Travel Report for Turkmenistan

Country Profile for
Turkmenistan

TRAVEL REPORTS:

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TRAVEL REPORT

Last Updated: November 15, 2006 16:16 EST
Still Valid: December 8, 2006 22:37 EST

Turkmenistan

1.	INTRODUCTION
2.	ATTENTION
3.	SAFETY AND SECURITY
4.	LOCAL TRAVEL
5.	NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE
6.	LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
7.	ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD
8.	ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS
9.	MONEY

10.	GENERAL INFORMATION
11.	TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM
12.	ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION
13.	RETURNING TO CANADA
14.	INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS
15.	TRAVEL TIPS
16.	HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE
17.	FOR MORE INFORMATION
18.	ANNEX

1. INTRODUCTION

Section 7 of this Travel Report has been updated.

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2. ATTENTION

There continues to be intense scrutiny and questioning at ports of entry and departure in Turkmenistan. Foreign nationals in the country may also encounter increased security measures within Turkmenistan, and some have been detained by the authorities. Canadians in the country should remain highly vigilant and avoid situations where political violence and demonstrations may occur.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada offers a registration service for Canadians travelling or residing abroad. Although Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada does not warn against travel to this country or region(s) of this country, Canadians are encouraged to register with the responsible Canadian government office due to the security situation and/or the absence of Canadian representation in this country. Registration can be done on-line or by calling the responsible Canadian government office abroad to request a registration form.

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

Difficulties and processing delays may be encountered in obtaining official permission to travel outside Ashgabat. Areas bordering on Iran, Uzbekistan, and Afghanistan are "restricted zones", including the city of Dashoguz and areas of the Caspian coast. Travel to these areas is forbidden without special permission from the Government of Turkmenistan. The Afghanistan-Turkmenistan border, where rioters clashed with police and NATO peacekeepers in February 2006 is to be avoided. Banditry occurs in the southeast region.

Violent crime is low. Mugging, and pickpocketing occur. Remain vigilant and ensure personal belongings, passports, and other travel documents are secured. Avoid signs of affluence. Foreigners, especially women, should not travel alone. Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada publishes a booklet entitled Her Own Way, specifically targeted at female travellers. Its prime objective is to encourage Canadian women to travel safely.

Do not travel or use public transportation after dark. Do not travel by train, since service is slow and crime is prevalent. Use only officially marked taxis and pre-negotiate the fare.

Police and military officials are prevalent throughout Turkmenistan. Carry a photocopy of your passport, the original, or other photo-identification at all times, as officials frequently request proof of identity. Foreigners are often subject to questioning and car and home searches. There are reports of Canadian passports being confiscated upon arrival and withheld for the duration of the stay in Turkmenistan. The emergency number for the police is 02, for the fire department 01, and for an ambulance 03.

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4. LOCAL TRAVEL

Exercise caution on intercity roads, as driving standards are poor. Rural roads are often in disrepair and not lit. Animals frequently wander onto the road. Random traffic police checks are routine. Drinking and driving is strictly forbidden. Drivers may be fined or jailed if any amount of alcohol is detected. Rail travel is slow and uncomfortable.

Travellers should fly on recognized international carriers as internal flights may operate on short notice, follow questionable maintenance procedures, and be delayed unexpectedly.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.

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5. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

Turkmenistan is located in an active seismic zone. Canadians should know the address and telephone number of the Embassy of Canada in Ankara, Turkey (see below), in the event of an emergency.

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6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 7 below. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The Department publishes A Guide for Canadians Imprisoned Abroad, specifically targeted at incarcerated Canadians. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian detainees, their families, and friends about available assistance and advice.

Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs can result in lengthy jail sentences and heavy fines.

There are no clear laws regarding homosexual activity, which is widely condemned in Turkmen society.

Cultural objects (e.g., woven carpets, artifacts) must be authenticated by the Ministry of Culture prior to departure. Failure to do so will result in confiscation and/or a fine that may be greater than the value of the item in question.

