CITIZENS OF TURKMENISTAN whose passport has expired

How to Get a Travel Document for Turkmenistan Citizens

If your Turkmenistan international passport (Zagran) expired while you’re abroad, you can’t fly or cross borders. You need a way home. To do this, you must get a Travel Document for Turkmenistan Citizens. This is also called a Certificate of Return (Watan dolanmak hakynda şahadatnama). It’s a temporary permit from the consulate that lets you return to your home country.

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Documents Needed for a Travel Document for Turkmenistan Citizens

You need specific papers to apply for this certificate. Make sure your copies are clear so the consulate doesn't reject them. You'll need the following:

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• Biometric Passport (Zagran): Bring the original and a high-quality copy of the main page.
• Internal Passport: You must provide copies of specific pages. This includes pages 1, 2, and 9. Also, copy the address page and the very last pages.
• Birth Certificate: One clear copy of your birth certificate (Metrika).
• Photos: Four recent color photos. These are usually 3x4 cm or 3.5x4.5 cm.
• Application Form: You'll fill this out at the consulate during your visit.

The Application Process

Follow these steps to get your papers quickly and without stress.

1. Call the Consulate

Call the nearest Turkmenistan Embassy or Consulate first. Fees and rules for appointments change often. Ask for the exact price and if you need to book a time slot. This saves you a wasted trip.

2. Get Your Folder Ready

Put all the documents listed above in one folder. It makes the process much faster. If you lost your passport, you'll likely need a police report that confirms the loss.

3. Pay the Fee

Pay exactly how the consulate tells you. Some want cash in USD or EUR. Others want a bank transfer. But always keep your payment receipt to show the officer.

4. Go in Person

You usually have to show up yourself. The officers will check who you are and start the work. Once they issue it, the paper is valid for 30 to 90 days. Don't wait too long to book your flight.

Important Rules to Remember

This document isn't a new passport. It's only for a one-way trip back to Turkmenistan. So, you can't use it to visit other countries. You also can't use it for layovers in places that require a visa for Turkmen citizens. Getting a Travel Document for Turkmenistan Citizens is your ticket home, but it's not for a vacation.

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• expired permits for Turkmen citizens
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