Turkmenistan is by far the most mysterious country in Central Asia, usually unknown by travelers. Turkmenistan has been at the crossroads of great ancient civilizations throughout its history and was an important stop on the Silk Road, before becoming more recently a Soviet Republic. Since its independence, the country is ruled by singular dictator-like presidents. Turkmenistan has very strict visa requirements and is quite onerous, making it very hard to visit. But the adventurers successful in getting in the country will find an ancient land full of history and ancient traditions, as well as mesmerizing desert landscapes and intriguing burning natural gas fields.
HEALTH INFORMATION
We make every effort to ensure that the information posted on our website is up to date and accurate according to the latest public health recommendations; however, it is impossible for us to make changes on a daily basis.
For the most current travel health recommendations, please call our clinic as make an appointment with one of our travel health professionals.
TURKMENISTAN – RECOMMENDED VACCINES
| Hepatitis A | Recommended for all travelers. |
| Hepatitis B | Recommended for all travelers. |
| Typhoid fever | Recommended for all travelers. |
| Tetanus – Diphteria – Pertussis Vaccine | Tetanus: In exceptional circumstances (eg, stay in a region where access to health care is limited), for a person aged 18 years or older, 1 dose of DT may be given if 5 years or more has elapsed since the last dose. Otherwise, one booster dose at the age of 50*. Pertussis (Whooping Cough): 1 dose is recommended for pregnant women, for every pregnancy, regardless of immunization history and the interval since the last dose (betwen week 26 and 32). *Only applicable for Quebec. |
| Polio | One-time booster recommended for any adult traveler who completed the childhood series but never had polio vaccine as an adult (after 18 years old only). |
| Measles – Rubella – Mumps | Two doses recommended for all travelers born after 1970, if not previously given. |
| Flu – Influenza | Seasonal influenza occurs worldwide. The flu season usually runs from November to April in the northern hemisphere, between April and October in the southern hemisphere and year round in the tropics. Influenza (flu) is caused by a virus spread from person to person through coughing and sneezing or by touching infected surfaces. Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine yearly. Vaccine is recommended 14 days prior to departure. |
| Routine vaccines (dCaT, Polio, Meningococcal, Shingles, Pneumococcal, Hepatitis B, HPV, MMR & Varicella) | Recommended for all travelers |
| Rabies | For travelers at high risk of animal bites or being involved in activities with bats, dogs and other mammals. Clients who plan to visit remote areas may consider receiving this vaccine. Important to note the pre-exposure rabies vaccine is administered in 2 doses with one week interval between doses. Post-exposure vaccination is always recommended, even for those previously vaccinated. |
| Turista – Traveler’s Diarrhea (ETEC) | Talk to your health care professional about the risks and precautionary measures to take, as well as the Dukoral® vaccine. Important to note that the Dukoral vaccine is an oral vaccine given in 2 doses, recommended at least 2 weeks prior to departure. |
RECOMMENDED MEDICATIONS
| Acetazolamide/Dexaméthasone | Recommended to prevent Acute mountain sickness (AMS). |
| Antibiotics Traveler’s Diarrhea | Azithromycin or Suprax |
MEDICAL CARE
The health care system in Turkmenistan suffers from the lack of an adequate infrastructure and thus remains precarious. If you need medical care in Turkmenistan, you can go to the Central Hospital or to the International Hospital in Ashgabat. Be aware that it can be difficult to find an English speaking doctor in the country. Serious medical issues require an air evacuation.
In case of emergency in Turkmenistan, call 03. If you prefer a private ambulance, you can contact the Central Hospital at (993 12) 45 03 03, the International Medical Center at (993 12) 48 90 06 or the emergency service of the VIP Hospital at (993 12) 39 08 77.
Pharmaceutical products sold in Turkmenistan are not strictly controlled and many Western medicines are impossible to find in the country. It is thus essential that you bring your own medicines, especially if you need specific treatments.
SECURITY ABROAD
CANADIAN EMBASSY
Emergency services
In case of emergency, dial:
- police: 02 (002 from mobile)
- medical assistance: 03 (003 from mobile)
- firefighters: 01 (001 from mobile)
