Turkmenistan has launched a new electronic visa portal that simplifies the visa application process for international travelers, eliminating the previous requirement for a tourist invitation letter. Officially opened on October 1, the portal allows online submission of visa applications, document uploads, fee payments, and application tracking.
Key Features of the e-Visa Portal:
- Visa Categories:
- e-TU for tourism
- e-BS for business
- e-HM for humanitarian purposes
- Document Requirements: Applicants need a passport scan (valid for at least six months), a recent color photograph, and a valid email for updates.
Changes for Tourists:
- The e-TU tourist visa no longer requires a letter of invitation. Instead, travelers can optionally provide a travel itinerary, hotel reservation, and medical insurance.
Other Visa Types:
- e-BS visa applicants must include a company invitation from Turkmenistan.
- Humanitarian applicants need a confirmation letter from a humanitarian organization or UN agency.
Processing Times:
- Regular: 7 business days
- Urgent: 3 business days
- Super-urgent: 24 hours
- Fees are calculated during the application and are paid online in US dollars.
This significant overhaul aims to streamline the process and enhance accessibility for tourists visiting Turkmenistan.
