Belarusian tourism industry assesses consequences of Turkmenistan’s introduction of electronic visas

The introduction of e-visas by Turkmenistan will make this country more open to travelers, including those from Belarus. This opinion was expressed in the Republican Union of Tourist Organizations (RSTO), writes sb.by.

Turkmenistan has taken another step to facilitate tourists visiting the country. From October 1, the e-TU visa, business visa and humanitarian visa began to operate. Until then, foreign tourists needed an official invitation approved by the Migration Service of Turkmenistan. In practice, this meant that a foreign tourist wishing to visit the country had to apply to a local licensed travel agency. According to the new rules, the invitation is not mentioned among the necessary documents for obtaining a tourist e-visa.

The RST noted that the time of obtaining an electronic visa is up to 7 working days, an urgent one is issued in 3 days, there is also the possibility of obtaining an express visa - it can be obtained in 24 hours. The cost depends on the type of visa and the time it takes to obtain it.

- According to experts, including European ones, this event can become a turning point for travelers, changing the rules of the game in the Central Asian region, the organization added.

The RSTO also drew attention to the fact that migration accounting was simplified for tourists. Since April of this year, the registration of foreigners has also been translated into electronic format. If the guest plans to stay in the country for more than three working days, both the host party and the tourist himself can submit data on the place of stay via the Internet. Some border crossings provide for instant registration using biometrics.

The introduction of electronic visas and the abolition of the mandatory invitation is only the first step towards turning Turkmenistan into a new tourist hit of the region. Guests of the country can see the monumental Ashgabat, the wonder of nature - the Karakum desert and places associated with the legendary Silk Road. In a relatively small area, ancient fortresses, Seljuk mausoleums, medieval minarets and mosques have been preserved. Three sites (Old Nisa, Ancient Merv and Kunya Urgench) are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Hotels of Turkmenistan are the new five leading world chains, old Soviet hotels, and cute private mini-hotels. Tourists bring from the country chic handmade silk carpets, the prices for which are very pleasant.

Direct flights to and from Turkmenistan are currently available for Belarusians. Belavia Airlines operates regular flights between Ashgabat and Minsk twice a week. Travel time - 4 hours 25 minutes, distance - 2420 kilometers. Representatives of the Belarusian tourism industry discussed options for working with guests from the Persian Gulf countries Photo: RSTO website.