Very hard journey along part of the Silk Road in Central Asia. It takes a good spirit of adaptation. Better be ready for anything. Knowing a little Russian makes life considerably easier as very few people speak English.
It must be said that he has never before taken so many hits on one trip. However, I met a lot of people with a heart of gold who helped me to get out of the many difficulties I encountered.
Before leaving I was exhausted as I had to apply for 5 visas in 6 countries, that is all except Kyrgyzstan and it was not easy to obtain them, especially that of Turkmenistan. It is logical that I took them all before because I had a few days of vacation to make this trip.
But for those who have many days there is no reason to spend a lot of time and money to get visas before leaving but it is more logical to get them on the road.
Below I report the procedures for obtaining the visas in question:
VISA IRAN
The visa for Iran can also be obtained at the airport but sometimes the local authorities deny it without apparent reason and send you back home and therefore it is better to do it before leaving by following the following procedure:
go to the consulate of Iran, in Via Monte Bianco n. 57 in Milan, from Monday to Friday from 9 to 12.30, with passport (with expiry of not less than 6 months), insurance certificate (the one stipulated on the website www.viaggiaresicuri.com is fine), 2 recent passport photos, completed form , downloadable on the consulate's website (the addresses of the hotels where you will stay must be entered on the form).
After the kind employee (Gabriele) has checked the documentation, you have to fill in another form.
Then you have to pay 50 euros of fees by credit card, debit card or cash (in the latter case you must go to pay them in a bank indicated by the Consulate.
Once you have paid, if this is your first time, take 10 fingerprints.
Subsequently the employee hands you a sheet, with which there is written the date of collection of the passport with the visa which is usually ready after 3 or 4 working days. (in this period, in fact, the Consulate requests authorization from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iran).
Anyone with the aforementioned sheet can collect their passport when it is ready.
TURKMENISTAN VISA
The Turkmenistan visa is not at all easy to obtain.
There are 2 types of visas: tourist visas and transit visas.
TURKMENISTAN TOURIST VISA
For the issue of a tourist visa usually valid for 10 days, in addition to the usual forms to be filled in, passport photos, ect, the presentation of an invitation letter issued by a Turkmen tourist agency and a voucher certifying the booking of services is required. at an accommodation facility.
Below I report the site and the list of Tukmene Agencies that can help you in this regard, although I tried to contact them by e_mail but only one answered me but only after a month.
http://www.botschaft-turkmenistan.at/en/tourism.htm
TOURISM AGENCIES IN TURKMENISTAN FOR VISA
DNTOURS
744000, Ashgabat, 48/1 Magtumguly Avenue
Tel.: +(99312) 270439, 270449
Fax: +(99312) 270420
Email: dntour@online.tm
Website: www.dntours.com
ATLAZ
744002, Ashgbat, 62 M.Kösäýew Street
Tel./fax: +(99312) 353748
SAADA
744000, Ashgabat, 117/18 Magtumguly Avenue
Tel./fax: +(99312) 350644, 352004
DS (Dag Syýahat)
744000, Aşgabat, 69 Azadi Street
Tel.: +(99312) 392559 390451
Fax: +(99312) 352643
AŞGABAT SYÝAHAT
744013, Ashgabat, 76 Garaşsyzlyk Avenue
Tel.: +(99312) 210557, 210556, 210558
Fax: +(99312) 210561
Email: ashgabadsiýakhat@online.tm
HARYT-SYYAHAT
744000, Ashgabat, 69 Azadi Street
Tel.: +(99312) 394519
Fax: +(99312) 390433
Email: haryt-an@mail.ru
Website: www.haryt-siyakhat.com
AHAL SYYSHAT
74400, Aşgabat, 60A Görogly Street
Tel.: +(99312) 349128, 349129, 400407
Fax: +(99312) 349131
Email: ahaltravel@online.tm
LEBAP SYYSHAT
74400, Türkmenabat, 12 Altyn-kok Street
Tel.: +(993422) 61051, 61486
Fax: +(993422) 44288
Email: lebapsyyahat@online.tm
Once you have obtained the invitation letter and the tourist voucher, you must submit all the documentation to the Turkmen Consulate in Paris which will issue you the tourist visa in 2 or 3 days.
Once you arrive in Turkmenistan at the border, if you want to enter the country, the Guide of your choice must show up and accompany you for the entire period of your stay. Without it you cannot enter the country.
You also have to pay it at least $ 100 per day in addition to food, accommodation, transport, etc.
It is logical to think that if you are a lonely low-cost traveler like me it is unthinkable to think about this type of visa. On the other hand, it is more feasible if you are a large group of people who share the aforementioned expenses thus significantly amortizing the trip.
However, since it is very difficult to obtain a do-it-yourself tourist visa, an Italian agency that can help you in this regard is this:
EUROEST TRAVEL by Intelservizi S.r.l
OPERATIONAL CONSULTING AND SERVICES FOR COMPANIES
Via Marche 74, 00187 Rome - Tel. 0699925957/58 Fax: 06233298811
VAT number and Tax Code: 11537081009
E_MAIL: info@intelservizi.it
TURKMENISTAN TRANSIT VISA
This is the only way to enter the country for low cost travelers like me.
The transit visa is issued for a fixed period of 3 to 5 days at the discretion of the issuing Embassy or Consulate.
It identifies the exact period in which you will have to enter the country and the name of the border of entry and exit.
You will have to adhere to this information by staying on the path between the 2 borders, in order not to run into problems with the police.
The transit visa is not usually issued if you have an Uzbek double-entry visa and if the next country after Turkmenistan is Kazakhstan.
For those who do not travel in a hurry like me, it is logical to obtain it in IRAN at the Turkmen Embassy / Consulate in Tehran or Mashhad which, after completing the various forms, hand over the 2 passport photos, ect. they issue it to you without too many problems (for a stay of 3 or 5 days) in 10 days with the normal procedure and 5 days with the urgent one, which is much more expensive.
Same thing happens in Baku in Azerbaijan, but in this case it is more complex and expensive to obtain an Azerbaijani visa than the Iranian visa and then the Turkmen stretch to cross is much longer, compared to the one you have to face entering from Iran and not. 5 days of validity of the visa could be enough.
Ditto in Ankara in Turkey.
For those like me, on the other hand, due to time problems, who are forced to take a visa in Italy before leaving, they face enormous difficulties as the Turkmen Embassy or Consulate is not in Italy and the competent one is that of Paris.
Turkmen Embassy in Paris, France
13, rue Picot, F-75116, Paris, France
Phone: +33 (1) 47550536
Fax: +33 (1) 47550568
E_MAIL: turkmenambkons@orange.fr
However, the required documentation resulting from the emails below must be delivered in person or by a travel agency:
E_MAIL N 2 TURKMEN EMBASSY IN PARIS
DEAR, Both - the application and questionnary forms - are attached hereto.
to Apply for a visa you need to submit all the papers in person or you can enjoy the services of visa agencies in France or Italy
(visa transit, visa expres, v.s.i. or others )
Yes, The invitation letter may be sent to your e-mail address.
Yes. You can obtain your visa on your passport at the airport or border on the date of arrival with the submission of the LOI.
Regards,
MY E_MAIL N 2:
> De : "monteorsaro@libero.it"
> A : turkmenambkons@orange.fr
> Copie à :
> Objet :
>
Thank you so much.
What is the questionnary?
Can you send me the form x questionnary?
Can I get the Transit Visa also I came in TKM by taxi and Publich Trasport?
Can I send all documents by e_mail or by corrier?
Can you send me the invitation by email?
Thank you so much.
Riccardo
E_MAIL N 1 TURKMEN EMBASSY IN PARIS
> Dear Mr Riccardo,
>
> to apply for a transit visa (TR)
> you need to submit (max - 2 or 3 months or min - 2 weeks before your travelling)
> - copies of visas to the countries you anter to and exit from TKM,
> - a motivation letter (describing in details your rout from enter-point to exit-point in TKM).
> - visa application form (x2)
> - questionnary (x1)
> - 3x4 sized photoes (x3)
> - copy of your passports,
> - insurance for your transport (cars, motorbike) for the period of your stay in TKM,
Application should be submitted inperson.
No charges when submitting your application.
Payment is done at the border on the date of entry.
>
> AFTER BEING ISSUED AN INVITATION you may go directly to the border - enter-check-point and
> have your visas on your passport at the border on the date of your entry to TKM
>
> TR visa is issued max to 4 or 5 days.
>
> OR
>
> you may contact with one of the tour agencies in TKM for touris visas (TU) (for a duration of more than 5 days)
> and they will do all necessary things and send you an Invitation letter which you submit at the border.
>You just need to ask them to exculde the services you do not need.
>
> Regards,
>
> Mr Ahmetyar KULOV
>
> Service Consulair
> Ambassade du Turkmenistan en France
MY E_MAIL N 1:
> A : turkmenamb@orange.fr, turkmenambkons@orange.fr
Good Day,
I’m Riccardo from Italy.
I’d like to go Iran, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgystan and Kazakhstan.
I’d like to cross Turkmenistan from Iran to Uzbekistan.
Can I get a Transit Visa?
What documents must I send to your Ambassy?
How much this service cost?
Can I pay by the bank transfer.
Thank you so much for answer.
> Regards
Riccardo
So I had to contact an Italian agency specialized in Central Asia visas, such as EUROEST TRAVEL of Intelservizi Srl, OPERATIONAL CONSULTING AND SERVICES FOR ENTERPRISES, Via Marche 74, 00187 Rome - Tel. 0699925957/58 Fax: 06233298811, VAT number and Tax Code: 11537081009, E_MAIL: info@intelservizi.it
But who cut my legs by writing me these emails:
E_MAIL N. 2 OF INTELSERVIZI
WE ALSO SPEAKED WITH THE CONSULATE OF VIENNA AND BERLIN THERE ARE PEOPLE VERY AVAILABLE BUT WHEN THEY ASK US FOR CITIZENSHIP FOR TERRITORIAL SUDDIVISON, THEY TELL US THAT THE CONSULATE OF COMPETENCE IS THE ONE OF PARIS, THIS YEAR WE WOULD ALSO MANDO A COLLABORATE OF NECESSARY FIND A SOLUTION.
AT THE MOMENT WE HAVE TO RELY ON THE CONSULATE OF PARIS.
FOR THE TAJIKISTA, IT WOULD MAKE YOU DO IT BEFORE YOU GO TO SAFELY HAVE THE GBAO PERMIT FOR THE AUTONOMOUS REGION.
E_MAIL N. 1 MIA
x TURKMENISTAN is not it better to get a transit visa in VIENNA?
Do you also take a visa for Tajikistan?
Thanks
Riccardo
E_MAIL N. 1 OF INTELSERVIZI
From: info@intelservizi.it
TURKMENISTAN CAN BE MADE DIRECTLY IN TURKEY IN ANKARA CALL THEM FIRST, THEN I WILL GIVE YOU FURTHER INFORMATION, WE CAN OFFER IT AS A SERVICE AT THE PARIS CONSULATE BUT WE CANNOT GUARANTEE THE ISSUE OF THE TRANSIT VISA, UNFORTUNATELY WE CAN ATTEND IT TO TURKMENISTAN TRY US BUT WE CANNOT GIVE THE GUARANTEE THAT ISSUING THE TRANSIT VISA.
PASSPORT VALID FOR AT LEAST 6 MONTHS.
2 PHOTOS 4X3 CARD FORMAT.
2 VISA APPLICATION FORMS + APPOINTMENT LETTER THAT I SEND YOU IN ATTACHMENT.
HEALTH INSURANCE THAT COVERS DURING THE STAY.
DECLARATION OF EACH PERSON WHERE IT MUST DECLARE IN FRENCH THE REASON FOR THE TRIP AND THE PRECISE ITINEARY WITH THE ENTRY AND EXIT BORDERS.
BEFORE SUBMITTING THE APPLICATION, YOU MUST HAVE THE ENTRY AND EXIT VISA OF THE NEIGHBORING COUNTRIES.
PROCESSING TIMES 20 DAYS.
IF THE TRANSIT VISA IS NOT ACCEPTED AND IF IT IS NOT ACCEPTED, I REQUEST THE TOURIST PACKAGE.
TOTAL COST € 125, PLUS € 100 FLAT EXPENSES FOR INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING.
