Travel Vaccines and Advice for Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan remembered for its weird dictatorship of Saparmyrat Niyazov. He ruled until 2006 when he died, and he had monuments as well as statues of himself to show what he achieved.
Turkmenistan is a country that has been less explored and is more of a mystery then Central Asia’s ‘stans. It’s natural beauty, traditions, and spirituality makes Turkmenistan a great destination.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Turkmenistan?
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Turkmenistan
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Turkmenistan?
What Is the Climate Like in Turkmenistan?
How Safe Is Turkmenistan?
The Gates of Hell
What Should I Take to Turkmenistan?
Canadian Embassy in Turkmenistan
Do I Need Vaccines for Turkmenistan?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Turkmenistan. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Turkmenistan: typhoid, hepatitis A, polio, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travellers to any destination. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travellers to most regions. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Meningitis –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended.
See the table below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Turkmenistan |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travellers to any destination. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travellers to most regions. |
Routine Vaccinations for Turkmenistan |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Meningitis | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
Specific Vaccine Information
- Typhoid – Typhoid fever, caused by Salmonella Typhi, is transmitted through contaminated food and water sources. Vaccination is recommended for travellers and those at higher risk of typhoid exposure. Implementing rigorous hygiene practices and food safety measures is essential for comprehensive protection against infection.
- Hepatitis A – Contagious hepatitis A, caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV), spreads through contaminated food, water, or close contact. Prevention involves vaccination and practicing good hygiene, particularly when travelling to high-risk areas.
- Rabies – Rabies, a lethal viral infection, is primarily transmitted through the saliva of infected animals. Vaccination is paramount for prevention, involving post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for potential exposures and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for those at heightened risk, such as travellers.
- Hepatitis B – Hepatitis B, caused by the hepatitis B virus, spreads through infected bodily fluids. While safe practices can reduce the risk, vaccination is the most reliable defense. The hepatitis B vaccine stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies, ensuring robust and long-lasting protection against this liver disease.
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – Measles, mumps, and rubella are highly infectious diseases that can lead to complications like pneumonia and encephalitis. To combat these threats, vaccination with the MMR vaccine is imperative. This two-dose vaccine not only shields individuals but also contributes to herd immunity, reducing the risk of outbreaks.
See our vaccinations page to learn more about these infections and vaccines. Ready to protect yourself? Book your travel health appointment today by calling or schedule online now.
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Turkmenistan
Prevent Bug Bites in Turkmenistan
If you get bitten by bugs, clean the area, resist scratching, and use over-the-counter remedies like hydrocortisone or antihistamines to relieve itching. Seek medical attention for severe reactions.
Food and Water Safety in Turkmenistan
Abroad, practice food safety by avoiding street vendors, washing hands thoroughly, and choosing well-cooked meals. Opt for bottled or canned drinks with unbroken seals. Prevent travellers’ diarrhea by practicing hand hygiene, skipping raw foods, and dining at reputable establishments.
Altitude Sickness in Turkmenistan
Altitude sickness, marked by symptoms such as headaches and fatigue due to low oxygen levels at high elevations. AMS can be avoided through gradual ascent, hydration, and certain medications like acetazolamide. If AMS strikes, descending promptly to lower altitudes, resting, and seeking medical assistance if symptoms persist are crucial steps for recovery.
Infections To Be Aware of in Turkmenistan
- Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever – Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever, caused by tick-borne viruses, necessitates protection against tick bites and strict infection control in healthcare.
- Leishmaniasis – Infected sand flies are the primary vectors of leishmaniasis. Preventive measures include the use of insect repellents, protective clothing and staying indoors during sand fly peak hours.
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Turkmenistan?
A passport and visa are required for travel to Turkmenistan. Passports must have at least six months validity at entry.
Turkmenistan Entry Requirements |
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| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Turkmenistan? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | |
|
| Business Visa | |
|
| Vaccinations | ||
Sources: Embassy of Turkmenistan and Canadian Travel and Tourism
Note, Turkmenistan has very different requirements for dual citizens and may deny exit. Be sure to consult with a Passport Health passport and visa specialist before your trip.
Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.
What Is the Climate Like in Turkmenistan?
Turkmenistan is a hot and dry country with a desert climate. The temperature can be very hot in the summer, sometimes going over 35 degrees, and cooler in the winter, around 5 to 10 degrees. The weather is usually mild in the spring and fall, with temperatures ranging from 15 to 20 degrees.
The most popular tourist destinations in Turkmenistan are Ashgabat, Darvaza Gas Crater, and the ancient city of Merv. Ashgabat and the Darvaza Gas Crater have similar weather patterns, while Merv is located in the eastern part of the country.
If you plan to visit Turkmenistan, it is important to check the weather forecast for the region and time of year you are planning to visit. This will help you prepare for the weather conditions and make the most out of your trip.
How Safe Is Turkmenistan?
People visiting Turkmenistan are not allowed to travel to “restricted zones” without permission. Iran, Uzbekistan, and Afghanistan are places people are restricted from. Dashoguz, Dashoguz City, and some places along the coast of Caspian are not allowed as well. It usually takes 10 working days for the State Migration Service to process requests. People who plan to travel by Turkmenistan Airlines need to have proof of their permission to travel to the restricted zones.
Visitors to the country may be put under surveillance. Certain places or things may be monitored like hotel rooms, telephones and internet traffic. It’s important to keep your passport with you at all times because you don’t want to be detained. At night officers may be more aggressive in asking for your identity papers and they might ask for a bribe. If you’re unsure that the officer is official, you should ask for their identification to feel more at ease.
There aren’t many reports of violence. But, you should take precautions anyway. Don’t travel in the dark or in deserted or unfamiliar areas of Turkmenistan. Victims of a crime or victims of domestic violence should contact the embassy for assistance.
The Gates of Hell
Avoid an Embarrassing Stop
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There is so much to see and do in Turkmenistan. If you’re interested in a real piece of history in nature, the Gates of Hell is the place to see. It is a 70 metres. wide crater that is located in the Karakum Desert and can be seen for kilometres. The crater is about the size of a football field and is approximately 20 meters deep. It has been on fire for more than 50 years and travellers can see the flames rising from the earth.
The people who live nearby this crater call it the Gates of Hell because of the glow that continues to come up from the pit. This place has become a popular tourist site, as travellers stay overnight to experience it. Visitors will experience the extreme heat if they stay near the crater.
Tourists can get to the Gates of Hell from Ashgabat on camel. A traditional yurt is what tourists will be able to stay in when they arrive at the Gates of Hell.
What Should I Take to Turkmenistan?
When packing for a trip to Turkmenistan, there are some important things to remember. You’ll need your passport and visa. Turkmenistan is a conservative country, so it’s best to dress modestly. Women should cover their head, arms, and legs, while men should wear pants and a shirt with sleeves. Since it can get very hot, you’ll also need sunscreen and a hat. Mosquito repellent is also important to bring along, as mosquitoes can be a problem in some areas.
It’s a good idea to bring any prescription medications you need and a basic first-aid kit. You’ll also need cash, as credit cards are not always accepted. If you plan to use any electronics, you’ll need an adapter and converter since Turkmenistan uses European-style plugs. Travel insurance is always a good idea in case of emergencies.
If you plan to explore on your own, bring a guidebook and maps. Lastly, don’t forget your camera to capture your memories!
Canadian Embassy in Turkmenistan
Canada currently does not have a residential government office in Turkmenistan. The embassy in Kazakhstan provides consular services.
Canadian Embassy in Kazakhstan
13/1 Kabanbay Batyr Avenue,
Astana Kazakhstan Z05H0A5,
Phone: +7 (7172) 47 55 77 / 78 / 79 / 80
Ready to start your next journey? Call us at or book online now!
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Turkmenistan
“Clinic was easy to book into, and location was easy to find. Office was inviting and professional. Our nurse was thorough and knowledgeable.”
“I had a wonderful experience at Passport Health today. Who wants to be a pin cushion? Our nurse made the experience a very good one. She was very knowledgeable and explained all medications for Turkmenistan and potential side effects well. I would definitely recommend Passport Health.”
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