GoTurkmenistan Visa Requirements

Visa Entry

Turkmenistan visas are divided into diplomatic, official, business, personal, transit, study, tourism, etc.

According to the bilateral agreement between China and Turkey, Chinese citizens holding diplomatic, official, or service ordinary passports are exempt from visa requirements when traveling to Turkey. Individuals holding the aforementioned passport who stay in Turkey for more than 30 days are required to apply for a visa in advance.

Chinese citizens holding ordinary passports need to apply for visas to travel to Turkey:

Obtain a visa before traveling to Turkey. To apply for a visa from the Embassy of Turkmenistan in China, a valid passport (with a validity period of no less than 6 months and no less than 2 blank pages), a written application from the inviting unit, two copies of the formal invitation letter (the second copy must be presented to the immigration department upon entry), and two 3 × 4 cm passport photos without a hat must be submitted. Tourist visas can only be processed through travel agencies. Individuals who have been working or studying in the local area for more than 3 months must provide a health certificate when applying for a visa.

Apply for a visa on arrival. The inviter must first handle the landing visa procedures for the visiting personnel at the immigration office in the capital or state of Turkey. Visitors to Turkey must provide their passport (valid for at least the duration of their stay), invitation letter, approval letter from the immigration bureau, and other relevant documents to the immigration department of the Turkish airport upon entry. After verification and confirmation by the immigration department, their passport will be affixed with a signature. The duration of stay is determined by the invitation letter.

Foreign citizens are required to keep their fingerprints when entering the country. Foreign diplomatic and consular missions, representatives of international organizations and their families, as well as members of delegations visiting Turkey on an official basis, are not required to keep fingerprints.

Chinese citizens holding official or private passports are required to pay a registration fee of $14 to the immigration department upon entry.

Special Reminder:

1、 Transit within 24 hours without leaving the airport, no visa is required.

2、 Foreign citizens traveling to Turkey must match the type of visa they are applying for.

3、 Tourist visa holders must be accompanied by local travel agency guides when visiting and traveling in Turkey.

For specific matters, please consult the Turkish Embassy in China and the Turkish Immigration Bureau.

Turkish Embassy in China (phone: 0086-10-65326975; website:) https://china.tmembassy.gov.tm/zh ）

Land Immigration Bureau phone number (phone: 00993-12-380000; website:) https://migration.gov.tm/ru/ ）

Customs inspection and quarantine

Turkey implements a foreign exchange declaration system. Passengers are not limited to carrying foreign currency when entering the country, but they must declare it according to regulations; When leaving the country, in addition to the written declaration fee at the time of entry, a maximum of $10000 or its equivalent in foreign currency can also be carried. The local customs have the right to open and inspect the luggage of inbound and outbound passengers.

Smoking must not exceed 2 packs upon entry, and alcoholic beverages must not exceed 1.5 liters.

Without relevant department certification materials, items including cultural relics, protected flora and fauna, and handmade carpets are not allowed to be carried out of the country. Carrying carpet products purchased locally out of the country requires an exit permit issued by a state-owned store or the Ministry of Culture.

It is not allowed to bring propaganda materials that are harmful to the national security of Turkey into the country. Bringing animals and plants into the country requires presenting relevant inspection and quarantine certificates.

Turkish airport customs phone number:+ 993-12-232203/232201.

More information can be found on the website of the local customs: https://customs.gov.tm/

Residency and Naturalization

Individuals holding ordinary passports who visit Turkey within 3 working days (excluding the date of entry) are not required to register with the Turkish immigration office. If the visiting time exceeds 3 working days (excluding the date of entry), one must register with the local immigration bureau within 3 days. The duration of stay is determined according to actual needs and usually does not exceed 30 days. If you do not register according to regulations, you will be blocked from leaving the country and unable to apply for visa extension procedures.

Individuals holding diplomatic or official passports who visit Turkey for more than 3 working days (excluding entry dates) must register with the Protocol Department of the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the inviting party.

After arriving in Turkey for work or study, individuals must apply for residency procedures through the inviting party and submit their passport, visa, health certificate, and other relevant documents to the local immigration bureau.

