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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
Ron
Sunday 18th of July 2021
Other sites are saying that "all visitors must submit a Travel Health Certificate." Is that in addition to the Passenger Information form?
Another site mentions the "Health Declaration E-form." Is this needed? My wife and I are both vaccinated (with Vax Cards from the USA) for months now and have an eVISA. So, what other forms do we need in addition to the Passenger Information Form?
Kashlee Kucheran
Monday 19th of July 2021
To our knowledge, there is only one form, which we have linked to in this article. With your proof of vaccination, evisa, and the form, you should be good
lindsay
Tuesday 6th of July 2021
My daughter is 6 will she need a PCR test?
Kashlee Kucheran
Wednesday 7th of July 2021
The rules say "this does not apply to children younger than 6", so it's not exactly clear if 6 is the cut-off, or if 6 will need the test. Logic would say a child up until the day of turning 7 would be exempt, but I'm not entirely sure
Andreea
Tuesday 4th of May 2021
If i tranfer with a flight from South Africa and i want to take the test for my second destination at the Istanbul airport, can i exit to take the test at the arrival or i am not allowed?
Iffi Khan
Saturday 24th of April 2021
Can a tourist with COVID 19 vaccine pass inter the Turkey?
Kashlee Kucheran
Saturday 24th of April 2021
All tourists are permitted into Turkey, but only with a 72-hour pCR test, like explained in this article. Turkey is not making any exceptions for vaccinated travelers at this time
Victoria Stuart Torley
Monday 29th of March 2021
I live in Costa Rica but fly on a US passport. Do I need an evisa? I will be getting my PCR on April 16 but do not arrive in Turkey until April 20. This is past the 72 hour limit. Is that a problem?