Turkmenistan

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:

• parks or public squares
• forests or beaches
• train stations, airports or sea ports
• underpasses
• government offices

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.

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.