Turkmenistan
Last update 14 January 2025Diplomatic missions
Risk index
Level 2: Increased cauion (Be informed on the current situation in the country beforehand)
2
Select passport type
Turkmenistan
The Republic of Bulgaria does not have an embassy in Turkmenistan. The Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in the Republic of Azerbaijan is accredited to Turkmenistan. Bulgarian citizens residing in Turkmenistan on a short-term or long-term basis, as well as Bulgarian legal entities, may address consular matters to the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in the Republic of Azerbaijan.
Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in the Republic of Azerbaijan
Address: AZ 1073, Azerbaijan, Baku, 13, Huseyn Javid prospekti
Telephone: +99 412 538 69 71; +99 412 538 69 72
Duty telephone for emergencies only during non-working hours: +994 51 225 74 71
Embassy opening hours: 09.30 - 17.30
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.mfa.bg/embassies/azerbaidzan
Consular Service
Reception hours: Monday - Friday: 10.00 a.m. - 1.00 p.m.
The reception of Bulgarian and Azerbaijani and other citizens, regardless of the requested service, is carried out only after a pre-booked appointment.
For booking appointments and consultation on consular matters, please contact:
+994 51 225 74 71 (from 15.00 to 16.00).
E-mail: [email protected]
The Embassy of Turkmenistan in Moscow is accredited for the Republic of Bulgaria.
Embassy of Turkmenistan in Moscow
Address: 115127, Moscow, Filippovsky per., 22
Tel: +7 (495) 695-37-16; +7 (495) 690-32-02; +7 (495) 690-32-58 (visa matters)
Fax: +7 (495) 691-09-35
e-mail: [email protected]
e-mail: [email protected] visa matters)
General information
Security level:
Travellers are advised to pay particular attention to their personal security. Avoid travel at night in border areas and inland Avoid travel through desert areas. Photography of military and strategic sites is prohibited.
Always carry your identity document.
Health:
It is recommended to avoid drinking water from the central water supply network. For cooking, water should be used only after boiling.
Specific legislation:
Homosexuality is prohibited in Turkmenistan.
Customs requirements:
Import of foreign currency in cash into Turkmenistan is allowed without restriction if the amount is declared to customs. Individuals may export foreign currency in an amount not exceeding US$10,000 or equivalent, as well as foreign currency that has been previously imported in cash and declared to Turkmenistan Customs by submitting the import declaration.
The export of works of art, antiques, archaeological objects and carpets is only with special permission.
If you are travelling with medicines purchased on prescription, check with the Turkmenistan Embassy to ensure the medicine is legal in Turkmenistan. Always carry medicines in the original packaging along with the prescription from the doctor.
For more information visit the official website of the Turkmenistan Customs Service: https://customs.gov.tm/en/customs-info/for-individuals
Local currency:
The official currency in Turkmenistan is the Turkmen manat.
Most businesses, including airlines and hotels, do not accept international credit cards (MasterCard and Visa). In some places it is possible to pay with bank cards, but check in advance what the fees are.
It is recommended to exchange currency at exchange offices located at the airport, banks and some hotels. It is advisable to ask the reception staff at the hotel you are staying at for assistance in this matter.
Ask to see the exchange document, otherwise the transaction may be categorised as an illegal currency exchange.
Public transport:
There is a functioning system of public buses in Ashgabat. The fare is 1 (one) Turkmen manat per trip.
Travel documents and visa requirements:
Bulgarian citizens holding ordinary foreign passports need a visa to visit Turkmenistan.
Bulgarian citizens can apply for a visa for Turkmenistan at the Turkmen embassies in Moscow or Ankara. Information on the documents and fees required to apply for a Turkmenistan visa can be found at the following website: https://istanbul.tmconsulate.gov.tm/en/consular-services/consular/visa-requirements
Bulgarian citizens travelling to Turkmenistan who hold diplomatic and service passports do not need a visa.
The passport must be valid for at least six months after the visa expires.
Practical advice:
There are no roaming services for European mobile operators in Turkmenistan. Keep this information in mind when arranging your mobile banking and other services requiring SMS authentication!
Internet access is available in international hotels for their guests.
There is some difficulty in purchasing local SIM cards.
Take out the best possible travel medical insurance you can afford before you leave the Republic of Bulgaria. This could help you avoid large costs such as hospitalisation.
Keep your Bulgarian passport valid for the duration of your trip, including for any family members travelling with you.
Keep your identity documents.
Respect and observe the local laws, religion and culture of the country.
Travel papers and visas
Bulgarian citizens holding ordinary passports need a visa to visit Turkmenistan. Bulgarian citizens can apply for a Turkmenistan visa at the embassies of Turkmenistan in Moscow or Ankara. Information on the required documents and fees for applying for a Turkmenistan visa can be found on the following website: https://istanbul.tmconsulate.gov.tm/en/consular-services/consular/visa-requirements..Bulgarian citizens traveling to Turkmenistan, holders of diplomatic and service passports, do not need a visa.
The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months after the visa expires.
Important!
- Within three days from the day of arrival, all foreign nationals must register at the local office of the State Migration Service in Ashgabat or in the city where they will reside within the validity of their visa. This applies to foreign nationals staying outside a hotel.
- When visiting another city or region, foreign citizens must again register at the local office of the State Migration Service.
- One day before leaving the territory of Turkmenistan, foreign citizens must inform the State Migration Service that they will leave the territory of the country the next day.
Consular service
Temporary travel passport for EU citizens:
In case of damaged, lost or stolen passports, Bulgarian citizens can apply for a temporary travel passport for EU citizens at an EU Member State embassy in Ashgabat. This temporary passport is issued for the sole purpose of returning to Bulgaria.
Endorsements and legalisations:
Turkmenistan is not a party to the Hague Convention. There is no Legal Assistance Treaty in force between the Republic of Bulgaria and Turkmenistan. Documents and other documents issued by Turkmenistan are subject to legalization in accordance with the procedure set out in the Regulations on Legalizations, Certifications and Translations of Documents and Other Documents.