Requirements for Travelling to Turkey 2022 : During COVID-19

Update Jun 01, 2022:

With the decision of the authorities of the Republic of Turkey as of 01.06.2022,

We know that many of you have been waiting to travel to Turkey until all restrictions are lifted. so guess what? Finally, we have great news for you. And this time there are no more restrictions to come to Turkey. So finally, you can enter easily. You don't need to show Entry / Health form (HES code), PCR test, antigen test, or even vaccination certificate. So we don't require that now to visit Turkey, you can come freely to this country.

Old Update 2022:

The sudden breakout of the COVID-19 destroyed the global tourist industry from 2019 to mid-2020. However, because it was not the first time the Turkish government had to face a tourist crisis, they were ready to overcome it and come out of it more robust than ever. Because of the previous political events that took place in Turkey and the several attacks that occurred after 2015, Turkey is quite used to a steady pace and then a sudden boost in its tourist section.

The Turkish government says that all you need is patience and the will to overcome, and soon everything will be back to normal, if not better than ever. To no surprise, soon after the epidemic had passed and tourism was allowed once again, Turkey not only saw its tourists returning but had all previous records broken.

Currently, all the COVID-19 shutdowns and restrictions have been lifted, all malls are open, dine in restaurants are welcoming their customers, and life is back to normal. Below are just a few things you need to have during the pandemic to have a safe trip to Turkey.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries have assigned special restrictions on their visitors. Turkey has also enforced necessary rules and regulations on visitors to prevent the spread of the virus.

Laboratory Tests to Confirm COVID-19 Positivity:

Turkey is making a few lab tests compulsory in order to ensure that every person who comes in contact during the pandemic is COVID-free and can safely enjoy their trip. The requirements have been divided into two categories, and every tourist is required to be vaccinated at least three days before their trip to Turkey.

The first category consists of people who have not gotten infected by COVID-19 ever or not in the past six months. These passengers are required only to show their COVID-19 vaccination certificate with a Europe accepted vaccine, and they will be allowed to enter Turkey.

The second half are passengers who have gotten COVID-19 in the past six months. They are required to show a healing certificate if they are eligible. Suppose the tourist is not eligible for a healing certificate yet. In that case, it is necessary for them to get a positive PCR in the past three days of their arrival to Turkey or a negative antigen test in the past three days from arrival to Turkey. If it is any less than three days, the tourist will not be permitted to enter Turkey.

Compulsory Form before Boarding for the Trip:

There are several restrictions in place to ensure that Turkey is safe for everyone throughout the globe. These restrictions involve vaccines, documentation and a lot of cooperation from the tourists.

The second compulsory requirement by the Turkish government for tourists is that they fill up an Form for Entry to Turkey. This form is for anyone who is six years of age or under and is visiting Turkey after three days of filling the form. The form assigns each traveller with a unique HES code generated after filling the form. This form is in place to keep track of the travellers and who they interact with the virus.

This step will later help the Turkish government to inform the tourists if they have been in contact with someone who has COVID-19. It is a great way to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 and to ensure that the disease is treated within the country and does not leave its parameters. It also gives the Turkish government an idea of how big the spread of the virus is and what necessary measures they can put in place.

COVID Safety Requirements:

To ensure that the COVID-19 is not carried by any passengers when traveling to Turkey, the Turkish government requires a few particular tests to ensure the safety of its travelers.

Travel Entry Form:

The travel entry form is required to be filled out at least 72 hours (3 days) before traveling to Turkey. This form requires the basic information of the traveler and is used to contact the traveler to help get in contact with a COVID holder when staying in Turkey. This test is for ages six and above.

Negative COVID Test:

The PCR test covid health requirements and negative COVID test includes:

• A PCR or antigen test three days before the travel
• Vaccination certificate and details with the last dose being two weeks or older
• Healing certificate with at least six month healing period

These tests are required for ages 12 and above.

In case a traveller ends up with COVID on the trip, they will be immediately taken into quarantine and treated in accordance with the orders from the health ministry.

Travelling in Public Transport:

To lessen the spread of the COVID-19 virus and keep it under control, the Turkish government is also managing its public transportation. If a tourist is interested in travelling on the public bus or the metro, it is compulsory that they possess a transport ticket and are seated in the bus after recording their HES number.

This method helps the government to track the tourists. The second option for when you are interested in travelling in a plane, a sea shuttle or a metro is compulsory to make a reservation in advance of your time and to use your travelling ticket when getting on the ride and marking your HES code as well so you can be informed when necessary.

Is it Possible to Travel to Turkey?

Yes, Turkey has reopened travelling, so it is possible to visit the country. You just require a passport, a valid Turkey e visa following the e-visa requirements enforced by the Turkish government, and follow the restrictions for the pandemic. The lockdowns, travel details, and other restrictions are continuously changing in Turkey, so it is necessary that you stay up to date with the changes.

Restricted Access to Turkey:

To avoid the spread of COVID-19 in the country, Turkey has banned the countries with higher numbers of COVID cases from entering Turkey. Other than the case count, Turkey allows all countries which can have a valid Turkey e-visa or sticker visa from the Turkish embassies. This reason is why it is ideal that you keep checking the changes that the Turkish government enforces on travels.

How to Enter Turkey from a High COVID Case Country:

 It is possible to enter Turkey from a high case-recorded country as long as the traveller follows the Turkish quarantine rules. These rules also apply to travellers who have been to one of the high case-rate countries in the past two weeks. 

The Turkish quarantine rules are:

• The traveller will need to have a PCR test at least three days before departure with a negative test
• The traveller will be quarantined for ten days in a hotel accepted by the Turkish health ministry.
• The traveller will handle all their quarantine expenses.
• The traveller will require a negative PCR test to roam the country freely.

Further Requirements when Entering Turkey:

After landing in Turkey, every person from the plane will be sent for a basic medical check-up. If their body temperature results normal, the tourist will be allowed to enjoy the country. If COVID-19 is positive in someone, they will be quarantined following the quarantine rules.

Flying into Turkey Through Istanbul:

Being the hub of travellers entering Turkey, Istanbul has some rules, regulations, and facilities to reduce the spread of COVID.

These are:

• Wearing a mask at all times in the airport.
• Conduct the PCR or antigen test from the all week laboratories.
• Follow and pass through all the body heat detection screens.
• Help keep the airport clean.

Safety Measures for the Public in Turkey:

Along with health safety, the Turkish government ensures that no e-visa or sticker visa is assigned to someone holding a threatening criminal record. This measure is to avoid any terrorist attacks or violence in Turkey.