Traveling to Turkey during COVID-19 pandemic

Traveling to Turkey during COVID-19 Pandemic

If you are a little hesitant about traveling in 2020, but you would really like to visit Turkey, this is some of the information that may be helpful, while you are deciding whether to come to our country these days or not…

What are the measures in response to COVID-19 in Turkey?

• Turkish Citizens and residents under the age of 18 are able to go out any time, in the company of a parent. Turkish Citizens and residents above the age of 65 can go out every day, between 10:00-20:00. This does not apply to foreign tourists.
• The wearing of masks is mandatory in all public areas and venues such as shopping malls, supermarkets, restaurants, cafés, and hairdressers. A fine of 900 TL (120 usd) is imposed on those who do not comply with the requirement, and local officials make regular inspections to the beaches and other touristic locations.

What are the entry requirements for foreign citizens?

• On June 11, Turkey announced opening the majority of its international air, land, and sea borders (land borders with Syria and Iran remain closed). All passengers, of all nationalities, who meet Turkish immigration rules are permitted entry to Turkey from 12 June.
• Foreign citizens are permitted to enter Turkey and a negative COVID-19 test is not required for entry, unless one shows symptoms for COVID-19. Testing is paid for by the traveler (30 usd).
• Passengers arriving to Turkey are required to complete an information form and are checked for symptoms. They are expected to agree to a health screening and temperature check. Anyone suspected of having COVID-19 is transported to a hospital for examination. If an individual is found to have COVID-19, the information forms completed upon arrival are used to identify others who have been in contact with them; those individuals will then be subject to 14-day isolation/quarantine. Those who test positive for COVID-19 on landing flights will be referred to a private hospital by the Ministry of Health – Border Health Unit.
• Tourists do not need any specific health documentation to enter/exit Turkey, unless they are arriving for medical treatment. There are no movement restrictions on intercity or inter province travel. Buses, ferries, and trains are operating but there are limits to passenger capacity on buses and all passengers must wear a mask.
• In late June, the Ministry of Tourism started promoting the new “healthy tourism certificate” program for hotels with more than 50 rooms; the certificate requires compliance with certain rules, which include distancing of 2 meters (6.5 feet), a buffet ban and servers obliged to wear masks.

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