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TRAVEL REPORT
Turkmenistan

1. RECENT UPDATES

Section 8 has been updated (removal of information on Ramadan).

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2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

There is no Official Warning for this country.

Turkmenistan

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

Difficulties and processing delays may be encountered in obtaining official permission to travel outside Ashgabat. Areas bordering Iran, Uzbekistan and Afghanistan, including the city of Dashoguz and areas of the Caspian coast, are "restricted zones". Travel to these areas is forbidden without prior permission from the government of Turkmenistan.

Heightened tensions throughout the region, together with increased threats globally from terrorism, put Canadians at risk. Canadians should maintain a high level of caution at all times. Consular assistance is provided by the Embassy of Canada in Ankara, Turkey. The restricted access of Canadian officials to Turkmenistan, because of entry visa policies and procedures, significantly limits the ability of the Canadian government to provide prompt consular assistance to Canadian citizens in this country, even in emergencies. Canadians should register with the Embassy of Canada in Ankara (see Section 5 below) or the Emergency Operations Centre at 613-996-8885.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency abroad, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad.

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety. The purpose of this Travel Report is to provide Canadians with up-to-date information to enable them to make well-informed decisions.

Crime

Violent crime is low. However, mugging and pickpocketing occur. Remain vigilant and ensure personal belongings, passports, and other travel documents are secure. Avoid signs of affluence.

Demonstrations and civil unrest

In the past, sporadic clashes have occurred overnight between security forces and armed groups in the outskirts of Ashgabat, causing deaths and injuries. The Afghanistan-Turkmenistan border is also to be avoided because of similar incidents. Canadians are advised to monitor local developments carefully, follow the advice of local authorities and avoid situations where political violence and demonstrations could occur.
 
Women’s Safety

Foreigners, especially women, should not travel alone. The Department publishes a booklet entitled Her Own Way: A Woman’s Guide to Safe and Successful Travel. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian women and encourage them to travel safely.

General Safety Information

Police and military officials are prevalent throughout Turkmenistan. Carry a photocopy of your passport, the original, or other photo-identification at all times, as officials frequently request proof of identity. Foreigners are often subject to questioning and car and home searches. There are reports of Canadian passports being confiscated upon arrival and withheld for the duration of the stay in Turkmenistan. It is advisable to leave a photocopy of your passport with a relative or a friend at home.

Curfews may be applied and areas may be cordonned off upon short notice. The violation of a curfew can result in immediate deportation and a ban against returning to Turkmenistan for five years.

Tourist facilities are limited, especially outside Ashgabat. Many goods and services are not available.

The emergency number for the fire department is 01, for the police 02, and for an ambulance 03.

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4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries or regions have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Turkmen authorities. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is the traveller's responsibility to check with the Embassy of the Republic of Turkmenistan for up-to-date information.

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Turkmenistan. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country.

Tourist Visa: Required
Business Visa: Required
Student Visa: Required

A letter of invitation from the person or organization being visited in Turkmenistan is required. This letter must be certified by the State Foreign Citizens Registration Service of Turkmenistan.

Upon arrival at an airport or border entry point, you must complete a migration card and pay a migration fee. One copy of the card is retained by immigration officials. The other should be carried for the duration of your stay and submitted to border officials upon departure. Loss of cards can result in fines or departure delays.

In addition, if you plan to stay for more than three working days, you must register your arrival with the State Migration Service. You must also deregister with that service office prior to departure.

Failure to register with the State Migration Service or remaining in Turkmenistan with an expired visa may result in fines, arrest or deportation.

If you are travelling as a tourist and will not be meeting anyone in Turkmenistan, you must contact the State Tourism Corporation of Turkmenistan "Turkmen Siyahat" (country and area codes: 993-12/ tel.: 35-47-77 or 39-86-91/ fax: 39-67-40 or 33-77-71). "Turkmen Siyahat" will assist you in the planning of your visit and provide you with the certified letter.

There continues to be intense scrutiny and questioning at ports of entry and departure in Turkmenistan. Foreign nationals in the country may also encounter increased security measures within Turkmenistan, and some have been detained by the authorities.

