This is an annual report produced in conjunction with the Regional Security Office at the U.S. Embassy in Ashgabat. OSAC encourages travelers to use this report to gain baseline knowledge of security conditions in Turkmenistan. For more in-depth information, review OSAC’s country-specific page for original OSAC reporting, consular messages, and contact information, some of which may be available only to private-sector representatives with an OSAC password.

Travel Advisory

The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses Turkmenistan at Level 1, indicating travelers should exercise normal precautions. Review OSAC’s report, Understanding the Consular Travel Advisory System.

 

Overall Crime and Safety Situation 

Crime Threats 

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Ashgabat as being a MEDIUM-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.

The Government of Turkmenistan does not publish crime statistics, and most data comes from informal sources. In general, Ashgabat is safe for foreigners, but has many of the same crimes found in any major city. The city’s fourth, fifth, sixth, and Hitrovka mirco districts have slightly higher rates of crime. Of significant concern in Turkmenistan are crimes involving fraud, bribery, and institutional corruption. Crimes of opportunity against foreigners are rare but do occur.

The threat of residential break-in and burglary is a concern, especially for local residents as they generally keep large amounts of cash at home. Smash-and-grab robberies from vehicles have occurred in the last year.

Unofficial sources claim that the murder/manslaughter rate in Ashgabat is about one per week (often alcohol related). Violent crimes that include the trade/use of narcotics tend to involve only the local population.

Prostitution is illegal, although evident at many hotels and restaurants. Solicitation can happen anywhere. Although not a complete list, prostitutes reportedly solicit foreigners in Ashgabat at the following locations: the British Pub; the Grand Turkmen Hotel; the Yyldyz hotel bar; the restaurants Chocolate, Mandarin, and Veranda; Minara disco club; and the clubs at the Ak Altyn hotel and Kopetdag restaurant. Law enforcement entities have conducted prostitution raids at local establishments.

At nightclubs, never leave drinks unattended, and never accept drinks from unknown people. For more information, review OSAC’s Report Shaken: The Don’ts of Alcohol Abroad.

Exercise good residential security measures, even though burglaries against the expatriate community are rare. Use safety deposit boxes or room safes for storing valuables. Check door/window locks to ensure they work. Practice using all emergency exits. Never invite unknown individuals into residences or hotel rooms. For more information, review OSAC’s reports, Hotels: The Inns and Outs and Considerations for Hotel Security.

Corruption is a major issue in Turkmenistan. Below is a year-in-review of significant corruption cases announced by the government: 

·         Authorities arrested multiple officials from the Office of the Mufti as well as staffers from the Department of Religious Organizations under the Cabinet of Ministers for abuse of power for coercing bribes to participate in religious pilgrimages.

·         Authorities arrested officials from the Turkmenistan State Commodity Exchange and the Turkmenbashy Complex of Oil Refineries for embezzlement of state-owned property.

·         Authorities arrested additional officials from the State Commodity Exchange for taking bribes while trading oil and gas products.

·         Authorities arrested a well-known entrepreneur for operating a business without required permits, tax evasion, and the intention to export illegally a large amount of foreign currency cash.

·         Authorities arrested the head of the Department of Textile Industry under the Cabinet of Ministers for bribery when helping multi-national companies buy aviation fuel.

·         Authorities arrested the former Minister of Trade and Foreign Economic Relations for abuse of power for helping friends and relatives obtain luxury apartments, long-term loans, and high-ranking positions in the Ministry, and for helping companies registered overseas bid on and purchase petroleum products at reduced prices.

·         Authorities convicted the Minister of Internal Affairs of Turkmenistan of abuse of office and receipt of bribes. Authorities also arrested the former Head of the State Migration Service similar crimes committed from 2015 to 2019 while holding high office.

Cybersecurity Issues 

Approximately 22% of the population is online; most of this group accesses the Internet via cell phone. With limited opportunities for online shopping and censored websites, cybercrime by Turkmen actors is not prevalent. However, cyber monitoring and censorship are ubiquitous. You have no expectation of privacy. Review OSAC’s reports, Cybersecurity Basics, Best Practices for Maximizing Security on Public Wi-Fi, Traveling with Mobile Devices: Trends & Best Practices, and Satellite Phones: Critical or Contraband?

Other Areas of Concern 

Instability in Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan negatively affects the security situation in Central Asia as a whole. Neighboring countries may unilaterally close borders with no advance warning. Foreigners may not travel to restricted border zones without special permission from the State Migration Service (SMS). These areas include the border areas with Iran, Uzbekistan, and Afghanistan, and some areas along the Caspian coast. Travel to these zones requires approval from the SMS. When/if attempting to cross a border by vehicle, ensure that the driver has the original “technical passport” (vehicle registration) for the vehicle being driven. If travelers already have a valid visa to a neighboring country that requires travel through a border zone, border permissions are not required. Travelers transiting the border area may not stay on the Turkmenistan side of the border. If you stay overnight in a location other than where registered with the SMS, you may be subject to arrest.

