Turkmenistan student visa (ST)

The ST visa is the category for foreign students in Turkmenistan. Unlike tourist or private visas, it is not requested by a private host but by the educational institution of Turkmenistan that has accepted the student, through a written request to the State Migration Service.

The Migration Service lists four items for an ST visa: the student visa application in three copies, the written request of the Turkmen educational institution, the list of foreigners for whom the visa is requested in three copies, and a copy of the student’s current passport. The Service may ask for further documents in individual cases, including health certificates at the request of the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry.

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.

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.

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.

Foreign full-time students may work at the institution where they study during their free time and holidays without a work permit, according to the Migration Service. Other employment requires a work permit.