US EditionOne of the world’s most isolated countries, this former Soviet state is showing signs it’s ready for more tourists
TURKMENISTAN, JUL 31 – New visa rules will remove the Letter of Introduction and allow online applications, aiming to increase tourism in Turkmenistan, currently one of the world's most isolated countries.
- The Turkmenistan government recently unveiled plans for streamlined visa regulations, though implementation timing remains unclear.
- Due to its sealed-off policies, Turkmenistan has remained isolated since independence in the 1990s, with visas requiring a Letter of Introduction from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and vetting by a government-approved tour operator.
- Officials pledge the new system will be faster and face fewer rejections, with visitors able to apply online while the LOI requirement still needs a local sponsor.
- The Turkmenistan government aims to attract foreign investment and increase employment, with Lupine predicting a strong boost in visitor numbers, but local partners report no updates.
- In recent years, the Darvaza Gas Crater's flames have receded with predictions they may extinguish completely in coming years, while tourism in Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan surges.
10 Articles
10 Articles
Local 3 News
When the Government of Turkmenistan announced new simplified visa regulations in April, those familiar with travel to this Central Asian nation did not know what to think.
One of the world’s most isolated countries, this former Soviet state is showing signs it’s ready for more tourists
Turkmenistan has long been considered one of the globe’s most isolated countries. New streamlined visa regulations are reportedly in the works, a sign it could be ready to welcome more tourists.
When the government of Turkmenistan announced new simplified visa regulations in April, people familiar with travel to the Central Asian country were confused. Along with North Korea and Eritrea, Turkmenistan has long been considered one of the most isolated countries on the planet. A legacy that dates back to the 1990s, when the country broke away from the disintegrating Soviet Union and turned inward, establishing a closed, independent authori…
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