Turkey: COVID-19 Entry Requirements For International Travelers

Share The Article

Last Updated 4 days ago

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

All passengers entering Turkey over the age of 6 will need to present proof of a negative PCR test, taken no longer than 72 hours prior to arrival. 

Due to variants, Turkey is temporarily prohibiting flights from India, Brazil and South Africa. Any traveler who has been in these countries within the last 10 days will need to undergo a PCR test on arrival, plus a quarantine for 10 days. 

Test Exemptions Coming May 15

Starting May 15, 2021 Turkey will drop the 72-hour PCR testing requirement for 16 nations, including: Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand, South Korea, Israel, Japan, the U.K., Latvia, Luxembourg, Ukraine, and Estonia. Passengers from those nations will be able to enter test/quarantine-free.

Quarantine Entry Requirements 

Travelers are not required to quarantine upon arrival in Turkey. 

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 have also not made any exceptions for vaccinated travelers to bypass testing at this point.

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:

1. Perform a PCR test no longer than 72 hours before arrival
2. Do not travel if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19
3. Check if your country needs an E-Visa or Visa before arrival
4. 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