Turkmenistan entry requirements for Uruguay passport holders

Updated weekly · Last reviewed July 3, 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

Uruguayan passport holders need a visa to enter Turkmenistan. You must arrange this before you travel — there are no visa-on-arrival options for tourism. Plan ahead, as the process can take several weeks.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Visa requiredYou cannot enter Turkmenistan without a pre-approved visa.
Apply before travel
Uruguayan passport holders must obtain a visa prior to arrival. Apply at a Turkmen embassy or consulate. No visa on arrival or e-visa is available.Required
Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date; if it expires sooner, renew before applying for a visa.
6 months beyond intended stay
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Turkmenistan.Required
Blank passport pagesCount the blank pages in your passport; a full page is needed for the visa sticker.
At least 1 blank page
Your passport must have at least 1 blank visa page for entry and exit stamps.Required
Return or onward ticketHaving a booked ticket helps prove you will leave before your visa expires.
Proof of departure
You may be asked to show a confirmed return or onward flight ticket upon arrival or during visa application.Recommended
Proof of fundsCarry bank statements or cash to show you can cover expenses.
Sufficient money for stay
Immigration officials may request evidence of sufficient funds for your stay. No specific minimum amount is published.Recommended
Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out an additional arrival form.
Not required
No separate arrival declaration form is required for Uruguay passport holders entering Turkmenistan.Not required
E-visa applicationThere is no online visa system; plan to visit an embassy in person or by mail.
Not available
Turkmenistan does not offer an e-visa for Uruguayan passport holders. You must apply through a diplomatic mission.Not required
Visa required — no exceptions
Uruguayan passport holders cannot enter Turkmenistan without a pre-arranged visa. There is no visa on arrival or e-visa option. Start the process at least 2 months before your trip.
Letter of Invitation is mandatory
You must get a Letter of Invitation from a registered Turkmen travel agency before you can apply for a visa. The agency will handle the paperwork. Expect to pay $100–$200 for this service.

What happens at the border

1
Get a Letter of Invitation (LOI)
Contact a Turkmen travel agency to arrange an LOI. This is a formal invitation from a registered Turkmen tour operator. The agency will handle the paperwork and submit it to the State Migration Service. Expect to pay around $100–$200 for this service.
2
Apply for the visa
Once you have the LOI, submit your visa application at the nearest Turkmen embassy or consulate. You'll need your passport, a completed application form, passport photos, the LOI, and proof of travel insurance. Processing takes 2–4 weeks.
3
Arrive in Turkmenistan
Fly into Ashgabat International Airport (ASB). At immigration, present your passport with the visa, your return ticket, and accommodation proof. The officer will stamp you in. Keep your arrival card — you'll need it when you leave.
Download Turkmenistan Entry Checklist
PDF · Uruguay Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated July 3, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

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

Business visa
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$80

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

Private visa (visiting friends/family)
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months
Cost$50

Requires a letter of invitation from the host, approved by the State Migration Service.

Transit visa
Max stay5 days
ValiditySingle entry
Cost$20

For those passing through to a third country; must show onward tickets and visas.

Other fees
ServiceCost
Tourist visa (single entry, up to 10 days)Standard fee for most nationalities; subject to change.$35
Tourist visa (single entry, up to 30 days)Longer stay option.$55
Transit visa (up to 5 days)Requires onward ticket and valid visa for next country.$20
Visa extension (per month)Extensions are possible but must be applied for before current visa expires.$30

Common reasons for entry denial

Incomplete or incorrect visa application30%
Insufficient proof of accommodation20%
Lack of a valid letter of invitation (LOI)20%

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

Uruguayan passport holders require a transit visa to pass through Turkmenistan, even if staying airside. Apply in advance at a Turkmen embassy.

Exceptions & conditions
  • Crew members of international flights may be exempt.
Transit hubsAshgabat International Airport (ASB)

Health & vaccines for Turkmenistan

Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidRecommendedRabiesConsiderTetanus-diphtheriaEssential
Health risks
TuberculosisModerate risk

Tuberculosis is present; avoid close contact with symptomatic individuals.

BrucellosisLow risk

Risk from unpasteurized dairy products.

Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk

Rare, but present in rural areas.

Malaria risk: low

Malaria risk is low, mainly in rural areas near the border with Afghanistan. Consider mosquito avoidance measures.

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
Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
Mon-Fri 09:00-18:00
Turkmenabat
Regional Migration Office - Lebap
Turkmenabat, Lebap Region
Mon-Fri 09:00-17:00

Practical information for UY 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. Turkmenistan does not offer visa on arrival for Uruguayan passport holders. You must get a visa before you travel.
The full process — getting a Letter of Invitation (LOI) and then the visa — takes 4 to 6 weeks. Start at least 2 months before your trip to be safe.
The LOI from a travel agency costs around $100–$200. The visa fee at the embassy varies but is typically $50–$100. Total cost: roughly $150–$300.
Yes. For a tourist visa, you need an LOI from a registered Turkmen travel agency. The agency submits it to the State Migration Service. You cannot get a visa without it.
Overstaying is serious. You'll be fined, and you may be detained until you pay. The fine is typically $10–$20 per day overstay. Avoid it by leaving on or before your visa expiry date.
Extensions are possible but not guaranteed. You must apply at the State Migration Service in Ashgabat before your visa expires. The process takes a few days and costs around $20–$50. It's easier to plan your trip within the visa validity.
Your passport with the visa, your return flight ticket (printed or on your phone), and proof of your first night's accommodation. Have them ready before you reach the counter.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on July 3, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.