So I looked for travel agencies in Paris that did this service and I found 2:
D. Sachs
169, Bd Voltaire – B.P. 49
92603 Asnieres Cedex
TEL. 0033 (0) 1 40 86 53 00 oder 01
www.dsachs.fr
contact@dsachs.fr
Visa Travel International
Adresse : 118 Rue Lauriston
75116 PARIS
E-mail : contact@visatravel.fr
Téléphone : 08.92.68.69.50
Fax : 01.47.04.16.09
http://www.visatravel.fr/
FROM THE SITE OF ONE OF THE 2 YOU CAN SEE THE LIST OF DOCUMENTS TO BE SUBMITTED, THE COSTS AND TIMES.
DA: http://www.dsachs.fr/
Turkménistan
Consulat du Turkménistan
13, rue Picot
75116 Paris
Tel : 01 47 55 05 36
Fax : 01 47 55 05 68
Modalités d’obtention d’un visa
Si vous êtes de nationalité française, vous avez besoin d’un visa.
Documents à fournir :
Visa Affaire
• Passeport ayant une validité de 3 mois après le retour.
• 2 Photocopies du passeport (4 premières pages + celle où figure l’adresse).
• 2 Formulaires dûment remplis et signés.
• 2 Photos d’identité identiques récentes 3,5 x 4,5 (pas de photocopie ou de photo scannée).
• Lettre de société ( ou lettre de mission, voir modèle ), précisant pa prise en charge de tous les frais de voyage, séjour et assurance.
• Invitation du correspondant visée par le Servide d’Etat Turkmène d’enregistrement des ressortissants étrangers.
• Attestation d’Assurance « Rapatriement et frais médicaux ».
• Carte de séjour + photocopie pour les étrangers résidents en France.
Visa Tourisme :
• Passeport ayant une validité de 3 mois après le retour.
• 2 Photocopies du passeport (4 premières pages + celle où figure l’adresse).
• 2 Formulaires dûment remplis et signés.
• 2 Photos d’identité identiques récentes 3,5 x 4,5 (pas de photocopie ou de photo scannée).
• 2 Photos de l’enfant mineur figurant sur le passeport d’un parent et participant au voyage.
• Photocopie du billet d’avion aller-retour ou continuation.
• Réservation d’hôtel certifié par le Ministère des affaires étrangères au Turkménistan, et confirmé au Consulat, ou « bon d’échange » touristique, ou « invitation d’une société touristique » au Turkménistan visée par le Servide d’Etat Turkmène d’enregistrement des ressortissants étrangers.
• Attestation d’Assurance « Rapatriement et frais médicaux ».
• Carte de séjour + photocopie pour les étrangers résidents en France.
Visa Privé :
• Passeport ayant une validité de 3 mois après le retour.
• 2 Photocopies du passeport (4 premières pages + celle où figure l’adresse).
• 2 Formulaires dûment remplis et signés.
• 2 Photos d’identité identiques récentes 3,5 x 4,5 (pas de photocopie ou de photo scannée).
• 2 Photos de l’enfant mineur figurant sur le passeport d’un parent et participant au voyage.
• Photocopie du billet d’avion aller-retour ou continuation.
• Certificat d’hébergement délivré par le Servide d’Etat Turkmène d’enregistrement des ressortissants étrangers.
• Attestation d’Assurance « Rapatriement et frais médicaux ».
• Carte de séjour + photocopie pour les étrangers résidents en France.
Visa Transit (5 jours maximum) :
• Passeport ayant une validité de 3 mois après la sortie du Turkménistan.
• 2 Photocopies du passeport (4 premières pages + celle où figure l’adresse).
• 2 Formulaires dûment remplis et signés.
• 2 Photos d’identité identiques récentes 3,5 x 4,5 (pas de photocopie ou de photo scannée).
• 2 Photos de l’enfant mineur figurant sur le passeport d’un parent et participant au voyage.
• Photocopie du billet d’avion aller-retour ou continuation.
• Visa valide (si nécessaire) pour le pays de destination après le séjour au Turkménistan.
• Attestation d’Assurance « Rapatriement et frais médicaux ».
• Carte de séjour + photocopie pour les étrangers résidents en France.
Transit visa (maximum 5 days):
Passport with a validity of three months after the issuance of Turkmenistan.
2 photocopies of the passport (first 4 pages + the street address).
2 forms duly completed and signed.
2 recent 3.5 x 4.5 identical passport-size photos (not a photocopy or scanned photo).
2 photos of the minor in the passport of a traveling and participating parent.
Photocopy of the return or onward flight ticket.
Valid visa (if needed) to the country of destination after living in Turkmenistan.
Insurance certificate "repatriation and medical expenses."
Residence card + photocopy for foreign residents in France.
Délais:
• Délai normal: 5 à 8 jours.
• Délai express: 3 days.
Attention: the Consulat n’est ouvert que le Lundi et le Jeudi from 10 h to 12 h.
Frais Consulaires:
Type de visa 1 entrée Délai normal 1 entrée Délai express Entrées multiples Délai normal Entrées multiples Délai express
Visa de 10 jours 35 € 55 € / /
Visa de 20 jours 45 € 75 € / /
Visa of 1 mois 55 € 95 € 75 € 135 €
Visa de 2 mois 85 € 155 € 115 € 215 €
Visa de 3 mois 115 € 215 € 155 € 295 €
Visa de Transit 35 € 55 € / /
Validity:
• De 10 jours à 3 mois selon le visa demandé.
• 5 jours pour le visa de transit.
Honoraires de prize en charge for the obtention du visa:
• Variables selon les pays et l'urgence de l'obtention, nous consulter.
But they don't reply to emails even those written in French and I don't call them because I don't speak French.
So I change my strategy and turn to:
Turkmen Embassy in Brussels, Belgium
Ave. Franklin Roosevelt 106, B-1050
Brussels, Belgium
Phone: +32 (2) 6481874 or 6481929
Fax: +32 (2) 6481906
Email: turkmenistan@skynet.be
But they reply saying that I have to go to the Embassy in Paris.
So I change my strategy and turn to:
Turkmen Embassy in Vienna, Austria
Argentinierstr. 22, 2EG
1040 Vienna, Austria
Phone: (+ 43-1) 5036470/2
Fax: (+ 43-1) 5036473
Email: turkmen.emb@aon.at, turkmenistan.botschaft@chello.at
But they don't reply to my email.
So I change my strategy for the umpteenth time and finally I am impressed and I am able to obtain a transit visa at the following agency in Vienna:
Visum4you
Mag. Andreas Schlichtner
Geschäftsführer Visum4you
T: 0043 1 974 39 82 - 11
M: 0043 (0) 699 170 709 75
F: 0043 1 974 39 82 - 90
E-Mail: a.schlichtner@visum4you.at // office@visum4you.at
Web: www.visum4you.at
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Risultati della traduzione
In the interminable email conversation with the very efficient Visum4you agency in Vienna, which lasted over a month and reported below, the fact of how many difficulties there were to obtain this transit visa valid for 5 days is highlighted. In fact, at a certain point the Agency itself says that the Turkmen Embassy does not want to release it and sends me to Paris, but then, after my pressure, a work of convincing the Agency makes him change his mind and exceptionally I manage to obtain the VISA after so much effort:
EMAIL N. 8 AGENCY VISUM4YOU OF VIENNA
Oggetto: AW: AW: AW: AW: AW:
Da: Andreas Schlichtner (a.schlichtner@visum4you.at)
A: "monteorsaro@libero.it"<monteorsaro@libero.it>
Allegati: 2 file Visualizza Salva tutto
visa_Riccardo.pdf (263.0 KB); Rechnung 18143_Riccardo_Visum4you.pdf (30.5 KB);
Dear Riccardo,
good news: we have both visa! You can see them as attachment.
I am attaching the invoice. Please send a bank transfer confirmation.
We will send by DHL as soon as you send the payment confirmation. Is this ok?
EMAIL N. 7 AGENCY VISUM4YOU OF VIENNA
Dear Riccardo,
by exception the consulate of Turkmenistan in Vienna will issue your visa. Please send your passport and other documents by DHL to:
Visum4you Stadtbüro, Mag. Andreas Schlichtner, Rennweg 79 81/3. Stock/Top 314 315, 1030 Wien
Tel 0043 1 974 39 82
Mit freundlichen Grüssen | Best Regards | С уважением | Met vriendelijke groet | 祝好 | Cordiali saluti | مع اطيب التحيات
Andreas Schlichtner
T: 0043 1 974 39 82 - 11
F: 0043 1 974 39 82 - 90
E-Mail: a.schlichtner@visum4you.at // office@visum4you.at
Web: www.visum4you.at
FN 331079 g, ATU65090518
MY EMAIL N. 6
Oggetto: R: AW: Tourist VISA Tadschiksitan without PAMIR Highway and Transit VISA Turkmenistan.
Da: monteorsaro@libero.it (monteorsaro@libero.it)
A: <office@visum4you.at>
Good day.
Before I must get the Turkmenistan VISA, without the VISA Turkmenistan I can not go to Tadschiksitan .
I try with D.Sachs
Thank you
Riccardo
EMAIL N. 6 AGENCY VISUM4YOU OF VIENNA
Oggetto: AW: Tourist VISA Tadschiksitan without PAMIR Highway and Transit VISA Turkmenistan.
Da: Visum4you AT Office (office@visum4you.at)
A: "monteorsaro@libero.it"<monteorsaro@libero.it>
Allegati: 1 file Visualizza
Frankreich_Visumagentur.docx (17.0 KB);
Dear Riccardo,
We have some difficulties with your application to Turmenistan – the consulate wants that we submit in France (in Summer last year we organized many applications for Italians, but however – but the competence changed.)
We can only organize Tatschikistan in Vienna.
Please contact D.Sachs, a visa agency in France (contact details are given attached)
You can send the passport vor Tatschikistan visa, you get in contact with D.Sachs and we send the passport to France after the Tatschikistan visa is issued.
Mit freundlichen Grüssen | Best Regards | С уважением |Met vriendelijke groet | 祝好| Cordiali saluti | مع اطيب التحيات
Mag. Andreas Schlichtner
Geschäftsführer Visum4you
T: 0043 1 974 39 82 - 11
M: 0043 (0) 699 170 709 75
F: 0043 1 974 39 82 - 90
E-Mail: a.schlichtner@visum4you.at // office@visum4you.at
Web: www.visum4you.at
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MY EMAIL N. 5
Von: monteorsaro@libero.it [mailto:monteorsaro@libero.it]
An: Visum4you AT Office
Betreff: I: Tourist VISA Tadschiksitan without PAMIR Highway and Transit VISA Turkmenistan.
Good day if you conferm today my ask, I send all original documents and passport tomorrow.
Thank you so much.
Riccardo
MY EMAIL N. 4
----Messaggio originale----
A: <office@visum4you.at>
Ogg: Tourist VISA Tadschiksitan without PAMIR Highway and Transit VISA Turkmenistan.
Good day.
Thank you so much for all.
I’m sending by e-mail follow scan papers filled and signed with photography for get Tourist VISA Tadschiksitan withoutPAMIR Highway:
• Personal letter Tourism Tadschikistan
• Visa application form in English Tadschikistan.
Can I send tomorrow (at follow addres: Visum4you Stadtbüro, Mag. Andreas Schlichtner Rennweg 79-81/3, Stock/Top 314-315, 1030 Wien -Austria) all Original papers (for Transit VISA Turkmenistan and Tourist VISA Tadschiksitan) and my passport by courier or I must wait the Approval Turkmenistan Ambassy?
While we take the Approval Turkmenistan Ambassy Can you get the Tourist VISA Tadschiksitan?
I attached covering letter with a list of all the documents that I will send by courier tomorrow if you want. Can you check if it is okay?
Thank you so much
Riccardo
EMAIL N. 5 AGENCY VISUM4YOU OF VIENNA
Oggetto: AW: AW: Transit VISA Turkmenistan.
Da: Visum4you AT Office (office@visum4you.at)
A: "monteorsaro@libero.it"<monteorsaro@libero.it>
Dear Riccardo,
it can be 2 weeks but sometimes it is faster or longer. Anyway, the visa has to be stamped into the passport after the approval and you told me that you want to apply for Tatschikistan as well. I will inform you upon the approval – as soon as I get a notification from the consulate.
EMAIL N. 4 AGENCY VISUM4YOU OF VIENNA
Oggetto: AW: Transit VISA Turkmenistan.
Da: Visum4you AT Office (office@visum4you.at)
A: "monteorsaro@libero.it"<monteorsaro@libero.it>
Dear Riccardo,
I applied today for the approval Turkmenistan.
I put our stamp and my signature on the form 701.