Transportation Safety 

Road Safety and Road Conditions  

Travel to, from, and within Turkmenistan by road remains difficult and unreliable. Local driving practices can be erratic and result in accidents and traffic jams. Local drivers rarely respect lane markings and will regularly drift through lanes without signaling. Vehicles park indiscriminately on busy streets. Unofficial taxis regularly pull over without warning to pick up/drop off passengers. Drivers frequently attempt to make turns from the middle lane. Headlight use (if at all) may occur only after it has become completely dark. Drunk driving is common.

The main roads in Ashgabat and other administrative centers are in good condition. Once outside the Ashgabat city limits, highways contain numerous potholes and few or no lane markings, lights, or signs. With the exception of the M-37, highway infrastructure is extremely poor. Slow-moving trucks, agricultural vehicles, and livestock crossing roads are frequent hazards. Erratic driving and car accidents are common. Because roads outside the city are not illuminated, avoid driving at night. 

Traffic police work at stationary positions and checkpoints, and along major roads in Ashgabat. Within cities, traffic police are at almost every intersection; they use a white-and-black striped stick when signaling drivers to stop for questioning. It is not unusual for police to stop pedestrians and drivers and demand bribes that average 100-200 manat; police may stop female drivers for no apparent reason other than their gender, and may demand significantly more in bribes from them.  

Western visitors have reported being presumed guilty in car accidents involving locals, perhaps because of the perception that foreigners have money. 

Take extra care to avoid hitting pedestrians. Pedestrians routinely step into the street without looking. They also tend to walk/stand in the road at night, and rarely use reflective clothing. Drivers should not assume pedestrians are able to see or will yield to an oncoming vehicle. Police regularly stop anyone trying to jaywalk. Pedestrians should never assume they have the right-of-way and should use pedestrian underpasses or overpasses when available. The local population rarely uses them, usually choosing to cross at unmarked points between intersections. 

For more information on self-driving, review OSAC’s reports, Road Safety Abroad, Driving Overseas: Best Practices, and Evasive Driving Techniques; and read the State Department’s webpage on driving and road safety abroad

Public Transportation Conditions  

Public buses in Ashgabat are inexpensive but overcrowded during peak times. Trains, although slow, are generally safe and reliable. 

Almost any driver will offer pedestrians a ride for a fee. Many locals use unmarked taxis. Yellow Cab and Berkarar Cab are the registered taxi providers in Ashgabat. They are usually located at the airport, near major hotels, and at the Berkarar shopping center. Yellow Cab taxis (76-05-01) are discernable by their bright yellow color, green license plates, and light affixed to the roof. Berkarar Cab taxis (46-88-88) are white with green lettering on the door and green license plates. Even though both taxi services have meters, most drivers do not use them; passengers should agree on a price prior to departure. The average cost of a ride to anywhere in the city is 10-20 manat. 

Ferries cross the Caspian Sea between Turkmenbashy and Baku, Azerbaijan almost daily. Schedules are inconsistent and unpublished. Reach the passenger ferry terminal at the Turkmenbashy International Seaport at +993 64-65-56-46 (cell), or from a local landline at 8-24349345. Review OSAC’s report, Security In Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights.

Aviation/Airport Conditions 

Turkmenistan Airlines historically has a good safety record. However, the European Aviation Safety Agency suspended Turkmenistan Airlines flights to and from European Union airports for several months in 2019 pending confirmation that they met international air safety standards. Flights to the EU have since resumed. Turkmen airports do not support Instrument Flight Rules, which can lead to flight cancelations or delays, particularly due to fog during the winter.

Terrorism Threat

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Ashgabat as being a MEDIUM-threat location for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. While there has been no known terrorist activity in Turkmenistan, a continuing threat exists in Central Asia and media report on the arrest of Turkmenistani terrorists have in other countries. Turkmenistan shares long borders with Afghanistan and Iran.

Extremist groups such as the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, ISIS, and al-Qa’ida remain active in Central Asia, and the Turkistan Islamic Party remains active in the Afghanistan-Pakistan region. These groups have expressed anti-U.S. sentiments and may attempt to target U.S. government or private interests in the region.

Political, Economic, Religious, and Ethnic Violence 

 

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Ashgabat as being a LOW-threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.

