What the governments of the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada tell their own citizens about travelling to Turkmenistan, in their own words, plus practical help with packing.
Each government rates the risks for its own citizens, on its own scale. The levels are shown exactly as published; they are not equivalent to each other and are not combined here.
Does not advise against travel
No numbered levels
Updated 4 June 2026
Latest change, in the source's words: Updated information about COVID-19 testing when arriving in Turkmenistan ('Entry requirements' page).
The official source shows no update to this advice in over 12 months. Check the official page for the current version.
Trip Rulebook could not refresh this source since 30 September 2026. The official website may have newer advice.
Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 1 of 4
Updated 21 August 2026
The official source shows no update to this advice in over 12 months. Check the official page for the current version.
Trip Rulebook could not refresh this source since 30 September 2026. The official website may have newer advice.
Exercise a high degree of caution (with regional advisories)
Level 2 of 4
Updated 24 September 2026
Latest change, in the source's words: The Health section was updated - travel health information (Public Health Agency of Canada)
The official source shows no update to this advice in over 12 months. Check the official page for the current version.
Trip Rulebook could not refresh this source since 30 September 2026. The official website may have newer advice.
From the section “Emergency services in Turkmenistan” of the UK government's travel advice for Turkmenistan, written for British travellers. Reproduced without changes to the wording; formatting adapted.
Ambulance:
Fire:
Police:
From the section “Laws and cultural differences” of the UK government's travel advice for Turkmenistan, written for British travellers. Reproduced without changes to the wording; formatting adapted.
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.
Whilst the crime rate is low, you should exercise a similar level of caution as you would in the UK.
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.
It is illegal to drink alcohol in any communal spaces, including:
If you’re caught drinking alcohol in these places you can get a fine of 100 manats.
It is illegal to smoke outside or in any communal spaces unless they contain a designated smoking area.
If you’re found guilty of possession or use of illegal drugs, you could face a lengthy prison sentence in very basic conditions.
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 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.
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.
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.
From the section “Medication” of the UK government's travel advice for Turkmenistan, written for British travellers. Reproduced without changes to the wording; formatting adapted.
Turkmenistan’s State Customs Service report that individuals may enter Turkmenistan with prescription medicines providing they have a copy of the prescription with the medicine. There is no requirement to declare the medicine. Before travelling check with your tour company and the State Customs Service for the latest regulations.
You could be prosecuted for possession of some drugs that Turkmenistan may classify as narcotics, such as morphine or even strong painkillers, if you do not have a prescription, or if you’re carrying more than you need for your visit and do not declare them on arrival.
TravelHealthPro explains best practice when travelling with medicines.
From the section “Extreme weather and natural disasters” of the UK government's travel advice for Turkmenistan, written for British travellers. Reproduced without changes to the wording; formatting adapted.
Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
Turkmenistan is in an active seismic zone. There are regular tremors and there have been strong earthquakes.
The US Federal Emergency Management Agency has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake.
Practical suggestions from Trip Rulebook, based on open data and fixed rules. They are not safety or legal advice: rules on clothing, medicines and restricted items are covered only by the official text on this page.
Plug and voltage data: Wikipedia, “Mains electricity by country”, CC BY-SA 4.0 (licence), retrieved 2026-09-29. Sockets in hotels can differ; the label on your charger (for example “INPUT 100–240V”) tells you which voltages it accepts.
Rainfall Average temperature
National averages for 1991-2020. Coasts, mountains and regions can be very different, and any given year can be warmer, colder or wetter. Suggestions come from fixed rules based on these averages. Climate data: World Bank Climate Change Knowledge Portal, observed climate data (CRU TS), CRU TS (cru_ts4.09), Climatic Research Unit, University of East Anglia, CC BY 4.0 (licence).
What is acceptable to wear is a matter of local law and custom: read Local laws and customs. For seasonal hazards such as storms, floods or extreme heat, read the official section Extreme weather and natural disasters.
A general list for any trip. Ticks are not saved.
Visa and entry rules depend on your nationality and change often, so Trip Rulebook does not summarise them. Each government explains the rules for its own citizens. If you travel on another passport, check with the embassy or the official immigration website of Turkmenistan.
This page is guidance, not legal advice. Laws and advice change without notice and are written for each government's own citizens, so they may apply to you differently. Confirm everything with the official source before you travel. Terms of use.