EMAIL N. 3 AGENCY VISUM4YOU OF VIENNA
Oggetto: AW: AW:
Da: Visum4you AT Office (office@visum4you.at)
A: "monteorsaro@libero.it"<monteorsaro@libero.it>
Dear Riccardo,
just send the Turkmenistan papers by e-mail as soon you have all these papers.
You must not pay in advance. I suggest, we send the invoice as soon as we have finished 1 visa.
When does your trip begin?
Mit freundlichen Grüssen | Best Regards | С уважением |Met vriendelijke groet | 祝好| Cordiali saluti | مع اطيب التحيات
Mag. Andreas Schlichtner
Geschäftsführer Visum4you
T: 0043 1 974 39 82 - 11
M: 0043 (0) 699 170 709 75
F: 0043 1 974 39 82 - 90
E-Mail: a.schlichtner@visum4you.at // office@visum4you.at
Web: www.visum4you.at
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MY EMAIL N. 3
Von: monteorsaro@libero.it [mailto:monteorsaro@libero.it]
An: Visum4you AT Office
Betreff: R: AW:
Ok, I'm getting the VISA for Usbekisatn.
I'm preparing paper for send you by email for get the Transit Visa for Turkmenistan e Tourist VISA for Tagikistan Without Pamir.
I must pay this ammont:
Consular fee Turkmenistan: € 55,00
Tadschikistan € 80,00 without pamir
Our fee: € 60,00 net per visa
Bank fee: € 9,00 net
DHL: € 45,00 net
Is it the total 309 Euro?
Must I pay before to send the paper scan?
Can you give me the Iban code for bank transfer
thank you so much
Riccardo
EMAIL N. 2 AGENCY VISUM4YOU OF VIENNA
Da: office@visum4you.at
A: "monteorsaro@libero.it"<monteorsaro@libero.it>
Ogg: AW:
Dear Riccardo,
For Turkmenistan:
I don’t sure of one thing: I’m Italian Citizen. Can I Ask the Visa at Vienna Ambassy or I must Ask the Visa at Paris Ambassy? We had Italian customers last year and it was ok.
Do we need a copy of your befor country Iran as a scan? Only the copy of the visa after Turkmenistan
For Tadschikistan I don’t you need the PAMIR Highway VISA.
How much Does The consolar fee visa cost wit out Pamir? Without Pamir it is € 80,00
Mit freundlichen Grüssen | Best Regards | С уважением |Met vriendelijke groet | 祝好| Cordiali saluti | مع اطيب التحيات
Mag. Andreas Schlichtner
Geschäftsführer Visum4you
T: 0043 1 974 39 82 - 11
M: 0043 (0) 699 170 709 75
F: 0043 1 974 39 82 - 90
E-Mail: a.schlichtner@visum4you.at // office@visum4you.at
Web: www.visum4you.at
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MY EMAIL N. 2
Thank you so much.
I have any questions:
For Turkmenistan:
I don’t sure of one thing: I’m Italian Citizen. Can I Ask the Visa at Vienna Ambassy or I must Ask the Visa at Paris Ambassy?
Do we need a copy of your befor country Iran as a scan?
For Tadschikistan I don’t you need the PAMIR Highway VISA.
How much Does The consolar fee visa cost wit out Pamir?
Thank you so much.
Good day
Riccardo
EMAIL N. 1 AGENCY VISUM4YOU OF VIENNA
Da: office@visum4you.at
A: "monteorsaro@libero.it"<monteorsaro@libero.it>
Ogg: AW:
Dear Riccardo,
we can help.
For Turkmenistan send me everything by e-mail. The visa request has to be approved. Later we need your passort. Approval takes about 2 weeks. Later we have the visa in 1 – 2 days.
The file 101_201 must be sent to us in a MS word format. Make scans of the other forms. Fill in very precisely!!! The form „visaantrag Turkmenistan we need 2 times. The other forms only once. No invitation letter but we need a copy of your follow up country Usbekisatn as a scan. We need your mobile phone number. Attach fotos to the forms where applicable. Later you have to send your passport and all forms in original version, but to start we need everything scanned per e-mai.
Tadschiksitan takes 2 weeks or 1 week express. Do you need the PAMIR Highway? We need 1 form, 1 photo, 1 personal letter.
Consular fee Turkmenistan: € 55,00
Tadschikistan € 120 with pamir and plus 50% for express
Our fee: € 60,00 net per visa
Bank fee: € 9,00 net
DHL: € 45,00 net
We accept only payments in advance.
Mit freundlichen Grüssen | Best Regards | С уважением |Met vriendelijke groet | 祝好| Cordiali saluti | �ع اطيب التحيات
Mag. Andreas Schlichtner
Geschäftsführer Visum4you
T: 0043 1 974 39 82 - 11
M: 0043 (0) 699 170 709 75
F: 0043 1 974 39 82 - 90
E-Mail: a.schlichtner@visum4you.at // office@visum4you.at
Web: www.visum4you.at
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ATU65090518
EMAIL N. 1 MIA
Von: monteorsaro@libero.it [mailto:monteorsaro@libero.it]
An: Visum4you AT Office
Betreff:
Good day,
I’m Riccardo from Italy.
I’d like to go from Theran in Iran to Almaty crossing Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tagikistan, KYRGYZSTAN, KAZAKHTAN.
I take the VISA for IRAN, KYRGYZSTAN, Uzbekistan E KAZAKHTAN in Italy.
Can you get for me Transit Visa for Turkmenistan e Tourist VISA for Tagikistan (5 days)?
How much this service?
How long this service?
Can you conferm me that I don’t need the inviting letter for Transit Visa for Turkmenistan?
Thank you so much.
Riccardo
VISA UZBEKISTAN
It is quite simple to obtain a tourist visa even if it must be said that the Uzbek Embassy does not accept documents by post and therefore if you do not live in Rome you are almost forced to go to an agency with a consequent significant increase in costs.
I turned to:
EUROEST TRAVEL di Intelservizi S.r.l, OPERATIONAL CONSULTING AND SERVICES FOR COMPANIES, Via Marche 74, 00187 Rome - Tel. 0699925957/58 Fax: 06233298811, VAT number and Tax Code: 11537081009, E_MAIL: info@intelservizi.it
But the VISTONLINE Agency, Via di San Romano, 24/26, 00159 Rome, also offers the same service at more or less the same prices.
The documents to be transmitted are as follows:
1. passport valid for at least 6 months.
2. 1 passport-size photo to be glued and not stapled.
3. Visa application form that I filled out online on the Embassy website.
4. letter of appointment;
Timing: 1 or 2 weeks depending on the period
Duration of the visa: 7 days, to be used in a fixed period of 9 days.
Costs for obtaining:
• Consular fees 7 days for single entry, including bank fees € 65
• Agency fees 30 € (VAT excluded)
• Shipping costs vary according to the type.
Below I report other useful information obtained from the website of the Uzbek Embassy in Rome:
FROM THE SITE: http://www.uzbekistanitalia.org/home/ambasciata/ ufficio-consolare/informazioni-sui-visti-1
Visa information
Foreign citizens can enter the territory of the Republic of Uzbekistan only with visas issued by the competent bodies according to established procedures.
Entry visas to Uzbekistan for foreign citizens are issued at:
- the Diplomatic Missions and Consular Offices of Uzbekistan abroad;
- the Offices of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan located in the Tashkent airport (for citizens of countries where there are no Uzbekistan Diplomatic Missions);
In Italy, entry visas are issued by the Consular Office of the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Rome.
Foreign citizens who have entered the territory of the Republic of Uzbekistan for a period of more than three days must compulsorily register with the special offices of the Ministry of the Interior of Uzbekistan (OVIR) at the police offices located in the territory of the district of their temporary residence.
A. PROCEDURE FOR THE ISSUE OF ENTRANCE VISAS FOR CITIZENS OF
Austria, Belgium, Great Britain, Spain, Italy, France, Switzerland, Germany, Japan and Latvia for business or tourism is regulated as follows:
1. Business trips
Citizens of the above countries who wish to visit Uzbekistan for work can apply for a visa directly at the Consular Office of the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Rome.
The inviting party must officially contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan with the request for the issuance of a visa for the foreign citizen and, in the case of a positive response, notify the person inviting the number of the authorization for issuing the visa. After obtaining this number, the applicant must submit the following documents to the Consular Office of the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Rome:
- application form for obtaining a visa filled in personally with detailed answers to the questions in the questionnaire;
- passport (must be valid for at least another 3 months after the expiry of the visa) and a photocopy of it;
- 2 photos (passport size);
- document certifying the payment of the visa amount.
2. Tourist travel
Citizens of the above countries who wish to visit Uzbekistan for tourism can apply for a visa directly at the Consular Office of the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Rome.
The applicant must submit the following documents to the Consular Office:
- application form for obtaining a visa filled in personally with detailed answers to the questions in the questionnaire;
- passport and a photocopy of it;
- 2 photos (passport size);
- document certifying the payment of the visa amount.
B. PROCEDURE FOR ISSUING ENTRANCE VISAS FOR CITIZENS OF OTHER COUNTRIES
To obtain an entry visa for Uzbekistan, the following documents must be presented to the Consular Office of the Embassy in Rome:
1. Business trips
- letter of invitation (in original or by fax) from an Uzbek legal company;
- application form for obtaining a visa filled in personally with detailed answers to the questions in the questionnaire;
- passport and a photocopy of it;
- 2 photos (passport size);
- document certifying the payment of the visa amount.
2. Tourist travel
- Tourist voucher from an Uzbek travel agency;
- application form for obtaining a visa filled in personally with detailed answers to the questions in the questionnaire;
- passport and a photocopy of it;
- 2 photos (passport size);
- document certifying the payment of the visa amount.
Note: It is possible to buy the tourist voucher for Uzbekistan at the following companies in Italy:
G.S.Air srl (Rome), tel. : 06/4743735
Y.O.R. (Rome), tel. : 06/763426
To obtain a visa and to authenticate the documents, interested parties must present themselves, by appointment, at the Consular Office of the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Italy, either personally or through a representative of a specialized agency.
C. GROUP VISA (FOR TOURIST TRAVEL ONLY)
Information for tourist agencies
The group visa is issued for groups of at least 10 people (excluding children aged up to 16 years).
The following documents must be submitted for each member of the group:
- application form for obtaining a visa filled in personally with detailed answers to the questions in the questionnaire;
- photocopy of the passport;
- 2 photos (passport size).
Agencies must submit the document certifying the payment of the visa amount and the list of the group on the agency's headed paper, in the following form:
N ° Sex Surname Name Place and date of birth Nationality Passport N ° Place and date of issue Expiry Profession Address
Rates for group visas
up to 15 days: 15 euros per person + 20 euros for the whole group
up to 30 days: 25 euros per person + 20 euros for the entire group
D. PRIVATE TRAVEL
The inviting person, resident in Uzbekistan, must request permission from the competent bodies of the Ministry of the Interior of Uzbekistan (OVIR) at the police offices located in the territory of the constituency where the guest is expected to temporarily reside. The original permit must be delivered to the Consular Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan and, at the same time, the inviting person must submit a request for authorization from the indicated diplomatic headquarters.
Once the authorization has been obtained, the applicant must submit to the Consular Office of the Embassy:
- application form for obtaining a visa filled in personally with detailed answers to the questions in the questionnaire;
- passport and a photocopy of it;
- 2 photos (passport size)
- document certifying the payment of the visa amount.
E. TIMES OF RELEASE
To obtain the visa it takes at least 7 working days (excluding the day of acceptance of the documents and public holidays).
If the interested party travels in transit in the territory of Uzbekistan, he can obtain the transit visa in 1 day if he is in possession of the visa for the country of final destination and the Uzbekistan Airways air ticket.
F. RATES AND METHOD OF PAYMENT
1 admission up to 7 days of stay in Uzbekistan - 60 euros
2 admissions up to 7 days of stay in Uzbekistan - 70 euros
3 admissions up to 7 days of stay in Uzbekistan - 80 euros
1 admission up to 15 days of stay in Uzbekistan - 70 euros
2 admissions up to 15 days of stay in Uzbekistan - 80 euros
3 admissions up to 15 days of stay in Uzbekistan - 90 euros
1 admission up to 1 month of stay in Uzbekistan - 80 euros
2 admissions up to 1 month of stay in Uzbekistan - 90 euros
3 admissions up to 1 month of stay in Uzbekistan - 100 euros
1 admission up to 3 months of stay in Uzbekistan - 100 euros
2 admissions up to 3 months of stay in Uzbekistan - 110 euros
3 admissions up to 3 months of stay in Uzbekistan - 120 euros
Multiple visa up to 6 months of stay in Uzbekistan - 170 euros
Multiple visa up to 1 year of stay in Uzbekistan - 270 euros
Payment for consular services is made in euros in the form of a bank transfer to the current account of the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Italy.
