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.
Merv is a ruined oasis city in southeastern Turkmenistan, about 30 km east of Mary. Its remains cover a wide stretch of the Murghab River valley, and the site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. People settled here thousands of years ago. The city grew into a major trading center in Central Asia, on routes between China, Persia and the Mediterranean.
Visitors come for the mud-brick walls and fortresses from several periods, and for the mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar, built in the 12th century. Mongol forces destroyed the city in 1221, and the remains are still visible across the open desert. The site suits history travelers and people following the Silk Road. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons, since summer is very hot. Plan one full day at the ruins, plus travel from Mary.
Merv in five
- Get your Turkmenistan visa before you book flightsMost nationalities need a visa arranged before arrival. Check the Turkmen embassy or consulate in your country for current requirements first.Visas and entry
- Declare the foreign cash you bring inTurkmenistan controls foreign currency closely. Write every amount you carry on the customs form at arrival, and keep your cash within what you declared.Money and cash
- Keep your hotel registration papersHotels usually register foreign guests with the authorities. Keep the paperwork with your passport and ask the hotel for a copy.
- Arrange a driver from Mary to MervThe ruins lie about 30 km east of Mary. Arrange a driver or taxi through your hotel before you set out, and agree the price first.Getting around
- Carry paper copies of your visa and passport pagesInternet access is restricted in Turkmenistan, so do not rely on a phone screen to show your documents.
Things to do in Merv
See all attractions in Merv
Need to know
- Currency
- Turkmen manat (TMT)
- Entry
- Visa needed for most visitors; apply before you travel
- Emergency
- 102 police, 103 ambulance, 101 fire
- Tipping
- Not expected
- Time
- UTC+5, no daylight saving
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryCold, quiet
- FebruaryCool, quiet
- MarchSpring starts
- AprilMild, dry
- MayWarm, dry
- JuneVery hot
- JulyVery hot
- AugustVery hot
- SeptemberWarm, dry
- OctoberMild, clear
- NovemberCool, clear
- DecemberCold, quiet
Right now in Merv
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
14
- Feels like
- 10°
- Humidity
- 36%
- Wind
- 10 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 0%
Merv
03:00 AM
Tuesday, November 3
- Today25°10°0%Tuesday: Cloudy. High 25°, Low 10°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Wed19°11°18%Wednesday: Rain. High 19°, Low 11°. Chance of rain 18%.
- Thu29°10°0%Thursday: Cloudy. High 29°, Low 10°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Fri27°14°3%Friday: Cloudy. High 27°, Low 14°. Chance of rain 3%.
- Sat30°10°0%Saturday: Clear. High 30°, Low 10°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Sun33°17°35%Sunday: Rain. High 33°, Low 17°. Chance of rain 35%.
Updated 11:17 PM 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
- Darvaza gas craterabout 4 to 5 hours by car from AshgabatA burning gas crater in the desert, reached by a long day's drive from Ashgabat.
- Ashgabata long drive from MaryThe capital, with its white marble buildings and the main international airport.
Before you go to Merv
Rules for Merv, checked
- Check entry requirements on the UK Foreign Office travel advice for Turkmenistan before you book flights.Source
- Declare foreign cash on the customs form at entry, and check the limits with your embassy before you carry large sums.
- Ask permission before photographing government buildings, police posts or the airport.
- Hotels register foreign guests with the authorities; keep the registration papers with your passport.
Plan around Merv
Visa steps and the entry papers to carry
Read the guideMoney and cashCash, exchange and declaring currency
Read the guideGetting aroundDriving or hiring a car from Mary to Merv
Read the guidePhones and eSIMPhone access and what to check before you land
Read the guideTravel insuranceCover for remote travel and medical care
Read the guideWhere to stayHotels in Mary and Ashgabat
Read the guideMerv FAQ
Is Merv worth visiting?
Yes, if you want the UNESCO-listed ruins of an old oasis city on the Silk Road. Allow a full day for the main sites.
How do you get to Merv?
From Mary, the ruins are about 30 km east by car. Arrange a driver or taxi through your hotel before you set out.
How many days do you need in Merv?
One full day covers the main ruins. Start early, because the midday heat in summer is very strong.
Do I need a visa for Turkmenistan?
Most nationalities do. Apply before you travel and check the requirements with the Turkmen embassy or consulate in your country.
Can I pay by card in Merv?
Plan on cash for most purchases. Ask your hotel which cards it accepts before you rely on one.
When is the best time to visit Merv?
Spring and autumn. Summers are very hot and winters are cold.