New Zealand
Turkmenistan Travel and Destination Guide
PRE-DEPARTURE INFO
Travellers need permits to visit areas close to the Afghan, Uzbek and Iranian borders. Ashgabat, Merv and the seaport of Turkmenbashi are not in restricted areas. Any travel to the regions bordering Afghanistan should be reconsidered due to the unstable security situation and the presence of landmines.
When to Go
As summers are ferociously hot and winters bitterly cold, spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) are the best seasons to visit Turkmenistan. In April the desert blooms briefly and the monotonous ochre landscapes explode in reds, oranges and yellows. Autumn is harvest time, when market tables heave with freshly picked fruit. If you do decide to battle the winter, be aware that many domestic flights are grounded and finding food can be a problem since lots of eateries close for the season.
Visas Overview
You must obtain both a visa and a letter of invitation prior to arrival. Failure to have, at the very least, a personal statement and itinerary, means that your experience will be limited to what you can see as you fly straight back out of there.
Travellers also need special permission to visit areas close to the Afghan, Uzbek and Iranian borders. Tourist attractions that fall inside restricted areas include Ashgabat, Merv, Konye-Urgench, Nokur and Kugitang Nature Reserve, among others. Check with your travel agent to make sure restricted areas are included on your invitation.
Electricity
220V 50Hz
Electric Plug Details
European plug with two circular metal pins
American-style plug with two parallel flat blades above a circular grounding pin
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