Turkmenistan entry requirements for Bosnia and Herzegovina passport holders

Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 7, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked

Bosnian and Herzegovina passport holders need a visa to enter Turkmenistan. You must obtain this visa before your trip, as there is no visa-on-arrival option. Plan well ahead, as the application process involves embassy coordination and can take several weeks.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Turkmenistan visaYou cannot get a visa on arrival or online; you must get it from a Turkmen diplomatic mission before you go.
Obtain before travel
A visa is required for all travel to Turkmenistan. Since you are not eligible for the eVisa program, you must apply at a Turkmen embassy or consulate in advance. Submit your application well before your planned departure, as processing can take several weeks and requires an invitation letter.Required
Invitation letter (LOI)The invitation letter is a formal document that your host in Turkmenistan must arrange; without it, the embassy cannot process your visa.
Required for visa application
Most Turkmen visa applications require a Letter of Invitation (LOI) issued by the State Migration Service of Turkmenistan, based on a request from a host in Turkmenistan (e.g., a tour operator, business partner, or relative). Obtain this before applying for the visa.Required
Passport validityIf your passport expires within 6 months of your arrival, you will be denied entry.
At least 6 months beyond entry
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Turkmenistan. Check your passport's expiry date before planning travel.Required
Blank passport pagesTurkmen border officials need a blank page to stamp your passport; without it, you may be refused entry.
At least 1 blank page
Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp. It is wise to have 2 or more blank pages to accommodate any additional stamps.Required
Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see your outbound flight details to ensure you don't overstay.
Proof of departure
You must be able to show a confirmed return or onward ticket proving you will leave Turkmenistan before your visa expires. Have a printed copy or accessible digital copy ready.Required
Proof of accommodationTurkmenistan requires visitors to have a registered address; your hotel or host must be registered with the authorities.
Hotel booking or host address
You must have a confirmed hotel reservation or a letter from your host in Turkmenistan stating where you will stay. This is often required for visa issuance and at border control.Required
Proof of fundsWhile not always checked, having proof of funds helps demonstrate you can support yourself.
Sufficient for your stay
Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in Turkmenistan. This can be bank statements, credit cards, or cash (in a major convertible currency).Recommended
Travel insuranceInsurance protects you from high out-of-pocket costs if you need medical care while abroad.
Medical coverage
Although not a formal visa requirement, comprehensive travel insurance covering medical expenses and evacuation is strongly recommended. Turkmenistan's healthcare system is limited, and medical evacuation can be very costly.Recommended
Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any special arrival form beyond the standard immigration card.
Not required
No arrival declaration is required for citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina entering Turkmenistan.Not required
No visa on arrival – plan ahead
Turkmenistan does not offer visa-on-arrival for Bosnian citizens. You must secure a visa before you fly. Starting the process at least 2 months in advance is strongly recommended.
Letter of invitation is mandatory
Your visa application will not be considered without a Letter of Invitation approved by the State Migration Service. Arrange this through a reputable tour operator or your host well in advance.
Registration requirement
You must register with the State Migration Service within 3 days of arrival. If your hotel doesn't do it automatically, you must do it yourself. Failure to register can result in fines and difficulties when leaving the country.

What happens at the border

1
Obtain a Letter of Invitation (LOI)
Contact a registered tour operator in Turkmenistan or your host (business/relative) to arrange an invitation. The host must submit the request to the State Migration Service. This can take 2-4 weeks, so start early.
2
Prepare your application documents
Gather your passport, photos, completed application form, LOI, itinerary, and financial proof. Make copies of everything.
3
Submit your application at the embassy
Visit the Embassy of Turkmenistan in your region (or the nearest one that accepts applications from Bosnia and Herzegovina). Submit your documents in person or by mail, depending on embassy rules. Pay the visa fee and provide biometrics if required.
4
Wait for processing
Processing can take 2-6 weeks. The embassy may contact you for additional information. Track your application status if possible.
5
Collect your visa and travel
Once approved, collect your passport with the visa sticker. Check the dates and details. On arrival in Turkmenistan, present your passport and visa to immigration. Be prepared to show your LOI and itinerary.
Download Turkmenistan Entry Checklist
PDF · Bosnia and Herzegovina Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Business visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost$300–$500

Requires strong business justification, LOI, and embassy approval. Multiple entries are rarely issued.

