Level 3: Reconsider Travel

Reconsider Travel to Turkmenistan due to the Global Health Advisory and Embassy Ashgabat’s limited capacity to provide support to U.S. citizens.  

On March 27, 2020, the Department of State ordered the departure of all family members of U.S. government employees under the age of 18 in addition to the authorized departure of non-emergency personnel and family members of U.S. government employees due to stringent travel restrictions and quarantine procedures that affect commercial flights.  

The Government of Turkmenistan has implemented enhanced screening and quarantine measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19. At this time, there are no scheduled international flights out of Turkmenistan, including medical evacuation flights. Any privately arranged international charter flight, including medevac flights, must use Turkmenabat Airport which is 290 miles by air and 385 miles by road from Ashgabat.  

Turkmenistan has barred admission to all travelers except Turkmenistani citizens returning home, foreign citizens departing to their home countries, and diplomats on a case-by-case basis if flights are available. All travelers should be aware that they will be required to undergo medical screening and possibly involuntary quarantine at local medical facilities. Passengers will be required to undergo medical screening and possibly involuntary quarantine at local medical facilities.  

Travelers should be prepared for travel restrictions to be put into effect with little or no advance notice. Visit the website of U.S. Embassy Ashgabat for additional information on these new measures.

Medical protocols in Turkmenistan are not consistent with U.S. standards and some travelers have been required to undergo medical testing unrelated to COVID-19. Consider declining any medical testing unrelated to COVID-19.

Due to the possibility of quarantine of unknown length, carry additional supplies of necessary medication in carry-on luggage. Contact the U.S. Embassy if you are subject to quarantine or prior to undergoing any invasive medical testing or procedures.

Please read the Safety and Security section on the country information page.

If you decide to travel to Turkmenistan:

• Have a plan to depart Turkmenistan that does not rely on U.S. government assistance.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Review and follow the CDC’s guidelines for the prevention of coronavirus.
• Check with your airline, cruise lines, or travel operators regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions.
• Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions to the United States

U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.