
STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL ADVISORY - Turkmenistan
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TURKMENISTAN - CAUTION
 March 25, 1992

SUMMARY.  U.S. citizens planning to visit Turkmenistan or the other
former Soviet republics should be aware that the region is
undergoing profound political and economic change.  U.S. citizens
should avoid demonstrations or other signs of political unrest, and
should stay abreast of current developments in order to be ready to
react to evolving events.  As always when traveling, tourists should
take precautions against theft.  U.S. citizens in frail health are
strongly advised not to visit the region because of severe shortages
of basic medical supplies.  Internal travel, especially by air, may
be disrupted by fuel shortages and other economic difficulties.  END
SUMMARY.

Internal Travel Disruptions.  Beginning in late 1991, fuel
shortages made airline travel to, from and within Turkmenistan
increasingly erratic.  It can be difficult to make alternative
arrangements for departure from the region if flights are canceled
or delayed.

Visas.  At this time, all travelers to the former Soviet Union,
including Turkmenistan, must have a visa issued by a Russian Embassy
or Consulate.  Travelers who do not have a visa cannot register at
any hotel and will be required to leave the country immediately, via
the route by which they entered the country.  U.S. citizens should
contact the Russian Embassy in Washington (202-939-8916) or the
Russian Consulate in San Francisco (415-922-6642) for current
information on visa requirements.  U.S. citizens should obtain their
visas in the U.S.; it can be difficult and time consuming to obtain
a visa in a third country.

"Tips for Travelers to the U.S.S.R.":  U.S. citizens planning a
trip to Turkmenistan may wish to obtain a copy of the State
Department's "Tips for Travelers to the U.S.S.R.," which is
currently being revised.  Much of the information, however is still
valid for the newly independent states.  This pamphlet provides
information about passport and visa requirements, recommended
inoculations and vaccinations, health precautions, customs and
currency regulations, crime and personal security and other matters
of general interest.  The pamphlet also contains specific
information for dual nationals of the U.S. and the former U.S.S.R.
"Tips for Travelers to the U.S.S.R." can be ordered for $1.00 each
>From the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing
Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.  Travelers should also check with
Intourist (212-757-3884) or the State Department's Office of
Overseas Citizen Services (202-647-5225) for current information
before traveling.

Personal Security:  Although officials in Turkmenistan have
expressed their readiness to cooperate with U.S. officials in the
event of an emergency involving a U.S. citizen, communications and
transportation can be slow and difficult, and the nearest U.S.
officials in some case may be more than a day's travel away.  As
always when traveling, tourists should take precautions against
theft.

Medical care in the region does not meet western standards.  There
is a severe shortage of basic medical supplies, including disposable
needles, anesthetics and antibiotics.  Tourists in frail health are
strongly advised not to visit.  The "Tips for Travelers to the
U.S.S.R." contains additional information on health care in the
region.

The U.S. has opened an Embassy in Ashkhabad, the capital of
Turkmenistan.  The U.s. Embassy is temporarily located at the
Jubilee Hotel, and is currently providing limited consular services
to U.S. citizens in Turkmenistan.  U.S. citizens in need of
emergency services may contact the U.S. Embassy at 7-3630-244908.
All U.S. citizens visiting Turkmenistan should register with the
U.S. Embassy.

 No. 92-062

This advisory replaces the travel advisory dated December 24, 1991,
for the U.S.S.R., to advise U.S. citizens of concerns specific to
travel in Turkmenistan.

