World's one country still asking travellers to do a COVID test before entering
COVID rewrote the rules of air travel for a time with stricter regulations and public health precautions. While mask mandates and electronic vaccine passports are no longer commonplace, there is one country that still has COVID top of mind.
Turkmenistan still requires international visitors to undergo a COVID test upon arrival. Visitors must undergo a nose swab COVID test when entering the landlocked country in Central Asia.
That said, Turkmenistan does not require visitors to be vaccinated against COVID-19. As stated on the official UK Government website: 'While Turkmenistan doesn't require COVID-19 vaccination, all travellers must undergo a COVID-19 test upon arrival, which costs about 31 US dollars [23 Pound sterling].'
While maybe not a first choice travel destination for many Brits, it's interesting to note that the country is holding firm on this particular regulation. The UK government website goes on to advise visitors to confirm the latest COVID-19 rules with your Turkmen sponsor, or with the embassy that issued your visa if you have one.
When it comes to passport validity requirements, the UK government reminds Brits wishing to enter Turkmenistan that their passport must have 'an 'expiry date' at least 6 months after the date you plan to leave Turkmenistan.
'Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to,' the advisory continues. 'You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.'
British passport holders will also need a visa to visit Turkmenistan. If you have the wrong visa or if you overstay your visa, you could be prosecuted and possibly imprisoned.
To apply for a visa contact the Embassy of Turkmenistan in London at least a month ahead of your intended travel date, says the UK Government. It states: 'You need a letter of invitation to support your application.
'For tourist visits, authorised travel agents can provide these letters. If you are travelling on business, you will need letters from the relevant government ministries or companies you want to do business with. If you want to attend an exhibition or event, the organiser normally provides visa support.'
Be sure to keep this letter of invitation on hand when you are in Turkmenistan. The Embassy of Turkmenistan will refer your visa application to Ashgabat for a decision, which can take up to a month. There is an accelerated 24-hour service costing about 150 US dollars (110 Pound sterling).
You can also enter Turkmenistan on a transit visa - but only if you are visiting for less than 5 days. You cannot change your transit visa to a tourist visa, and you must notify the authorities if you intend to change your route.
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