Personal Safety
AS PART OF ONGOING EFFORTS TO LIMIT THE SPREAD OF CORONAVIRUS DISEASE (COVID-19), AUTHORITIES IN TURKMENISTAN HAVE EXTENDED THEIR SUSPENSIONS OF INTERNATONAL FLIGHTS UNTIL AT LEAST DECEMBER 31. DOMESTIC RAIL AND BUS SERVICES ALSO REMAIN SUSPENDED UNTIL AT LEAST DECEMBER 31. ALL LAND BORDERS WITH AFGHANISTAN, KAZAKHSTAN, AND UZBEKISTAN REMAIN CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. AUTHORITIES COULD IMPOSE FURTHER RESTRICTIONS BASED ON DISEASE ACTITIVTY IN THE COUNTRY.
Note: this page contains basic risk information. For more details, please contact the Risk Services Office at risk@berkeley.edu.
If you are traveling to Turkmenistan on University-related business, please sign up for the University’s travel insurance program by going here. For more information on the travel insurance program, please go here.
Because everyone’s health is unique, we suggest seeking the advice of a medical professional before traveling internationally. Members of the campus community interested in protecting their health while abroad may schedule an appointment with the University Health Services International Travel Clinic.
The geopolitical threat is moderate in Turkmenistan. Turkmenistan is a presidential republic in which elections take place every five years, though international observers are unanimous in criticizing the elections as neither free nor fair. The current administration is adequately stable; the state maintains tight and repressive control of all institutions effectively precluding political challenges to the current government.
The capabilities and responsiveness of security services in Turkmenistan are generally poor (risk is high). Although Turkmenistan has a number of different security forces, the National Police are likely to be the most relevant for foreign nationals and local staff. Police officers are typically unable to speak foreign languages. Corruption amongst traffic police is an issue. In Turkmenistan, foreign nationals should avoid contact with security forces if possible and instead liaise with their diplomatic mission.
Legal/Political
Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the U.S., regardless of local law.
It is illegal to take pictures of certain buildings. Ask before taking pictures of anything of possible military or security interest, including government buildings and food markets.
If you stay overnight in a location other than the one where you are registered with the SMS, you may be arrested.
Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately.
Customs: Customs regulations are strict, particularly regarding carpets, jewelry, musical instruments, art, archaeological artifacts, antiques, and protected animals. Before purchasing such items for export, see the Embassy of Turkmenistan website for their customs information.
LGBTI Travelers: Same-sex sexual contact between men is illegal and carries criminal penalties. Social norms in Turkmenistan are extremely conservative, and harassment, detention, and prison sentences are possible. The Embassy cautions both homosexual and heterosexual couples against displays of affection in public.