The government of Turkmenistan has announced its intention to introduce an electronic visa (e-Visa) system for foreign travelers. While the official entry regulations have yet to change, Russian tour operators note that the most promising development for the tourism industry would be the ability to obtain a visa without the need for an official invitation or a visit to a consulate. Should this system be implemented, experts predict that the cost of travel to Turkmenistan will decrease, potentially boosting its popularity among international tourists.
"So far, the only concrete measure is a provision concerning the introduction of e-Visas between Turkmenistan and Russia. However, no detailed implementation guidelines have been released, and no legislation has been officially passed at the state level. I checked with our local partners, and they confirm that, apart from the declaration of intent to ease the visa process through digitalization, nothing has fundamentally changed yet," said Andrei Zharkov, General Director of Zharkov-Tour.
According to Zharkov, there are currently two ways to obtain a Turkmen visa: upon arrival at Ashgabat International Airport or through the consulate in Moscow. In both cases, a visa requires a formal invitation from the Turkmen side, which must be arranged through a certified travel agency. Regardless of the method chosen, the visa is issued as a physical stamp in the passport. Processing through the consulate typically takes about ten working days.
"The issue is that a visa issued at the airport costs significantly more—around $250—while consular processing in Moscow is just $35. Naturally, most travelers choose to apply in the capital," he explained.
Zharkov also pointed out that only one airline currently operates direct flights from Moscow to Turkmenistan—S7 Airlines—and ticket prices are steep, ranging between 80,000 and 100,000 rubles, depending on the travel date.
"The introduction of an electronic visa would certainly reduce travel expenses. There is demand for this destination in Russia," Zharkov emphasized.
Valery Britaus, Commercial Director of the bespoke travel marketplace YouTravel.me, echoed this sentiment. He believes that the adoption of e-Visas could significantly enhance the country's appeal to tourists, as the current procedure is cumbersome, requiring an invitation, a personal visit to the consulate, and an extended waiting period.
"Moving to an electronic format could spark interest in Turkmenistan as a standalone destination. Until now, it has most often been included in multi-country itineraries alongside Uzbekistan or Iran. However, to fully realize its potential, the country needs to invest in comprehensive infrastructure development and ease administrative burdens. The current standards of accommodation, transportation, and service still lag behind neighboring countries, particularly Uzbekistan," Britaus noted.
He estimated that the number of travel bookings to Turkmenistan has remained stable but modest in 2024–2025—amounting to only a few thousand per year.
"Additionally, we’re observing a slight decline in interest from individual travelers within the custom tour segment. This is largely due to growing competition from Kyrgyzstan, which attracts visitors with its stunning natural landscapes and opportunities for outdoor activities, and from Uzbekistan, which boasts a rich cultural heritage and a visa-free regime," Britaus clarified.
Traveling to Turkmenistan continues to be relatively costly. Group tours lasting between 7 to 10 days typically range from $1,500 to $3,000, including associated expenses. Private travel comes at a much steeper price, with daily costs ranging from $250 to $500. The requirement of mandatory guided accompaniment in certain regions—such as the Darvaza gas crater—also contributes to the overall cost of travel.
"In the medium term, Turkmenistan is likely to remain a niche destination geared toward seasoned travelers, particularly those with an interest in cultural heritage and eco-tourism," the expert concluded.
This potential reform will undoubtedly simplify visa procedures and make Turkmenistan more accessible to foreign tourists and business travelers alike, which could positively influence the flow of visitors into the country. According to Elizaveta Timoshenko, a PR analyst at Russian Express, Russian tourists are booking trips to Turkmenistan both as part of broader regional tours and as standalone journeys. While demand remains stable, the most popular option continues to be a comprehensive itinerary that includes stops in Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. A week-long route such as Bukhara – Mary – Ancient Merv – Ashgabat – Darvaza – Khiva – Urgench starts at 196,200 rubles for two people, excluding airfare.
According to data from the Border Service of Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB), 10,300 Russian citizens traveled to Turkmenistan for tourism in 2024—seven times more than the year prior. The total number of trips to Turkmenistan for all purposes reached 23,000.
