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Turkey was quickly becoming one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world prior to the pandemic. With its breathtaking natural beauty, archaeological sites, and oceanfront resorts along its Aegean and the Mediterranean Sea coasts, the country truly has something for everyone.
Turkey is now looking to restore its tourism economy with some of the most relaxed COVID-19 entry requirements in the world. Here is everything you need to know before booking your trip.
Countries Permitted To Visit Turkey For Tourism
Turkey is welcoming travelers from all countries.
Turkey’s Testing Entry Requirements
As of June 1, 2021, passengers from all nations will have the choice of how they would like to enter Turkey. ONE of the following will be valid for entry:
- A negative 72-hour PCR test
- A negative 48-hour antigen test
- Proof of vaccination, with 14-days having passed since the final shot
- Proof of recovery which includes a positive test 14-180 days old, along with a certificate of recovery.
Exceptions to the above: Almost all nations worldwide are able to choose from the above list, except where variants of concern exist.
Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Brazil, South Africa, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka. Passengers from these nations can still enter but with a 72-hour PCR test and 14-day government-approved quarantine.
United Kingdom, Iran, Egypt, Singapore. Passengers from these nations will still be required to submit a negative 72-hour PCR test, even if they are fully vaccinated.
Quarantine Entry Requirements
Travelers are not required to quarantine upon arrival in Turkey, unless they are coming from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Brazil, South Africa, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka.
If a traveler is showing symptoms and tests positive for COVID-19 with a verified PCR test, they will be medically quarantined at their own cost.
Passenger Information Form
Starting March 15, 2021, all passengers must present a completed ‘Passenger Information Form’ upon arrival into Turkey.
COVID-19 Travel Insurance Entry Requirements
All incoming travelers should have travel insurance the covers COVID-19 for the duration of their trip to Turkey
COVID-19 Health Requirements While in Turkey
All visitors must follow COVID-19 health requirements while in Turkey:
- Masks are mandatory in all public spaces. This rules was made country wide as of September 8.
- Follow all social distancing markers
- Undergo mandatory temperature scans and health screenings upon arrival
COVID-19 Vaccine Entry Requirements
Turkey has not announced plans to make a proof of vaccine record mandatory for entry.
They are making exceptions to PCR testing for fully vaccinated passengers.
Visa Entry Requirements For Turkey During COVID-19
All travelers arriving in Turkey will still need to follow regular visa requirements.
If you are from a country that requires an e-visa (like USA, Canada and Australia) you can apply here.
Refer to the map below to check if your country requires a visa before traveling to Turkey.
For countries that require a visa required in advance, contact the Turkish consulate/embassy in our home country.
PCR Tests at Istanbul Airport:
Istanbul Airport (IST) has one of the fastest and most reliable airport testing facilities in the world right now. They are pumping through thousands of tests, all while aiming to deliver accurate results within 4-8 hours to desperate travelers.
You can get one done on a layover, making Istanbul the perfect stop before entering a country that requires negative test results for entry.
Read our guide on How To Get A PCR Test at Istanbul Airport
Turkey Covid-19 Entry Requirements:
- Perform a PCR test no longer than 72 hours before arrival, or show proof of vaccination or recovery
- Do not travel if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19
- Check if your country needs an E-Visa or Visa before arrival
- Follow all COVID-19 health protocols while in Turkey
Read More:
Countries Reopen For Vaccinated Travelers
Countries Open For American Tourists
Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19
For Breaking Travel Reopening News & Questions, Join Our: Facebook Community
Sources: U.S. Embassy in Turkey/U.K. Embassy in Turkey /Ministry of Foreign Affairs Turkey
Disclaimer: Current Turkey travel rules are changing without notice and being updated constantly. We do our best to keep this article up to date with all the latest information, but the decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories
Article originally published August 25, 2020
Maria Gonzales
Saturday 2nd of October 2021
My husband & I (both US citizens)are travelling from SFO to Prague and have a long layover (12.5 hours) in Istanbul via Turkish airlines, I was informed that I could avail of comp hotel stay. We are both fully vaccinated (Pfizer). Question 1 ( do we need to have PCR or Rapid Antigen test)to take flight? Question 2 (Since hotel stay is outside airport; do we need to get a e-visa (Transit/tranfer visa).
margim sinan
Sunday 19th of September 2021
HI,MY SISTER AND I ARE PLANNIG TO FLY WITH TUKISH AIR FROM COPENHAGEN TO ALEXANDRIA EGYPT.WE ALLREADY HAVE THE EU DIGITAL COVID CERTIFICAT,DO WE NEED TO TAKE ANYTHING ELSE?
Chironsala
Sunday 12th of September 2021
Thank you for your quick reply to a previous email-I appreciate it. three questions:
1. I will complete the Traveler Entry Form and enter my current Republic of Georgia mobile number (this is required on the form). Once in Turkey it will no longer function and I will get a Turkish sim card. Do you know what procedure or what department do I have to contact to inform the authorities of the new number?
2. If I have understood correctly, a HES code (mandatory requirement for traveling around Turkey) will be generated on completion of the Traveler Entry Form. But according to www.gov.uk-foreign-travel-advice-Turkey, "this does not apply to foreign tourists." Very confusing! If you can clarify this I would be most appreciative.
3. On the Form for Entry to Turkey, it states " the form must be filled in within the last 72 hours before travel." I do not know exactly when I will travel, so can I assume I can send it in the day before, or even a few hours before I travel to Turkey?
Thank you for your attention.
Chironsala
Wednesday 8th of September 2021
I am now in the Republic of Georgia and plan to travel to Turkey later this month, possibly by flight, possibly overland. I understand what is needed if by flight, but have heard conflicting information if overland. Two questions, if overland from Georgia to Turkey:
1. I have a vaccination certificate confirming two Pfizer shots taken in May. Is that enough or do I still need a PCR test?
2. If overland do I need to submit the Health Declaration Form or the Travel Health Certificate at the border.
Thank you for your attention.
Kashlee Kucheran
Thursday 9th of September 2021
With the information we have, proof of vaccination is sufficient. Yes, the forms will still need to be completed
Sam
Wednesday 18th of August 2021
Hi, do you know if Turkey accepts the Moderna vaccine for entry into their country?