TurkmenistanVisits and short stays
Turkmenistan tourist visa
Tourist visa (TU) and other entry visas on an invitation letter
In short
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. Turkmen missions ask for the invitation, a visa application, the passport with a colour copy and two colour photos. Single-entry visas cost USD 20 to USD 40 for up to a month.
checked 25 October 2026
Key facts
- Maximum stay
- As stated in the visa; fees are set by duration.
- Validity
- Single or multiple entry.
- Fee
- US$40Single-entry visa for up to 1 month (USD 20 up to 10 days, USD 30 up to 20 days); plus actual-cost fee; USD 50 extra at Ashgabat airport.
- Processing time
- 10 calendar days; 3 working days urgently at double fee.
- Work
- No.
- Family
- Each traveller applies with their own documents.
- Where to apply
- Turkmen embassy or consulate for your place of residence, or Ashgabat airport, with the invitation.
Visa types
Turkmenistan's visa regulation 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).
Tourists use the TU visa; business visitors, workers, students and investors use the BS, WP, ST and IN levels. Diplomatic, service and exit visas are also issued in humanitarian and emergency situations, for example to visit a seriously ill close relative or to attend a burial or commemoration.
Documents
The checklist published by the Turkmen embassy in Ankara asks for the original or a copy of the invitation letter issued by the State Migration Service on behalf of the legal or natural person inviting you, the special visa application, the original passport and a colour copy, and two 3 x 4 cm colour photographs. For all visa levels, applications may be written or electronic and are accompanied by a 5 x 6 cm colour photo and one copy of the identity document. Each copy must be in colour on A4 paper.
Required documents
Identity
- Special visa application form.
- Original passport and a colour copy on A4 paper.
- Two 3 x 4 cm colour photos; a 5 x 6 cm colour photo for the application.
Money
- Payment of the consular fee at submission.
Other
- Original or copy of the invitation letter issued by the State Migration Service.
Fees
Consular fees for single-entry visas are USD 20 for up to 10 days, USD 30 for up to 20 days, USD 40 for up to a month and USD 30 for each further month. Multiple-entry visas cost USD 60 for the first month and USD 40 for each further month. Visas issued at Ashgabat International Airport carry an extra USD 50. A further fee to cover actual costs depends on where the visa is issued, regardless of nationality, and fees are not refunded if a visa is cancelled.
Invitation first
The invitation letter is issued by the State Migration Service at the request of a company or person in Turkmenistan. Once you hold it, you apply to the Turkmen embassy or consulate responsible for your place of residence. The Ministry also provides consular services through its representations in the Akhal, Balkan, Dashoguz, Lebap and Mary provinces.
- Ask your tour operator or host in Turkmenistan to obtain the invitation letter from the State Migration Service.
- Prepare the visa application, passport, colour copies and photos.
- Submit at the Turkmen embassy or consulate responsible for your place of residence.
- Pay the fee at submission; choose urgent processing if needed.
- Collect the visa within 10 calendar days, or 3 working days if urgent.
- Travel within the visa dates.
Processing time
Consular actions are carried out within 10 calendar days of receipt of the documents. Urgent processing within 3 working days, and services outside working hours, at weekends or on holidays, cost 100 percent more. Payment is due when the documents are submitted.
Turkmen missions note that visa payments are calculated according to the length of stay, the visa level and type.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply without an invitation letter?
Turkmen missions list the State Migration Service invitation letter as the first required document for visa procedures.
How much is a one-month visa?
USD 40 for a single entry, USD 60 for multiple entry, plus the actual-cost fee.
What photos are needed?
Two 3 x 4 cm colour photos and a 5 x 6 cm colour photo for the application.
Is urgent processing possible?
Yes, within 3 working days for a 100 percent higher fee.
Official sources
- Embassy of Turkmenistan in Ankara: Visa procedures and required documents
- MFA of Turkmenistan: Tariffs of consular fees
- MFA of Turkmenistan: Consular activities and consular offices abroad
- State Migration Service of Turkmenistan: Registration of foreigners at the place of stay
- State Migration Service of Turkmenistan: Visa (invitations, deadlines, fee exemptions, refusals)
Summarised from the official sources above. Rules, fees and processing times change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before you apply.
Other visa types for Turkmenistan
Visits and short stays
- Family and friends visit visa Maximum stay: As stated in the visa.
- Transit visa Maximum stay: Up to 5 days per transit.
- Medical treatment visa Maximum stay: As stated in the visa.
Business and self-employment
- Business visa Maximum stay: As stated in the visa; the fee is set by length of stay.
- Investor visa Maximum stay: As stated in the visa.
Study and training
- Student visa Maximum stay: As stated in the visa.
Work
- Work visa Maximum stay: In line with the work permit, up to one year.
Family
- Spouse and partner visa Processing time: 10 calendar days; 3 working days urgently at double fee.
- Family reunification visa Maximum stay: As stated in the visa.
Residence
- Residence permit Maximum stay: Up to five years, in line with the validity of the passport.