United States Visa RequirementsFor Turkmenistan passport holders

Turkmenistan is not a participant in the US Visa Waiver Program, and all Turkmenistani passport holders must apply for a B1/B2 visa before traveling to the United States. The US Embassy in Ashgabat processes these applications.

Turkmenistan is one of the most closed and restrictive countries in the world. The Turkmenistani government itself restricts the freedom of movement of its own citizens, and international travel is not straightforward for most Turkmenistanis. Despite these challenges, there is no US-imposed ban on Turkmenistani nationals obtaining US visas.

Interview appointment wait times at the US Embassy Ashgabat can exceed 300 days. Add to this the potential for post-interview administrative processing (security review), which can add months to the total timeline. The entire process from application to visa issuance can take over a year.

Turkmenistani applicants face particular difficulty in demonstrating certain application requirements given restrictions within the country. Demonstrating ties to Turkmenistan (employment, property, family) is necessary, though the nature of employment in a state-dominated economy may require different types of documentation than more open economies.

Turkmenistan Airlines operates very limited international routes. Turkish Airlines via Istanbul is the primary practical connection for US travel.

Turkmenistan Airlines operates limited international routes from Ashgabat (ASB), primarily to Istanbul (IST) and a small number of other cities. Turkish Airlines also serves Ashgabat with connections to Istanbul (IST), from which nonstop services to New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, Houston, and other US cities are available. Turkish Airlines via Istanbul is the primary practical connection for Turkmenistani travelers to the United States. FlyDubai and Emirates via Dubai (DXB) offer an alternative connection hub.

The United States uses the US Dollar (USD). Turkmenistani Manat (TMT) is not accepted in the US and has very limited international convertibility. Obtaining USD in Turkmenistan can be challenging given currency restrictions. It is advisable to exchange currency before departure or use an internationally enabled bank card. Check with your bank regarding international use of Turkmenistani bank cards.

The US is significantly more expensive than Turkmenistan. Budget $150 to $300 per day for mid-range city travel. New York and San Francisco are among the most expensive US cities.

Tipping is expected in US restaurants at 18% to 20% of the bill. Hotel staff, taxi drivers, and tour guides also expect tips.

ATMs are widely available across the US. Credit and debit cards are accepted at virtually all merchants.

Begin the process 12 to 18 months early. The combination of very long wait times (300+ days) and common post-interview administrative processing means the visa process alone can span well over a year.

Administrative processing is common. Applications from Turkmenistan frequently undergo security review after the interview. This is not a refusal. Do not book non-refundable travel until the visa is in hand.

Navigating Turkmenistani exit restrictions. Turkmenistan restricts its citizens' ability to travel abroad. You will need to comply with Turkmenistani exit requirements, which can include government approval, in addition to obtaining a US visa. Consult the latest guidance from the Turkmenistani authorities on exit procedures.

Turkish Airlines via Istanbul. Turkish Airlines operates from Ashgabat (ASB) to Istanbul (IST) with connections to multiple US cities. This is the primary practical routing for US travel.

Demonstrate ties to Turkmenistan. Employment, property, and family ties are required documentation. Government employment documentation should be official and clearly legible.