Civil Unrest  

There is minimal risk from civil unrest in Ashgabat, and there was no known or reported civil unrest in Turkmenistan in 2019. In practice, authorities do not allow people to gather in large groups.

Post-Specific Concerns  

Environmental Hazards 

Turkmenistan is located in an active seismic zone, and earthquakes have damaged infrastructure. Plan multiple evacuation routes in the event of a natural disaster. For more information, review OSAC’s report, Central Asia Earthquake Preparedness.

High winds have caused marble slab veneers on buildings to detach and fall to the ground. Serious bodily injury/death could result if struck by falling marble slabs or fragments. Practice good situational awareness. 

Critical Infrastructure  

Turkmenistan has weak industrial safety regulations. As such, take safety precautions when operating in/around industrial complexes and/or construction sites. 

Satellite phones are illegal. Cellular reception is poor or unavailable outside of the six major cities.

Economic Espionage/Intellectual Property Theft 

Turkmenistan’s currency is pegged to the dollar at an official rate of 3.5 manat; on the black market, it trades at over 18 manat to the dollar, five times the official rate. The government has imposed severe restrictions on currency conversion and banned foreign currency sales in an effort to mitigate the ongoing hard currency shortage. Individuals found exchanging currencies outside of authorized institutions may face administrative penalties.

Inflation remains in the double digits. Corruption is pervasive. Extensive outmigration has reduced the working-age population, especially among skilled workers. The government has developed a reputation for non-payment of its contracts with international firms, in some cases going several million or even billion dollars into arrears.

Pirated software, music, and films are widely available. Turkmenistan is a watch-list country for intellectual property protection. 

Although Turkmenistan has a cash-based economy, most reputable hotels accept credit cards. Hotel guests should verify charges made to their account in order to detect unauthorized use. 

Privacy Concerns 

Foreigners should practice good operational security practices by safeguarding sensitive information by assuming that the government monitors all conversations. Avoid potentially compromising situations and discussions of sensitive information. 

Personal Identity Concerns 

Public transportation, sidewalks, many buildings, and public areas are not wheelchair accessible. Review the State Department’s webpage on security for travelers with disabilities.

Women in isolated surroundings may be at an increased risk for harassment/assault. Review the State Department’s webpage on security for female travelers.

Same-sex sexual contact between men is illegal and carries criminal penalties; harassment, detention, and prison sentences are possible. Social norms in Turkmenistan are extremely conservative. The Embassy cautions homosexual and heterosexual couples alike against displays of affection in public. Review the State Department’s webpage on security for LGBTI+ travelers.

Turkmenistan does not recognize multiple citizenships of its citizens. Dual Turkmen-U.S. citizens are likely to have a difficult time leaving Turkmenistan after visiting; it may be necessary for them to renounce Turkmen citizenship before departing. The renunciation process can take six months or longer. Dual Turkmen-U.S. citizens should contact the Consular Section at the U.S. Embassy in Ashgabat before they consider visiting Turkmenistan. For more information on dual citizenship and renunciation of Turkmen citizenship, visit the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan, Citizenship Office. 

Drug-Related Crimes 

Turkmenistan is a transit area for narcotic traffickers who mostly smuggle opiates from Afghanistan to Turkish, Russian, and European markets. It is not a major producer or source country for illegal drugs or precursor chemicals. Most drug seizures occur along Turkmenistan’s rugged, remote 500-mile long border with Afghanistan, and its 700-mile long frontier with Iran. Money laundering in Turkmenistan involves proceeds from the illegal drug trade. 

Counter-narcotic efforts continue to be a government priority. Drug sales have reportedly dropped since the government stopped granting pardons to prisoners convicted of drug-related crimes. Although low overall, Ashgabat’s fourth, fifth, sixth, and Hitrovka mirco districts may experience higher numbers of drug-related crimes.

Kidnapping Threat 

There are no known threats to foreigners of kidnapping, though there are occasional reports of local children being kidnapped. Review OSAC’s report, Kidnapping: the Basics.

 

Police Response 

A heavy police presence in most major cities helps deter petty crime. Despite being on nearly every street, police may be unable or unwilling to respond or intervene in certain circumstances. The capabilities of law enforcement agencies do not meet Western standards. Many security officials speak only Turkmen, which makes it difficult for many foreigners to communicate. Response times are often inadequate. Most investigations are slow, and judicial processes are different from those seen in the U.S. criminal justice system. 

Turkmenistan ranks very poorly on Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index. Substandard salaries and training opportunities contribute to corrupt practices and a lack of professionalism. Security personnel solicit bribes in the course of their official duties to supplement their income. Traffic police often target vehicles with commercial (yellow) license plates for bribes.