Private visa (visiting relatives)
Max stay30 days
ValiditySingle entry
Cost$70–$120

Requires an invitation from a Turkmen citizen and approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Other fees
ServiceCost
Letter of Invitation (LOI) processing feeRequired before applying for a visa; obtained through a Turkmen host or travel agency.$35–$50 (varies by issuing organization)
Tourist visa (single entry, up to 10 days)Fee depends on processing speed and embassy/consulate.$35–$70
Tourist visa (single entry, up to 30 days)Longer stays require additional justification and LOI.$70–$120
Business visa (single entry, up to 30 days)Requires LOI from a Turkmen company and embassy approval.$100–$150
Transit visa (up to 5 days)Requires confirmed onward travel and LOI or transit justification.$35–$55
Visa extension (per 30 days)Extensions are rarely granted; must be arranged through the State Migration Service in Ashgabat.$50–$100
Exit visa / registration feeNo separate exit fee for most travelers; registration is mandatory within 3 days of arrival.Included in visa fee

Common reasons for entry denial

Incomplete visa application30%
Insufficient funds25%
No return ticket20%

Approval probability calculator

Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.

Transiting through Turkmenistan

Transit visa required

Bosnian citizens require a transit visa to pass through Turkmenistan, even if staying airside. A transit visa is valid for up to 5 days and requires a confirmed onward ticket and a letter of invitation or transit justification.

Exceptions & conditions
  • Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt.
  • Crew members of international flights may not require a visa if staying airside and on duty.
Transit hubsAshgabat International Airport (ASB) · Turkmenabat International Airport (CRZ) · Turkmenbashi International Airport (KRW)

Health & vaccines for Turkmenistan

Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk

Risk of bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid from contaminated food/water.

Mosquito-borne diseasesLow risk

Low risk of malaria and dengue, mainly in rural areas.

Air pollutionModerate risk

Dust and sandstorms can cause respiratory issues, especially in desert regions.

Malaria risk: low

Low risk in rural areas; prophylaxis not routinely recommended for urban travel.

Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.

Immigration offices for extensions

Ashgabat
State Migration Service of Turkmenistan
Bitarap Turkmenistan Avenue, Ashgabat
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00

Main office for visa extensions and registration. Bring passport, visa, and invitation letter.

Turkmenbashi
Turkmenbashi Immigration Office
Magtymguly Street, Turkmenbashi
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00

Handles visa issues for port and border arrivals.

Practical information for BA travellers

Country basics
CapitalAshgabat
LanguageTurkmen
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 30 days, but an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyTurkmenistan manat (TMT)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 3.5 TMT
updated Jul 3
Time zone
Local timeUTC+5
vs New York+10h
vs Los Angeles+13h
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,FTypes C and F, standard European plugs
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Police02
Medical03
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

No. There is no visa-on-arrival for Bosnian citizens. You must obtain a visa before you travel, from a Turkmen embassy or consulate.
The entire process, from obtaining the letter of invitation to visa approval, typically takes 3-6 weeks. The invitation alone can take 2-4 weeks, and visa processing another 2-3 weeks. Start at least 2 months before your planned travel.
A Letter of Invitation is an official document approved by Turkmenistan's State Migration Service. Your host in Turkmenistan (a tour operator, business partner, or relative) must apply for it on your behalf. Without it, your visa application will be rejected.
There is no Turkmen embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina. You'll need to apply through the Turkmen embassy in a neighboring country, such as Turkey (Ankara or Istanbul) or another accredited embassy. Contact the embassy directly to confirm they accept applications from Bosnian citizens.
Visa fees vary depending on the embassy and visa type. Expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $150 or more. Check with the specific embassy for the exact fee and payment method.
No. The visa is not extendable. You must leave the country before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines and deportation.
Yes, all foreign visitors must register with the State Migration Service within 3 days of arrival. Hotels usually do this for you, but if you're staying in a private residence, you must register yourself. Failure to register can lead to fines and exit problems.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 7, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.