While North Korea is often cited as the world's most isolated nation, a Central Asian country governed by a former dentist and his son operates under a similarly extraordinary set of rules. Turkmenistan, a gas-rich nation bordering Iran and the Caspian Sea, enforces regulations that would astonish most outsiders, dictating everything from the colour of residents' cars to a strict nightly curfew.
The Unusual Laws Governing Daily Life
Since the pandemic, the capital city of Ashgabat has maintained a strict 11pm curfew that has never been officially lifted, according to reports. For tourists, one of the most visually striking rules is the exclusive presence of white vehicles on the city's streets. In a decree issued in 2018, authorities banned cars of any other colour from the area, creating a surreal, monochromatic traffic flow.
Digital life is also heavily controlled. Social media apps are completely banned across the country, and visitors face significant restrictions on what they are permitted to photograph during their stay. The state maintains a firm grip on all news and media, with any foreign outlets prohibited from operating within its borders.
Absolute Power and a Surreal Cityscape
The nation has been governed by Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow since 2006, who served as President until 2022 and now holds the title of "National Leader." His son, Serdar Berdimuhamedow, is the current President. They rule with absolute power. The country, which gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, is thought to have a population of around 5.6 million people.
Ashgabat itself is a city of stark contrasts, described by travellers as filled with "surreal white marble, golden monuments, and almost empty streets." One keen traveller, Pandhu Waskitha, shared footage on TikTok, describing the city as "often called one of the world’s most unique and mysterious cities." He noted its "grand scale and symmetry," making it feel "futuristic, elegant, and unlike anywhere else." The city, with an estimated population of 941,130, boasts immaculately clean roads, impressive fountains, and perfectly pruned gardens, yet can appear eerily deserted.
Navigating Entry: Visas and Warnings
For British citizens, visiting requires careful planning. Travellers need a passport valid for at least six months beyond their intended departure date and must obtain a visa. This visa requires a letter of invitation, which tourists can typically secure via travel agents. Those on business trips need sponsorship letters from relevant government ministries or local companies.
The UK Foreign Office issues clear warnings: "If you have the wrong visa or if you overstay your visa, you could be prosecuted and possibly imprisoned." After obtaining the invitation, applications can be made at the Embassy of Turkmenistan or, in some cases, visas can be purchased on arrival at specific borders and Ashgabat International Airport.
Turkmenistan remains one of the planet's most enigmatic destinations, a place where, as one traveller gushed, "reality feels cinematic, and every corner sparks curiosity," but only under the watchful eye of a highly restrictive regime.