Below are the bank details of the Embassy:
Unicredit Banca di Roma
IBAN: IT02H0200805001000400985366
______________________________________________________
For information
EXTRACT FROM THE ORDER OF THE EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF UZBEKISTAN IN ITALY №22 of 17.10.2003
For the execution of the Provision of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and of the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Uzbekistan "On the approval of the Regulations for the collection of taxes for the compensation of expenses relating to the execution of consular documents and use of the means entered ", registered by the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Uzbekistan N ° 1273 of 18 September 2003, approve the fees for the compensation of expenses related to the execution of consular acts as follows:
- issue of visa from the Republic of Uzbekistan - 20 euros
- issue of transit visa - 10 euros
- issue of the certificate for the return to the Republic of Uzbekistan - 5 euros
- other consular services - 15 euros
Example: 1 entry up to 7 days of stay in Uzbekistan: 40 euros + 20 euros = 60 euros.
G. TRANSIT VISA
To have the right to transit through the territory of the Republic of Uzbekistan, it is necessary to apply for a transit visa from the Consular Office of the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Italy, which is issued, for a duration of 72 hours, after the presentation of the following documents :
- application form for obtaining a visa filled in personally with detailed answers to the questions in the questionnaire;
- passport with entry visa for the country of destination;
- Uzbekistan Airways air ticket;
- photocopy of the invitation letter from the country of destination;
- 2 photos (passport size);
- document certifying the payment of the visa amount.
Transit visa fees
transit visa with one entry: 60 euros
transit visa with two entries: 70 euros
http://ruggerodaros.blogspot.it/2012/08/il-problema-dei-visti.htmlhttp://ruggerodaros.blogspot.it/2012/08/il-problema-dei-visti.html
- UZBEKISTAN VISA: the Uzbekistan visa is made in Rome, but they do not receive the application by post and do not send your passport back to you (you have to take care of it by asking a courier, with proxy). So, if you don't go in person, you have to go to an agency. The visa is valid for one month, within which you can enter or exit whenever you want, but the dates for that month are fixed and you have to decide them when you apply in Rome. This is a problem because two or three months in advance you have to decide exactly when you will be in Uzbekistan, if you are traveling by land it is not easy. The cost is 88 euros, plus 10 euros for each additional entry that is requested. The issuing time is about 4/5 days. We did it with a visa agency in Rome to which we sent the passports with a commission cost of about 50 euros more per visa.
VISA TAJIKISTAN
As regards the tourist visa, some changes and facilities have been introduced.
In particular::
- for citizens of the European Union it is now possible to obtain a tourist visa directly at the airport upon arrival in the country.
- for tourist visas of less than 30 days, registration with the competent Department of the Tajik Ministry of the Interior is no longer required. The obligation for other types of visas remains and must be carried out within three days of arrival in the country.
It is logical that most tourists arrive by land as flights to Tajikistan are quite expensive and it is preferable to land in neighboring countries such as Kyrgyzstan, where the low cost Turkish company offers excellent fares and among other things, the the only country in central Asia where a visa is not required.
So for those arriving by land it is mandatory to have a visa in advance.
For those who do not travel in a hurry like me it is logical to get it in one of the neighboring countries thus saving a lot of money.
For those like me who want to get it before leaving, you need to contact one of the three embassies between that of Belgium, Germany and Austria:
ADDRESS OF THE EMBASSY IN VIETNAM: Universitatstr. 8 / 1a, 1090 Vienna, Austria, Telephone: (+ 43-1) 409-82-66, Fax: (+ 43-1) 409-82-66-14, E-mail: info@tajikembassy.at
So since I was already doing the Turkmenistan visa, with the following travel agency in Vienna:
Visum4you
Mag. Andreas Schlichtner
Geschäftsführer Visum4you
T: 0043 1 974 39 82 - 11
M: 0043 (0) 699 170 709 75
F: 0043 1 974 39 82 - 90
E-Mail: a.schlichtner@visum4you.at // office@visum4you.at
Web: www.visum4you.at
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I also had the one for Tajikistan valid for 7 days with prices and timing that can be seen from the following e_mail:
EMAIL N. 1 AGENZIA VISUM4YOU DI VIENNA
Da: office@visum4you.at
A: "monteorsaro@libero.it"<monteorsaro@libero.it>
Ogg: AW:
Dear Riccardo,
we can help.
Tadschiksitan takes 2 weeks or 1 week express. Do you need the PAMIR Highway? We need 1 form, 1 photo, 1 personal letter.
Tadschikistan € 120 with pamir and plus 50% for express
Tadschikistan € 80 with out pamir and plus 50% for express
Our fee: € 60,00 net per visa
Bank fee: € 9,00 net
DHL: € 45,00 net
We accept only payments in advance.
Mit freundlichen Grüssen | Best Regards | С уважением |Met vriendelijke groet | 祝好| Cordiali saluti | �ع اطيب التحيات
Mag. Andreas Schlichtner
Geschäftsführer Visum4you
T: 0043 1 974 39 82 - 11
M: 0043 (0) 699 170 709 75
F: 0043 1 974 39 82 - 90
E-Mail: a.schlichtner@visum4you.at // office@visum4you.at
Web: www.visum4you.at
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ATU65090518
FOLLOWING OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION TAKEN FROM THE SITE OF THE TAGIKA EMBASSY IN VIENNA:
FROM THE SITE: http://tajikembassy.at/index/visa_issues/0-25
ADDRESS OF THE EMBASSY IN VIETNAM: Universitatstr. 8 / 1a, 1090 Vienna, Austria, Telephone: (+ 43-1) 409-82-66, Fax: (+ 43-1) 409-82-66-14, E-mail: info@tajikembassy.at
VISA ISSUES
Requirements for visa issuance
Documents to be submitted for Tajik entry visa:
• Support letter (letter of invitation, letter of Company, etc) should be submitted in accordance with category of visa, which is going to be applied. See above-mentioned category visas;
• Fully completed and signed visa application form (one per person);
Visa application form (in English Language)
Visa application form ( in Russian Language)
• One passport size photo;
• Valid passport of at least no less than 6 months validity from the moment of intended visa's termination and with at least two free blank pages;
• Copy of the passport (main page);
• Payments Fee: No cash payments are accepted.
Payments for the Consular Services can be made by the following ways:
• by Bank transfer directly to the Embassy account (UniCredit Bank Austria AG, blz 12000; KontoNr. 09554787301);
• by payment in any branch of UniCredit Bank Austria AG;
• by Bank Cards upon submission of documents at the Embassy*
Note:
• When paying by Cards charges are applied*
• In case of processing express visa from 24 to 48 hours, applicant must pay double price irrespective of the category of visa.
• In case of applying to visa issuance by post, applicant must send paid self-addressed return envelope with actual post stamp or organize the pick up by themselves. The Embassy is not responsible for any damage or lost of content of envelope that could be occur in course of return post-delivery.
• Applicant or his/her representative are responsible to check the validity of issued visa before undertaking the trip to Tajikistan. In case of appearance of incorrect or missing data rather than indicated in filled application form, he must timely inform the Consular Section and request a proper amendment.
Visa term Single Double Multiple
ORDINARY, BUSINESS AND OTHER VISA FEE IN EURO
One week € 40 € 50
Two weeks € 60 € 70
One month € 80 € 100
Two month € 90 € 110
Three month € 95 € 115
Six month € 110 € 140
TOURIST VISA FEE
Up to 45 days* € 80 € 90
Up to 45 days** € 20 € 30
TRANSIT VISA FEE
Up to 72 hrs. € 30 € 40
EDUCATIONAL VISA FEE
Studens Studying in Tajikistan € 50
Interns – up to three months € 80
PhD`s – up to three months € 100
Scientific, research in Tajikistan € 100
VISA FEE FOR FORMER CITIZENS OF THE REPUBLIC OF TAJIKISTAN
One week € 20
One month € 30
Two month € 40
Three month € 50
Reference:
• * - requires submission original travel invitation issued by certified Tajik National Tourist Companies or Visa support from Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan;
• ** - ordinary tourist visa fee
Kuhistoni Badakhshon Autonomous Province of Tajikistan (VMKB) is the frontier territory of Tajikistan and has special permission entry (has its entry permission stamp, which is put in valid passport separately if it is applied to), which is valid to visit Khorugh, Darvoz, Vanj, Rushon, Ishkoshim and Murghob districts. Foreign citizens traveling to VMKB must underline his/her visit to VMKB in the same application form which is for visa issuance (in the point of 21 "purpose of trip")
Category visas
• For obtaining Diplomatic visa - It is needed to submit Verbal Note of one of the following authorities - foreign affaires authorities, diplomatic representatives of foreign countries, international organizations or representatives of international organizations on request of the visa issuance, with the point of target and term of visit. It can be issued up to three months;
• For obtaining Official (Service) visa - It is needed to submit Verbal Note of one of the following authorities - foreign affaires authorities, diplomatic representatives of foreign countries, international organizations or representatives of international organizations, letter of state authorities of arrival country for consular service of Tajikistan, letter of invitation of ministries and institutions of Tajikistan on request of the visa issuance, with the point of target and term of visit. It can be issued up to three months;
• For obtaining Investment visa - It is needed to submit letter of large foreign companies or letter of State Committee of Tajikistan on investments and state property. It is necessary that the rate amount of investment must be not less than US $ 500 000. It can be issued up to six months;
• For obtaining Business visa - It is needed to submit letter of Company or representatives of foreign commercial organizations on request of the visa issuance, with the point of target and term of visit. It can be issued up to six months;
• For obtaining Labor visa - It is needed to submit Letter of inviting organization or citizen of Tajikistan on request of the visa issuance, with the point of target and term of visit, copy of contract on fulfill of services. In the case of invitation from citizen of Tajikistan on fulfillment of job, additionally it is demanded the notice from authorities of internal affaires on the place of fulfillment of services. It can be issued up to three months;
• For obtaining Tourist visa - It is needed to submit the letter of relevant licensed tourist company of country of destination on visa issuance with indication of the purpose of entry, itinerary and term of stay in the territory of the Republic of Tajikistan. It is needed to submit the Letter of relevant licensed tourist company of the country origin with indication of the purpose of entry, itinerary and term of stay in the Republic of Tajikistan. In the case of Individual tourist visa application - It is needed to submit the Letter of request signed by applicant, addressed to Consular Section with description of tourist itinerary, copies of proof travel documents and contact person's information etc. It can be issued up to 45 days. Holder of tourist visa is free from registration as a foreigner under internal affaires branches (OVIR) if his stay does not exceed 30 days;
• For obtaining Educational visa - It is needed to submit letter of educational, scientific institution or individual request of applicant for apply to educational institution or letter of sending organization for internship, exchange programs, educational training or language courses. It can be issued up to six months;
• For obtaining Private Visa - It is needed to submit notice of Migration service of Ministry of internal affaires of the Republic of Tajikistan. In exceptional cases, the private visa can be issued on the base of letter of citizen (reference of foreign citizen, who has permanent residence in abroad and is in official marriage with citizen of Tajikistan) without demands of notice of Migration service of Ministry of internal affaires of the Republic of Tajikistan, as well as in the case of funeral (serious illness) of relatives and friends on the bases of international telegrams confirmed by doctor. It can be issued up to three months;
• For obtaining Driver visa - It is needed to submit letter of organization on request of the visa issuance, with the point of target and term relevant for transportation realization, license of international carriage, in the case of cargo transportation special permission for transportation of large-sized cargo and copy of insurance police for vehicle. It can be issued for period not exceeding license term but not more than six months. Driver visa is valid strictly for concrete route to destination;
• For obtaining Crew of aircrafts visa - It is needed to submit copy of flight crew ID card and letter of Airline Company or its representative in Tajikistan. It can be issued up to three months;
• For obtaining Foreign mass media visa - It is needed to submit Verbal Note of foreign affaires authorities of country arrival of mass media staff or letter of representative of foreign Mass Media on request of the visa issuance, with the point of target and term of visit. It can be issued up to three months;
• For obtaining Visa for spouse of citizen of the Republic of Tajikistan - It is needed to submit letter from spouse of citizen of the Republic of Tajikistan on request of visa issuance with the point of detail information on proposed activity of spouse's foreign citizen in Tajikistan, copy of marriage certificate recognized by Republic of Tajikistan, the existence of means for payment of travel tickets and accommodation in Tajikistan till managing the job. It can be issued up to three months;
• For obtaining Sportsmen and art group visa - It is needed to submit Verbal Note or letter of state organization of arrival country of foreign sportsmen or art group on request of the visa issuance or letter from state organization of the Republic of Tajikistan deals with sport and culture issues with the point of target and term of visit. It can be issued for term of event;
• For obtaining Missionary visa - It is needed to submit Verbal Note of foreign affaires of country where religion organization is registered and together with the letter from religious organization intending to work in Tajikistan. It can be issued up to four months;
• For obtaining Humanitarian visa - It is needed to submit Verbal Note of foreign affaires authorities or letter of state organization deals with delivery of humanitarian assistance to the Republic of Tajikistan. It can be issued for term of assistance and free of charge, but not more than six months;
• For obtaining Commercial visa - It is needed to submit letter from commercial organization (administration), where foreign citizen takes up with commercial activity, copy of reference from tax authority consequently from commercial activity's venue on debts absence for taxes during commercial activity and copy of patent, if he is individual employer. It can be issued up to three months;
• For obtaining Permanent residence visa - It is needed to submit a letter of applicant on request of the visa issuance, with the point of detail information on proposed activity in Tajikistan, the existence of means for travel ticket payment and accommodation in Tajikistan till being managed for job, on opportunity of the transaction to Tajikistan pension's payment if applicant gets such payment and the notice from the authorities of internal affaires. It can be issued up to three months.