To apply for Turkmenistan citizenship, one must provide a local residence permit, proof of residence, household registration book, passport, copy of spouse's passport, marriage certificate, birth certificate of the child, work certificate issued by the employer, and documents proving that they have resided in Turkmenistan for more than 7 years.

Foreign citizens can visit open areas within the territory of Turkey. For private visits or permanent residency in Turkey, if traveling to other places, an application must be submitted to the local immigration bureau at least 3 days in advance; Foreign citizens can only visit non open areas after the inviting unit has submitted a written application in accordance with relevant regulations and obtained approval.

The phone number of the immigration bureau is+993-12-38000/380011.

The risk level of Turkmenistan is yellow (medium risk).                    

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reminds Chinese citizens in Turkmenistan to closely monitor the local security situation, be vigilant, strengthen prevention, and pay attention to safety. In case of emergency, please report to the police in a timely manner and contact the Chinese embassy or consulate in the local area.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and overseas embassies and consulates will continue to closely monitor changes in the overseas security situation, dynamically adjust relevant risk assessments, and release and update corresponding security reminders in real time on platforms such as the China Consular Service Network. Please continue to pay attention.

public security

The overall political situation in Turkmenistan is stable, and there have been no terrorist attacks in recent years. The social security situation is good, the crime rate is low, and there are few criminal cases against foreigners. However, Turkey is adjacent to Afghanistan and is facing increased external security pressure due to the security situation in Afghanistan.

Traveling to Turkey should comply with local laws and raise awareness of risk prevention. In case of accidents, please report to the police in a timely manner and contact the Chinese Embassy in Turkey.

natural disaster

Turkmenistan has a typical continental climate with drought and little rainfall. The coldest month is January, with an average temperature ranging from -6 ℃ in the northeast to 4 ℃ in the southeast. The hottest month is July, with an average temperature of 37.6 ℃. The temperature in the central and southeastern regions can reach 48 ℃ -50 ℃, and the surface temperature in some desert areas can reach 70 ℃.

The land is located at the junction of the Indian Plate and the Eurasian Plate, and Ashgabat is situated on an earthquake zone with frequent crustal activity. In 1948, Ashgabat was hit by a 9-10 magnitude earthquake, which destroyed the entire city.

There are many nature reserves throughout the territory, with abundant wildlife resources and a high number of poisonous insects in the wild. Attention should be paid to safety during outdoor activities.

FDA

Suggest dining at a regular restaurant.

Urgent Help

Fire alarm: 01.

Police station: 02.

Health emergency: 03.

Inquiry hotline: 09.

Consular protection hotline of the Chinese Embassy in Turkmenistan (24 hours):+99365711769.

air traffic

Turkmenistan has two international airports and one airline, Turkmen Airlines, which operates with over a dozen countries and regions. Ashgabat International Airport is relatively close to the city center, making it convenient to take buses and taxis. There are flight connections to major cities within Turkey.

At present, China Southern Airlines has opened a round-trip route from Xi'an to Ashgabat via Urumqi, with flight times of every Tuesday and Saturday from Xi'an to Ashgabat, and every Wednesday and Sunday from Ashgabat to Xi'an. The telephone number of China Southern Airlines office in Ashgabat is 00993-12-364451/363995.

Turkmen Airlines has opened round-trip flights from Ashgabat to Beijing every Friday and Sunday, and from Beijing to Ashgabat every Saturday and Sunday. Turkish Airlines Ashgabat headquarters telephone: 00993-12-391717, Beijing office telephone: 0086-10-59071627/65614240.

Ashgabat International Airport inquiry hotline: 085 (domestic inquiry hotline)/00993-12-233847/232034/232681.

land transport

The transportation of dirt roads and railways is relatively convenient, and both the capital and major cities have access to railways and highways. Citizens holding a Chinese driver's license must change their local driver's license at the local traffic management department before they can drive. The main traffic rules in Turkey are the same as those in China.

water communication

Turkey is adjacent to the Caspian Sea and has cargo ships sailing with Iran, Russia, and Azerbaijan.

Urban transportation

The main modes of transportation in the city are buses, state-owned taxis, and private cars, with no subway.

major city

The capital cities of Ashgabat, Turkmenbashi, Mareh, etc.

