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🇿🇦 Does a South African need a visa for Turkmenistan 🇹🇲?

What this means for your trip

You apply at an embassy, consulate or authorised visa centre of the destination, usually with an application form, passport photos, bank statements, travel itinerary and accommodation bookings.

Processing takes days to weeks, and some embassies require an interview; start the application well before your trip.

Your passport should normally be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date and have blank pages for stamps; many countries apply this rule.

Turkmenistan at a glance

Capital: Ashgabat · Currency: Turkmenistan manat (TMT, m) · Official languages: Russian, Turkmen · Calling code: +993

U.S. State Department travel advisory for Turkmenistan: Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions (updated 21 August 2026). It is written for U.S. citizens; read the advisory before you book.

Plugs and voltage

Some of your plugs fit (C); for type D, M, N plugs bring a travel adapter for Turkmenistan's sockets (B, C, F). Mains voltage differs (Turkmenistan: 220 V; South Africa: 230 V): most phone and laptop chargers accept 100–240 V, but single-voltage devices such as some hair dryers need a converter.

More about entering Turkmenistan →

Easier destinations near Turkmenistan for South African passport holders

• 🇰🇿 Kazakhstan — Visa-free
• 🇰🇬 Kyrgyzstan — Visa on arrival
• 🇹🇯 Tajikistan — Visa on arrival

The other way round

🇹🇲 Turkmen passport holders visiting South Africa: Turkmen passport holders need a visa for South Africa, applied for at an embassy or consulate of South Africa before travelling.

The South African passport at a glance

All destinations for South Africa passport holders → · Who needs a visa for Turkmenistan →

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