Travel advisory · TurkmenistanSome governments advise against travel to parts of Turkmenistan.The warnings cover only these areas: Afghanistan border zone, Iran border zone.Advice depends on your passport. Read your own government's advice before you book.Official advice
- Afghanistan border zone · avoid all travel · Canada, France, Germany, Spain
- Iran border zone · avoid non-essential travel · Italy, Germany, Spain
Also named by one government: border zones with other countries (Spain)
| Government | Advice | Updated | Read the advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom (FCDO) | No advice against the whole country | – | Read the advice |
| United States (State Dept) | Exercise normal precautions | Aug 21, 2026 | Read the advice |
| Canada (Global Affairs) | Exercise a high degree of caution (regional advisories) | – | Read the advice |
| Germany (Auswärtiges Amt) | No advice against the whole country; avoid immediate border areas with Afghanistan and Iran (regional advisories) | Oct 29, 2026 | Read the advice |
| New Zealand (SafeTravel) | No specific travel advisory | – | Read the advice |
| France (Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs) | Vigilance renforcée (increased caution) for the whole territory, except the Afghan border zone (regional advisories) | – | Read the advice |
Checked daily from the governments' published advice; last checked Nov 2, 2026. RoamLedger summarises official advice; it is not advice from any government.
Ashgabat
Turkmenistan's capital is known for white marble buildings and wide avenues. It suits travelers who want a planned city and a base for desert day trips.
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Ashgabat is the capital of Turkmenistan, a country in Central Asia that borders Iran, Afghanistan and Uzbekistan. The city sits at the foot of the Kopet Dag mountains, with the Karakum desert to the north. A major earthquake in 1948 destroyed most of the old city, and the rebuilt center is now known for its wide avenues, large public monuments and buildings faced with white marble.
Many travelers combine the city with a trip into the desert, including the Darvaza gas crater, which is reached by road from the capital. The city suits travelers who like planned architecture, museums and a slower pace, and who can handle a country with strict rules for visitors. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons, since summers are very hot and winters are cold. Two days is enough for the city itself.
Ashgabat in five
- Get your visa sorted before you book flightsTurkmenistan's visa rules apply to most passports. Check the current requirements with your nearest Turkmen embassy or consulate first.Visas and entry
- Bring cash, since cards work in few placesCards are accepted at only a few hotels and shops in Ashgabat. Bring cash in US dollars or euros and change it at banks.Money and costs
- Ask before you take a photoPhotography is restricted at government buildings, airports, police and military sites. Ask people before you photograph them.
- Book a driver or tour for DarvazaThe Darvaza gas crater is a long drive from Ashgabat, and the last stretch is desert track. A driver or tour is the simplest way to go.
- Check that your insurance covers remote tripsMake sure your policy covers desert day trips such as Darvaza, and medical evacuation from outside the capital.Travel insurance
Need to know
- Currency
- Turkmenistan manat (TMT)
- Entry
- Visa rules apply; check with a Turkmen embassy
- Emergency
- Check local emergency numbers before you travel
- Tipping
- Check locally before you go
- Time
- UTC+5, no daylight saving
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryCold, quiet
- FebruaryCold, windy
- MarchMild, windy
- AprilMild, green
- MayWarm, dry
- JuneHot, dry
- JulyVery hot
- AugustVery hot
- SeptemberWarm, mild
- OctoberMild, clear
- NovemberCool, mild
- DecemberCold, quiet
Right now in Ashgabat
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
16
- Feels like
- 12°
- Humidity
- 28%
- Wind
- 9 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 20%
Ashgabat
06:01 AM
Tuesday, November 3
- Today21°11°20%Tuesday: Cloudy. High 21°, Low 11°. Chance of rain 20%.
- Wed21°12°15%Wednesday: Cloudy. High 21°, Low 12°. Chance of rain 15%.
- Thu26°9°0%Thursday: Cloudy. High 26°, Low 9°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Fri20°14°10%Friday: Cloudy. High 20°, Low 14°. Chance of rain 10%.
- Sat22°11°3%Saturday: Fog. High 22°, Low 11°. Chance of rain 3%.
- Sun22°15°68%Sunday: Rain. High 22°, Low 15°. Chance of rain 68%.
- Mon15°6°68%Monday: Rain. High 15°, Low 6°. Chance of rain 68%.
Updated 03:30 AM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 3.5 TMT
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Nisaa short drive westRuins of the ancient Parthian capital, a short drive west of the city.
- Darvaza gas cratera long drive by roadA burning gas crater in the Karakum desert, best reached with a driver.
- Köw Ata cavesa half-day tripAn underground cave system in the Kopet Dag, a half-day trip from the city.
Before you go to Ashgabat
Rules for Ashgabat, checked
- Ask before taking photos of people, police, airports or government buildings. Photography of some state sites is restricted.
- Check the visa rules with the Turkmen embassy or consulate before you book flights, since the requirements can change.
- Cards work at only a few places, so carry enough cash in US dollars or euros and change it at official banks.
Plan around Ashgabat
Cities, day trips, entry rules and money
Read the guideGetting aroundTaxis, drivers and how to reach the desert sites
Read the guideMoney and cardsPaying in manat, cash in dollars or euros, and card limits
Read the guideVisas and entryWho needs a visa and how to apply before you fly
Read the guideWhere to stayCentral and outer-district bases in Ashgabat
Read the guidePhones and eSIMMobile data for maps and taxi apps
Read the guideAshgabat FAQ
Is Ashgabat worth visiting?
Yes, for one or two days within a longer Central Asia trip. The white marble center, the Neutrality Arch and the Ruhy Mosque fit into a day, and desert day trips add more.
How many days do you need in Ashgabat?
Two days covers the city center and the Ruhy Mosque. Add a day for Nisa or Darvaza, which both work as day trips from the capital.
Do I need a visa for Turkmenistan?
Visa rules apply to most passports, so check the current requirements with a Turkmen embassy before you book flights or hotels.
Can I pay by card in Ashgabat?
Rarely, outside a few hotels and shops. Bring US dollars or euros and change them at banks for everyday costs.
How do I get to Darvaza from Ashgabat?
By private car or organized tour, which is a long drive each way. Go with a driver who knows the desert track, and allow a full day.