Latest News: Government to begin easing strict COVID-19 lockdown from 17 May; nighttime, weekend curfews to remain until 1 June (Reuters, 16.05.2021). Turkish authorities set to resume flights with Russia by 1 June (Trend, 04.05.2021).
International Restrictions:
*Entry to Turkey: All arrivals into Turkey, except Turkish citizens or residence permit holders, must complete an online form within 72 hours of travel. This is not required for those passengers transiting Turkey en route to another country. Turkey’s international land and sea borders are open. However, short-notice changes, especially temporary closures of land borders, are possible and you should check access locally. International passengers wishing to transit through airports in Turkey on to a domestic Turkish flight will not be required to submit an HES code, unless the passenger is a Turkish citizen or resident of Turkey and the duration between the two flights exceeds 12 hours. You must wear a face mask at all times whilst in an airport, and for the duration of all flights, to and from Turkey.
*Testing / screening on arrival: All arrivals into Turkey will be subject to a medical evaluation for symptoms of coronavirus, including temperature checks. Passengers who are in direct transit through Turkey to other destinations do not require a negative PCR test, unless their journey originated in India, Brazil or South Africa. Passengers transiting Turkey from India, Brazil or South Africa will be required on boarding to show a negative PCR test result taken within 72hrs of departure to Turkey. From 15 May, passengers from the UK will not require a negative PCR test or vaccine certificate to enter Turkey.
*Data collection: You will need to complete a passenger locator form prior to arriving in Turkey. Details will be provided by your airline. You will be asked to provide the residential address of where you will stay, within the borders of Turkey, and your contact information. You may be asked by your airline to provide personal information regarding COVID-19 that may be shared with Ministry of Health and third countries when necessary. Anyone who knowingly provides false information may be prevented from travelling. Internal Restrictions:
*Travel in Turkey: Nationwide curfews are in place until at least 1 June as follows: •On weekdays, the curfew lasts from 9pm until 5am the following morning; and; •On weekends, the curfew lasts from 9pm on Friday evening until 5am on Monday morning. Residence Permit holders aged under 18, or 65 and over who have had two doses of their COVID-19 vaccine, will not face any additional curfew hours. Residence Permit holders, aged 65 and over who have not had two doses of their COVID-19 vaccine, will only be allowed out between 10am and 2pm on weekdays. During curfew hours, other than for a few exceptions, intercity travel will not be permitted by private vehicle if you are a Turkish citizen or a resident of Turkey. Travel by public transport is only possible with a travel permit, issued in exceptional circumstances including, but not limited to, attending the funeral of a family member, or travelling to hospital for medical treatment. Turkish citizens and residents can apply for travel permits through e-devlet or by calling ALO 199. These restrictions do not apply to those visiting for tourism. Public transport will be limited to 50% capacity, with no standing passengers allowed.
*HES codes for intercity travel and lodging: Turkish citizens and residents must request a HES (Hayat Eve Sigar) Code for domestic and international flights, train and ferry travel. As of 30 September the HES code will also be required when checking into accommodation including hotels, motels, boarding houses, pensions, camps etc. Some provinces also require submission of a HES code upon entry to public buildings, shopping malls and banks. This does not apply to foreign tourists. This can be done through the e-Devlet system, the ‘Hayat Eve Sığar’ smartphone application and by SMS.
IF YOU HAVE A TURKISH RESIDENT ID: Send a text message to phone number 2023 that includes (a) the letters “HES”, (b) your Turkish kimlik number (c) your year of birth, and (d) the number of days you will be traveling, plus 7 days. Put a single space between each item.
IF YOU HAVE TURKISH CITIZENSHIP: Send a text message to phone number 2023 that includes (a) the letters “HES”, (b) your Turkish kimlik number (c) the last four digits of the series number of your ID, and (d) surname, the number of days you will be traveling, plus 7 days should be used. Put a single space between each item.
Airlines also have information on their websites in English about the HES code, including:
• SunExpress • Turkish Airlines • Pegasus
*Public spaces and services: Provinces in Turkey are split into four tiers by COVID-19 risk: low, medium, high and very high. A map of Turkey illustrating these tiers is available from the Ministry of Health. This information will be updated regularly and you should check the status of your intended destination before travelling.
The wearing of masks is mandatory at all times outside the home throughout Turkey. This includes, but is not limited to, all public places, including streets, side streets, parks, gardens, picnic areas, markets, sea side and public transportation including Metro, buses, taxis and ferries. Masks are also mandatory in all shops, restaurants, hairdressers and barber shops.
Smoking in open areas (streets, avenues and other open public areas) is banned.
New COVID-19 restrictions will be in place until at least 1 June.
Restaurants will be open for take-away service and delivery from 7am to 8pm and delivery only from 8pm to midnight during weekdays. During weekend lockdowns, only delivery will be possible from 7amto midnight.
Supermarkets, grocery stores, butchers and bakeries will operate between 10am and 5pm. Shopping malls will operate from 10am to 8pm on weekdays and will be closed on weekends.
During weekend curfews, residents are permitted to walk to their nearest store, for essential needs only. Older people, and those who cannot meet their own needs, are advised not to go out, and will receive assistance if they call 112, 155 or 156. Driving is not permitted. Swimming pools, gyms, football pitches, beauty salons, Turkish baths, amusement parks and internet cafes will be closed.
Turkish citizens and residents need HES codes to enter shopping centres.
Restrictions apply to all but temporary visitors for tourism. Residence permit holders who do not abide by COVID-19 restrictions may be issued with a fine of up to 3,150 TL or have their residency cancelled. Follow Turkish announcements and local media for up to date information.
*Curfews: Nationwide curfews are in place until at least 1 June as follows: • On weekdays, the curfew lasts from 9pm until 5am the following morning; and; •On weekends, the curfew lasts from 9pm on Friday evening until 5am on Monday morning.
Residence Permit holders aged 18 and under, or 65 and over who have had two doses of their COVID-19 vaccine, will not face any additional curfew hours. Residence Permit holders, aged 65 and over who have not had two doses of their COVID-19 vaccine, will only be allowed out between 10am and 2pm on weekdays. During curfew hours, other than for a few exceptions, intercity travel will not be permitted by private vehicle if you are a Turkish citizen or a resident of Turkey. Travel by public transport is only possible with a travel permit, issued in exceptional circumstances including, but not limited to, attending the funeral of a family member, or travelling to hospital for medical treatment. Turkish citizens and residents can apply for travel permits through e-devlet or by calling ALO 199. These restrictions do not apply to those visiting for tourism. Public transport will be limited to 50% capacity, with no standing passengers allowed. Older people, and those who cannot meet their own needs, are advised not to go out, and will be provided assistance if they called 112, 155 and 156. These restrictions do not apply to those visiting for tourism.