Last Updated
Turkey has officially reopened its borders to all tourists under normal travel regulations.
Major update: June 29th
Turkey has reopened for tourism and is accepting all nations to visit.
The embassy for the United Kingdom in Turkey stated:
“All passengers, of all nationalities, who meet Turkish immigration rules are permitted entry to Turkey from 12 June.”
which we also confirmed with both the Canadian and American embassies this week.
When we first published this article on June 6th, there was a list of 40 countries first allowed to enter Turkey. Since that date, Turkey has now lifted all covid travel restrictions and is now allowing all nations to enter under regular ‘pre-covid’ regulations.
A newer version of this article, with more frequently updated entry requirements and rules, is available here: “Turkey Covid-19 Entry Requirements For International Travelers”
Entry Requirements for Turkey
Now that any covid-related travel bans have been lifted, there are still a few entry requirements for tourists entering Turkey:
- All nations that require an e-visa or stamp visa will obtain one prior to entering Turkey
- Tourists are required to wear a face-mask during the inbound flight to Turkey, as well as in the airport. Any tourist not wearing a mask will be denied entry.
- Travelers agree to a health screening and temperature check.
- Once in Turkey, the wearing of face-masks in public spaces is mandatory for many cities including Ankara and Istanbul.
Is Testing Mandatory to enter Turkey?
At this time, there is NO mandatory testing for tourists into Turkey.
However, any passengers showing symptoms including high fever, coughing or respiratory difficulties upon arrival will be will be required to undergo a PCR swab test. In the event that a test returns with a positive result, the traveler will be provided with medical treatment at a facility determined by the Ministry of Health or at a private medical facility in Turkey at the travelers expense.
Visa Information for Turkey
Visa services have resumed, and Turkey is now issuing new travel Visas online. Many countries, including the USA, Australia and Canada, normally require a Visa to enter Turkey.
To see which countries require a visa and which countries can enter visa-free, Turkey’s Visa Wikipedia page is a great resource.
If you are a country that requires an e-visa (like USA, Canada and Australia) you can apply for a Turkish Visa here.
Turkey's Land Borders
Open Land Borders: Bulgaria, Georgia, Greece, Iraq.
Closed Land Borders: Iran, Syria
What flights have resumed to Turkey?
Direct Flights Into ISTANBUL
From USA
- New York on Turkish Airlines starting July 10
- Washington on Turkish Airlines starting July 5
- Chicago on Turkish Airlines starting June 30
- Miami on Turkish Airlines starting July 10
- Houston on Turkish Airlines starting July 27
- Los Angeles on Turkish Airlines starting June 29
- San Francisco on Turkish Airlines starting July 16
From Canada
- Montreal on Turkish Airlines starting July 15
- Toronto on Turkish Airlines starting July 1
From Europe
Too many to list! Almost every major European city flies into Istanbul and other Turkish cities daily. The airline with the most flights is Turkish Airlines, but others include: Pegasus, Ukraine International, Belavia, etc.
Health Guidelines While in Turkey
On September 8, the Turkish Interior Ministry issued a notice to the public regarding new COVID restrictions/guidance while visiting. Violators will be issued fines for non-compliance.
The new restrictions/guidance are as follows:
- Face masks must be worn in public (e.g. streets, gardens, workplaces, etc.) at all times in all of Turkey
- Standing passengers will not be allowed in urban public transportation vehicles where physical distance rules cannot be applied.
- The playing of live music at restaurants and cafes after midnight is forbidden.
- Governors and district officials will increase the inspections of cafes, restaurants, and dining and entertainment venues to ensure adherence to COVID restrictions.
the original article (with the list of 40 countries that were approved into Turkey first) is now continued below.
The country has set out new guidelines for its hotels and resort facilities, such as temperature checks at entrances and at least 12 hours of room ventilation after checkout. Guests will be required to wear face masks and maintain social distancing according to CNN.
“The more transparent and detailed information we give, the more we will earn the confidence of tourists,” Tourism Minister Mehmet Ersoy told Reuters earlier this month while revealing plans to open around half of Turkey's hotels this year.
Meanwhile, restrictions on intercity travel have been lifted, while restaurants, cafes, parks and sports facilities are permitted to reopen from June 1, along with beaches and museums.
Istanbul's Grand Bazaar, one of the world's largest markets, is also preparing to reopen for the first time in two months on June 1.
Ersoy stressed that Turkey started a detailed certification program for hotels due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“It [the certification program] was the first in the world, and the EU also decided to initiate a similar one,” he added.
Disclaimer: Turkey’s reopening news is ever-changing 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 before traveling.
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Sources:CNN/AA/NTV /uab.gov.tr / UK embassy in Turkey / USA embassy in Turkey / Canadian embassy in Turkey / Istanbul Airport / Turkish Airlines
Mohammad Moniruzzaman
Saturday 27th of February 2021
Hi Kashlee, I am planning to visit Turkey in middle of April. Any suggestion from your side.
Nicola Goldsmith
Friday 27th of November 2020
Hi Kashlee, hope you're well. Im British and currently living in Jordan. Are there any PCR tests that i would need to do or is the travel situation like normal? (Before corona)? Any idea.if i need to show evidence of a PCR test being done as i arrive?
Kashlee Kucheran
Friday 27th of November 2020
You have not said where you want to travel. If it is to Turkey, then you will not require a PCR test. (Click HERE to read)
Frimpong issac
Monday 9th of November 2020
I want to work and stay for some year in turkey can I get a visa
Kashlee Kucheran
Monday 9th of November 2020
Many countries get an automatic 90 day tourust visa when they get their visa on arrival or e-visa for entering turkey. If you want a longer business visa, you will have to contact their consulate to find out what your options are
Salma
Tuesday 3rd of November 2020
Hello, i live in UAE, but if from philippine and would like to travel to turkey for tourism
Kashlee Kucheran
Wednesday 4th of November 2020
Great, turkey is open for all, as the article explains :)
zach
Monday 28th of September 2020
Hi Kashlee
This is very informative! Thank you!
However, considered the fact with so much of crazyness going around the world, I found this is too good to believe since it literally just took 5min to apply for an e-visa and thats it. Maybe I am just over-thinking here.
Additionally, the reason I am visiting turkey is really taking it as stop-over. I have dual citizenship so Im arriving Turkey then flying to Canada. Not sure if I need to apply on passport and, because possession of round-trip ticket is one of the condition to visit now, not sure if my case qualifies that
Thanks in advance!
Kashlee Kucheran
Tuesday 29th of September 2020
Hi Zach, Yes turkey is one of the easiest countries in the world to enter right now. I am sorry, but I really don't understand the question you are asking me?