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What do you need to know about travelling to Turkey from the UK during Covid-19?

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To control its borders, Turkey has several travel limitations. This includes special measures to safeguard security and protect health in the country.

Turkey implemented travel restrictions for foreign visitors due to COVID-19. Throughout the pandemic, Turkey has been reviewing and updating its Covid restrictions.

This article describes the current Turkey entry requirements.

  • Who can enter Turkey under current rules
  • COVID-19 restrictions on tourist entry
  • If your Turkish Visa still has validity under these restrictions

NOTE All visitors must read the Turkey COVID-19 Entry Requirements before planning their trip.

IS TURKEY OPEN TO TOURISTS?

Turkey can be visited. All nationalities, provided they adhere to Turkey’s immigration rules, can enter Turkey.

To travel to Turkey, foreigners should have a passport.

Ensure that visitors are updated on the latest travel advisory. Turkey’s travel restrictions for tourists are constantly under review as the international context changes.

WHO CAN NOT TRAVEL TO TURKEY DUE TO THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC?

The Turkish government doesn’t prohibit any nationalities based on citizenship from entering Turkey. However, there are restrictions that apply to who can enter Turkey based on where they live.

Entry is restricted to certain high-risk countries. Visitors must review the most current travel ban list.

Turkey is open to all international tourists, except those who are eligible for an eVisa.

Some countries can only enter Turkey with a regular sticker visa. They are only available at the Turkish embassy. This includes:

  • Nauru
  • North Korea
  • Palau
  • Papua New Guinea
  • Samoa
  • South Sudan
  • Syria
  • Tonga
  • Tuvalu
  • Algeria
  • Cuba
  • Guyana
  • Kiribati
  • Laos
  • Marshall Islands
  • Micronesia
  • Myanmar

SPECIAL COVID-19 ENTRY REQUIREMENTS INSIDE TURKEY

To protect residents and tourists of Turkey, additional procedures are in effect. The following coronavirus rules must be followed by visitors from abroad to obtain entry to the country.

Before you arrive, fill out the “Traveller Entry Form”.

All passengers over 6 years must complete a “Traveller Enter Form” at the latest four days prior to their arrival into Turkey. Children under 6 years old are not required to complete the “Traveller Entry Form.”

The form allows you to contact people who have been in touch with someone who tested positive for COVID-19.

Turkey requests visitors to provide contact information, as well the accommodation address.

The Form of Entry to Turkey can be completed online, and it takes just a few clicks. All passengers will need it to be presented before boarding any flight to Turkey.

Please note that Adana cannot be passed through until further notice.

Click the button beneath and complete the Turkish Entrance form.

Negative COVID-19 test requirement for Turkey

Passengers above 12 years old must have a document with negative CoVID-19 test results in order to enter Turkey. Either:

  • PCR test performed in the last 72 hour
  • Rapid antigen test is done within the last 48hrs

All fully vaccinated or recovered patients will be exempt from this requirement if they are able to provide either:

  • The last dose was received at least fourteen days prior to arrival.
  • Medical certificate proving that you have recovered between 28 days and six months prior to your trip

RULES FOR ENTERING TURKEY FROM HIGH-RISK COUNTRIES

Passengers that have been to the high-risk country in question within the last 14 days are required to submit a negative DNA PCR test done no more than 72hrs before arriving.

If they are not vaccinated then they can quarantine up until 10 days at their own expense at designated hotels. Children under 12 are exempt.

Hungarians and Turkish citizens must have a vaccination certificate from their home country proving that they were immunised. Exempt are also Turkish and Serbian minors under 18 who are accompanied in their entry by citizens of Turkey, Serbia or Turkey with COVID-19 vaccination certificates.

Turkey quarantine rules

Turkey’s quarantine policy applies to travellers from countries deemed high-risk.

Quarantine occurs at accommodation determined by Turkish governments.

OTHER ENTRY REQUIREMENTS UPON ARRIVAL IN TURKEY

After arriving in Turkey, passengers, crew, and flight attendants will have to undergo a medical check. Individuals with no symptoms can continue their journey.

Coronavirus positive visitors will be treated at a Turkish government-designated medical facility or in a private hospital of the traveller.

ENTERING TURKEY THROUGH ISTANBUL-AIRPORT

Istanbul’s entry restrictions are identical to the rest.

Istanbul Airport is the main arrival point, several measures have been taken against COVID-19.

Istanbul Airport has a Test Centre, which is open 24/7. Passengers have the option to get a PCR and an antigen test at the airport.

