COVID-19 pandemic in Turkmenistan

COVID-19 pandemic in Turkmenistan
DiseaseCOVID-19
Virus strainSARS-CoV-2
LocationTurkmenistan
First outbreakWuhan, Hubei, China

Turkmenistan is the only remaining sovereign country in the world that has not reported any cases of COVID-19.[1] There were no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Turkmenistan, with the totalitarian government being proactive in censoring relevant information.[2][3] It is however suspected to have spread in the country unreported; specifics are difficult to ascertain and confirm in absence of independent media.[4][5] As of 2025, there are still strict requirements including COVID tests to enter the country.[6]

  1. ^ "Turkmenistan: Welcome to the ombuds office, or no trespassing". Eurasianet. 7 March 2023. Retrieved 16 October 2023.
  2. ^ Putz, Catherine (1 June 2020). "What's the Impact of Turkmenistan's COVID Delusion?". The Diplomat.
  3. ^ Stronski, Paul. "Turkmenistan at Twenty-Five: The High Price of Authoritarianism". Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Retrieved 11 August 2020.
  4. ^ Mackinnon, Amy. "Turkmenistan's Secretive Strongman Remains in Denial About the Pandemic". Foreign Policy. Retrieved 12 April 2020.
  5. ^ Rickleton, Christopher (9 April 2020). "Experts doubt isolated Turkmenistan's virus-free 'show'". CTVNews. Archived from the original on 3 May 2021. Retrieved 12 April 2020.
  6. ^ Jalolova, Sadokat (3 July 2025). "Turkmenistan Still Requires COVID Tests and Visas for All Visitor". The Times of Central Asia.