Turkmenistan slowly opens up to tourists after decades of isolation

Turkmenistan, long known for its extreme isolation, is slowly beginning to welcome tourists. The former Soviet republic, which implemented strict visa requirements after its 1991 independence, is showing signs of a tentative thaw in its famously closed borders.

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I wanted to see what the mystery was about

Tour agencies within the Central Asian nation have observed a recent decline in visa rejections. This shift coincides with official plans announced this year to develop and expand the country's tourism sector. While the stringent visa policies largely remain, the increased accessibility is attracting international visitors eager to explore the nation's unique offerings.

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I think the uniqueness is really what stood out.

Tourists are drawn to Turkmenistan's distinctive landscape and architecture. Ashgabat, the capital, boasts the world's highest density of white marble buildings, a legacy of its former leader Saparmurat Niyazov. Beyond the capital, the "Gateway to Hell," a gas crater that has been burning for half a century, is a notable attraction. Visitors like Nick Frey from the US expressed a desire to experience the country's mystery, while German tourist Liza Zorn noted the striking "whiteness of everything" in Ashgabat.

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The first thing I noticed was the whiteness of everything

Despite the opening, travel to Turkmenistan remains highly regulated. All visitors must prove their tourist credentials, and their itineraries must be meticulously planned and approved by authorized tour agencies. "You have to have your plans organised by a tour agency like ours and everything has to be approved," explained Effie Frank from Saiga Tours. However, she added, "It does seem like it’s getting a bit easier to come to Turkmenistan."

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It was the first time in my life I saw white traffic lights.