Turkey
Travel restrictions
On June 11th 2020, Turkey announced opening the majority of its international air, land, and sea borders. However, the border with Iran and Syria remains closed.
Turkish Ministry of Health officials screen travelers at airports and maritime ports, as well as some land crossings, using thermal cameras; and travelers with temperatures will be subject to public health requirements, which may include mandatory hospital stay and/or testing that results in hospital quarantine.
As of March 15th 2021, all passengers arriving in Turkey (except the transit passengers) are now required to fill out “Form for Entry to Turkey” at “http://register.health.gov.tr” within the last 72 hours before their flights.
On May 31st 2022, Turkish Ministry of Interior announced that passengers entering Turkey at all border gates will not be required to show negative PCR tests.
Measures taken by the government
On June 27th 2021, the Government of Turkey announced that all curfew and inter-city travel restrictions, regardless of weekdays and weekends, will end effective on July 1st 2021.
On May 30th 2022, Turkish Ministry of Health announced that masks are only required indoors in health institutions.
Testing
PCR testing while staying in Turkey for foreigners is limited to those who have symptoms, or those who may have an entry requirement back to their home country. Testing is paid for by the traveler.
The government of Turkey has updated their website with the?list of facilities in Turkey that perform COVID-19 tests: https://hsgm.saglik.gov.tr/tr/haberler/yetkilendirilmis-covi-d-19-tani-laboratuvarlari.html
PCR testing is available at Istanbul Airport. There is no need for an appointment to visit the airport’s testing center, as it is open 24 hours a day and seven days a week. The testing center is in front of Entrance 14 in Arrivals Hall. The test fee is 250 TL or about $35 for all ages. You must arrive at the airport at least 6 hours prior to your flight with a valid ticket and a valid passport, test results take up to 5 hours.
PCR testing is now available at Ankara Esenboga Airport. There is no need for an appointment to visit the airport’s testing center, as it is open 24 hours a day and seven days a week. The testing center is located in the International Departures Terminal, past the checkpoint, on the ground floor by the First Aid Office. The test fee is 250 TL or about $35 for all ages. You must arrive at the airport at least 7 hours prior to your flight with a valid ticket and a valid passport, as test results take up to 6 hours.
Passengers in transit, with less than six months validity left on their passports will not be allowed to depart the airport transit areas in order to obtain a COVID test. Passengers who are unable to exit the transit area and require a COVID-19 test can request it at the transit area information desk.
Emergency number (related to COVID-19) while visiting the country
Dial 184 within Turkey to access the Turkish Ministry of Health COVID-19 Telephone Hotline (Turkish/English/Arabic).
Source:
US Embassy in Turkey https://tr.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information-2/
Published on August 17th 2022 (checked on September 28th 2022)
For more information please visit our COVID-19 Updates page at https://www.hiddentrails.com/article/covid19update.aspx