Travellers should avoid publicly discussing politics or criticizing the country's current leader, Saparmurat Niyazov. Travellers are also advised to avoid minority religious gatherings, whose participants have been the target of police raids, arbitrary arrests and beatings.

Photography of military installations, police stations, airports, government buildings, and other sensitive sites may result in a penalty. Travellers should seek permission from local authorities before taking photographs.

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7. ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD

There is no resident Canadian government office in Turkmenistan. Canadians in Turkmenistan can obtain consular assistance and further information from the Embassy of Canada in Ankara, Turkey, at the following address:

Turkey - ANKARA, Embassy of Canada
Address: Cinnah Caddesi No. 58, Çankaya 06690, Ankara, Turkey
Tel.: 90 (312) 409-2700
Fax: 90 (312) 409-2712
E-mail: ankra@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.international.gc.ca/ankara

For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in Ankara, Turkey, and follow the instructions. You may also make a collect call to the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.

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8. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with Turkmen authorities and, to the best of our knowledge, was valid on March 6, 2006. However, entry and exit requirements are subject to change.

It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the country or countries to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada’s Office of Protocol provides contact details for the Embassy of the Republic of Turkmenistan, where you can obtain further information on entry and exit requirements.

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Turkmenistan. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country. Upon arrival, the passport may be confiscated for the duration of your stay. Canadians must also be in possession of a visa. A letter of invitation from the person or organization being visited is required and must be certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Ashgabat.

Tourist Visa: Required
Business Visa: Required
Student Visa: Required

Upon arrival at an airport or border entry point, you must complete a migration card and pay a migration fee. One copy of the card is retained by immigration officials. The other should be carried for the duration of your stay and submitted to border officials upon departure. Loss of cards can result in fines or departure delays.

In addition, if you plan to stay for more than three working days, you must register your arrival with an office of the Turkmenistan State Service for the Registration of Foreigners (SSRF). You must also deregister with the SSRF office prior to departure.

Failure to register with the SSRF or remaining in Turkmenistan with an expired visa may result in fines, arrest, or deportation.

If you are travelling as a tourist and will not be meeting anyone in Turkmenistan, you must contact the State Tourism Corporation of Turkmenistan "Turkmen Siyahat" (country and area codes: 993-12/ tel.: 35-47-77 or 39-86-91/ fax: 39-67-40 or 39-00-65). "Turkmen Siyahat" will assist in the planning of your visit and provide the certified letter.

All foreigners planning to travel or reside in the Republic of Turkmenistan for longer than three months must provide a medical certificate of a negative test for infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify visa requirements for this and other countries, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

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9. MONEY

The currency is the Turkmen Manat (TMM). The economy is cash-based. Several new hotels in Ashgabat will accept credit cards (Visa and American Express) and U.S. dollar traveller's cheques. Travellers should carry relatively new U.S. dollars in a variety of denominations, as change is scarce. The Vneshekonombank and the National Bank of Pakistan cash U.S. dollar traveller's cheques, but a surcharge is levied on the total amount. All foreign currency brought into the country must be declared at customs. There are no ATMs.

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10. GENERAL INFORMATION

Turkmenistan (capital: Ashgabat) is located in central Asia, bordering Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Iran, and the Caspian Sea. Tourist facilities are limited, especially outside Ashgabat. Many goods and services are not available. The official language is Turkmen, but Russian is widely spoken.

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11. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Medicine Program Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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12. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Consumption of untreated water and water-based foods greatly increases your chance of illness. Do not drink tap water. Drink only bottled water, peel all fruits and vegetables, and avoid undercooked meat, dairy products, and most food sold in the streets.

It is best to avoid medical clinics as they often lack basic drugs and equipment, and have poor hygiene standards.

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13. RETURNING TO CANADA

Please consult the Current Issue on returning to Canada.

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14. INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS

Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child from another country, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

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15. TRAVEL TIPS

Please consult our Traveller's Checklist.

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16. HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE

Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

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17. FOR MORE INFORMATION

N/A

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18. ANNEX

N/A

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