Travel Vaccines and Advice for Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan remembered for its weird dictatorship of Saparmyrat Niyazov. He ruled until 2006 when he died, and he had monuments as well as statues of himself to show what he achieved.
Turkmenistan is a country that has been less explored and is more of a mystery then Central Asia’s ‘stans. It’s natural beauty, traditions, and spirituality makes Turkmenistan a great destination.
Do I Need Vaccines for Turkmenistan?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Turkmenistan. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Turkmenistan: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, rabies, anthrax, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travelers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Accelerated schedule available - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Anthrax –
Animals & Biological Agents –
Vaccination may be recommended or required for U.S. government employees or contractors. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Turkmenistan |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travelers |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
| Anthrax | Animals & Biological Agents | Vaccination may be recommended or required for U.S. government employees or contractors. |
Routine Vaccinations for Turkmenistan |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given seperately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
See our vaccinations page to learn more about these infections and vaccines. Ready to protect yourself? Book your travel health appointment today by calling or schedule online now.
Customer Reviews
Passport Health Travel Vaccines for Turkmenistan
“A wonderful experience was had by my wife and I as we prepare for our trip to Turkmenistan. We received needed vaccinations to ensure a safe trip, as well as pointers and tips for our travel plans. I highly recommend using this service”
“The staff is very professional and friendly. The information I received before my trip to Turkmenistan was most informative.”
“I came to Passport Health before my first trip abroad to Turkmenistan. The staff was very helpful with everything I was concerned about with vaccinations. They don’t try to scare you into spending a thousand dollars on vaccines, and the ones you choose to do they do on the spot. I left feeling much more knowledgable about where I was going to be traveling too, and a prescription waiting for me at my pharmacy. Would DEFINITELY recommend again!”
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Turkmenistan?
A passport and visa are required for travel to Turkmenistan. Passports must have at least six months validity at entry.
Turkmenistan Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Turkmenistan? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | |
|
| Business Visa | |
|
| Vaccinations | ||
Sources: Embassy of Turkmenistan and U.S. State Department
Note, Turkmenistan has very different requirements for dual citizens and may deny exit. Be sure to consult with a Passport Health passport and visa specialist before your trip.
For more information, see our Turkmenistan visa page. Or contact a Passport Health Passport and Visa specialist by calling 1-844-366-8472 or by filling out our online form.
What Is the Climate like in Turkmenistan?
Turkmenistan’s climate is continental. April to June is the best time to visit with sunshine and cool temperatures. From September to November you will feel the summer heat. In December it’s important to stay warm. You will see snow in the desert if you plan to travel this time of year.
January is the coolest month with temperatures ranging from below freezing. The hottest month is July and the temperatures can reach the high-80’s.
How Safe Is Turkmenistan?
People visiting Turkmenistan are not allowed to travel to “restricted zones” without permission. Iran, Uzbekistan, and Afghanistan are places people are restricted from. Dashoguz, Dashoguz City, and some places along the coast of Caspian are not allowed as well. It usually takes 10 working days for the State Migration Service to process requests. People who plan to travel by Turkmenistan Airlines need to have proof of their permission to travel to the restricted zones.
Visitors to the country may be put under surveillance. Certain places or things may be monitored like hotel rooms, telephones and internet traffic. It’s important to keep your passport with you at all times because you don’t want to be detained. At night officers may be more aggressive in asking for your identity papers and they might ask for a bribe. If you’re unsure that the officer is official, you should ask for their identification to feel more at ease.
There aren’t many reports of violence. But, you should take precautions anyway. Don’t travel in the dark or in deserted or unfamiliar areas of Turkmenistan. Victims of a crime or victims of domestic violence should contact the embassy for assistance.
The Gates of Hell
There is so much to see and do in Turkmenistan. If you’re interested in a real piece of history in nature, the Gates of Hell is the place to see. It is a 230 ft. wide crater that is located in the Karakum Desert and can be seen for miles. The crater is about the size of a football field and is approximately 20 meters deep. It has been on fire for more than 50 years and travelers can see the flames rising from the earth.
The people who live nearby this crater call it the Gates of Hell because of the glow that continues to come up from the pit. This place has become a popular tourist site, as travelers stay overnight to experience it. Visitors will experience the extreme heat if they stay near the crater.
Tourists can get to the Gates of Hell from Ashgabat on camel. A traditional yurt is what tourists will be able to stay in when they arrive at the Gates of Hell.
What Should I Take to Turkmenistan?
When you travel to Turkmenistan, there are some things you should take with you on your trip.
- Passport and Visa — You must have a passport that is valid for six months. A blank page on your passport is needed to get an entry stamp. A visa is also required to enter Turkmenistan.
- Money — Manat is the official currency of Turkmenistan. Credit cards can only be used in Ashgabat at big international hotels. In the capital you shouldn’t rely on credit or debit cards.
- Health and Safety — Travelers should pack all the medications you may need for your trip. Supplies to prevent illness or injury and a first-aid kit are recommended.
U.S. Embassy in Turkmenistan
All Americans visiting Turkmenistan should register online with the U.S. Department of State before departure. This will inform the office of your travel plans within the country and will allow them to reach out in the case of an emergency or evacuation.
Once in Turkmenistan, the information for the U.S. Embassy is:
U.S. Embassy Ashgabat
9 1984 Street (formerly Pushkin Street)
Ashgabat, Turkmenistan 744000
Phone: (+99312) 940045
Ready to start your next journey? Call us at or book online now!
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Turkmenistan?
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Turkmenistan?
What Is the Climate like in Turkmenistan?
How Safe Is Turkmenistan?
The Gates of Hell
What Should I Take to Turkmenistan?
U.S. Embassy in Turkmenistan
