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Arkadag, the newly built “smart city” near Ashgabat, requires specific permits usually arranged by your tour agency 48 hours in advance. Private petrol vehicles are banned inside the city limits; you must park outside and transfer to electric public transport or electric taxis. Photography is heavily monitored here, even more so than in Ashgabat, with guards frequently checking phones for unauthorized shots of government infrastructure. Most standard tour packages now include a half-day stop here, but confirm this with your operator before arrival.

Visa fees typically range from €50-100 depending on your nationality and processing speed, plus a migration tax of roughly €12-15 collected upon arrival. While the base sticker price hasn’t spiked dramatically in late 2025, the mandatory COVID-19 testing fee at the airport has finally been dropped, saving travelers about €30. Remember that you must pay these fees in pristine, unblemished US Dollars (not Euros), despite flying from Europe. Bring exact change, as border officials often claim to have no small bills for change.

Yes, FlyDubai continues to operate reliable service from Dubai (DXB) to Ashgabat, often pricing out cheaper than Turkish Airlines routes via Istanbul. Roundtrip fares from Europe via Dubai can dip to €700-850, offering a solid alternative if the Frankfurt direct flight is sold out. Be aware that FlyDubai operates from Terminal 2 in Dubai, so allow extra time for transfers if connecting from a major European carrier landing in Terminal 1 or 3.

The gap between the official rate (3.5 Manat to $1 USD) and the bazaar rate remains massive, with the street rate hovering around 18-20 Manat per dollar in late 2025. While you bring Euros, US Dollars are far easier to exchange at market rates; Euros often attract a worse spread. Never exchange money at the airport bank or hotels if you can avoid it, as you will lose 80% of your purchasing power instantly. Your guide will discreetly help you exchange cash at the fair market rate safely.

You must book a full tour package through a licensed Turkmen travel agency to apply for an LOI, which serves as your pre-visa approval. Send them your passport scan and employment details 6-8 weeks before your trip. The agency submits this to the State Migration Service, and approval takes 3-4 weeks. Once you have the approved LOI, you can fly; the actual visa is stamped into your passport upon arrival at Ashgabat International Airport (ASB) for a fee of roughly €80-100 (paid in USD).

Turkmenistan has draconian drug laws; common painkillers like Tramadol, Codeine, and any opiates are strictly prohibited and treated as narcotics. Even mild sedatives or sleeping pills can cause serious trouble at customs if you don’t have a notarized doctor’s letter and original packaging. Check your first-aid kit thoroughly—getting caught with “banned” painkillers can lead to detention, hefty fines, or immediate deportation. Stick to basic paracetamol and ibuprofen to be safe.

No, photography is heavily restricted, especially near government buildings, police checkpoints, markets, and the presidential palace. If you see a soldier or police officer, keep your camera away; they will demand you delete photos if they catch you. The “Russian Bazaar” is generally okay, but always ask permission before photographing people. Your guide will tell you exactly where it is safe to shoot—listen to them, as they are responsible for your conduct.

Yes, you can buy an Altyn Asyr SIM card at the airport or main office in Ashgabat, but it costs roughly €15-20 for a small data package. Be prepared to show your passport and visa. However, the connection is slow (mostly 3G speeds) and heavily censored, blocking most social media and news sites. Many travelers find it easier to stay offline or rely on their guide’s hotspot rather than navigating the bureaucracy of getting a personal line for a short trip.