Everyone should wear their mask to the airport, including the terminal.

Travellers should expect body-temperature screens at the airport entrance.

Istanbul Airport has many areas that are regularly cleaned out and sanitised.

TO PROTECT THE PUBLIC, WHAT SAFETY MEASURES ARE IN PLACE IN TURKEY?

Other than COVID-19 travel restrictions and many public safety protection measures , the Turkish government also has these security measures .

The government screens people who are applying for eVisas.

However, it does not affect travellers who have minor records. This restriction aims to stop terrorist activity and reduce the possibility of violent or criminal activity.  

What are the best places to visit in Turkey 

Turkey is known for its vibrant cities, stunning ancient ruins and monuments, as well as beautiful beaches. This country has been a favourite of tourists who are looking for a relaxing summer getaway.

Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofya) Mosque

The Hagia Sophia Mosque (Aya Sofya), which is known for its Byzantine splendour, is considered one of Istanbul’s most iconic buildings.

Built by Justinian of the Byzantine Empire in 537CE, it is known as the Byzantine Empire’s greatest architectural achievement. For over 1000 years, it has remained the largest church on the planet.

The enormous exterior of the mosque is framed by the minarets made after the Ottoman conquest. Its rich, lavish interior with frescoed ceilings is a reminder of the strength and power of Constantinople.

Ephesus

Ephesus is a city full of monumental monuments and marble-columned routes that should not be missed.

This is one of many renowned, complete cities of antiquity that still exist in the Mediterranean region. Here you can experience life during the golden age of the Roman Empire.

Although the city has a history dating back to the 10th century BCE, the main monuments you see today come from its Roman era. This was when it was a commercial hub.

The Library of Celsus, a complex of frescoed-terrain houses, and the Great Theater are examples of Ephesus’s wealth and importance during the Roman period.

Cappadocia

Cappadocia’s surreal rock valleys, which are like a dream for photographers, are an absolute photographer’s delight.

Cliff ridges, as well as hill crests, contain rippling panoramas containing wave-like or bizarrely shaped pinnacles. They have been formed by millennia’s worth of wind, water and wind action.

Even if you don’t feel like hiking, this is one of the top places to take a Hot-Air Balloon Ride.

You will find the Byzantine Era’s frescoed cave-cut architecture, as well as rock-cut churches, in this lunar-like setting. These were the monastic Christian communities that lived here.

Ihlara Valley is home to the best mid-Byzantine-era religious art, with its multiple cave churches.

Cappadocia’s villages have been cut in half into the hillsides. Here travellers can stay to explore the countryside.

Pamukkale

One of Turkey’s most famous natural wonders, Pamukkale’s pure white travertine terraces (or “Cotton Castle”), are seen cascading down the slope. They look almost like a snowfield hidden in the green landscape.

The travertines alone are a highlight on a Turkey tour, but the vast and sprawling ruins at Greco Roman Hierapolis – an ancient spa city – can be found scattered throughout the calcite hill.

After visiting the theatre, you will be able to swim in the historic pool, which has the mineral-rich water that made this ancient spa town famous.

You can then walk down the travertine hill and through the pools below to the modern village Pamukkale.

You can get the best photos by going to dusk. The travertines will glow as the sun sinks below them.

Antalya

This Mediterranean hub has something to offer for everyone.

The main beaches located outside of town are sun-spot heaven in summer and attract holidaymakers across Europe. The charming Old Town area is in the middle of the city and features cobblestone alleyways and crumbly Ottoman mansions.

Antalya Museum has a remarkable collection of Hellenistic/Roman Marble Statuary. Travellers who use Antalya as their base will also find plenty of attractions.

Antalya is the ideal place to base yourself for day trips around Turkey’s most renowned Greco-Roman ruin sites. Perge and Aspendos are just outside the city. Side has an abundance of ruins.

Returning to the UK

All passengers aged 12 and above who are travelling to the UK from abroad must complete the online passenger locator before departing. Adults may complete the form for minors travelling with them.

If you can be deemed fully vaccinated, you don’t have to take any tests before or after arriving in the UK. You also do not need quarantine. The same rules apply to travellers under 18.

If you are 18 years or older, you should not be fully vaccinated.

  • A negative Covid-19 screening will be required. This must be done within two days of your arrival in the UK.
  • You will need to book and pay for the PCR test. The test must be performed within two business days of your arrival to the UK. This must be booked with an independent provider before you travel.
  • If your PCR is positive, you do not need quarantine.

 

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