Amid the current regional situation, Turkmenistan has opened its borders to ensure the safe transit of foreign citizens leaving Iranian territory. Diplomatic missions from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and South Korea, with the active cooperation of Turkmen authorities, have organized a large-scale operation to repatriate their citizens.
Reopening of Border Crossing Points
As of 2 March 2026, operations have officially resumed at key checkpoints on the Turkmen-Iranian border for the passage of individuals and vehicles:
- Gaudan – Bajgiran
- Artyk – Lutfabad
- Akyayla – Incheburun
- Altyn Asyr – Incheburun
- Sarakhs
Uzbekistan
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan, through its embassy in Ashgabat, has organized the meeting and escort of its citizens. A group of 13 people has already successfully crossed the border via the Sarakhs post. At the Gaudan-Bajgiran checkpoint, diplomats mobilized vehicles for the rapid transfer of their nationals. Contact numbers for Uzbek citizens include:
- Jasur Ashurov: +993 64 78-04-44
- Jamshid Buriev: +993 64 99-34-58
- Consul Jasur Akhmedov: +993 62 20-49-56
Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan’s diplomats ensured the passage of 15 citizens through the Incheburun point. Following the border crossing, the evacuees were provided with assistance for their further travel to the city of Aktau.
Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan has also officially confirmed the opening of the corridor. Since 2 March 2026, holders of KR civil passports can utilize the Artyk and Sarakhs points. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan emphasized that citizens should contact the embassy in Turkmenistan or the MFA in Bishkek in advance regarding any issues.
- Embassy Contacts: kgembassy.tm@mfa.gov.kg
- Phone: +993-12-48-22-95, +993-12-48-22-96
- 24/7 Hotline: +993-65-69-40-59
- Consular Department (Bishkek): +996 999 312 002
South Korea
One of the largest groups consisted of South Korean nationals. 23 people, including embassy staff, their families, and well-known sports figures—such as the head coach of the Iranian women’s national volleyball team, Lee Do-hee, and footballer Lee Ki-je—arrived in Turkmenistan on chartered buses. The evacuees are currently en route to Ashgabat and are expected to depart for South Korea or a third country on Wednesday.
Russia
According to media reports, 8 Russian citizens were successfully evacuated via the Sarakhs border crossing and have already flown to Moscow.
Reports indicate that Turkmen authorities continue to provide logistical and organizational support to diplomatic missions, reaffirming the country’s status as a vital humanitarian partner in the region./// nCa, 3 March 2026