Turkmenistan E-Visa: How It Works and How to Apply

From October 1, 2026, Turkmenistan is introducing an electronic visa option. The change comes after an e-visa law was passed in April 2025, with the Migration Service moving more of the process online over the past year.

What changes

Under the current system, we submit an LOI application on your behalf. Once approved, you receive a printed Letter of Invitation, which you bring to the border. There, you pay the visa fee in cash and receive a visa sticker in your passport.

With the e-visa, we receive a PDF from the Migration Service instead of an LOI. You print the PDF before your trip and present it at the border. There is no sticker and no visa on arrival fee to pay at the crossing. The fee is paid in advance by us as part of your booking.

Will the LOI still be available?

As far as we know, yes. The e-visa appears to be an additional option rather than a mandatory replacement for the LOI. We are also not yet certain whether visa on arrival will remain available under the LOI route, or whether the e-visa will replace it entirely. We will post an update once we have seen how both systems work after October 1.

What stays the same

The application process is unchanged. You book a tour, provide your passport details through our digital application form and travel dates, and we handle the rest. There is no government portal for direct applications that can be used by travelers.

Processing times are expected to stay similar. Allow at least four weeks before your travel date. You can read more on our Turkmenistan visa page.

What to do when you receive an e-visa

We will send you the PDF once it is issued. Print it before your trip and carry it with your passport. Keep a digital copy on your phone as backup. The e-visa will be valid at all standard entry points: Ashgabat International Airport and land borders including Farap, Dashoguz, Garabogaz, and Serhetabat.

Questions

Can I apply for the e-visa myself?

No. The application still goes through us. The e-visa changes the document you receive at the end, not how you apply.

Does the e-visa apply to all nationalities?

All nationalities can apply, but as with the LOI, some nationalities have a higher rejection rate. Get in touch and we will let you know how your passport is likely to be assessed.

Book a tour to Turkmenistan

Visa support is included with every tour we arrange. Browse private Turkmenistan tour packages or check upcoming group tour departures. If you have questions about how this change affects your booking, get in touch.