airport?

The fee tariff provides for visas issued at Ashgabat International Airport, with a USD 50 surcharge.

Where do I apply for a Turkmen visa?

At the Turkmen embassy or consulate responsible for your place of residence, once the invitation letter has been issued; visas are also issued at Ashgabat International Airport with a USD 50 surcharge.

Are visa fees refunded?

No. If a visa is cancelled, the fee is not refunded.

Who issues work permits?

The State Migration Service, on the employer’s application; permits run for up to one year and can be extended for up to one year.