Latest news with #SerdarBerdymukhamedov
Time Out
24-04-2025
- Time Out
This invite-only country could soon open up to travellers
The phrase 'off the beaten track' gets a little overused, but it definitely applies to Turkmenistan, one of the world's most closed-off destinations. Why? Well, since it gained independence from the Soviet Union back in 1991, Turkmenistan has been run by an autocratic government, has relied economically on its vast natural gas supply, and has historically operated with very, very strict entry requirements – visas have to be obtained in advance, and travellers must supply a 'letter of invitation'. But according to the Independent, a new law has just been passed which will mean the country is much easier to visit. Travellers will now just have to fill out a simplified online form and no longer need to be 'invited'. It's down to President Serdar Berdymukhamedov to decide the types of electronic visas that are available and how they're issued, as well as how long they're valid for, but the new process should make life easier for those visiting for business or as tourists. And in terms of what to go and see once you've arrived, there's a handful of intriguing sights – why not start the 'gates of hell'? Yep, you read that right. It's actually known as the Darvaza Gas Crater, but you'll soon see how this 60 by 20 metre chasm got its name. Reportedly formed by a gas exploration accident back in 1971, the crater has been burning away in the Kakarum desert. Geologists set it alight to prevent the spread of harmful gas, expecting it to burn off in a few weeks, but it's still going to this day. Turkmenistan also sits at the heart of the Silk Road, and Merv, an oasis city which began as a trading centre around 4,000 years ago, is a UNESCO-protected world heritage site well worth visiting. Then there's the striking Yangykala Canyon, which translates to fiery fortresses in English, and is a dramatic rock formation around 160km east of Türkmenbaşy, the Köw Ata Underground Lake, the Kyrk Gyz Cave and the Saparmurat Hajji Mosque. The country's capital Ashgabat is eerily known as the 'city of the dead' and has a famous Sunday market called Tolkuchka Bazaar.
Yahoo
21-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
One of the world's most closed countries has just made it easier to visit
Turkmenistan, long one of the world's most closed countries, has adopted a law that will bring in electronic visas and make it easier for foreigners to enter. Since it became independent after the Soviet Union's collapse in 1991, the gas-rich Central Asian nation has placed strict entry requirements on would-be visitors. All foreign nationals have needed to obtain a visa in advance, and supply a formal "letter of invitation." Even so, many have been turned down for unclear reasons. Under the new law, foreign nationals will be able to fill in a simplified online form. Visa support letters will no longer be needed, allowing for smoother business visits and potentially boosting foreign tourism. President Serdar Berdymukhamedov will now decide what types of electronic visas will be available, how they will be issued, and how long they will be valid for, according to the Neutral Turkmenistan state newspaper. The country, which has remained under autocratic rule since independence and heavily relies on its vast natural gas reserves for revenue, has recently signalled a willingness to integrate into expanding regional trade networks. In March, it began implementing a long-negotiated gas swap deal with Turkey, marking a significant step in energy cooperation between the two nations and the first time Ashgabat has shipped gas westward through a route that bypasses Russia. Map of Turkmenistan: One of the country's best known tourist attractions is the blazing natural gas crater widely referred to as the 'Gates of Hell.' The desert crater located about 260 kilometers (160 miles) north of the capital, Ashgabat, has burned for decades and is a popular sight for the small number of tourists who come to Turkmenistan. The Turkmen news site Turkmenportal said a 1971 gas-drilling collapse formed the crater, which is about 60 meters (190 feet) in diameter and 20 meters (70 feet) deep. To prevent the spread of gas, geologists set a fire, expecting the gas to burn off in a few weeks. The spectacular if unwelcome fire that has burned ever since is so renowned that state TV showed President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov speeding around it in an off-road truck in 2019.