All foreigners planning to travel or reside in the Republic of Turkmenistan for longer than three months must provide a medical certificate of a negative test for infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

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A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship is not a travel document. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document available to Canadians for the purpose of international travel. Canadian citizens returning to Canada who present other documents, such as a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, birth certificate, provincial driver’s license, or foreign passport, instead of a Canadian passport, may face delays or be denied boarding by transport companies.

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify all visa requirements for this and other destinations, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries or regions may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country or region without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries or regions do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

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5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS

There is no resident Canadian government office in Turkmenistan. You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following address:

Turkey - ANKARA, Embassy of Canada
Address: Cinnah Caddesi No. 58, Çankaya 06690, Ankara, Turkey
Tel.: 90 (312) 409-2700
Emergency toll-free to Ottawa: 00800-14-220-0149
Fax: 90 (312) 409-2712
E-Mail: ankra@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.turkey.gc.ca

For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in Ankara, Turkey, and follow the instructions. You may also make a collect call to the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.

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6. TRAVEL HEALTH

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Health Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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7. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Consumption of untreated water and water-based foods greatly increases your chance of illness. Do not drink tap water. Drink only bottled water, peel all fruits and vegetables, and avoid undercooked meat, dairy products, and most food sold on the streets.

It is best to avoid medical clinics as they often lack basic drugs and equipment, and have poor hygiene standards.

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8. LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries or regions, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare.

Dual nationality is not legally recognized, which may limit the ability of Canadian officials to provide consular services. Canadians with Turkmen citizenship may also be subject to national obligations, such as taxes, and should check their status with the Embassy of the Republic of Turkmenistan in Washington D.C. The Department publishes a booklet entitled Dual Citizenship: What Travellers Should Know, specifically targeted at Canadians with dual nationality.

Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs can result in lengthy jail sentences and heavy fines.

Homosexual activity is illegal and individuals convicted of this offence may receive a jail sentence.

Cultural objects (e.g., woven carpets, artefacts) must be authenticated by the Ministry of Culture prior to departure. Failure to do so will result in confiscation and/or a fine that may be greater than the value of the item in question.

Travellers should avoid publicly discussing politics or criticizing the country's previous leader, Saparmurat Niyazov. Travellers are also advised to avoid minority religious gatherings, whose participants have been the target of police raids, arbitrary arrests and beatings.

Photography of military installations, police stations, airports, government buildings, and other sensitive sites may result in a penalty. Travellers should seek permission from local authorities before taking photographs.

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9. TRAVEL AND CURRENCY

Road Travel

Exercise caution on intercity roads, as driving standards are poor. Rural roads are often in disrepair and not lit. Animals frequently wander onto the road. Random traffic police checks are routine. Drinking and driving is strictly forbidden. Drivers may be fined or jailed if any amount of alcohol is detected.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.

Do not travel or use public transportation after dark. Use only officially marked taxis and pre-negotiate the fare. It is also advisable to avoid shared taxis.

Rail Travel

Avoid travel by train, as service is slow and crime is prevalent. If travel by train is necessary, store personal belongings in a safe place and do not leave the compartment unattended. Ensure the door is secured from the inside.

Air Travel

Travellers should fly on recognized international carriers as internal flights may operate on short notice, follow questionable maintenance procedures, and be delayed unexpectedly.

See our FAQ on transportation in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.

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The currency is the Turkmen Manat (TMM). The economy is primarily cash-based. A few hotels and restaurants in Ashgabat will accept credit cards (Visa and American Express) and traveller’s cheques in U.S. dollars. Travellers should carry U.S. dollars in pristine condition and in a variety of denominations, as change is scarce. The Vneshekonombank and the National Bank of Pakistan cash traveller's cheques in U.S. dollars, but a surcharge is levied on the total amount. All foreign currency brought into the country must be declared at customs. There are no automated banking machines.

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10. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

Turkmenistan is located in an active seismic zone. Canadians should know the address and telephone number of the Embassy of Canada in Ankara, Turkey, in the event of an emergency.

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11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Returning to Canada

Traveller's Checklist

Health and Travel Insurance: Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

Adoption: Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child abroad, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

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12. ANNEX

N/A

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