Laws, rules, and regulations can be ambiguous—to ordinary citizens and police alike—and are randomly enforced. For example: 

·         Authorities only sporadically enforce the ban on smoking in public places, yet officials may harass individuals for smoking on publicly visible apartment balconies. Smoking is typically only permissible indoors.

·         Police irregularly enforce regulations on tinted windows on vehicles and residences.  

·         An unofficial curfew begins at 11:00 p.m. 

·         The government sometimes prohibits beards for local men over 40 and colored hair for women. 

Laws governing weapons are very strict. Only a limited number of security personnel may carry handguns. Civilians may carry hunting shotguns, but they must apply for a license. The licensing process includes a psychiatric evaluation and a doctor’s statement confirming that the applicant is not addicted to narcotics. With an approved application, the owner must register the weapon with the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Gun owners must store weapons in a safe, separate from the ammunition. Approximately every six months, the government inspects homes of gun owners to ensure compliance. Gun crimes are extremely rare. 

Turkmen security officials are extremely sensitive to photography of official personnel, buildings, and monuments. Ask before taking pictures of anything of possible military or security interest, including government buildings and food markets. Review OSAC’s Report Picture This: Dos and Don’ts for Photography.

Passports are required for many transactions and random document inspections by local police. Carry your identity documents with you and cooperate with police questioning. Carry a second copy of your passport photo and visa pages in a separate location.

In accordance with the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations and certain bilateral agreements, local authorities must contact the U.S. Embassy anytime they arrest a U.S. citizen. Arrested or detained U.S. citizens should ask to contact the U.S. Embassy immediately (+993 63 047683 or 94-00-45) and ask for the duty officer.

Individuals who become the victim of a crime should contact the Embassy Duty Officer (+993 63 047683 or 94-00-45) and call the police (02) or go to the nearest police precinct to file a report.  Download the State Department’s Crime Victims Assistance brochure.

 

Medical Emergencies 

The quality of medical care in Turkmenistan is inadequate and significantly below Western standards. Elderly travelers and those with pre-existing health problems should be aware that medical care is very difficult to access. Basic medical supplies, including disposable needles, anesthetics, and antibiotics, are often in short supply. Those with a serious medical condition should check with a physician before planning travel to Turkmenistan. Some private clinics have refused to admit patients with serious conditions, regardless of the patient’s ability to pay. All travelers should bring an adequate supply of prescription and non-prescription medications. Refer to OSAC’s Report, Traveling with Medications. 

In Ashgabat, Turkmen or Russian speakers can dial 03 for an ambulance. 

U.S. citizens with medical emergencies should contact the U.S. Embassy duty officer (+993 63 04-76-83 or 94-00-45). The quality of care at the Emergency Hospital (+993 12-90-79-47) is below Western standards, however it is the priority emergency room for patients in Ashgabat.

Air ambulance services are available, but response times vary. Find contact information for available medical services and available air ambulance services on the U.S. Embassy website.

All travelers should purchase medical evacuation (medevac) insurance. The U.S. Department of State strongly recommends purchasing international health insurance before traveling internationally. Review the State Departments webpage on insurance overseas.

Food sanitation is an issue at markets and restaurants. Avoid eating unpeeled fruits, uncooked vegetables, and any items that left sitting outside for an extended period. Tap water is not potable. Bottled water and other drinks purchased in cans or bottles are safe for consumption. Refer to OSAC’s report, I’m Drinking What in My Water?  

Significant disease outbreaks are possible due to population shifts and a decline in some immunization coverage among the general population. Throughout Central Asia, rates of infection of various forms of hepatitis and tuberculosis—including drug-resistant strains—are on the rise.

Unconfirmed reports indicate a high rate of sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV.

The CDC offers additional information on vaccines and health guidance for Turkmenistan. 

OSAC Country Council Information  

The Ashgabat Country Council meets annually. Contact OSAC’s South & Central Asia team with any questions or to join.

U.S. Embassy Contact Information  

9 Pushkin Street, Ashgabat; Open Monday-Friday, 0900 – 1800

·         Embassy Operator: +993 12-94-00-45

·         Embassy Duty Officer available 24/7: +993 63-04-76-83

·         American Citizen Services (after hours): +993 65-69-26-88 

Any visitor staying longer than three days must register with the State Migration Service. For additional information, consult the U.S. Embassy website or email the Consular Section.

Helpful Information

 

Before you travel, consider the following resources:

·         OSAC Risk Matrix

·         OSAC Travelers Toolkit

·         State Department Traveler’s Checklist

·         Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)

·         Turkmenistan Country Information Sheet