The capital Ashgabat is located at the foot of the Kopet Mountains on the edge of the Karakum Desert in southern Turkey, with an altitude of 200-250 meters, an area of about 470 square kilometers, and a population of about 1 million. Ashi was originally a castle belonging to the Turkmen branch of the Jurchen people, meaning 'City of Love'. In 1924, it became the capital of the Turkmen Soviet Socialist Republic. In October 1948, a 9-10 magnitude earthquake struck Ashi, causing almost complete destruction of the entire city and resulting in the death of 100000 people. In 1958, it was rebuilt on the ruins. After gaining independence in October 1991, it became the capital of the country.

Ashi is the political, economic, cultural, and technological center of Turkey. The main industrial sectors include oil and gas, electricity, textiles, food processing, light industry, machinery manufacturing, and metal processing industry. The city is a transportation hub for dirt roads, railways, and air transportation. In recent years, with the development of the local economy, many hotels, restaurants and other public facilities have been built in the city, giving it a completely new appearance. Marble buildings are ubiquitous and are known as the "Capital of Marble".

Commodity prices

Aharje Golden Horse (Sweat Blooded BMW), Handmade Carpet, and Alabai (Shepherd Dog) are the three national treasures of Turkmenistan. Textiles, silver jewelry, and melons are more famous. Daily consumer goods can ensure supply. Prices are high. The banking system is underdeveloped, mainly consisting of national banks, foreign trade banks, etc., with cash as the main payment method. The local currency is Manat, and the official exchange rate is 1 US dollar to 3.5 Manat, with 1 Manat equaling 2 Chinese yuan.

Insurance Medical

There is no medical insurance system for foreign tourists in Turkey. Common diseases include tuberculosis, hepatitis, etc. The main hospitals in Ashgabat include Tukumenbash Central Hospital and Ashgabat International Medical Center.

Customs taboos

Turkmenistan is a Muslim country, with the vast majority of residents adhering to Islam, belonging to the Sunni sect, and having a simple and honest people. When meeting and saying goodbye, a handshake is usually performed, and men should wait for women to reach out first. Intimate friends usually embrace each other three times in a "left, right, left" manner.

The diet mainly consists of beef and mutton, and pork is avoided. Home cooked dishes often use seasonings such as onions, fennel, and mint. Traditional foods include grilled meat, rice noodles, and baked naan. Beverages are mainly black tea.

The men's ethnic clothing consists of a high hat sewn with black, white, and brown sheepskin, a long shirt with a carefully decorated collar, oversized pants, and an Oriental style robe. Women often wear ankle length long dresses. The Turkish government stipulates that national public officials wear suits for men and ethnic long dresses for women.

Smoking is prohibited in public places.

Communications Power

At present, the main mobile communication operator in Turkmenistan is "Golden Century" with the trademark "TM CELL", and the domestic communication fee is about 4 cents per minute.

To make a landline call from China: "+993"+state (municipality) area code+landline number; Dialing from China to a local mobile phone: "+993"+phone number; To make a landline call from China: "+86"+area code+landline number; Dialing Chinese mobile phone from China: "+86"+phone number.

The service hotline of Tu "Golden Century" Mobile Company is 00993-12-932026.

The power interface is a round headed two-phase plug-in column type, with a power supply voltage of 220 volts. When using Chinese standard plugs in soil, German standard adapters are required.

Special Reminder: China Mobile's Global Connect mobile phones can be used for roaming within Turkmenistan.

contact information

Chinese Embassy in Turkmenistan:

website: http://tm.china-embassy.gov.cn/

Turkish Embassy in China:

Phone:+ 86-10-65326975/65326977；

website: https://china.tmembassy.gov.tm/zh .

Land Immigration Bureau Phone:

Phone:+ 993-12-380000/941035；

website: https://migration.gov.tm/ru/ ；

Email: info@migration.gov.tm .

Phone number of China Southern Airlines office in Ashgabat:+ 993-12-364451/363995.

Turkmen Airlines telephone:+993-12-391717 (Ashgabat headquarters),+86-10-59071627/65614240 (Beijing office).

Ashgabat International Airport inquiry: 085 (domestic inquiry hotline)/00993-12-23847/232034/232681.