Turkmenistan entry requirements for Nepal passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Nepali passport holders need a visa to enter Turkmenistan. You must apply in advance at a Turkmen embassy or consulate — there is no visa on arrival or e-visa option as of 2026. Plan ahead, as processing can take several weeks.
Apply for Turkmenistan eVisaTourist visa requires letter of invitation from licensed tour operator.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply for a visa before travel | You must obtain a visa from a Turkmen embassy or consulate before arriving. Start the process at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs visa portal — you will need a letter of invitation from a Turkmen host or tour operator. Processing takes 10–15 working days, and the visa is issued as a sticker in your passport.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the entire stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Turkmenistan. Carry a photocopy of the bio-data page separately from your passport. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Turkmenistan | Immigration officers at Ashgabat International Airport routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital booking confirmation ready on your phone. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | You need a confirmed hotel reservation for your entire stay or a letter of invitation from your host in Turkmenistan. The State Migration Service may ask for this at the border. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry at least $100 USD per day in cash or a credit card statement showing available funds. Turkmenistan is a cash-heavy country — bring crisp US dollars for exchanges and payments. | Recommended |
Visa required — apply well in advance
There is no visa on arrival or e-visa for Nepali passport holders. You must apply at a Turkmen embassy before travelling. Start the process at least 6 weeks before your planned departure.
Letter of invitation is mandatory
You cannot enter Turkmenistan without a letter of invitation from a registered travel agency or host. Most travellers book a guided tour, and the agency handles the LOI. Independent travel is very difficult.
What happens at the border
1
Get a letter of invitation
Contact a Turkmen travel agency or your host to arrange an LOI. This is the most time-consuming step — allow 2-4 weeks. The agency will send you a scanned copy or original by post.
2
Submit visa application at embassy
Take your completed form, passport, photos, LOI, and flight itinerary to the nearest Turkmen embassy. If you're in Nepal, the closest embassy is in New Delhi, India. Some travellers use a visa service or apply by mail — check the embassy's website first.
3
Wait for processing
Processing typically takes 10-20 working days. Rush service is not usually available. Track your application via email or phone.
4
Collect visa and prepare for travel
Once approved, you'll get a visa sticker in your passport. Double-check the validity dates and number of entries. Print your LOI, flight tickets, and hotel booking — keep them with your passport.
5
Arrive at Ashgabat International Airport
At immigration, present your passport with visa, return ticket, and LOI. The officer may ask your purpose of visit and where you're staying. Answer clearly. The process usually takes 10-15 minutes.
Download Turkmenistan Entry Checklist
PDF · Nepal Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa single entry
Max stay30 days, extendable 15 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$35 USD (approx. NPR 4,600)
Apply at Turkmen embassy/consulate. Requires invitation letter.
Tourist visa multiple entry
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable 15 days
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$55 USD (approx. NPR 7,200)
For frequent travelers. Requires invitation letter.
Transit visa
Max stay5 days
ValiditySingle transit within 10 days
Cost$20 USD (approx. NPR 2,600)
For airside transit only. Requires confirmed onward ticket.
work visa
Work Visa for Turkmenistan
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. NPR 26,000) plus employer sponsorship
For foreign nationals employed by a Turkmen company. Requires a work permit obtained by the employer. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa for Turkmenistan
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$50 USD (approx. NPR 6,500) plus university acceptance
For those enrolled in a Turkmen educational institution. Requires proof of enrollment and financial support.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist visa. | $35 USD (approx. NPR 4,600) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)For multiple entries within visa validity. | $55 USD (approx. NPR 7,200) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa validity. | $10 USD per day (max $200 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Turkmenistan
Transit visa required
Nepal passport holders need a transit visa to change planes in Turkmenistan, even if staying airside.
Transit hubsAshgabat International Airport (ASB)
Health & vaccines for Turkmenistan
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice safe eating and drinking.
TuberculosisModerate risk
Risk in crowded settings; consider screening if prolonged stay.
Respiratory infectionsLow risk
Seasonal flu and other respiratory illnesses are possible.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Ashgabat
State Migration Service of Turkmenistan
Bitarap Turkmenistan Avenue, Ashgabat
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
Main office for visa extensions and registration. Bring passport, visa, and completed application form.
Turkmenbashi
Turkmenbashi Immigration Office
Magtymguly Street, Turkmenbashi
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Handles visa issues for port and border areas.
Practical information for NP travellers
Country basics
CapitalAshgabat
LanguageTurkmen
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 30 days, but an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyTurkmenistan manat (TMT)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 3.5 TMT
Time zone
Local timeUTC+5
vs New York+10h
vs Los Angeles+13h
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,FTypes C and F, standard European plugs
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No. Turkmenistan does not offer visa on arrival for Nepali passport holders. You must obtain a visa from a Turkmen embassy or consulate before you travel.
Processing usually takes 10-20 working days after the embassy receives your complete application. Including the time to get a letter of invitation, plan for at least 4-6 weeks total.
The closest Turkmen embassy is in New Delhi, India. There is no Turkmen embassy in Nepal. You can apply in person or by mail. Some travellers use a visa agency in Delhi to handle the process.
Yes. Every foreign visitor needs a letter of invitation from a registered Turkmen travel agency or a host approved by the State Migration Service. Most travellers book a tour, and the agency provides the LOI.
No. The visa is not extendable. You must leave before the visa expiry date. Overstaying can result in fines and difficulties leaving the country.
Tourist visas are typically issued for up to 10 days, sometimes up to 30 days for longer tours. The exact duration depends on your itinerary and the embassy's decision. Check with the embassy when you apply.
Not always, but some embassies may ask for proof of insurance. Even if not required, it's strongly recommended — medical costs in Turkmenistan can be high and you may need to pay upfront.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.