Climate

The climate of Turkmenistan is typical continental, dry and hot in summer with temperatures up to %) degrees Celsius, with seasons as in Europe, but fresh and cold in winter with temperatures as low as -6 degrees Celsius. Only the southern part of the country is frost free. Rainfall is very low. March is the wettest month, and June to September are almost rainless. After rains in May, the desert blooms.

Obtaining a single-entry visa

Tacis experts have to obtain business visas. To this extent the Coordinating Unit can give you a Letter of Invitation upon receipt of the following details:

• Passport number, date and place of issue, expire date, and nationality.
• Date and location of birth.
• Dates of your visit.
• The length of your stay in Turkmenistan.

Upon presentation of this Letter and payment in US Dollars you can obtain a single-entry visa at Ashgabat airport or at one of the Turkmenistan Embassies abroad (refer to ‘gathering information’).

As a short- or medium-term expert you can obtain an extension of your visa, and as a long term Tacis expert residing in Turkmenistan you can receive free of charge a multi-entry visa for up to a year. In all cases you must go to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with the following documents:

• a completed application form.
• a letter from the CU with the number of your single-entry visa, its date of issue, and the above mentioned passport data.

On average the visa issuing process takes up to three week.

Shipping Services

If you are staying in Turkmenistan for some time and wish to bring in a shipment of personal effects, it is advisable to use a reputable shipping agent who is used to bringing goods into Turkmenistan and who has reliable local contacts. The shipping agent will be able to handle all the paperwork, advise you on what you should and should not ship, and will deal with all the customs and tax formalities.

Your company may have a preferred shipper. If not, contact foreign residents who may have already used the services of a shipper. These companies in Ashgabat could be approached for a quote:

M&M (Tel 24 23 74, Fax 410 44 43).

Degros (Tel 25 72 42).

Lufthansa Cargo (Tel 51 03 31, Fax 51 03 15).

Customs

Customs allowances

The restrictions and limitations on the import and export of individual items are as follows:

• Objects of art, gold, precious stones and ancient carpets are subject to thorough controls at customs. If you import them you should include them in your customs declaration. Anything which may be deemed of historical or cultural value cannot be exported, e.g. sculptures and paintings by well known artists, ancient carpets, Turkmen and foreign manuscripts. Always check what the customs situation will be when you purchase these items (for carpets in particular). It is best to contact Turkmenistan customs authorities (they will speak Turkmen or Russian) at 7 Razin Street (Tel 35 49 57).
• Regulations limit the export of caviar obtained in local shops to two small tins, and restrict you to no more than 1,5 litres of vodka, 100 cigarettes and two litres of wine.
• You can import gifts up to $400 in value without paying duty (be aware that this ruling can be applied erratically). On the whole it is safest to purchase high value souvenirs in official shops and to obtain a receipt.
• narcotics and firearms may not be imported or exported.
• If any of your goods are confiscated upon entry, insist that you are given a receipt for the item. You can reclaim this item when you leave. However, be aware that undeclared currency and valuable property may be subject to permanent confiscation.

Remember to keep your customs declarations with you during your stay in Turkmenistan because you will need to present them when you leave.

Importing Tacis equipment

As far as the import of equipment for Tacis projects is concerned, there is now a procedure as follows.

• You need to establish the list of equipment for import.
• Upon receipt of this list, the CU will provide you with a declaration certifying that the equipment is being imported on behalf of the European Union for the implementation of a Tacis project and requesting tax exemption.
• You will also need another declaration to be signed by the final local end-user of the equipment requesting tax exemption for the items concerned.
• Upon receipt of these letters the Head of the State, Customs will issue an internal authorisation for importing the equipment concerned free of tax.
• You should present a copy of the authorisation to the border point where the equipment will be cleared and collect it.

It is advisable to start this procedure at least a month before the equipment has actually reached the border point. It is the responsibility of the final end-user of the equipment to deal with any problems with customs.

Problems with Customs

If you have problems with customs, try to resolve these yourself with a customs official and ask you Turkmenistan partner for support (especially if you do not speak the language). If you have problems importing Tacis equipment, consult the Coordinating Unit to investigate possible solutions.

Taxation

Turkmenistan has a global taxation law. However, under an agreement between Turkmenistan and the European Commission Tacis experts are exempt from paying taxes in Turkmenistan.

If you have any queries on taxation, you are advised to contact the Coordinating Unit for further information.