Turkmenistan
About Turkmenistan
| Currency | Turkmen new manat (TMT) |
| Language | Turkmen |
| Capital | Ashgabat |
Turkmenistan is located in central Asia between Kazakhstan and Iran. The population is about 5 million people. Although Turkmen is the official language, Russian and Uzbek are also spoken.
Turkmenistan’s government is a republic with a single party system. A president is chief of state and head of government.
In ancient times, Turkmenistan was part of the Persian Empire. In the eighth century, Arabs invaded bringing Islam to the area. During the late 1800s, this area was incorporated into Russia; and in 1925, Turkmenistan became a republic within the USSR. The country achieved independence in 1991 upon the dissolution of the USSR.
The country has not been able to fully benefit from large gas reserves due to a lack of export routes. Some of the problems for Turkmenistan are widespread poverty, corruption, government misuse of revenue, and a poor education system.
The tourism sector has not been heavily promoted. Visitors will need a tourist visa and, at this time, would need an official guide to travel in the country. Travellers should explore recent travel visa requirements and rules carefully.
Recommended Vaccinations For Turkmenistan
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis B Vaccine
There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Hepatitis A Vaccine
There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
For Some Travellers
Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) Vaccine
BCG vaccine is recommended for those at increased risk from coming in close contact with infected persons or for unvaccinated, children under 16 years of age, who will live in Turkmenistan for more than 3 months.
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine
A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for all travellers over 6 months of age.
Typhoid Fever Vaccine
There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities or rural areas, where food and water sources may be contaminated.
Rabies Vaccine
Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.
Recommended Medications For Turkmenistan
There are no recommendations for Turkmenistan at this time.
Diseases To Be Aware of for Turkmenistan
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis A
There is a high risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Turkmenistan through contaminated food or water.
Hepatitis B
There is a high risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Turkmenistan.
For Some Travellers
Hanta Virus
There is a risk of acquiring Hantavirus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.
Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever
There is a risk of acquiring Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever in this country through specific insect, bug or tick bites or by coming in close contact with a person or animal infected with this disease. Travellers involved in activities like hiking, camping, working with animals, and visiting farms and forested areas are at a higher risk. There are no vaccinations (or medications) to prevent Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever.
Measles
There is a risk of Measles in this country, especially in infants aged 6 to 11 months.
Tuberculosis
Travellers to Turkmenistan are at significant risk for tuberculosis, including multi-drug resistant tuberculosis, if visiting friends or family, working in the health care field, or having close prolonged contact with the general population.
Leishmaniasis
Leishmaniasis occurs in this country.
Typhoid Fever
Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Turkmenistan, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.
Rabies
Rabies occurs in this country. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.
Safety & Security in Turkmenistan
Personal Safety
The crime rate is low in this country, and most travellers have no trouble. However, always be alert to your surroundings and personal safety. Keep valuables secured and out of sight. Safeguard your important documents, such as your passport. Women should avoid travelling alone in Turkmenistan due to the risk of harassment.
Carry your passport or a copy of their passport at all times, as police and military officials may question foreigners and request proof of identity. Curfews are sometimes in place and should be obeyed. Violation of curfews can result in deportation. Areas bordering Iran, Uzbekistan and Afghanistan, including the city of Dashoguz and areas of the Caspian coast, are restricted zones. Permission from the Government of Turkmenistan must be obtained to travel to these areas.
Road travel outside of cities can be hazardous at night due to poor road conditions. Also drivers may not follow rules of the road.
Extreme Violence
Areas bordering Afghanistan may be subject to terrorist attacks, militant activity and clashes between militants and Afghan forces.
Political Unrest
Minimize safety risk by avoiding any public and political gatherings and demonstrations since even peaceful protests can quickly and unexpectedly escalate.
Areas To Avoid
Avoid areas bordering Afghanistan and Iran.
