Turkey: Government to tighten COVID-related international entry restrictions effective Dec. 28; flights with Netherlands resume /update 30

Event

The Turkish government plans to tighten certain international entry restrictions as part of the nation's plan to curb the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Effective Dec. 28, all persons traveling to Turkey from abroad by air must produce proof of having tested negative for COVID-19 using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test taken within no more than 72 hours prior to entry. Any traveler unable to submit a negative test result at the point of departure will not be allowed to board their flight; persons arriving in Turkey without proof of having tested negative will be required to quarantine either at their reported address in Turkey or at a government-designated facility. All persons entering Turkey via land or maritime border crossings will be subject to the same requirements effective Dec. 30. The new directive will remain in force through at least March 1, 2021.

Additionally, as of Dec. 23, authorities have lifted the suspension they had imposed on all flights with the Netherlands; the ban was originally put in place Dec. 20 in response to the discovery of a new strain of COVID-19. All flights to/from the UK, Denmark, and South Africa, which had been suspended under the same measure, remain prohibited. Med-evac, humanitarian, cargo, and repatriation flights are exempt from the suspension; certain other types of flights such as business or general aviation may be exempted at the discretion of the Ministry of Health. However, all incoming travelers who have visited the UK, Denmark, or South Africa must undergo a COVID-19 test and quarantine for seven days from the time that they last departed the relevant country. The suspension on flights with these three nations will remain in effect through at least Jan. 22.

Generally, Turkey's air, land, and sea borders are open for most travelers, subject to the aforementioned requirements. However, nonessential travel with Iran and Iraq remains suspended.

Domestically, authorities have lifted many travel restrictions, including the nation's intercity travel ban. Intercity rail travel has resumed on most major routes. Most businesses and facilities are permitted to reopen, provided certain hygiene measures are implemented. Nevertheless, a nationwide lockdown will be imposed 2100 Dec. 31-0500 Jan. 4. Residents must stay at home during this time frame, except to perform essential work or seek urgent medical care. While most nonessential stores and businesses must close during this period, grocery stores and food delivery services are exempt. Restaurants may perform deliveries. Outside of the special holiday lockdown period, a 2100-0500 curfew is in force nationwide on weekdays, with a weekend curfew running from 2100 each Friday until 0500 the following Monday.

A range of measures remains in force outside curfew hours. All persons nationwide must wear protective facemasks and observe social distancing while in public. Strict social distancing guidelines have also been imposed on public transport. Standing passengers are not permitted on minibuses or vans. Standing is permitted at 50-percent capacity on the Metro and trams in Ankara and Istanbul. Passengers may occupy up to 30 percent of the standing capacity on buses and metrobuses nationwide. Additionally, residents under the age of 20 or over the age of 65 are barred from using public transport; children must travel in the company of a parent or guardian. Weddings and funerals are capped at 30 people.

Persons suspected of contracting COVID-19 or who come into contact with an individual infected with COVID-19 are required to self-isolate for 10 days; persons who test negative for COVID-19 after five days may end self-isolation early. Turkish nationals and residents are required to obtain a government-provided Hayat Eve Sigar (HES) code before international or intercity travel on public transport. Numerous regions, including Istanbul, Ankara, and Agri Province, require residents to present an HES code upon entering public institutions, government offices, or banks.

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 the newly-discovered COVID-19 strain.

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.

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with disposable tissues, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.