Turkmenistan entry requirements for Vietnam 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
Vietnamese passport holders need a visa to enter Turkmenistan. You must arrange this before you travel — there are no visa-on-arrival or e-visa options for Vietnamese citizens as of 2026. Plan ahead and apply through a Turkmen embassy or a specialist visa agency.
Apply for Turkmenistan eVisaTourist visa requires letter of invitation from licensed tour operator.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visa required | Apply for a Turkmenistan visa through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal. Processing takes 10–15 working days and requires an invitation letter from a Turkmen host or registered company. Submit your application at least 3 weeks before departure.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Turkmenistan. Turkmenistan does not enforce the 6-month validity rule, but airlines may still check for it before boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Ashgabat International Airport routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed copy of your return or onward ticket ready to show at the border. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Carry a hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Turkmenistan. Officers may ask for this during the visa application process or at the border. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Have bank statements or cash showing you can support yourself during your stay. There is no fixed minimum amount, but having around $500 USD equivalent is a safe bet. | Recommended |
No visa on arrival — plan ahead
Turkmenistan is one of the most restrictive countries for visas. There is no e-visa or visa on arrival for Vietnamese passport holders. You must secure an invitation letter and a physical visa sticker before you fly. Start the process at least 6 weeks in advance.
Registration is mandatory within 3 days
All foreign visitors must be registered with the State Migration Service within 3 working days of arrival. Hotels usually handle this automatically, but if you're staying with friends or in a private apartment, you must go to the local OVIR office yourself. Failure to register can result in fines or problems when leaving.
What happens at the border
1
Get a visa invitation letter
Contact a registered tour operator in Turkmenistan or your business partner to obtain an official invitation from the State Migration Service. This can take 2–4 weeks. You'll need to provide your passport details and travel dates.
2
Apply at a Turkmen embassy
Submit your passport, invitation letter, visa application form, passport photos, and fee to the nearest Turkmen embassy. There is no embassy in Vietnam — you'll likely need to apply at the embassy in Beijing, Moscow, or another regional hub. Processing takes 5–10 working days.
3
Collect your visa and check details
Once approved, your visa will be affixed to a passport page. Double-check the validity dates, number of entries, and any restrictions. Make a photocopy or scan.
4
Arrive at Ashgabat International Airport
At immigration, present your passport with the visa, your return ticket, and accommodation proof. The officer may ask a few questions about your trip. The process is usually straightforward if your documents are in order.
5
Register with local authorities
Within 3 working days of arrival, your hotel or host must register you with the State Migration Service. If you're staying in private accommodation, you must do this yourself at the local OVIR office. Keep the registration slip — you'll need it when you leave.
Download Turkmenistan Entry Checklist
PDF · Vietnam 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, not extendable
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$35 USD (approx. 820,000 VND)
Must apply at Turkmen embassy in Hanoi or online via eVisa system.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, not extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$55 USD (approx. 1,290,000 VND)
Suitable for multiple visits within validity.
Transit visa
Max stay5 days
ValiditySingle transit within 10 days
Cost$20 USD (approx. 470,000 VND)
Requires confirmed onward ticket and visa for next destination.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry tourist visa, payable at embassy or online. | $35 USD (approx. 820,000 VND) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | $55 USD (approx. 1,290,000 VND) |
| Visa extension feeExtensions are rarely granted; check with local immigration office. | Unknown (typically $20–50 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstaying can lead to fines and future visa bans. | $10 USD per day (no known cap) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa application20%
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
Vietnam 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 risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common due to limited sanitation; avoid tap water and street food.
Mosquito-borne diseasesLow risk
Low risk in urban areas, but present in rural regions.
Air pollutionModerate risk
Dust and industrial pollution can aggravate respiratory conditions.
Malaria risk: low
Risk exists in rural areas near borders; prophylaxis not routinely recommended for urban travel.
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
1939 Street, Ashgabat
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
Main office for visa extensions and registration. Bring passport, visa, and hotel registration.
Turkmenbashi
Turkmenbashi Immigration Office
Unknown
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Handles extensions for visitors in the western region.
Practical information for VN 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 Vietnamese passport holders. You must have a visa issued by a Turkmen embassy before you travel.
The invitation letter takes 2–4 weeks to process. The embassy visa application takes another 5–10 working days. Start the process at least 6 weeks before your trip.
There is no Turkmen embassy in Vietnam. The nearest options are the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Beijing (China) or the Embassy in Moscow (Russia). You can also use a visa agency that handles applications on your behalf.
It's an official document issued by the Turkmen State Migration Service based on a request from a sponsor in Turkmenistan — usually a tour company or a business partner. You cannot get this letter yourself; you must work with a sponsor. Many tour operators include the invitation in their package.
Yes. Your hotel or host must register you with the State Migration Service within 3 working days. If you're staying in private accommodation, you must go to the local OVIR office yourself. Keep the registration slip — you'll be asked for it when you leave the country.
Extensions are possible in theory but rarely granted for tourists. You must apply at the State Migration Service in Ashgabat before your visa expires. The process is slow and uncertain — it's better to apply for the correct duration upfront.
It is not officially required at the border, but it is strongly recommended. Medical facilities are limited, and any serious treatment will require upfront payment. Evacuation to another country can cost thousands of dollars.
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.