For a place under the sun
In 2026, the passport of Turkmenistan ranked 158th in the global freedom of movement index. Its holders have access to 59 destinations without the need to obtain a regular visa in advance, though only 13 of these are completely visa-free.
According to the Passport Index, another 42 destinations fall into the category of visa on arrival or other simplified entry procedures, while four require a preliminary electronic travel authorization (eTA).
Thus, the mobility score of the Turkmen passport is 59, with a global reach of about 29.8%. To travel to another 139 countries and territories, a regular visa must be obtained in advance.
Among Asian nations, Turkmenistan ranks 37th out of 50. In Central Asia, its passport occupies the last, fifth position.
For citizens of Turkmenistan, Tajikistan is categorized as a simplified entry destination with a permitted stay of up to 45 days. Meanwhile, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan are listed among the destinations requiring a prior visa under the methodology used in the ranking.
At the same time, the ranking demonstrates a notable asymmetry in visa regimes.
For citizens of 59 states and territories, entry into Turkmenistan requires a visa, whereas holders of a Turkmen passport can visit these same destinations without a regular prior visa — either completely visa-free, with a visa on arrival, an eTA, or through another simplified procedure.
This list includes, among others, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Russia, Malaysia, Tajikistan, Vietnam, Kenya, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Barbados, Dominica, and Ecuador.
However, the ranking itself does not explain the reasons for this difference, nor does it evaluate the visa policies of states — it merely compares entry conditions in both directions.
Separately, the Passport Index assesses the so-called openness of states — how easy it is for foreigners to enter a specific country. In this ranking, Turkmenistan occupies 149th place among 199 states.
Among countries with a presidential form of government, it ranks 51st out of 57; among member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, it is 40th out of 57; and among OSCE participants, it is in last place, 57th.