Turkmenistan on a UK Licence 2026: 1968 IDP in the Car

Turkmenistan is one of the least-travelled countries in the world to drive in. It is tightly controlled, so the right documents and cautious driving matter more than usual.

The permit rule

GOV.UK states: “You’ll need to have both the 1968 version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence with you in the car.” The permit is required, and you cannot buy one outside the UK. Keep it with your licence and passport, because police checks are routine.

Changing sides

The UK drives on the left, while Turkmenistan drives on the right. Roundabouts flow the other way, and your instinctive glance at a junction points in the wrong direction. Start somewhere quiet, not on Ashgabat’s broad avenues.

Speed cameras and night driving

GOV.UK says much of Ashgabat has a 60 km/h limit, enforced by fixed cameras and police with mobile ones, and no signs warn of the cameras. Keep to the limit even when the road looks empty. GOV.UK describes driving standards as poor and says road travel at night outside cities is particularly dangerous because of road conditions. Plan long desert legs for daylight, with fuel, water and offline maps.

Alcohol is illegal in communal spaces such as parks, beaches, stations and airports. Do not drink before driving.

Emergency numbers

From a mobile: police 002, ambulance 003, fire 001. From a landline: 02, 03 and 01.

Check what your trip needs on the Driving Permit Checker, and read the guide to driving fines abroad and who pays.

Sources

• GOV.UK foreign travel advice, Turkmenistan, safety and security (1968 IDP, Ashgabat cameras, night driving, alcohol rules): https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/turkmenistan/safety-and-security
• GOV.UK foreign travel advice, Turkmenistan, getting help (emergency numbers): https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/turkmenistan/getting-help
• GOV.UK, international driving permit table (Turkmenistan: 1968): https://www.gov.uk/driving-abroad/international-driving-permit