Turkmenistan is following in the footsteps of the other Central Asian countries by opening up to tourism, with the passing of a new law last Friday that introduces electronic visas and makes it easier for foreigners to enter the former Soviet republic.
Since its independence from the USSR in 1991, the gas-rich Central Asian country has imposed very strict restrictions on would-be visitors. However, if a traveller had an invitation from the immigration service, they could get a visa upon arrival. Having either an invitation or a visa guaranteed entry to the country, and so far there were no cases when someone had one of these documents and was not able to gain access.
In a move to emulate the tourism success of its regional counterparts, the new legislation aims to streamline the process. Foreigners will now be able to apply for visas through a simplified online system, eliminating the need for a letter of invitation. The aim is to lead to a significant increase in revenues and trade. Tourism revenues in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan have tripled since their major visa changes in early 2010, while Uzbekistan’s tourism revenues have increased sixfold.
According to Turkmenistan’s state-run newspaper, President Serdar Berdymukhamedov will determine the specifics of electronic visa systems, the types of visas available, the issuance procedure and their validity period.
While boosting tourism is the most visible effect, the easing of visa restrictions is also expected to stimulate trade, investments and regional connectivity. This small but important move shows the country which suffers from a poor international image is willing to normalise relations, an unavoidable step if it hopes to achieve WTO membership, new trade deals, or greater UN engagement.
Since gaining independence, Turkmenistan has heavily relied on its vast natural gas reserves as its main source of income. However, recent developments suggest a growing interest in diversifying its economy through expanded regional trade and tourism. In March 2024, it began implementing a gas swap deal with Türkiye, a project that had long been in the pipeline. This will be the first time Ashgabat ships gas westward without passing through Russia.
The country’s most famous tourist attraction is its blazing natural gas crater known as the ‘Gates of Hell’, located approximately 260 km from the capital. The fiery crater has been burning for decades. Believed to have been formed in the early 1970s by the collapse of a gas well, geologists deliberately set the crater alight to prevent the spread of methane gas. Although it was originally expected to burn out within a few weeks, it still burns today and is one of the most surreal sights in the world.
Beyond the fiery crater, Turkmenistan offers other potential tourist destinations, including the Yangykala Canyon – often dubbed the ‘Turkmen Grand Canyon’ – and the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Merv, Nisa and Kunya-Urgenc. These ancient cities were important stops on the Silk Road, a historical legacy that neighbouring ‘Stan’ countries have successfully leveraged to attract visitors.
The capital, Ashgabat, also holds the Guinness World Record for having the highest concentration of white marble buildings in the world.
