Tourist Visa for Ashgabat, Turkmenistan

[Aussie]

Hi all, I am planning a trip to Ashgabat travelling from Sydney, Australia. Now I have been hearing through the grapevine that I can only get a tourist visa lasting 5 days unless I am with a tour or guide. Any comments in regards to this would be greatly appreciated. Thanks all !

[BC]

It seems there is no Turkmen consulate in Australia.  That itself might be a problem.

Best bet would likely be to contact the consulate in the US http://www.turkmenistanembassy.org/

On their page there are also links to tourist companies, assume they are acceptable by the government.

http://www.turkmenistanembassy.org/turkmen/travel/agent.html

might want to email them for particulars and possible visa processing services.

http://www.turkmenistan-latif.com/letter.php

You can also get Turkmenistan entry visa at the Ashgabat International airport upon arrival or at any border of Turkmenistan with other countries.
If you are going to get Turkmenistan entry visa at the Ashgabat International airport then our stuff will bring the package of documents with original letter of invitation to the airport migration department before your arrival. If you get it at any border of Turkmenistan then the guide will have everything.
We give you a guarantee getting Turkmenistan entry visa at the airport or at any border of Turkmenistan with other countries. We practice this everyday. So the process goes smoothly and there is nothing to worry about.

Interesting.... sorta like flying by the seat of your pants....

According to the decree of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan all tourists must be accompanied by a guide from company that invites you. This is for your security.

disclaimer:  I have never been there....  so other than what I found on the net haven't a clue.

[Manny]

It might be worth reading the Foreign Office guidelines:  http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/travel-advice-by-country/asia-oceania/turkmenistan/

[BC]

It might be worth reading the Foreign Office guidelines:  http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/travel-advice-by-country/asia-oceania/turkmenistan/

There remain sensitivities around relationships between foreign men and local women, and the Turkmen authorities are known to take action against both. For foreign nationals this could result in a fine or deportation from the country

Daunting....

[Aussie]

Thanks BC and Manny.  No Bc there is no Embassy here in Oz and the lady I am going to see actually works for the US embassy there(Turkmenistan born but Russian) and she is going to enquire today on my entry requirements and yes ladies there and foreigners can be a bad mix without a government pass as their are quite a few prostitutes in some of the hotels and bars. But seeing as she will have her embassy ID there is no need for me to panic in that regard. Security is hell there I am told with police and Military everywhere so carrying id, Visa and passport is a must and staying off the streets after 11 is an even better idea for foreigners as you can be arrested but mostly its the drunk ones that have that happen.
Thanks to you both for the info I will have a good hard look at the best path to take if that doesnt work she will obviously have to give me a letter of invitation or I will have to have a guide for my stay there !  

[Manny]

Most people I have known who wanted to meet a woman from Turkmenistan met her in Russia or some other place close by. Just an FYI.

[Aussie]

Thanks for that Manny. I have been discussing with her about the what if`s and we are taking about going to Turkey or maybe even Dubai, we will see how things pan out in regard to Ashgabat first as I would love to see her in her comfort zone and culture .