Turkey: Authorities ease domestic COVID-19 measures as of March 3 /update 51

Turkey eases domestic COVID-19 measures as of March 3; international entry restrictions remain in effect.

Event

Authorities in Turkey have eased domestic measures imposed to combat the spread of COVID-19 as of March 3. Facemasks are no longer required outdoors or in well-ventilated uncrowded indoor spaces; facemasks remain mandatory on public transport, in healthcare settings, cinemas, theaters, and classrooms. Additionally, individuals no longer need to present a government-provided Hayat Eve Sigar (HES) code before entering public venues.

Domestic Measures
In addition to the changes above, most businesses are operating subject to social distancing and hygiene requirements. Turkish nationals still require an HES code before international or intercity travel on public transport.

International Travel Restrictions
Travelers arriving from South Africa, Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Brazil, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan or travelers who have been in one of these countries in the previous 14 days and plan to enter Turkey from another country must present a negative PCR test taken in the 72 hours before arrival and self-isolate for up to seven days; travelers can end quarantine early following receipt of a negative result from a PCR test taken on or after day five. Fully vaccinated travelers are exempt from the requirement to self-isolate.

Nonresident foreign nationals who have visited Afghanistan in the previous 14 days must present a negative test result and quarantine at a hotel at their own expense for 10 days; travelers may be eligible to end the quarantine period early following a negative result from a second PCR test taken on or after day seven. Citizens and residents of Turkey may self-isolate at their residences; however, they are not permitted to use public transport or board domestic flights. Fully vaccinated travelers and travelers who have recently recovered from COVID-19 are exempt from self-isolation.

Travelers from all other countries must present proof of vaccination against COVID-19 completed no less than 14 days prior to arrival or proof that they have recovered from COVID-19 in the previous six months. Travelers unable to meet these requirements must present a negative result from a PCR test taken in the previous 72 hours or a negative result from an antigen test taken in the previous 48 hours on arrival. Travelers arriving from Iran or Egypt must have the vaccination or PCR test requirement

Other than those in transit, all incoming passengers must register via an online form within 72 hours before travel and may be selected to 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.