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.
As of October 12th 2021, passengers arriving from a country other than Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Brazil, Egypt, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, the United Kingdom, must:
- have a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken at most 72 hours before arrival; or
- have a negative COVID-19 rapid antigen test taken at most 48 hours before arrival.
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 June 28th 2021, the Government of Turkey announced the suspension of all flights from Bangladesh, Brazil, South Africa, India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka until further notice, effective July 1st 2021.
Measures taken by the government
On May 4th 2020, President Erdogan announced initial steps to reduce restrictions to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
On September 8th 2020, the Turkish Interior Ministry issued a notice to the public regarding new COVID restrictions/guidance. Violators will be issued fines. The new restrictions are as follows:
- Face masks must be worn in public (e.g., streets, gardens, workplaces, etc.) at all times in all 81 provinces of Turkey.
- Standing passengers will not be allowed in urban public transportation vehicles where physical distance rules cannot be applied.
- The playing of live music at restaurants and cafes after midnight is forbidden.
As of October 15th 2020, the Government of Turkey requires everyone living in Turkey to present a Hayat Eve Sigar (HES) code while staying in hotels, using inner city public transport, and at inter-city bus travel rest stops. Some airlines are also requiring a HES code for residents and foreign travelers attempting to purchase airline tickets for domestic and/or international travel.
Information on how to obtain this HES code is available at: https://hayatevesigar.saglik.gov.tr/index-eng.html
The Government of Turkey announced a four-tier system on local COVID-19 related restrictions. Provinces are now divided into 4 different risk groups: low (blue), medium (yellow), high (orange), and very high (red) based on infection and vaccination rates.
On May 31st 2021, the Government of Turkey announced a gradual normalization period to stop the spread of COVID-19, imposing a curfew from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. from Monday through Saturday, and a full lockdown in effect during Sundays beginning at 10 p.m. on Saturday and ending at 5 a.m. on Mondays.
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.
The services of the following establishments will now be permitted on all days of the week starting July 1st 2021: Movie theaters, Coffee houses, clubs, pubs, and tea gardens, Amusement and theme parks, Educational institutions for certain ages and for certain days, Internet cafés, game/billiard halls, Soccer fields, swimming pools, gyms & Turkish baths, saunas, and massage parlors.
The services of the following establishments will remain suspended temporarily until further notice: Hookah lounge/cafes.
Starting September 6th 2021, intercity travel by plane, bus, train, or other public transportation will require proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test taken 48 hours prior to travel.
Individuals who have not received their vaccination through the Government of Turkey, and thus will not be able to confirm their vaccination status through the e-nabiz/HES system, may show a printed copy of their vaccination certificate along with identification.
Foreigners in the country temporarily for tourism are exempt from COVID-19 restrictions.
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 October 12th 2021 (checked on October 20th 2021)
For more information please visit our COVID-19 Updates page at https://www.hiddentrails.com/article/covid19update.aspx