Visa Requirements
Do South African citizens need a visa for Turkmenistan?
Official Requirement
Visa required
for South Africa citizens travelling to Turkmenistan
All visitors to Turkmenistan require a visa, which must be supported by a letter of invitation. For tourism, travel agencies registered in Turkmenistan can provide the invitation letter; for business, it must come from a relevant government ministry or company. Visas can be obtained at Ashgabat International Airport and some land borders upon arrival with pre-arranged approval, or from a Turkmenistan embassy abroad.
Last checked 5 months ago (19 April 2026)
We are not a government authority. Requirements change without notice. Always verify with the official consulate link before travel.
Embassy Application Only
Turkmenistan does not offer online visa applications. You'll need to apply in person at the nearest Turkmenistan embassy or consulate. Contact the diplomatic mission for the current document checklist and appointment availability.
Official Turkmenistan government page →
Merv
At a glance
Key facts for South African citizens visiting Turkmenistan
- Requirement
- Visa required
- Official source
- Official source for this route →
Step by step
How South African citizens enter Turkmenistan
Check your passport is valid for the whole trip. Many countries also want it valid for a period beyond your departure date, so confirm the exact rule on the official page below.
Book an appointment at a Turkmenistan embassy or consulate. There is no online pathway for this route, so the appointment is the application.
Carry proof of onward or return travel and of where you are staying. Border officers ask for both, and an airline can refuse boarding without them.
Check the requirement again close to your departure date. This route was last checked on 19 April 2026, and rules change without notice.
Wise
Your bank marks up every ZAR you spend in Turkmenistan. Wise doesn't.
- No foreign transaction fees
- Free ATM withdrawals up to your limit
- Pay in local currency at the real rate
4.8 ★ App Store·4.8 ★ Google Play
Saily eSIM
Your phone plan was built for home. This one was built for Turkmenistan.
Instant eSIM — from $3.99
Or unlimited data across 121 countries — from $59.99/mo
- eSIM delivered in minutes
- No SIM swapping or roaming fees
- Trusted by Nord Security
4.6 ★ App Store·4.5 ★ Google Play
Practical Info
Travel Essentials
Apply for your Turkmenistan eVisa
Official eVisa application — processed in minutes with instant confirmation.
Questions
What South African citizens ask about entering Turkmenistan
Yes. South African citizens need a visa arranged before travelling to Turkmenistan. This was last checked on 19 April 2026.
Start from the destination government page linked on this page. Yoogo does not process applications and takes no fee for them.
A passport valid for the trip, proof of onward or return travel, and proof of where you are staying. Officers can ask for evidence that you can support yourself for the visit. Entry is always the officer's decision, whatever the paperwork says.
Turkmenistan uses TMT. Check the rate before you exchange anything at the airport, where the spread is usually widest.
Changes to this route
No changes recorded since the first check on 19 April 2026.
Full change history for this route →