Turkmenistan’s Parliament is currently reviewing a draft bill aimed at introducing an electronic visa system—a move that could signal a significant shift for a country known for having one of the most restrictive visa policies in the region.
During the eighth session of the Mejlis‘ (the national Parliament) seventh convocation, Turkmen lawmakers discussed a proposed law entitled “Amendments and Additions to the Law of Turkmenistan on Migration.” The proposed reform, still under discussion, could pave the way for the implementation of an electronic visa (e-Visa) system in the near future.
If passed in the coming months, the law would lay the groundwork for a streamlined and modernized process for entering Turkmenistan.
“The active integration of information technologies across various sectors of the economy, the creation of secure IT infrastructure, and the expansion of digital services are among the priorities of national development programs,” Turkmen authorities stated. According to officials, “information systems for registration, processing, and storage are being developed and continuously upgraded within Turkmenistan’s State Migration Service.”
“In this context, the draft law includes provisions for issuing an electronic document—an electronic visa—through the country’s authorized state information systems. This visa would allow foreign nationals and stateless individuals to enter, stay in, exit from, or transit through Turkmenistan,” the statement added.
A long-awaited simplification of entry requirements
The introduction of an e-visa system would mark a major development for Turkmenistan, whose entry procedures are currently among the most complex in Central Asia.
Obtaining a Turkmen visa typically involves a lengthy and cumbersome process, including a required invitation letter, in-person application submission, and varying processing times. As a result, the Turkmen visa is often considered one of the most difficult to obtain in the region. If passed, the new legislation would usher in a digital visa application platform, significantly changing how the country handles international entries.
A regional dynamic in the background
This initiative comes amid a broader regional push to make travel easier across Central Asia. Several neighboring countries—Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan—have already implemented electronic visa systems.
Additionally, there is ongoing discussion about the potential creation of a common Central Asian visa, modeled after Europe’s Schengen system, to boost tourism and facilitate regional movement.
A visa policy still tightly controlled
As it stands, all foreign nationals are required to obtain a visa to enter Turkmenistan.
Visa applications are typically submitted through Turkmen embassies or consulates and must include an invitation letter approved by the State Migration Service. This invitation must be arranged by a local entity—such as a travel agency, business, institution, or individual.
It is possible to obtain a 10-day visa on arrival in Turkmenistan, notably at Ashgabat international airport, always on presentation of an official invitation letter.
Processing times and procedures vary depending on the applicant’s profile and the submission channel, and they can involve significant administrative delays. Moreover, travel within certain areas of the country is restricted and may require special permits.
Given this context, the rollout of an e-visa system would represent a true administrative relief for visitors, while also making the country more accessible for tourism, cultural exchange, and economic activity.