The Independent
21-04-2025
- Business
- The Independent
One of the world's most closed countries has just made it easier to visit
Turkmenistan, long one of the world's most closed countries, has adopted a law that will bring in electronic visas and make it easier for foreigners to enter. Since it became independent after the Soviet Union 's collapse in 1991, the gas-rich Central Asian nation has placed strict entry requirements on would-be visitors. All foreign nationals have needed to obtain a visa in advance, and supply a formal "letter of invitation." Even so, many have been turned down for unclear reasons. Under the new law, foreign nationals will be able to fill in a simplified online form. Visa support letters will no longer be needed, allowing for smoother business visits and potentially boosting foreign tourism. President Serdar Berdymukhamedov will now decide what types of electronic visas will be available, how they will be issued, and how long they will be valid for, according to the Neutral Turkmenistan state newspaper. The country, which has remained under autocratic rule since independence and heavily relies on its vast natural gas reserves for revenue, has recently signalled a willingness to integrate into expanding regional trade networks. In March, it began implementing a long-negotiated gas swap deal with Turkey, marking a significant step in energy cooperation between the two nations and the first time Ashgabat has shipped gas westward through a route that bypasses Russia. Map of Turkmenistan: One of the country's best known tourist attractions is the blazing natural gas crater widely referred to as the 'Gates of Hell.' The desert crater located about 260 kilometers (160 miles) north of the capital, Ashgabat, has burned for decades and is a popular sight for the small number of tourists who come to Turkmenistan. The Turkmen news site Turkmenportal said a 1971 gas-drilling collapse formed the crater, which is about 60 meters (190 feet) in diameter and 20 meters (70 feet) deep. To prevent the spread of gas, geologists set a fire, expecting the gas to burn off in a few weeks. The spectacular if unwelcome fire that has burned ever since is so renowned that state TV showed President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov speeding around it in an off-road truck in 2019.
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Turkmenistan adopts law to allow electronic visas and make it easier for foreigners to enter
ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan (AP) — Turkmenistan, long one of the world's most closed countries, on Friday adopted a law that will bring in electronic visas and make it easier for foreigners to enter. Since it became independent after the Soviet Union's collapse in 1991, the gas-rich Central Asian nation has placed strict entry requirements on would-be visitors. All foreign nationals have needed to obtain a visa in advance, and supply a formal "letter of invitation." Even so, many have been turned down for unclear reasons. Under the new law, foreign nationals will be able to fill in a simplified online form. Visa support letters will no longer be needed, allowing for smoother business visits and potentially boosting foreign tourism. President Serdar Berdymukhamedov will now decide what types of electronic visas will be available, how they will be issued, and how long they will be valid for, according to the Neutral Turkmenistan state newspaper. The country, which has remained under autocratic rule since independence and heavily relies on its vast natural gas reserves for revenue, has recently signalled a willingness to integrate into expanding regional trade networks. In March, it began implementing a long-negotiated gas swap deal with Turkey, marking a significant step in energy cooperation between the two nations and the first time Ashgabat has shipped gas westward through a route that bypasses Russia.
Associated Press
18-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Turkmenistan adopts law to allow electronic visas and make it easier for foreigners to enter
ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan (AP) — Turkmenistan, long one of the world's most closed countries, on Friday adopted a law that will bring in electronic visas and make it easier for foreigners to enter. Since it became independent after the Soviet Union's collapse in 1991, the gas-rich Central Asian nation has placed strict entry requirements on would-be visitors. All foreign nationals have needed to obtain a visa in advance, and supply a formal 'letter of invitation.' Even so, many have been turned down for unclear reasons. Under the new law, foreign nationals will be able to fill in a simplified online form. Visa support letters will no longer be needed, allowing for smoother business visits and potentially boosting foreign tourism. President Serdar Berdymukhamedov will now decide what types of electronic visas will be available, how they will be issued, and how long they will be valid for, according to the Neutral Turkmenistan state newspaper. The country, which has remained under autocratic rule since independence and heavily relies on its vast natural gas reserves for revenue, has recently signalled a willingness to integrate into expanding regional trade networks. In March, it began implementing a long-negotiated gas swap deal with Turkey, marking a significant step in energy cooperation between the two nations and the first time Ashgabat has shipped gas westward through a route that bypasses Russia.
