Turkmenistan
COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Turkmenistan is a Central Asian nation roughly the size of California. It shares borders with Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan and Iran. Turkmenistan gained its independence in 1991 during the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Primarily a desert country, it has a small population of around 5 million people. Tourist facilities, especially outside of the capital city of Ashgabat, are not highly developed. Many of the goods and services taken for granted in North American and Western European countries are not yet available. Travel within the country can be difficult due to limited infrastructure and government imposed internal travel restrictions.
ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: American citizens must have a valid passport and visa to enter and exit Turkmenistan. To apply for a visa, all U.S. citizens must complete an application and have a letter of invitation approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) in Ashgabat. The letter of invitation on behalf of an American citizen must be submitted to the MFA by an individual or organization in Turkmenistan. The MFA requires at least ten working days for approval. The U.S. Embassy in Ashgabat does not issue letters of invitation to citizens interested in private travel to Turkmenistan. Applications for a Turkmen visa can be submitted to the Turkmen Embassy in Washington, D.C. or directly to the MFA in Ashgabat. Recent travelers to Turkmenistan have found it difficult to secure visa issuance from the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Washington, D.C. A traveler with a stamped and approved invitation letter from the MFA may also obtain a visa at the Ashgabat Airport upon arrival in Turkmenistan.
The price for the visa will vary according to the intended length of stay. For an additional charge the visa can be extended at the MFA in Ashgabat from its initial validity for any period of time up to one year. Any traveler arriving without a visa or without the needed documents to obtain a visa will be denied entry and may be held at the airport or border until the traveler has secured transportation out of Turkmenistan. Travelers departing Turkmenistan must have a valid visa or they will be denied exit until they extend the validity of the visa. In addition, U.S. citizens traveling in Turkmenistan should be aware that they may require special permission from the MFA to travel to some areas of the country that have been restricted by the Government of Turkmenistan.
There are local Turkmen registration requirements. Americans who plan to stay more than three working days in Turkmenistan must register with the Office of Visas and Registration (OVIR). OVIR offices are located in all of Turkmenistan's five major cities: Ashgabat, Dashoguz, Mary, Turkmenabat and Turkmenbashi. Visitors who do not register may have to pay fines upon departure. Additionally, according to a decree issued December 10, 2002, by Ashgabat city authorities, foreign guests in Ashgabat for temporary stays are required to stay in hotels. Unless they are legally resident in Turkmenistan, foreigners may not rent or buy private residences and may not stay at the private residences of Turkmen citizens in Ashgabat. Similar decrees have not been issued for other areas in Turkmenistan.
According to the MFA, all foreigners staying in Turkmenistan more than 3 months must be tested for HIV. Testing should be performed upon arrival in Turkmenistan.
SAFETY AND SECURITY: Turkmenistan's proximity to regions of past and current instability should be weighed carefully by travelers to the country. The Government of Turkmenistan has designated many areas throughout the country as "restricted zones," particularly the border areas next to Iran, Uzbekistan and Afghanistan. Other areas have also been designated as "restricted zones," including the city of Dashoguz and areas of the Caspian coast. Travel to these areas is forbidden without special permission from the Government of Turkmenistan. Turkmen Air, the national airline, will not sell a ticket to any traveler who intends to travel to a "restricted zone" without proof of permission from the Government. Travelers who wish to visit a "restricted zone" must have a valid passport and visa and must apply to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. There is a minimum processing time of 10 working days.
The November 25, 2002, attack on the motorcade of the President of Turkmenistan has led to a heightened state of security in which police have conducted widespread questioning, home saerches, and car searches. Security personnel have set up checkpoints on major roads. Foreigners have sometimes been singled out for harrassment.
CRIME: Turkmenistan has a low rate of violent crime, but ordinary street crime is common. Foreign visitors, including American citizens, present an attractive target for criminals. Travelers should exercise the same common sense, good judgment and caution in their activities as they would in any major U.S. city. There is a high incidence of petty theft and pickpockets in crowded public places, especially in the local bazaars. Visitors should take appropriate measures to safeguard their passports and valuables in such areas.
The U.S. Embassy strongly recommends that Americans avoid carrying large sums of money on the street. Travelers, especially women, should not take public transportation or walk alone, after dark. Taxi service should be used with caution. Unregistered taxis should be avoided. Visitors in bars and restaurants, particularly men, should be aware of women who may attempt to steal money and valuables. It is not advisable to go alone to unpopulated locations with an unknown person. The U.S. Embassy has received reports of police asking to view passports, and refusing to return the passports until the owner has paid a "fine."
When making a decision regarding health insurance, Americans should consider that many foreign doctors and hospitals require payment in cash before providing service and that a medical evacuation to the U.S. may cost more than $50,000. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas often face extreme difficulties. When consulting with your insurer before your trip, ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas healthcare provider or whether you will be reimbursed later for expenses you incur. Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death.
TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Turkmenistan is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance:
Safety of public transportation: Fair
Urban road conditions/maintenance: Fair
Rural road conditions/maintenance: Poor
Availability of roadside/ambulance assistance: Poor
Road conditions in Turkmenistan can make driving difficult and sometimes dangerous. Most roads outside of major cities are narrow, riddled with potholes, unlit at night, and without proper road signs. Driving at night on these roads should be avoided. City roads are better in comparison to rural routes but may be hazardous due to potholes, uncovered manholes and poor lighting. Many city streets lack designated crosswalks, forcing pedestrians to cross against traffic and creating dangerous conditions. Traffic accidents involving serious injury to drivers, passengers, and pedestrians are not uncommon.
In general, visitors should use caution when driving in Turkmenistan and be prepared for surprises and behavior not normally exhibited in the United States. Drivers may pay little attention to lanes and other road markings, with weaving and sudden lane changes a common occurrence (usually without use of the turn signal). Drivers will often encounter cars going the wrong way on one-way streets or divided highways. Cars also frequently make left-turns from the right lane and vice-versa.
Roadside assistance does not exist in Turkmenistan, where vast stretches of highway are often unmarked. Police checkpoints (where cars are required to stop and register) are a common feature on major routes between cities. The Embassy in Ashgabat has received reports that police stationed at checkpoints may arbitrarily fine motorists. Turkmen law requires that traffic fines be paid within twelve hours. If a fine is not paid within that period, the amount may double every 12 hours up to 72 hours, after which the vehicle may be seized.
Travelers who wish to drive in Turkmenistan must have a valid international driving permit.
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Turkmenistan is a cash-only economy. However, several new hotels accept credit cards. Vnesheconombank and the National Bank of Pakistan cash traveler's checks and personal checks for a fee, although cashing a personal check is a lengthy process that could require up to two months. Vnesheconombank also accepts Visa for cash advances, for a fee. The Turkmen-Russian Karz Bank, right next to the U.S. Embassy, has a Western Union office.
Although the Manat is the official currency, U.S. dollars are widely accepted and are required in payment for certain goods and services. Travelers may wish to bring sufficient U.S. currency to exchange into Manat to cover expenses not payable in U.S. Dollars.
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They can stick their cotton in their :moon:
I ain't going to Turkmenistan !
KOD
