Turkey: Government to further ease domestic COVID-19-related measures from July 1 /update 43

Turkey to further ease domestic COVID-19-related restrictions from July 1. International entry restrictions remain in place.

Event

The government plans to ease domestic COVID-19 measures July 1 by lifting the curfew and removing restrictions on intercity transport. Until this date, a weekday curfew running from 22:00-05:00 and a weekend curfew running from 22:00 each Saturday to 05:00 the following Monday will remain in place. Residents must remain in their homes during curfew hours except to perform essential tasks or seek medical care. While foreign tourists in Turkey on short stays are not subject to the curfew, all other foreigners must comply with the directive. Intercity travel by air, bus, and rail is permitted outside curfew hours; however, special permission is required for travel by private vehicles until July 1.

Most businesses are permitted to operate between 07:00-21:00 and subject to capacity and social distancing requirements; nonessential businesses must remain closed on Sundays. Turkish nationals and residents are required to obtain a government-provided Hayat Eve Sigar (HES) code before international or intercity travel on public transport; this requirement will remain in force after July 1. Numerous regions, including Istanbul, Ankara, and Agri Province, require residents to present a HES code upon entering public institutions, government offices, or banks. Protective facemasks and social distancing are mandatory in public places nationwide.

International Entry Restrictions
Individuals who have visited Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Brazil, South Africa, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka in the previous 14 days must present a negative PCR test taken within the 72 hours before arrival and be quarantined in a government-designated facility for 14 days on arrival. Exit from quarantine will be permitted after a second negative PCR test taken on day 14.

Individuals arriving from the UK, Iran, Egypt, and Singapore must present a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before arrival in Turkey and may be selected for an additional test on arrival.

Travelers from all other countries must present proof of vaccination against COVID-19 completed no less than 14 days ago or proof that they have recovered from COVID-19 in the previous six months. Travelers unable to meet these requirements may enter the country if they can present a negative PCR test taken in the previous 72 hours or a negative antigen test taken in the previous 48 hours on arrival; passengers may be denied boarding if they do not possess these requirements.

Other than those in transit, all incoming passengers must register via an online form within 72 hours before travel and undergo checks for possible COVID-19 symptoms on arrival.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further tighten, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks, particularly in response to developments regarding variant strains of COVID-19.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments. Plan for queues and delays at available shopping centers.