Turkmenistan private visa for visiting relatives

A private invitation is requested by the person in Turkmenistan whom the visitor will stay with. Turkmenistan’s document list adds a residence document for hosts who are foreigners holding a residence permit or stateless persons with a Turkmen stateless certificate, which shows that these residents can also invite relatives.

The host submits an application on the official form, in three copies, copies of the host’s and the visitor’s passports, a document confirming the relationship and, where available, a document showing the purpose of the visit. The Migration Service’s invitation page also asks for a 3 x 4 cm colour photo of the visitor and notes that further documents may be requested in some cases. Foreign hosts add a copy of their right-of-residence document.

With the invitation letter, you apply at the Turkmen embassy or consulate responsible for your place of residence; the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also issues visas through its representations in the provinces and at Ashgabat International Airport, where an extra USD 50 is charged. The checklist published by the Turkmen embassy in Ankara, the mission page this guide draws on, asks for the invitation letter, the special visa application, the passport with a colour copy and two 3 x 4 cm colour photos, each copy on A4 paper, with the fee paid on submission. Check opening hours, appointments and any extra requirements with your own mission.

The State Migration Service considers invitation documents in 10 working days as standard and in 3 working days if urgent; some applications take up to 45 calendar days. Once the invitation exists, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says consular actions take up to 10 calendar days from receipt of the documents, or 3 working days for urgent processing at a 100 percent higher fee.

Consular fees published by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are USD 20 for a single-entry visa of up to 10 days, USD 30 for up to 20 days, USD 40 for up to one month and USD 30 for each further month. A multiple-entry visa costs USD 60 for the first month and USD 40 for each further month, and visas issued at Ashgabat International Airport carry an extra USD 50. A fee for actual costs is added, depending on where the visa is issued. Children under 7 are exempt from the consular fee and children aged 7 to 16 pay half; the fee is not refunded if a visa is cancelled.

After arrival, foreigners staying longer than three working days register with the State Migration Service department at their place of stay within three working days, not counting the day of entry. Registration uses a personal application or a letter from the host, one 3 x 4 cm colour photo, the passport and copies of documents giving the right to use the accommodation. A change of address, employer or personal details requires new registration within three working days, and trips to other places of up to 15 days must be reported to both migration offices.

For visits to a seriously ill relative or to attend a funeral or commemoration, Turkmen missions state that diplomatic, service and exit-level visas are issued in humanitarian and urgent cases without a personal file. Nationals of countries with a relevant agreement who come to visit a seriously ill family member or attend a funeral, on presentation of confirmation, are exempt from the state fee.