Chinese Visa Policy and Requirements for Citizens of Turkmenistan

I. Chinese Embassies/Consulates in Turkmenistan

 

1. Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Ashgabat

 

  • Address: 17, Archabil Street, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
  • Contact:
  • Services: Visa applications (via China Visa Application Service Center, CVASC), consular assistance.
  • Work Hours: Mon–Fri 9:00–12:00 (visa submission); 15:00–17:00 (collection).

 

Note: All visa applications must be submitted through the Ashgabat CVASC (online appointment via COVA).

II. Chinese Visa Requirements for Turkmenistan Citizens

 

1. Visa Types & Eligibility

 

  • Ordinary Passport Holders: Mandatory visa for all purposes (tourism, business, work, etc.).
  • Diplomatic/Governmental Travel: Visa-free for ≤30 days (Diplomatic and service passports); long stays require registration.

 

2. Visa Categories & Documents

 

  • Tourist (L Visa):
    • Passport (valid ≥6 months, ≥2 blank pages).
    • Online application (COVA) + appointment at CVASC.
    • Hotel bookings/invitation letter (if staying with relatives).
    • Round-trip flight itinerary.
  • Business (M Visa):
    • Invitation letter from a Chinese company (with business registration).
  • Work (Z Visa):
    • Employment contract + Chinese work permit.
  • Study (X1/X2 Visa):
    • Admission letter + JW201/JW202 form.
  • Transit (G Visa):
    • Onward ticket to a third country.
    • 24/72/144-hour transit : Available at designated airports (e.g., Beijing, Shanghai).

 

3. Application Process

 

  • Online: Complete COVA form → Book CVASC appointment.
  • In-person: Submit documents + biometrics (14–70 years old).
  • Processing Time: 4–5 business days (standard); express (2–3 days) available.
  • Fees: ~$60–100 (single-entry tourist visa).

 

4. Special Notes

 

  • Tibet Travel: Tibet Travel Permit (TTP) required.
  • Health Requirements: No mandatory vaccines; COVID-19 antigen test (48 hours pre-departure) with QR code via China Customs app (as of 2023).

III. Turkmenistan Visa Policies for Chinese Citizens (Reciprocal Information)

 

1. Visa-Free Agreement 

 

  • Visa exemption conditions: Visa-free for ≤30 days (must present Invitation letter at immigration).
  • Registration: Extensions (>30 days) via local immigration.

 

2. Ordinary Passport Holders:

 

  • Pre-Approved Visa:
    • Tourism/Business: Invitation letter from a Turkmen entity + online application.
    •  On-Arrival: Available at Ashgabat Airport with 移民局批准函 (issued by inviter in advance).
  • Documents:
    • Passport (valid ≥6 months).
    • Invitation letter + health certificate (for stays >3 months).
    • 2 photos (3×4 cm).
  • Fees: $20–140 (e.g., 10-day single-entry: $20).

 

3. Transit Rules:

 

  • 24-hour transit: No visa 
  • 48-hour transit: Visa required (unless in designated zones).

IV. Key Travel Notes

 

  • Registration in Turkmenistan:
    • All visitors (except diplomatic) must register within 3 days (via hotel/inviter or 移民局).
    • Penalty for late registration: Denied exit.
  • Customs:
    • Cash: No entry limit; >$10,000 must be declared.
    • Prohibited: Drugs, counterfeit goods, protected wildlife.
    • Alcohol/Tobacco: ≤1.5L alcohol, ≤2 packs cigarettes.
  • Safety:
    • Strict laws (e.g., no photography of government buildings).
    • Tourism infrastructure limited; plan logistics via local agencies.

V. Emergency Contacts

 

  • China (Turkmenistan):
    • Embassy (Ashgabat): +993-65-62-36-03 (consular protection).
  • Turkmenistan (China):

VI. Official Resources