Turkmenistan Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for Turkmenistan
US State Department Travel Advisory
Exercise Normal Precautions
Updated February 28, 2025
Turkmenistan recorded 1.0 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2015, a rate that is low by global standards. That places Turkmenistan #149 of 195 countries by homicide rate, compared with the Asia average of 2.0 per 100,000 and a world average of 5.2. Homicide rates have fallen 75% over the past decade (from 4.1 in 2005). For travelers, the US State Department currently rates Turkmenistan at Level 1 of 4: Exercise Normal Precautions.
Homicide Rate
1.0 /100k
Safety Rank
#47 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 1 of 4
Data Year
2015
Homicide Rate Trend (1990-2015)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Homicide rates have fallen 75% over the past decade (from 4.1 in 2005). Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How Turkmenistan Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Who Is Affected
In Turkmenistan, the homicide rate for men is 4.0× higher than the rate for women — 1.6 vs 0.4 per 100,000 (2015).
Homicide victims per 100,000 of each sex. Source: UNODC via World Bank.
Safety for Travelers
Summary of the current US State Department advisory for Turkmenistan:
Reissued after periodic review with no changes. Exercise normal precautions in Turkmenistan. Please read the country information page for additional information on travel to Turkmenistan. If you decide to travel to Turkmenistan: Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. Review the Country Security Report for Turkmenistan. Prepare a backup plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler's Checklist . Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
Safety Guidance for Turkmenistan
Practical safety information for visitors, from US State Department country information (last updated May 23, 2025).
Crime
Crime is limited. There are few reports of violent crime in Turkmenistan. Take normal safety precautions, such as avoiding travel after dark or in deserted/unfamiliar areas. Be careful when using dating apps or online dating websites while abroad. Scammers may target U.S. citizens. Tell your friends and family where you are, meet in a popular public place, and avoid consuming suspicious food or drinks. Avoid traveling alone to bars or nightclubs.
Technology Usage Abroad
: Mobile devices can be compromised, stolen, or damaged anywhere in the world. Before traveling abroad, it is best to keep all software (operating system and apps) updated. If possible, use a virtual private network (VPN) and encrypted voice over IP (VoIP) applications. Make sure that all VPN/VoIP are reputable, and U.S. based. Do not connect to unknown open Wi-Fi. GPS Navigation Apps are helpful in getting U.S. citizens around in a foreign country. Prior to using the GPS app make sure you research the route to make sure it is safe. GPS navigation app may give you the shortest route without safety consideration.
Victims of Crime
Report crimes to the local police at 02 and contact the U.S. Embassy at the following numbers: Local calls: 940045 When calling from the U.S.: +(993)(12)94 0045 Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. See our webpage on help for U.S. citizens who are victims of crime abroad . We can: Help you find appropriate medical care Assist you in reporting a crime to the police Contact relatives or friends with your written consent Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion Provide a list of local attorneys Provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S. Provide an emergency loan to return to the United States. Also, provide limited medical aid in cases of destitution. Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home Replace a stolen or lost passport
Domestic Violence
U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy for assistance.
Tourism
The tourism industry is not well regulated. Safety inspections for equipment and facilities are rare. Dangerous areas/activities are not always labeled properly. Staff may not be trained or certified by the host government or recognized authorities. If you get injured, you will likely only find appropriate medical treatment in or near major cities. Tourists participate in activities at their own risk. Emergency response capabilities are limited, or unreliable, and urgent medical treatment can be inappropriate or not available in-country. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. Review our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage.
About This Data
Homicide figures are intentional homicides per 100,000 people, compiled by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and published by the World Bank (indicator VC.IHR.PSRC.P5). Homicide is the most reliably comparable crime statistic across countries because definitions of other offences (assault, theft, robbery) vary widely between national legal systems and reporting practices.
Travel advisory levels are issued by the US Department of State and updated continuously. They reflect risks to travelers including crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health, and natural disasters — not only crime rates. Countries report crime data with different lags; the most recent available year is shown for each metric.
Turkmenistan Population & Demographics
Population of 7,494,498, growth trends, economy, and more.
Crime & Safety in Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Turkmenistan safe to visit?
The US State Department rates Turkmenistan at Level 1 of 4 (Exercise Normal Precautions). The homicide rate of 1.0 per 100,000 is low by global standards.
What is the crime rate in Turkmenistan?
Turkmenistan has an intentional homicide rate of 1.0 per 100,000 people (2015, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #149 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for Turkmenistan?
Turkmenistan is currently at Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions. Advisory levels range from Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) to Level 4 (Do Not Travel).
How does crime in Turkmenistan compare to other countries?
Turkmenistan's homicide rate of 1.0 per 100,000 is below the world average of 5.2 and below the Asia average of 2.0.