Procedure of visa's extension and visa restoration
• Requirements and points: The validity term of visa can be extended only by Consular Department of MFA of Tajikistan on the base of primary (previous) visa and submition relevant documents;
• Foreign citizen must apply for extension of visa 20 working days before the expiration visa's term validity. In case of expiration visa's term validity on the applicant's blame, he is involved to administrative liability in accordance with legal-normative acts of Tajikistan;
• The extension of visa's term validity is allowed with holding of the same category visa;
• The extension of visa's term validity is considered for 10 working days from the date of document's submission;
• In case of technical damage of foreign citizen's visa, which is impossible for further use or loss, visa must be restored after check and fact acknowledgement of its issuance;
• The restoration of visa is realized by Consular Department of Ministry of Foreign Affairsof Tajikistan or by consular sections of Embassies of Tajikistan in abroad on the base of written letter of foreign citizen or letter from organization under which invitation, foreign citizen is arrived or is intended to arrive to Tajikistan;
• In a case if foreign citizen having valid visa obtains new national passport, but previous passport is cancelled, the visa can be restored in a new passport on the base of written letter of that foreign citizen.
Rules of stay and limitations for foreigners in Tajikistan
Registration of foreign citizens temporarily arrived in Tajikistan:
• Temporary arrived foreign citizens live in the territory of Tajikistan in accordance with their valid international passports;
• Upon arrival international passports must be submitted for registration to relevant authorities (authorities of internal affaires - (OVIR)) during 3 days, except holidays and weekends. Holders of tourist visa are free from registration. Registration is realized on the base of written letter of host organizations (inviting side), foreign permanent representatives in Tajikistan or letters of private persons. Registration of foreign citizens arrived to Tajikistan with private cases (private visas) is realized on the base of their actual visa.
The following persons are free from registration of their international passports:
• heads of states and governments of foreign countries, members of parliamentary and governmental delegations, technical personal of these delegations, members of families of mentioned persons;
• holders of UN passports;
• foreign citizens not reached 16 years old;
• members of foreign military crew aircraft arrived to Tajikistan;
• members of civil crew aircrafts of international airlines in case if they are situated in the air port;
• members of crew auto crafts realizing transportation of cargo and passengers and enter to and exit from Tajikistan in accordance with route destination;
Hotel registration of foreign citizens arriving for service, commercial or social cases (visas, aims), treatment or rest as tourists. In case of arrival of foreign citizens for treatment directly in hospital or sanatorium, they must be registered under authorities of internal affairs (OVIR)
OVIR, Ministry of Interior registration of foreign citizens arriving in Tajikistan for study, internship, job in accordance with intergovernmental agreement, as well as for service cases of social organizations and private person's invitations. Foreign citizens arrived in Tajikistan for term of more than 3 months for job, study, permanent residence or for other cases are medically testified during 10 days after arrival. Private and service vehicle of foreign citizens entering the territory of Tajikistan must be registered.
Issuance of permanent residence permission for foreign citizens
• foreign citizens would permanently live in Tajikistan if they receive permission for permanent residence issued by authorities of internal affaires (OVIR);
• letter of request on issuance of permission for permanent residence in Tajikistan is to submitted by temporary arrived foreigners directly to relevant authorities of internal affairs up to place of residence in Tajikistan;
• Permission for permanent residence is issued by authorities of foreign affaires of Tajikistan up to place of residence of foreign citizens, reached 16 years old for the term no more than 5 years and foreigner reached 45 years old for the whole term of passport validity;
• letter on extension of permission for permanent residence term or new permanent residence permission must be submitted by foreign citizens to authorities of internal affairs up to place of residence not later than 10 days before expiration of date of permanent residence permission;
• foreign citizens arrive in Tajikistan for the term more than 6 months have to receive permanent residence permission from authorities of internal affaires;
• permanent residence permission can not be extended without extension of visa;
Foreign citizens temporarily living in Tajikistan and wishing to change the place of residence or temporarily move to another place must receive permission from authorities of internal affaires.
Issuance of Tajik Visa at the Airport of Dushanbe
• General requirements for visa obtaining at the airport of Dushanbe are the same as it mentioned in the Webpage of Embassy of Tajikistan to Austria.
• In the airport of Dushanbe all visa categories are issued up to 45 days.
VISA KAZAKHSTAN
It is quite simple to obtain a tourist visa even if it must be said that the Kazakh Embassy does not accept documents by post and therefore if you do not live in Rome you are almost forced to go to an agency with a consequent significant increase in costs.
I turned to:
EUROEST TRAVEL di Intelservizi S.r.l, OPERATIONAL CONSULTING AND SERVICES FOR COMPANIES, Via Marche 74, 00187 Rome - Tel. 0699925957/58 Fax: 06233298811, VAT number and Tax Code: 11537081009, E_MAIL: info@intelservizi.it
But the VISTONLINE Agency, Via di San Romano, 24/26, 00159 Rome, also offers the same service at more or less the same prices.
The documents to be transmitted are as follows:
5. passport valid for at least 6 months.
6. 1 passport-size photo.
7. completed and signed visa application form.
8. letter of appointment;
Timing: 1 or 2 weeks depending on the period
Duration of the visa: 30 days.
Costs for obtaining through an agency (if you do it yourself, you spend almost half):
• Consular fees 30 days for single entry, including bank fees € 55
• Agency fees 40 € (VAT excluded)
• Shipping costs vary according to the type.
Below I report other useful information obtained from the website of the Kazakh Embassy in Rome:
FROM THE SITE: http://www.embkaz.it/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=78&Itemid=88
CONSULAR FEES FOR ISSUING VISAS
(entered into force from 1 December 2010):
TYPE OF VISA ACCORDING TO THE TERM OF STAY COST in EUROS
TOURISM up to 30 days with a single entry (without invitation and authorization of the Ministry of Affairs of Kazakhstan) € 35.00
TOURISM up to 60 days with two entrances (without invitation and authorization of the Ministry of Affairs of Kazakhstan) € 50.00
PERSONNEL up to 30 days with a single entry (without invitation and authorization of the Ministry of Affairs of Kazakhstan) € 50.00
PERSONNEL up to 90 days with a single entry (it is essential to have an invitation and authorization from the Ministry of Affairs of Kazakhstan) € 50.00
BUSINESS / BUSINESS up to 30 days with a single entry (without invitation and authorization of the Ministry of Affairs of Kazakhstan) € 50.00
BUSINESS / BUSINESS up to 1 year with multiple entries (it is essential to have an invitation and authorization from the Ministry of Affairs of Kazakhstan) € 170.00
BUSINESS / BUSINESS up to 2 years with multiple entries (it is essential to have an invitation and authorization from the Ministry of Affairs of Kazakhstan) € 250.00
the TRANSIT visa € 30.00
PAYMENT THROUGH DIRECT DEPOSIT AT BRANCHES OF BANCA INTESA SAN PAOLO
ADDRESS: via Cassia 844, 00189 ROME
IBAN: IT40 W030 6903 2231 0000 0004 523
Consulate does not accept payments made by bank transfer, in cash, by credit card!
PAYMENT OF CONSULAR FEES FOR VISAS
IS MADE EXCLUSIVELY THROUGH BANK DEPOSIT.
WE DO NOT ACCEPT PAYMENTS BY BANK TRANSFER, IN CASH, BY CREDIT CARD!
THE RECEIPT OF THE PAYMENT MADE MUST BE SUBMITTED TO THE CONSULAR OFFICE IN ORIGINAL.
PLEASE REMEMBER THAT BANK FEES ARE BORNE BY THE VISA APPLICANT. IN CASE OF INCOMPLETE PAYMENT THE APPLICATION WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
CONSULAR RIGHTS RELATING TO VISAS ARE NOT REFUNDABLE ONCE THE APPLICATION IS SUBMITTED.
NOTE: WE RECOMMEND YOU NOT TO PURCHASE AIR TICKETS IF THE DELAY OR REFUSAL OF THE APPLICATION WOULD CAUSE YOU AN ECONOMIC DAMAGE. THE EMBASSY DISCLAIMS ANY LIABILITY FOR SUCH ECONOMIC LOSSES.
List of countries for which citizens are not required to submit authorization from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan for the completion of visa application procedures for entry into the Republic of Kazakhstan
1. Australia
2. Republic of Austria
3. Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
4. Republic of Hungary
5. Hellenic Republic (Greece)
6. State of Israel
7. State of Qatar
8. Ireland
9. Italian Republic
10. Kingdom of Denmark
11. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
12. Kingdom of Spain
13. Republic of Iceland
14. Canada
15. Kingdom of Liechtenstein
16. Principality of Monaco
17. Kingdom of the Netherlands
18. Kingdom of Norway
19. Kingdom of Sweden
20. Kingdom of Belgium
21. Republic of Lithuania
22. Republic of Latvia
23. New Zealand
24. United Arab Emirates
25. Republic of Portugal
26. Republic of Singapore
27. Republic of Poland
28. Republic of Croatia
29. Republic of Korea
30. Republic of Bulgaria
31. Republic of Cyprus
32. Republic of Malta
33. Republic of Slovenia
34. Romania
35. United States of America
36. United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
37. Slovak Republic
38. Sultanate of Oman
39. Republic of Finland
40. French Republic
41. Federal Republic of Germany
42. Malaysia
43. Federative Republic of Brazil
44. Czech Republic
45. Swiss Confederation
46. Republic of Estonia
47. Japan
Back to the CONSULATE page
List of documents required for the issue of the "private category visa" for the Republic of Kazakhstan
Period: more than 30 days up to 90 days.
Input quantity: one
List of documents required for issuing the "tourist visa"
for the Republic of Kazakhstan
The visa is issued for a single entry valid up to 30 days or for two entries valid up to 60 days
(this procedure only for citizens of 47 countries)
LIST
OF THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS N O T E
Passport
valid for abroad The passport is valid for at least 6 (six) months from the expiry date of the issued visa. At least one free page for the Kazakhstan visa must be available in the passport.
One form
filled out
(available on the website) Complete and truthful information must be indicated in the form.
A photo
coloured
(Please paste the photograph on the form)
A color photograph on a light background with the dimensions 3.5 x 4.5 сm., Taken no later than 3 months before the presentation of the documents.
Applicant's declaration
(available on the website) The applicant must submit a declaration in the name of the Consul for the issue of a business visa for a trip to Kazakhstan indicating the purpose of the trip, the length of stay ...
Additional information The consular service reserves the right to request documents
and if necessary, invite people for an interview
visa applicants
Visa issuing deadlines The visa issuing deadline is 5 working days (7 days
calendar) starting from the date of acceptance of all required documents
Cost of visa Up to 30 days - 35 €
Up to 60 days - 50 €
Public reception hours
of the consular office of the Republic of Kazakhstan
in the Italian Republic
RECEPTION OF CITIZENS AND REPRESENTATIVES OF AGENCIES FOR ENTRANCE VISAS:
• Acceptance of documents - Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 09:00 to 11:30;
• Issue of documents - Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 11:30 to 12:30 and from 15:00 to 16:00;
• Interview - Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 09:00 to 12:30.
