With the outbreak of Covid-19 over the world, many countries, Turkey included, have halted national and international travel to reduce the impact. Governments have introduced travel bans from country to country.
Today, things are a little bit under control, and people are taking precautionary measures to be safe. Countries are opening their borders and are in the process of getting back to normal that is why getting a turkey visa is not that difficult. Governments are still taking safety measures and have put certain restrictions to stop longer implications. Here are restrictions on travel to Turkey.
South Africa, Brazil, and Sri Lanka
People who travel from another country but have been in South Africa, Brazil, Sri Lanka, and Nepal in the previous 14 days are requested to submit a negative PCR test result, 72 hours before entering the country. They will be quarantined for 14 days, the place decided by the governorates. If the test is negative within 14 days, quarantine will be terminated. With a positive result, a person will be isolated immediately and terminated once the result is negative after 14 days. Suspended flights to South Africa, Brazil, Sri Lanka, and Nepal will continue and direct travel to Turkey won’t be allowed.
India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan
Travellers from India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan will have to give a negative PCR test 72 hours before entry. Those who’ve been in these countries for the last 14 days have taken at least two doses of the vaccine (single for Johnson and Johnson) approved by WHO or Turkey and document and 14 days since the last dose are free from quarantine application. Those who haven’t taken two doses (single dose of Johnson and Johnson) and at least 14 days passed since the previous dose will have to quarantine at home or at an address they declare.
UAE, UK, Egypt, Iran, and Singapore
Travellers from these countries will require a negative PCR test, 72 hours before entry. Those who’ve been in these countries for the last 14 days have taken at least two doses of the vaccine (single for Johnson and Johnson) approved by WHO or Turkey and document and 14 days since the last dose will be free from quarantine measures. The first positive result starting from the 28th day, a negative PCR/rapid antigen will not be needed and quarantine measures won’t be applied, if a document by the relevant country’s authorities is submitted in the previous 6 months.
Tourists can visit Turkey?
Turkey has reopened its borders for tourism and is accepting all international visitors as long as travellers fulfil the immigration rules. Borders with Syria and Iran remain closed. Visitors from Bangladesh and Afghanistan aren’t permitted in the country. You can enter Turkey with an e-visa or without a visa, depending on where you are travelling from and the purpose of the trip (leisure, work, or layover).
Is it Safe to Travel to Turkey?
As per the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, the travel status during covid is at level 3. Therefore, visitors should get vaccinated fully before their travel. If your reason for travel is important, the government recommends visitors abide by the guidance from local authorities and take protective measures for everyone’s safety.
Entry Requirements
Depending on which country you’re travelling from and the reason, Turkey has rules visitors must follow. For detailed information on entry requirements, contact the Turkish embassy or high commission at the consulate. It will help in clarifying any ambiguous information. Also, contact your airlines or agency to ensure you have the required documents.
Entry Rules During Covid
For people who aren’t vaccinated, a negative PCR test result is mandatory for participation in concerts, theatres, and cinemas. Organizers will be asked for a vaccinated/past disease or negative PCR test, done before 48 hours for entrance to events using a HES code. If the person didn’t have the disease, isn’t vaccinated, or gets a negative PCR test, won’t be allowed to attend the event.
- Flight bans are still in effect from South Africa, Brazil, Sri Lanka, and Nepal, and being there for 14 days will need a negative PCR test, performed before 72 hours.
- Visitors from India, Bangladesh, UK, Pakistan, Iran, Singapore, and Egypt need to submit their test results.
- Travelling from other countries, a vaccination certificate is needed if they have had the disease for the last 6 months, otherwise results in 72 hours prior are needed.
- All travellers must submit the entry form 72 hours before the flight and carry a digital copy (excluding passengers under 12 years and transfer passengers).
- Children under 12 years will be free from a vaccination certificate with a PCR test report.
- Masks are compulsory at airports, flights, indoor public areas, etc.
- Follow the flight booking guidelines for luggage allowance as there are more limitations
Other requirements
Upon arrival, passengers will undergo a medical check-up. Those not displaying symptoms can continue their journey. Those who test positive will get treated at a medical facility decided by the authorities or by the traveller.
Conclusion
Travelling with restrictions is a hassle but if you prepare well ahead, and follow the guidelines you’ll be fine.
