Security Message for U.S. Citizens

United States Embassy Ashgabat; December 18, 2012

The U.S. Embassy in Ashgabat reminds all U.S. citizens to maintain extra vigilance at all times, particularly during the holiday season. Review your personal security plans; remain aware of your surroundings, including local events; and monitor local news stations for updates. Maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security and follow instructions of local authorities.

For the latest security information, U.S. citizens living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs internet website, where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Alerts, Travel Warnings, and Country Specific Information can be found.  Follow the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook and download our free Smart Traveler iPhone App to have travel information at your fingertips.

All U.S. citizens in Turkmenistan are urged to enroll online at the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). Registering gives U.S. citizens access to updated information on travel and security within Turkmenistan and makes it easier for the embassy to contact citizens in case of an emergency. Enrollees wishing to receive such information must provide an e-mail address with their enrollment. All enrollees are urged to provide complete contact information and a departure date when signing up on-line.

The U.S. Embassy’s regular work week is Monday - Friday, 08:30-17:30 hours.  Emergency American Citizens Services are available at all times. The U.S. Embassy in Ashgabat is located at 9 Pushkin Street Avenue and can be reached by telephone at 993-12-94-00-45 during regular hours and for after-hours emergencies. For after-hours emergency services please ask for the Duty Officer.

Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States and Canada or, for callers in other areas by calling a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).