The news outlet Turkmen news reports that since 19 March, 2020 Turkmenistan’s residents who hold no residence registration in Ashgabat have been unable to get to the capital.
Residents of Dashoguz velayat (province) with no Ashgabat residence registration were barred from boarding the flight Dashoguz-Ashgabat and were also prevented from getting on the train bound to the same destination.
Moreover, the motorway Ashgabat-Mary was cordoned off.
Judging by some reports, people are not allowed to move not only between velayats but within the provinces.For example, the inhabitants of Farap are unable to enter Turkmenabad.
Correspondents of “Chronicles of Turkmenistan” report that those who have residence registration in rural areas and cities of Akhal are denied access to Ashgabat.However, it should be highlighted that despite the fact that the capital is located in Akhal velayat, it is a separate administrative territory.
The reasons behind the imposed travel ban are unknown. According to the official authorities, no cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in Turkmenistan.
It should be emphasized that a few days ago the Embassies of the US and Russia cancelled visa appointments.
The website of the Embassy of Turkey reported that Turkish Airlines suspended flights to Turkmenistan altogether.