Turkey: Authorities maintain COVID-19-related international entry restrictions and domestic measures as of Oct. 5 /update 46

Turkey maintains COVID-19-related international entry and domestic restrictions as of Oct. 5. Travel and business disruptions likely.

Event

Authorities are maintaining domestic measures and international entry restrictions imposed to limit the spread of COVID-19 as of Oct. 5.

Domestic Restrictions
Residents are required to wear facemasks and practice social distancing in public spaces. Turkish nationals and residents must obtain a government-provided Hayat Eve Sigar (HES) code before international or intercity travel on public transport. Numerous locations, including Istanbul, Ankara, and Agri Province, require residents to present a HES code upon entering public institutions, government offices, or banks.

Restrictions on intercity transport have been lifted. Most businesses are permitted to operate, including on Sundays.

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

Vaccinated arrivals who have visited Bangladesh, India, or Pakistan in the previous 14 days must submit a PCR test taken within the previous 72 hours and proof of vaccination. Unvaccinated arrivals must self-isolate for ten days; individuals may only exit quarantine with a negative PCR test result at the end of the isolation period.

Arrivals who have visited Afghanistan in the previous 14 days must present a negative PCR test taken within the 72 hours before arrival and quarantine in a government-designated facility for ten days. An early exit from quarantine will be permitted on day seven after a second negative PCR test is taken.

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 must present a negative PCR test taken in the previous 72 hours or a negative antigen test taken in the previous 48 hours on arrival.

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.