Book cheap flights to Ashgabat

Ashgabat experiences a dry desert climate, with hot, dry summers and cool, short winters. Average temperatures range from 46 degrees Celsius in summer to – 5 degrees Celsius in winter. The best time to visit Ashgabat is during spring (March to May) and during autumn (September to November). These months offer pleasant temperatures compared to the searing heat of summer (June to August) and bitter cold of winter (December to February). For cheap flights to Ashgabat, the best time to visit is during the summer months.

South African passport holders do require a visa when travelling to Ashgabat, or anywhere else in Turkmenistan. Visas are issued on arrival if visitors are travelling from countries without an embassy or consulate. You will need to ensure your passport has a validity of at least 6 months and has two empty pages for entry stamps.

For more visa information, visit the Turkmen Ministry of Foreign Affairs website

Although Ashgabat is a relatively safe city, certain precautions should be taken. The city also follows its own local laws and customs, which you will be required to adopt and respect. You should familiarise yourself with these before arriving in Ashgabat.

Travel insurance to cover theft and medical expenses is highly recommended. Avoid travelling alone, and through deserted areas (especially at night). Rather make use of registered yellow taxis. Fares should be agreed on beforehand, and should only be paid in local currency.

Police and military are present throughout Turkmenistan, so you should keep some form of identification with you at all times. Visitors who are unable to produce identification may be detained. Avoid rallies and public demonstrations.

Avoid drinking tap water. Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required if you are travelling from a yellow fever endemic area. Immunisation against Hepatitis A & B, cholera, typhoid, and rabies are recommended. Other recommended vaccinations include MMR, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella and polio.