RECEPTION OF CITIZENS OF THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN AND OF THE REPUBLIC OF KIRGHIZSTAN ON PRIVATE MATTERS:
• Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 15:00 to 17:00;
• Wednesday - weekly closing.
Citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Republic of Kyrgyzstan who find themselves in extreme situations can contact the consular office and the Embassy at any time.
The reservation for the reception on the phone: 0636308476
Delivery of documents to the Visa Office personally or through third parties (with a proxy signed by the visa applicant) or through visa agencies (with a proxy signed by the visa applicant).
The delivery of documents for entry visas by post or postal courier is not allowed.
Address:
Via Cassia, 471, 00189 - Rome, Italy.
Tel. 06 36 30 84 76; Fax. 06 36 29 26 12
Email: consolato-roma@mail.ru
Warning!
The payment of consular fees is made exclusively at the INTESA SANPAOLO bank
Address: Via Cassia, 844, 00189 - Rome, Italy
THE STORY OF THE JOURNEY
IRAN
Punctual as never before, my plane of the Turkish Company Pegasus leaves from Milan Orio al Serio at 2.00 pm towards Teheran (Iran), with a stopover of 5 hours at the Sabina Gokcen Airport in Istanbul in Turkey (one-way price including taxes Euro 132 , 00).
I therefore arrive at 03:35 in the morning of the next day, Imam Khomeini Airport in Tehran, the capital of Iran (2 hours 30 'time zone, compared to Italy). I pass the not difficult Iranian border.
From Tehran's Imam Khomeini Airport, there is theoretically a minibus every hour to Tehran National Airport and Azadi Square in Tehran for a fare of IR 60,000 (you pay when you get off), but I expect it , pressed by taxi drivers, for more than an hour and I do not see him and then I get inflamed and I take a taxi (unofficial) that takes me in about 20 minutes to the Haram_e Motahar metro station at a price of IR 200,000.
The ticket for the clean, safe and modern Tehran Metro costs IR 5,000 for a single journey, and IR 8,000 for two tickets.
The center of Tehran can also be visited with a free tourist train that passes adjacent to the Bazaar and Golestan Palace, a World Heritage Site;
The best place in Tehran to change money is Ferdosi Street where there are numerous money changers starting from the homonymous square located further north, reachable by Metro.
The Bus_e Jonoob Terminal in Tehran can be reached with Line 1 of the Metro.
From there I take one of the numerous buses that reach Khashan (Iran) every day in abundant 3 hours at a cost of IR 110,000. They offer you a snack on the bus.
The bus drops you off in Montazeri Square, on the north-eastern outskirts of Khashan (Iran). Numerous private taxis are waiting for you here. With strong bargaining I was able to rent one for half a day at the price of IR 200,000.
From Montazeri Square, on the north-eastern outskirts of Khashan (Iran), there are frequent buses to Tehran which stop after about 1 hour and a half in Qom, in Haftad Square (large roundabout) at a price of IR 50,000. You pay the ticket to the conductor.
From the large roundabout of Haftad Square in Qom, located 5 km north of the center, I hired a taxi for a short time to visit the City, for the price of IR 100,000.
Back in Haftad Square in Qom, I take one of the numerous buses that every day reaches the Bus_e Jonoob Terminal in Tehran in about 2 hours for a price of IR 60,000. You pay the ticket to the conductor.
From the Bus_e Jonoob Terminal in Tehran, reachable by metro line 1, I take one of the numerous comfortable buses that reach Mashhad (Iran) every day in about 13 hours at a cost of IR 475,000. They offer you a snack on the bus.
From Mashhad Central Bus Station, I hired a taxi for a short time to visit the city and then take me to the Meraj Bus Terminal, at a price of IR 190,000.
From the Meraj Bus Terminal I took the bus to Quchan, the small town located 100 km north-west of Mashhad. The ticket can be taken on the bus at a cost of IR 35,000. The trip takes about 2 hours. It also makes several stops in the center of Mashhad. There are frequent departures every day.
In Quchan you have to get off at the large roundabout on the state road, adjacent to the city center. Here the taxi drivers are ready for carriers everywhere, but to get good prices you have to negotiate with decision. For a taxi from Quchan to Bajgiran (90 km, about an hour long uphill mountain road trip with interesting views), I paid IR 250,000.
In the small village of Bajgiran, located about 1,400 meters. of altitude, on the border with Turkmenistan, composed of beautiful mud houses, there is a hotel located on the left at the beginning of the country. It is the Hotel Bajgiran in fact, but it is constantly closed and is opened specifically at the request of tourists who have to cross the border the following morning. Then the taxi driver, wandering around the small town, asking here and there, making some phone calls, managed to track down the owner who arrived in front of the hotel about 1 hour and a half after our arrival in Bajgiran.
He speaks almost no English but thanks to the honest taxi driver, who among other things did not ask me for any additional fees for all the additional services he has done for me (phone calls, waits, searches, etc.), I am able to make myself understood.
The Hotel is opened especially for me and the price of a double room with cold shower is IR 500,000. There are no single rooms. My passport is collected and kept in a safe. A photocopy of the same is not accepted.
The following morning at 7.00 the owner gives me my passport and at my request takes me with his van to change money in a grocery store in town. Here it is better to change the Dollars as the Euro is devalued badly.
Then he takes me to the Iranian border, located on a pass, about 2.5 km uphill from the Hotel Bajgiran (800 meters to get to the Iranian checkpoint + 1.7 km to get to the actual border).
The owner of the hotel for transportation with his van asks me $ 1.
TURKMENISTAN
The Iranian border opens at 7.30 am and between various waits, quick check of my backpack, verification of my passport in less than an hour, without problems I get the stamp to leave the country.
The Turkmenistan border is just over 50 meters away. walk from the Iranian one. The staff are friendly and speak English but waiting times are long. First of all at the counter, having a transit visa valid for 5 days, they ask me exactly the route I will take and the hotels and addresses of where I will sleep and they write it down on a sheet. Then I go into another room where I feel a fever. Then I have to wait for some time for the Lady who in another room makes me pay the immigration tax of $ 12 (they do not accept any other currency) who gives me a stamped receipt.
Then I went back to the 1st counter where the employee has to stamp my passport. But after a long wait, he points out to me that the round stamp on the Turkmen visa is missing in the passport and therefore they keep me waiting another hour because in the meantime they call the Embassy in Vienna that issued it to me and ask for an explanation. Having clarified that it was a mistake by the Turkmen Embassy in Austria, they affix it to me along with the entry stamp to the country.
Then you have to pass your baggage through the metal detector. There is an endless line of Turkmen women with tons of goods and luggage, but kindly, since I only have a small backpack with me, they let me pass in front of me.
Finally, the staff opens my backpack to check the contents inside. After this last check, here I am in Turkmenistan. The whole procedure described above lasted about 3 hours.
In Turkmenistan my Nokia 30 Euro mobile phone works.
From the square just outside the Customs Office, a Minivan Shuttle frequently leaves and takes you after 20 km downhill in the middle of the mountains in about 20 minutes to the Turkmen checkpoint where you need to register. The cost of this trip is $ 10 or Manat 30.
From there you have to take a private taxi that takes you to Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan, whose outskirts are only 7 km from here. I negotiated the $ 7 price to take me to the Milly Museum.
It is very difficult to navigate around Ashgabat. Compared to a few years ago, everything has changed, even the names of the streets and the 2008 map of the Lonely Planet Book is largely outdated. Even the monuments have been moved: for example, the Arch of Neutrality has been moved from the center to the southwestern outskirts of the city.
Very few speak English and taking the buses is not easy because you never know where you are going. However, a ride costs 20 cents of Manat and is paid to the driver before getting off.
Having visited the city with difficulty, from the train station I took a taxi which took me in about 10 minutes, at the price of 5 Manat, to the pitch located east of the city, where collective taxis leave for Mary. In the end he wanted 10 of Manat but after a long discussion with gestures I gave him only 5 as he has already given me a great jab like that.
The collective taxi from Ashgabat to Mary takes about 5 hours to cover the approximately 400 km that separate the 2 cities. The roads are beautiful only in a few places. Otherwise they are full of holes, hollows and work in progress. The young taxi driver who did not speak a word of English asked me to Ashgabat 30 Manat to cover this route, but then once we got to Mary he asked me for 100 of Manat.
Logically, I strongly imposed myself on this cheating of him and I made him understand with gestures that at most I could give 50 manat, but he insisted badly.
He made endless phone calls, passed me strange characters who spoke English on the phone and finally turned to the police.
In the end, after an hour with a terrible nervousness, I decided to give them to him for these reasons:
• In the end I'm in Turkmenistan and I don't want to end the rest of my days there for a stupid thing;
• He can very well explain his reasons for him to whoever he wants and also to the Police while I can't because I don't speak Russian.
• 11 pm was approaching dangerously, the time when anyone found on the street is arrested by the Turkmen police.
In the end he left very happy with his 100 Manat, while I insulted him in Italian, aware of having made the cheat of his life, also because it will be very difficult for him to find another tourist who passes by since in Turkmenistan do-it-yourself tourism is practically zero.
It should be emphasized that on the roads of Turkmenistan, there are frequent fixed police checkpoints, at least every 50 km, where one is forced to stop at the stop sign, where there is a camera. Then, if the police do not decide to check you, you can go on calmly.
In Mary I slept at the Hotel Sanjar located in Mollanepes Sayoli n. 58, at 100 mt. from the train and bus stations, at a price of $ 25 for a double. There are no single rooms. They only accept Dollars for foreigners like me. The Hotel is Soviet-style, old with terrible bathrooms but centrally located. The staff doesn't speak a word of English.
From Mary's Bus Station, located near the railway station, at 7.00 am I take the bus that takes me in about 1 hour to the small town of Bayram Aly for the price of 0.80 Manat. I do the ticket on the bus.
Arrived in the center of Bayram Aly I strongly contracted a private taxi which offers to take me around for half a day to the vast Archaeological Site of Merv, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, at the price of 25 Manat. Logically, the taxi driver also accepts US Dollars.
Admission to the Archaeological Site of Merv is free of charge while you pay 11 manat for the entrance to the Mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar.
Back in Bayram Aly I go to the Bus Station, located in the center, where I understand that there are only 2 buses a day to Turkmenabat (1 early in the morning and 1 in the afternoon at 14.00) and since I am in a hurry I take near the Bus Station, a collective taxi at a cost of 20 Manat. The same starts when the 4 places available are filled. I stay in the front seat because it is logical that I am the one who paid the most. The scarce 300 km in the middle of the Repetek Desert on potholed roads with continuous police checkpoints are covered in about 3 hours. The honest taxi driver leaves me behind the railway station.
From the Turkmenabat Railway Station, frequent 9-seater collective taxis leave when they are full for the country of Farab, about 20 km away, at the price of 5 Manat, but for those who want to reach the Farab border on the border with Uzbekistan must take one presumably, as I did, one that will take you in about 40 minutes to the border that is 45 km from Turkmenabat. For this trip I got a price of 16 Manat. Logically, the taxi driver also accepts the US dollar.
UZBEKISTAN
A few kilometers after Turkmenabat, there is a checkpoint where I had to get off to register.
Several km after the village of Farab, there is an endless line of trucks that have crossed the border or are waiting to cross it.
La Frontiera di Farab closes for lunch from 13.00 to 14.00. Before entering you must register.
Then once inside, there are tons of pissed black truckers showing their papers to the Customs Staff.
Since I don't have my own vehicle, I skip that step at the counter and a kind Customs Lord helps me fill out the exit card, which is available only in Turkmen.
Then I go to the next counter where the exit stamp is placed on me in a few minutes. All in all, I can handle it in less than an hour.
Upon exiting customs, however, the armed guards prevent me from continuing on foot but I have to wait for the minibus that arrives after almost an hour and which takes 1 Manat to transport you across 600 meters. about to the Uzbek Checkpoint where the military checks my passport.
Then you have to continue on foot for about 700 meters. alongside an endless line of Cammion, standing still waiting to cross the Uzbek border.
Arrived at the Uzbek Customs, they test me for fever with an electronic thermometer but they find it for me 8 times even though I was fine and in the end they let me go through the same.
I still do 50 meters. before arriving at another facility where the entry stamp is first placed on my passport and then, after completing the customs declaration in English in duplicate that must be returned when leaving the country, my backpack is checked very thoroughly : some medicines are checked on the internet.
There is no exchange office at the Farab border between Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan and therefore it is better to spend the Manat in Turkmenistan.
