Turkmenistan Tightens Travel Rules as Ashgabat Enforces Curfew, Car-Color Ban

Turkmenistan maintains some of the world's most restrictive travel rules, with outsiders facing curfews, vehicle color controls and limits on photography and online access. In the capital, Ashgabat, an an 11 p.m. curfew installed during the COVID-19 pandemic has never officially been lifted, and officials have restricted the color of cars seen on the streets—only white vehicles are allowed in central areas since 2018.

Foreigners seeking entry must navigate a visa system that requires an invitation letter. British travelers are told to ensure their passport remains valid for at least six months beyond their intended departure date. A visa can be obtained after the invitation letter is processed by a Turkmen travel agent, and then either at a Turkmen embassy or on arrival at select border points or Ashgabat International Airport. For business trips, travelers may need letters from the relevant government ministries or companies.

A traveler, Pandhu Waskitha, posted footage from Ashgabat on TikTok describing the city as 'surreal white marble, golden monuments, and almost empty streets.' He noted immaculately clean roads and meticulously pruned gardens, calling the setting 'cinematic' and unlike anywhere else. The capital is part of a country that has an estimated population of about 5.6 million, with Ashgabat itself home to roughly 941,130 residents, according to various UK reporting and travel accounts.

Turkmenistan gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991 and sits on substantial gas reserves. The state strictly controls news and media, and foreign outlets are banned. The government is led by Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow (in power since 2022) and his son Serdar, who oversees a tightly centralized political system. The population total and other demographic figures vary by source, but the overarching picture is of a society with limited foreign access and heavy government oversight.

Foreigners considering a visit are cautioned that visa rules are enforced: if you have the wrong visa or overstay your visa, you could be prosecuted and possibly imprisoned. Travelers should verify current requirements with official Turkmenistan channels or a licensed travel provider before planning any trip.