Turkmenistan’s State Migration Service has launched a new electronic visa (e-visa) system, granting travelers from over 50 countries easier access to one of the world’s most closed-off nations and marking a major departure from decades of tight tourism controls that required government-vetted personal invitations.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the new online process is part of a broader effort to rebrand the country as a culturally rich and secure destination, encouraging visits to iconic sites like the flaming Darvaza gas crater—known as the Door to Hell—and ancient Silk Road cities such as Merv.
While infrastructure remains limited, the government has pledged to improve hospitality services, airport access, and tourist amenities by working with regional partners and drawing support from the Asian Development Bank as part of its post-pandemic economic recovery plan.
The Ministry of Culture and Tourism has also announced plans to expand hotel capacity and introduce English-language tours while maintaining strict security protocols and cultural conservation measures to protect Turkmenistan’s national identity.
Experts from the World Tourism Organization say the easing of border policies could hint at broader economic and diplomatic reforms, but caution that sustained success will depend on consistent visa procedures, transparency, and the government’s willingness to balance openness with its traditionally rigid control over foreign access.
