A Glimpse Of Turkmenistan From Azerbaijan's Vantage Point

The Caspian Sea separates Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan, and there are no bridges connecting the two countries. The most common way to travel between the two countries is by ferry, which takes between 12 and 27 hours. The ferry travels from Baku in Azerbaijan to Turkmenbashi in Turkmenistan. The ferry is often delayed, and there is no fixed schedule, so travellers should be prepared to wait at the port for several days. It is also possible to fly between the two countries, with a typical journey time of around 10 hours, including layovers.

The Caspian Sea ferry from Baku, Azerbaijan to Turkmenbashi, Turkmenistan

The Caspian Sea ferry from Baku, Azerbaijan, to Turkmenbashi, Turkmenistan, is a unique travel experience. The journey offers beautiful scenery, including stunning sunsets, and the chance to see the coastline views of Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan. However, it is important to note that there is no set schedule for ferry departures, and delays of several days are common due to weather conditions or port congestion.

When planning your trip, it is recommended to budget extra days and remain flexible with your schedule. The ferry ticket offices can provide information on departures, and it is also possible to track the boats' locations online. Tickets can be purchased online or in person at the port, and prices vary depending on the chosen accommodation. It is advisable to bring your own food and water, as the availability of meals on board may be limited.

The journey from Baku to Turkmenbashi usually takes around 17 hours, but delays can extend this time. The port in Turkmenbashi can get busy, causing further delays. It is important to ensure that your transit visa for Turkmenistan is valid to account for any unforeseen delays.

The ferry from Baku to Turkmenbashi provides a direct connection between Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan, offering a different perspective on travel in the region. While the journey may involve some uncertainty and waiting, it can be a rewarding and memorable experience for those seeking an adventure off the beaten path.

The lack of a fixed schedule for the Caspian Sea ferry

The Caspian Sea ferry is a collection of cargo ships and ferry ships that travel between the nations surrounding the Caspian Sea. The two main routes are from Azerbaijan to Kazakhstan and from Azerbaijan to Turkmenistan. The lack of a fixed schedule for the Caspian Sea ferry can be attributed to several factors, which can cause uncertainty and confusion for travellers.

Firstly, the departure times of the ferries are not set in stone and are subject to change. This is because the ferries leave when they are full, and the frequency of departures depends on factors such as the amount of freight loaded and the weather conditions. The ferries typically depart every three to five days between Aktau and Baku, and either daily or every other day between Turkmenbashi and Baku. However, travellers should be prepared for delays, as the ferries may be delayed by several hours or even days due to unfavourable weather or port congestion. In some cases, travellers have reported waiting up to two weeks for a ferry.

Secondly, purchasing tickets for the Caspian Sea ferry can be a challenging and confusing process. Tickets are usually only available for purchase on the day of departure, and there is no option to book in advance. The ticket offices may provide conflicting information, and it can be difficult to determine the correct location to buy tickets. In Baku, the ticket office is located at the end of Baku's Sea Front Boulevard, while in Alat, tickets can be bought at the port. It is recommended to call the ticket office or have someone call on your behalf to inquire about departure times and ticket availability.

Additionally, the process of boarding the ferry can be unpredictable. Travellers may have to wait for several hours, or even days, before they are allowed to board. This is because the ferries give priority to loading cargo before passengers. Customs procedures can also cause delays, especially for those travelling with vehicles. It is important to have the necessary visas and documentation ready, as these will be checked by customs officers before boarding.

Furthermore, the conditions on board the ferries can vary significantly. While some ferries offer comfortable cabins and modern facilities, others have basic and unhygienic conditions. It is recommended to bring your own sleeping bag and food, as the quality and availability of meals and bedding on board may be inconsistent.

In conclusion, the lack of a fixed schedule for the Caspian Sea ferry is due to factors such as cargo loading, weather conditions, and port congestion. The process of purchasing tickets and boarding the ferry can be confusing and unpredictable, with potential delays of several hours or days. Travellers should be prepared for uncertainty and flexibility in their schedules when planning to take the Caspian Sea ferry.

The visa requirements for Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan is one of the most difficult countries in the world to obtain a visa for. The process is long and convoluted.

Firstly, you will need a valid passport, with at least six months' validity remaining on it. You will also need a letter of invitation, certified by the State Migration Services in Turkmenistan. This must be obtained before your arrival in the country and can take a minimum of 15 working days to be approved. The person or organisation you intend to visit must submit a request for this letter to the State Migration Service, along with a copy of your passport ID page.

Once you have the letter, you can apply for a visa at the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Washington, DC, or at the airport in Ashgabat upon arrival. The visa price varies depending on how long you intend to stay in the country. You will also need to provide:

• Passport photos that meet the requirements of the Embassy of Turkmenistan
• Proof of travel arrangements
• A completed Turkmenistan Visa Application Form
• A business introduction letter, if relevant to your trip

You can also obtain a visa within the Embassy of Turkmenistan by submitting a filled-out Visa Application Form, along with an appropriate proof of identity (such as a personal ID or driver's license), and a valid, signed passport. You should also provide a money order to the Embassy, with the price depending on several factors.

If you are a tourist and will not be visiting anyone in particular, you need to contact a tourist agency and obtain a Letter of Invitation (LOI) from them.

It is important to note that if you arrive in Turkmenistan without a valid letter or visa, you will be detained until you can arrange transportation out of the country.

The facilities on the Caspian Sea ferry

The Berkarar and Bagtiyar, which operate between Baku and Turkmenbashi, are more set up for passengers. They feature bars, buffets, shops, and a children's playroom. The cabins are great, with good ship bathrooms and hot water showers. There are lounges and large flat-screen TVs, so it is recommended to bring USB movies for the Turkish drivers.

The Qara Qarayev and Barda are better options when it comes to hygiene. While some cabins have portholes, others do not. Shower and toilet facilities are usually not too clean, but there are public toilets elsewhere. It is recommended to bring a sleeping bag, as the supplied mattress and pillow are not guaranteed to be clean.

The Azerbaijan, another vessel, has basic facilities for passengers, including a common room with seats, a dining area, and a small cafe. Meals are served three times a day, and there is unlimited tea.

The process of crossing the Caspian Sea by ferry, including customs and immigration procedures

To cross the Caspian Sea by ferry, you must first purchase a ticket. You can do this by calling the shipping company or in person at the port. Be aware that there is often no schedule for ferries, so you may have to wait several days for one to arrive. It is recommended that you have about three days' worth of food with you, as there may not be food available while waiting for the ferry or on board.

Once you have a ticket, you will go through customs and border control. You will need to put your bags through an X-ray machine and then go to a portacabin for border processing. Here, your passport will be stamped, and you will go through immigration.

After that, you will board the ferry and buy your ticket on board. You can choose between a seat or a cabin. The ferry will likely have basic amenities such as toilets and a common room but not much else. Be prepared for possible delays during the crossing as well.

Upon arrival at your destination, you will go through passport control and then customs and immigration procedures again. The entire process can be quite lengthy and uncertain, but it is a unique and memorable experience.

Frequently asked questions