Beyond this obstacle, another 200 meters. and they are at the pitch where there are collective taxis to Bukhara. Border crossing times: about an hour and a half of time for the Uzbek side and an hour for the Turkmen side At the end it is already late afternoon and nobody but me is willing to go to Bukhara with a collective taxi and therefore I have to pay even $ 30. The taxi driver initially asked me even $ 50. The 90 km journey takes a good hour.
In Bukhara in Uzbekistan, whose historic center has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, there are many tourists, some even Europeans. It turns very well on foot.
In Bukhara, I sleep at the Gran Dorimberg Hotel, located 20 meters away. about from the central Lyabi Hauz Square, for a price of $ 15 per night, for a double, including a hearty breakfast. There are no singles. The rooms are beautiful and clean. The bathroom in the room also.
The compulsory registration to be done in Uzbekistan within 3 days of arrival is taken care of by the hotel staff and will issue you a receipt.
The owner of the Gran Dorimberg Hotel swears to me that he will change my Dollars at very advantageous prices and I like an idiot I trust and therefore I exchange 100 $ getting 2,600 Uzbek Sum for every dollar only to discover that the correct exchange rate in Bukhara is 3,000 Sum Uzbeks for every dollar. Great thrust again this time.
As for payments in Uzbekistan, keep in mind that hotels, private and collective taxis can be paid in Dollars, while buses, trains, restaurants and supermarkets must be paid in Uzbekistan.
From Anbar Street above Lyabi Hauz Square, I take Marshrutka No. 61 which, at the price of 600 Sum, in 15 minutes takes me to the state road east of the Marshrutka pitch adjacent to the Karvon Bazaar, located 4.5 km north of the center.
To reach Urgench, there are no Marshrutkas, but only collective taxis parked in the parking lot south of the Karvon Bazaar. They leave when they are full and sometimes, as happened to me, you have to wait up to 2 hours. There are 2 monopoly taxi drivers who practice this route with faces that inspire me little confidence. If it were up to me I would not even entrust him with the painting of the dog's bed and instead I am forced to entrust him with my life. It is I who need them and not them me. And they know this well and in fact they charge me absurd prices. I try to ask them for a discount but they also get angry and then I am reluctantly forced to accept the price of 65,000 Uzbek Sums to these monopolists, only to discover that the Uzbek boy who was traveling with me has paid for the ride to Nukus which is much further away compared to Urgench, 53,000 Uzbek sums.
The journey from Bukhara to Urgench of about 400 km in the middle of the desert takes about 4 hours. The taxi driver drives like a madman on a road full of potholes. He is constantly on the phone and opens the door continuously at 120km / h to spit. He also enjoys racing with his other taxi driver friend. The road runs near the border with Turkmenistan and therefore the Uzbek police checkpoints are very frequent, even if we are never stopped as the taxi driver knows the staff.
If you are heading to Khiva, you must ask the taxi driver to drop you off at a parking lot located just south of the Urgench Bazaar where private taxis, collective taxis and Marshrutkas to Khiva depart for the price of 5,000 Sum, 3,000 Sum and 2,000 Sum respectively, also if the taxi driver seeing that you are a tourist could ask you for 20,000 negotiable Sum. Also keep in mind that the journey of about 30 km takes about half an hour and collective taxis and Marshrutkas leave only when they are full. They make stops at the customer's request and drop you off in front of Khiva's North Gate.
The Ichon Qala, surrounded by walls in Khiva, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site Khiva, can be easily explored on foot and for free. You only pay when you enter to visit the various attractions.
After visiting Khiva, I stop the Marshrutka in front of the north door, despite the discontent of the taxi drivers parked next to them who demanded that I get on one of them and in about half an hour I reach the parking lot located just south of the Urgench Bazaar for the price of 2,000 Sum.
From the road located just south of the Urgench Bazaar, I take bus no. 19 which takes me in minutes to Al Khorezmi Street Railway Station in Urgench. You can buy the ticket on the bus from the controller and it costs 400 Sum for a single journey.
From the Al Khorezmi Street Railway Station in Urgench, a train leaves every day at 20.20 for Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan. Since the beginning of the 3rd millennium, this train no longer passes through Turkmenistan thus avoiding unsuspecting tourists from getting fines from the Turkmen Police who found them in the past without a transit visa.
The train leaves at 15.20 in Tashkent, after 19 hours of travel. The ticket is not taken at the station but at the ticket office located in Al Khorezmi Street, on the left in front of the station itself. Logically the staff speak a lot of languages but not English. There are only sleeping cars on that train. A berth in 2nd class costs 77,000 Sum, while in first class 120,000 Sum. Be careful as in summer during the day the train heats up so much that it almost becomes an oven. There is no air conditioning. The first class has closed cabins while the second does not. Anyway they are both very livable.
Logically, the train described above stops in Samarkand and does so at about 10.30 after about 14 hours of travel.
Once you have purchased your ticket you can enter the station and to do so you must first pass a police check point where you have to register and then the baggage check with the metal detector. Needless to say, I was the only tourist on that train.
Once I arrived in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, I was in a hurry and so I hired a taxi for about 2 hours, paying 15,000 Sum.
Trains from Tashkent to Samarkand are very frequent and take about 4.5 hours to travel. The ticket costs 38,000 Sum in second class and 53,000 Sum in first class and must be purchased at the ticket office located just west of the railway station itself located southeast of the center, near the Metro stop.
Once you have purchased your ticket you can enter the station and to do so you must first pass a police check point where you have to register and then the baggage check with the metal detector. Needless to say, I was the only tourist on that train.
Samarkand Railway Station is located approximately 7km west of Registan, which can be reached in Marshrutka by day. On the other hand, if you arrive like me after 9.00 pm, in addition to finding a crazy darkness around the station you have to take a taxi which costs 6,000 Sum for the ride to Registan.
In Samarkand I stayed at the Bahodir B & B, located in Mulokandov n. 132 to 200 mt. approximately northwest of the Director. The cost of a bed in a dorm including breakfast is $ 10 or 30,000 Sum. The structure is not bad. Logically, you have to forget the air conditioning. The staff speaks English and also offers you hot welcome tea even when it is 50 ° in the shade. The bathrooms are unlivable. The very welcoming inner courtyard.
For a poor day excursion to Shakhrisabz, whose historic center has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, I was found early in the morning at the small parking lot located on Suzangaran Street in Samarkand, just south of the intersection Registan Street, where collective taxis leave when full. I tried to ask for a discount from the taxi driver who, despite my insistence, asserted all his monopolism and I had to accept a large jab of 55,000 Sum for the round trip and the break of about 3 hours for the visit to the Monuments. more significant than Shakhrisabz. The other passengers paid 12,000 Sum for the Samarkand - Kitab route. Logically, the taxi driver does not speak a word of English.
The journey takes almost 2 hours despite the fact that there are only about 90 km to separate Samarkand from Shakhrisabz, as the road in addition to being full of holes is quite tortuous as it has to cross the Takhtakaracha Pass mt 1788, which among other things in Winter it is closed forcing everyone to extend the journey by about 1 hour and a half. However, the landscape is pleasant.
All passengers get off at Kitab, located a handful of kilometers north of Shakhrisabz, which we will soon reach for the taxi driver and I. Despite Unesco having a hand in it, the town is falling apart and not even a shadow of tourists.
Having visited all the most significant monuments of Shakhrisabz for free, the taxi driver and I return to Kitab, where he parks in part on the main road to wait for people who intend to reach Samarkand. It takes 2 hours to fill the 5-person collective taxi including the driver.
Once back in Samarkand I visit the most significant attractions that the most famous city in Central Asia offers. There are some tourists but mostly organized groups with a guide.
For the entrances to the various Monuments, keep in mind that if it is true that they accept both Sum and US Dollars at the cash desk, it is also true that if you use the latter, they will give you a thrust that half is enough. An example above all: bearing in mind that at the time of my trip the exchange rate was $ 1 = 3,000 Sum, the entrance to the Amir Temur Mausoleum cost 10,000 Sum or $ 4.5. So by paying in Dollars you get back over a Dollar not to mention that if you accidentally pay with $ 10, $ 20 or even worse $ 50, the rest is given in Sum but with an unbearable exchange rate of $ 1 = 2,300 Sum.
Same thing happens at the entrance to the Registan: 16,000 Sum or $ 7. In this case you lose over a dollar and a half.
Tagikistan
Keep in mind that the Penjikent border between Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, just 45 km from Samarkand, is closed and therefore for those heading to Tajikistan, it is better to cross the border at Denau.
That's why very early the next morning I walk up Registan Street and stop an eastbound taxi which asks me for 8,000 Sum to take me to the Grebnoy Kanal, 15 km southeast of the center of Samarkand, where Collective Taxis gather. for Termiz and Denau. Keep in mind that those going to Denau do not go through Termiz. To go to the Denau border between Uzbekistan and Tajikistan I had to pay 25 $. Logically they also accept the Sum. It starts when the 4 seats are filled but in my case I only had to wait 30 minutes. The trip lasts 8 with a taxi driver who does not run too much. The roads are not beautiful but the mountainous landscape is very interesting. At one of the numerous checkpoints I had to go down to register. Needless to say, the guards speak Russian and a lot of other languages but not English. The taxi driver took the other passengers in front of the house in remote villages and made a few grunts to take me to the border which is more than 40 km after the city of Denau, but in the end he didn't ask for an extra dollar.
Before the Uzbek border you can change money from disreputable guys or you can do it (maybe it's better) before that Tajik always in black but without problems as the Tajik guards do not create problems.
From the square where the taxi leaves you at the Uzbek border you have to walk for about 300 meters. Then you have to go through an Uzbek control near a gate. After that, in the next building, you have to fill in the immigration card for leaving the country. It is written only in Uzbek and Russian. I asked for it in English, but the guard got pissed off and I gave up and copied it from the one I had in my pocket that I had filled out at the entrance. Then you have to deliver both immigration cards. It goes without saying that when you leave the country, you have to declare less money than you declared on entry if you want to avoid a lot of trouble. The Uzbek Police carefully check them and also check in detail all the things you have in your backpack by checking on the internet medicine x medicine. Then further on there is a counter where you will be stamped for exit. Once you have passed the Uzbek border, you have to walk for over 300 meters. to reach that Tajik. All people must enter the building on the right and tourists in the one on the left. The Tajik police are rigid than the Uzbek police and in my case they also helped me fill out the immigration form, although it was in English, to be returned when you leave the country. Then you have to walk for several tens of meters to reach another building where the staff asks you verbally how much money you take with you.
Once you have crossed the Tajik border, you will reach an open space on foot in a few minutes where collective taxis for Dushanbe await you. If you arrive in the morning you can try to take a bus from the bus shelter clearly visible. The price of the Collective taxi is $ 10 for one hour of travel. It is logical that the Premises pay much less. Collective taxis leave only when they are full and it is not easy to fill them because tourists only spend 5/7 a week in summer and none in winter while locals use other means to reach the capital. In the end I waited 3 hours but besides me there was only one person and as the sunset was coming I had to enter into a long and difficult negotiation but in the end I managed to get taken to the Hotel Dushanbe, located in Maydani Ayni in the center of Capital, priced at $ 14. Logically they also accept the Somoni.
If you don't want to change money in black at the border, in Rudaki Street, the main street of Dushanbe, there are a lot of money changers, which change at slightly more advantageous rates, both Euros and Dollars, but beware that they close at 19.00 .
The old Hotel Dushanbe (the staff speaks very little English), located in Maydani Ayni in the center of the capital, offers different rates depending on the comforts you want. I logically choose the lowest and pay 20 $ (they also accept Somoni), including breakfast, for a shared room with 2 beds, terribly hot in summer, while the bathroom and showers, unlivable, are shared with all floor rooms. Fortunately, in the room with me there was a Tajik boy who, working abroad, spoke an ocean of languages including excellent English and so I talked a little with him who told me that he paid for this room 42 Somoni ($ 8) and so once again I took a big hit. On the ground floor in the hotel there are 2 computers with free internet but none of the 2 worked at the time of my trip.
If you want to travel by bus on the long Rudaki Street, which is the main artery of Dushanbe, you can use bus n. 1 and n. 3 for the price of 1 Somoni. You pay the controller who is always present on the vehicle.
If you want to go to Khojand, in the extreme northwest of Tajikistan, you need to reach the collective taxi parking of the Tsementzavod (cement plant) in Dushanbe, located 2 km north of Vadanosos (Varzob) Bazar, which can be reached by bus no. 3 from any bus stop on Rudaki Street. Tsementzavod is the last stop.
