Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Northern and Central Asia
Northern and Central Asia Topics specific to Russia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Mongolia, China, Japan and Korea
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 21 Jan 2009
todderz's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: USA
Posts: 182
Current advice for Turkmenistan?

Hello everyone,

I've spent all day HUBB-Hunting and Googling, and exchanging emails with Stantours, but I'm still confused about Turkmenistan. We are hoping to go via ferry from Azerbaijan and will be crossing into Uzbekistan.

Does anyone have up to date experience of getting a Turkmenistan transit visa issued (ideally in advance, in London)? How likely is it to be refused?

Second question is how wise would we be (as first timers) to use a transit visa given the potential for delays at the Ferry causing us to run out of time?

Any advice very welcome indeed. Thanks all!

Cheers,
Al
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 21 Jan 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Southampton
Posts: 671
So

Hi there,

I will be travelling with Russ (extremegene) and have been communicating with David at Stantours, who can be a little cryptic. I think that as well as a transit visa, you can also apply for a tourist visa, but this will be done at the border, is expensive and not guranteed. This might be a fall back for you should the ferry be late.

this is what David said to us:

In Turkmenistan you will normally only get a MAXIMUM 5 day transit visa, so we would strongly recopmmend you to budget for a TOURIST visa the final dates for whjich can be adjusted and which can be issued at the border

Otherwise it appears to be a bit of an inigma, so I will certainly be watching this thread with interest
__________________
Ollie

www.jollyfollies.com

Land's End to Sydney 2009
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 21 Jan 2009
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Philadelphia, US
Posts: 646
Transit visas have fixed dates...so they can be problematic if the ferry is delayed...BUT you can extend your transit visa in Ashgabat...what you're doing is essentially purchasing a second visa that's granted to you on the spot...I did that...

The key to doing this is to make sure the insurance you purchase at the border covers the initial visa period and the potential extension...as you can't buy the insurance extension in Ashgabat.

You will be asked to present your papers at various checkpoints and they do check.

HTH
__________________
edde
93 BMW K75s
www.motoedde.com
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 21 Jan 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Estonia
Posts: 351
Quote:
Originally Posted by MotoEdde View Post
BUT you can extend your transit visa in Ashgabat...what you're doing is essentially purchasing a second visa that's granted to you on the spot...I did that...
You can theoretically do this only if your given transit itinerary includes Ashgabat, so you can actually go there. Mine did not include Ashgabat. I was going from Uzbekistan to Iran and when transit visa was issued, on visa there was completely different entry and exit points that I asked for in visa application. I got the visa in Tashkent, probably the most horrible embassy I have ever dealt with.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 21 Jan 2009
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Philadelphia, US
Posts: 646
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rebaseonu View Post
You can theoretically do this only if your given transit itinerary includes Ashgabat, so you can actually go there. Mine did not include Ashgabat. I was going from Uzbekistan to Iran and when transit visa was issued, on visa there was completely different entry and exit points that I asked for in visa application. I got the visa in Tashkent, probably the most horrible embassy I have ever dealt with.
Quite possibly true...I entered at Turkmenbashi(from Azerbaijan) and exited via Uzbekistan...so Ashgabat was on my route...

The best embassy to deal with may be the one in Turkey(Istanbul)...I got mine within 5 days...you do need a bordering country's visa in your passport...as Turkmenistan won't grant you entry without proving you can exit.

They have LOTS of little rules...have fun

BTW, Rebaseonu...I loved your trip pics!!
__________________
edde
93 BMW K75s
www.motoedde.com
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 21 Jan 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Estonia
Posts: 351
One more thing that may be helpful for those who are entering with transit visa. Basically on border you will be given transit paper than has generic map of Turkmenistan main roads and your itinerary is drawn on this paper, as well are written transit point names (plus it has 5 different stamps from different officials).



This is to keep you on given route. However, I think when someone starts preparing this paper for you you can tell him you want different itinerary than one listed in your transit visa. I guess if he is not in bad mood he can alter itinerary a bit along your wishes. If you don't tell him he will put the route you have in your passport. Once the paper is done you'll need to stick to the route.

The paper also lists all fees you need to pay to enter (like insurance, fuel tax etc), for me total was 58 USD (bike).
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Turkmenistan malmoerik Northern and Central Asia 6 15 Jul 2004 20:44
Turkmenistan usl West and South Asia 1 2 Nov 2003 22:19
Turkmenistan & Uzbekistan pietro.spera Route Planning 3 30 Apr 2003 15:32
Turkmenistan & Uzbekistan pietro.spera West and South Asia 4 24 Apr 2003 02:30
Turkmenistan & Uzbekistan pietro.spera Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road 6 22 Nov 2002 22:09

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 13:14.