Near the Russian Consulate in Ashgabat. Photo from turkmen.news
The Russian Consulate in Ashgabat has reportedly stopped issuing tourist visas to Turkmenistan citizens since mid-September, according to Turkmen.news, citing local sources.
Multiple individuals confirmed this information, though they couldn't specify the reason for the diplomatic mission's actions. Local travel agencies also acknowledged that Russia has ceased granting entry permits. One company added that the consulate is even refusing to accept visa application documents.
There's speculation that the ban was coordinated between the two countries' authorities to reduce the flow of Turkmen citizens seeking employment in Russia.
Travel agency staff in Lebap velayat (region) suggested that these restrictions might be temporary and could be lifted by October 1st.
Journalists have requested clarification from the Russian Consulate in Ashgabat but have not yet received an official response.
Turkmenistan has previously implemented measures to prevent citizens from leaving the country. In early September, it was reported that migration service officers at Ashgabat airport were testing Russia-bound citizens on their Russian language skills, denying departure to those who couldn't understand questions, regardless of language certificates or study/work permits.
Unconfirmed reports suggest an unofficial directive to prevent young people from traveling to Russia, allegedly due to concerns about their potential involvement in the «special military operation» or illegal employment in Russia.