From Tsementzavod (cement factory) in Dushanbe, when they are full, 7-seater collective taxis, including the driver, depart every morning from 6.00 to 11.00 to Chunchuk Bus Station in Khojand, for the price of 100 Somoni. The 400 km journey on the M34 road (often bumpy), which crosses 2 passes (Anzob Pass mt.3.372 and Shakhristan mt.3.378) and 2 mountain ranges (Zerafshan Mountains and Turkestan Mountains) offers enchanting landscapes and lasts from 5 to 8 hours depending on what the taxi driver runs.
From Khojand Chunchuk Bus Station, located approximately 6 km north - east of Panchshanbe Bazaar, you have to go to the adjacent side of the main road and stop at Marshrutka n. 3 or 18 or 45 or 55, which takes you to the Marshrutka car park, located on Lenina Street, on the opposite side of the aforementioned Bazaar. You pay directly to the driver or to whom for him 1 Somoni.
From the Marshrutka parking lot, located on Lenina Street in Khojand, I went to the opposite side of it where the alleys of the Panchshanbe Bazaar begin. At this point I walked north on the sidewalk for several dozen meters until I came across the large WWII Memorial located between Lenina Street and Sharq Street. At this point I walk south on this last street for a few tens of meters until I see on the left the beautiful yellow and green facade of the Hotel Sharq, located above the beautiful Panchshanbe Bazaar. Take the flight of stairs to the top floor where the kind and helpful host who speaks English welcomes you. In this hotel there are no single rooms and in my case even doubles as I was assigned a triple room for the price of 45 Somoni. The rooms are old but spacious while the only shared bathroom in the whole hotel is not the best in life.
If you are interested in changing money there are several money changers scattered adjacent to the Bazaar on Sharq Street.
If you want to visit the gigantic statue of Lenin of Khojand, 22 meters high, located 500 meters. beyond the Sry Darya River, you can take one of the many Marshrutkas, including No. 15, parked in front of the Sharq Hotel, which logically leave when all the seats are occupied. You pay directly to the driver or to whom for him 1 Somoni.
If, like me, you stayed at the Hotel Sharq and, the next morning, you are interested in reaching Isfara from Khojand (be careful not to confuse it with Isfana), and then go to Kyrgyzstan, you need to go to the Marshrutka car park located on the Lenina Street, on the opposite side of the Panchshanbe Bazaar and take one of these Minibuses: 3, 80, 92, 90, 48, 95 and 100 and ask the driver to drop you off at the Isfara Bus Station, located 7km south. You pay directly to the driver or to whom for him 1 Somoni.
From the Khojand Isfara Bus Station, Marshrutka no. 301, which reaches the center of Isfara in about 2 hours, at a cost of 15 Somoni (US dollars are also accepted). You pay directly to the driver or to whom for him. If you are in a hurry on the other side of the road there are collective taxis which take less time but with much higher rates.
Marshrutka No. 301 above leaves you in the center of Isfara, near a monument about 70 meters away. m visible to the naked eye. If like me you are headed for Kyrgyzstan, you need to reach the square where the Marshrutkas gather, about 300 meters away. from here. Therefore, walk on the opposite side from where you arrived, cross a bridge over the river and then turn right. Continue on the busy road for about 250 meters. until you find on the left the obvious square where the Marshrutkas gather.
Hence the Marshrutka No. 300 leaves when full in the direction of the Batken Bus Station in Kyrgyzstan, at a cost of 4 Somoni, which it reaches in about 45 minutes, including the stops at the two borders, which I pass quickly without problems. In the Kyrgyz Republic, where Italians no longer need a visa since the end of 2012, the immigration card is no longer even filled out. Change the Somoni before leaving Isfara if possible because in Kyrgyzstan it could be difficult.
KYRGYZSTAN
From the Bus Station, located in the center of Batken in Kyrgyzstan, collective taxis with 7 seats in addition to the driver leave for Osh when they are full. The trip lasts over 4 hours and I paid $ 25 for it (of course they also accept Som). The important thing, before getting on, is to make sure that the taxi driver bypasses the Uzbek Enclave through secondary roads, because if you accidentally come across it, the Uzbek guards will let you out with broken bones especially if like me you do not have a visa for multiple entries for Uzbekistan. To this end I have prepared a ticket with the translation into Russian so that the taxi driver who does not speak English would understand my request. Because if it is true that the Kirgisi do not like to enter the Uzbek enclave, it is also true that they can do so without permission. It is different for European citizens, as I have already explained above.
In the end the trip went smoothly despite this being the hottest area of my trip as I deduced from the numerous Kirgisi checkpoints. Once in Osh the taxi driver brought every single person in front of the house, who among other things logically paid for the trip half of what I paid out as a tourist, sometimes in impossible roads and then in the end he left me in front of the Hotel Alay , as per my request and only 200 meters. compared to where he left the last passenger and for this service he gestured for another $ 5 but this time I got upset and didn't give it to him.
The Alay Hotel, located at the intersection of Alisher Navoi and Kurmanjan Street, in a very central position offers single rooms with shared bathroom at the price of 400 Som per night. The building is in Soviet style but the rooms are acceptable. The staff speak very little English.
After visiting Osh on foot, early in the morning, from Hotel Alay I walk for over 1 km on Alisher Navoi Street heading east, crossing the Ak Buura River bridge until reaching the intersection with Kyrgyzstan, where collective taxis leave when full to Bishkek, which takes at least 11 hours to reach the capital Kyrgisa through a road that offers incomparable views. You pass the Ala Bel Pass 3175 meters while the Tor Ashuu Pass 3.586 meters is avoided thanks to the tunnel located several tens of meters below. I paid 1,000 Som for this ride (Dollars are also accepted), after a short haggling. The taxi driver, however, after leaving everyone in front of the house, refused to take me to my hotel but abandoned me in the west part of Chuy Prospektisi, forcing me to have an unbearable effort from an orientation point of view in Bishkek.
Few people speak English in Bishkek and to reach Sakura Guesthouse, I had to change several buses and Marshrutka. The price of each ride is 8 Som. It is paid directly to the driver. In the end I managed to get to the intersection of Soviet Street and Jibek Jolu Prospektisi with difficulty. From there I walked for about 200 meters. heading north on Soviet Street, then turn right onto Michurina Street. I walked it for about 200 meters until I found a small pedestrian alley on the right where you can see the Sakura Guesthouse sign, very clean and comfortable. Price per night in dormitory: 400 Sum.
In Bishkek the money changers are scattered throughout the city but they are mainly found in Chuy Prospektisi and keep open until 24,000. They accept both Euros and Dollars.
If like me you are interested in moving from Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan and Turkistan in southern Kazakhstan, keep in mind that there are no direct buses or Marshrutka, but that you have to make the trip in Marshrutka in 3 stages:
1. Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan) - Taraz (Kazakhstan);
2. Taraz (Kazakhstan) - Skymkent (Kazakhstan);
3. Skymkent (Kazakhstan) - Turkistan (Kazakhstan);
To do this it takes at least 12 hours and therefore you have to leave early in the morning.
At the shelter located north - west of the intersection between Soviet Street and Jibek Jolu Prospektisi, you have to take Bus 35, which passes every Pope's death, or Marshrutka n. 113, which runs on Jibek Jolu Prospektisi heading west. Both also stop at the West Bus Station (Zapadny), located about 4 km northwest of the aforementioned intersection. The fare is 8 Som. It is paid directly to the driver.
KAZAKHSTAN
From the West Bus Station (Zapadny), take the Marshrutka which leaves when full in the direction of Taraz (Kazakhstan). I waited 2 hours before leaving. The fare is 350 Som. It is paid directly to the driver. The journey takes over 4 hours including a stop of almost an hour at the Chaldybar border. The Marshrutka awaits you after the Kazakh border. I cross the border smoothly. For the Kazakh one, it is necessary to fill in the immigration card in English which must be stamped by the staff together with the passport and is valid as registration in the country and must therefore be returned when leaving the country. At the same time, a photo is taken of you and finally your luggage is checked through the metal detector.
As for the physical effort it must be said that there is very little to walk as the two customs buildings of the 2 aforementioned countries are close.
After both borders, it is possible to change money at the desks of the Money Changers, located on the right.
The Marshrutkas arrive at Taraz Bus Station, located 4km northeast of the center. From here, keep in mind that, when full, even in the afternoon, numerous Marshrutkas leave for Skymkent (3 hours, 1,000 Tenge).
In Skymkent I am dropped off at a bus station located almost in the center. From the main road adjacent to it you can take bus no. 40 or n. 92 which in about half an hour will take you to Samal, where collective taxis gather and leave when full for Turkistan (2 hours, 800 Tenge).
The roads are not bad compared to other Central Asian countries. The taxi driver leaves me in front of the Sabina Hotel in Sultanbek Qozhanov n. 16 in the center of Turkistan, 300 mt. approximately from the Yasaui Mausoleum. The price for a double or single room does not change: 3.000 Tenge per night. The bathroom is shared. The elderly owner makes a lovely effort to speak English to me with the help of a dictionary. He is very kind even if not very reliable with regards to travel directions to Astana
In Turkistan I visit the Yasaui Mausoleum, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Admission is free.
Marshrutkas in Turkistan cost 40 Tenge for each ride.
The Pulman for Astana leaves every day at 18.00 from the Turkistan Bus Station, located about 2.5 km north-west of the Yasaui Mausoleum. The cost of the ticket is 6,000 Tenge. The bus passes through Skymkent, Taraz and Karaganda. The trip lasts from 24 to 27 hours. In my case 26. The same makes a lot of stops to check the engine and also to load other people. It ends its journey at the Bus Station Asem, located north-east of Astana, over half an hour by bus from Bayterek Monument (Bus no. 41, price 60 Tenge to be paid to the controller).
Generally, the public buses that connect the Bayterek Monument area to the railway station and the adjacent main bus station, located about 4 km north-west of the historic center of Astana, are in service until 11.00 pm even if someone runs even further. For example, no. 10. Cost: 60 Tenge to be paid to the controller. About twenty minutes of travel.
Arrived at the Astana Train Station almost midnight. It is open all night and safe. The staff do not speak English. I look for, for the next day, one of the 10 trains that shuttle every day, between the capital and Almaty, but they are all full. There is only the elegant and very expensive Talgo train, which leaves every day at 20.28 from Astana and arrives in Almaty at 9.30 in the morning after 13 hours of travel at a cost of even 27,000 Tenge.
I spend the night in the bar of the Astana train station with some friends I met there and then head at 5.00 in the morning to the adjacent bus station which opens at that time and then take the inconvenient Bus to Almaty which leaves at 6.00 in the morning of in front of it. The ticket is made before boarding directly by the driver. Cost 5,000 Tenge. Distance approximately 1,100 km approximately. Duration of the trip: about 21 hours.
Arrival at 3am at the Sayran Bus Station in Almaty, located 6km west of the city center. The same remains open even at night.
Getting around Almaty by bus costs 40 Tenge. You pay the conductor before getting off.
KYRGYZSTAN
After visiting Almaty by bus and on foot, I return to the Sayran Bus Station in Almaty, where I take one of the frequent Marshrutkas that leave when full, in the morning and in the afternoon, to the border between Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, located just 20 km from Bishkek. at a cost of 1,300 Tenge. The trip lasts 3 hours.
The border can be crossed on foot without major problems. The stamped immigration card must be returned to the Kazakh Customs. For Kyrgyzstan, on the other hand, Italian citizens enter without a visa and without filling out any immigration papers.
After crossing the 2 borders on the Kyrgyz side, it is possible to change currency. Then there are private, collective and Marshrutka taxis to Bishkek. The cheapest option is the Marshrutka which takes you downtown Bishkek for 20 Som.
I visit the city of Bishkek on foot and with the Marshrutkas.
Then to reach Manas Airport, I go to the north-west side of the intersection between Chuy Prospektist and Molodaya Gvardina Bulevard in Bishkek where it leaves when Marshrutka no. 380 at a cost of 40 Som for a 50-minute journey. Theoretically there should be runs until 24.00, but many locals swear that the last runs are at 19.00. After this time you have to take a taxi.
Punctual as never before from the Manas Airport in Kyrgyzstan (always open even at night) at 5.30 my plane of the Turkish Company Pegasus in the direction of Orio al Serio, with a 3 hour 40 'stopover at the Sabina Gokcen Airport in Istanbul in Turkey (one way price including taxes Euro 165.00).
My complete travel report with map, photographs and videos is available at this link:
https://vivendosalendo.blogspot.com/2015/09/viaggio-in-iran-e-nel-centro-asia.html
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