Is It Safe to Travel to Turkey Now? The Latest Turkey Coronavirus Updates

LAST UPDATED: 27th JANUARY

From 4am on 11th February 2022, travel rules are again being updated for people returning to the UK from abroad. All testing requirements will be removed for eligible fully vaccinated arrivals, with only a Passenger Locator Form (PLF) now required. Arrivals who are not fully vaccinated will only need to take a pre-departure test and a PCR test on or before day 2 after they arrive in the UK. Children aged 12-15 in England will be able to prove their vaccination status or proof of prior infection via a digital NHS COVID Pass from 3 February for outbound travel.

An Update on the Turkey Coronavirus Situation

Like most other countries in Europe and beyond, Turkey has been severely impacted by the effects of COVID-19. Turkey began implementing restrictions in early March 2020, after the country’s first case of COVID-19 was reported. Schools, restaurants, bars and shops were shut down, and travel restrictions were imposed in 31 cities. Complete lockdown has been in effect on weekends and national holidays since the beginning of April 2020.

In mid-May, though, the government started a schedule, to be implemented gradually, for easing internal restrictions. Certain businesses, including shopping centres, restaurants and cafes, parks, sports facilities, some smaller shops and barbershops, were allowed to reopen. (Why is it that hairdressers always seem to reopen first? Aesthetic reasons, probably. Presumably we’ve all gotten pretty shaggy lately.)

2022 Holidays to Turkey: Are They Possible and What Would They Look Like?

Turkish Flag

The Turkish tourist industry definitely wants to see you on holiday there in 2022. However like most destinations you need to make sure you meet the requirements before you enter the country. As of today (27th January 2022) these are the requirements for British tourists –

You will need to complete the online form (Form for Entry to Turkey), a maximum of 72 hours before travelling, to enter Turkey if aged 6 and over. This is not necessary for transit passengers.
All arrivals into Turkey will be subject to a medical evaluation for symptoms of coronavirus, including temperature checks. Arrivals may be subject to random PCR testing on arrival.
You must wear a face mask at all times whilst in an airport, and for the duration of all flights, to and from Turkey.

If you’re fully vaccinated

If you’re fully vaccinated, you can enter Turkey without needing to test or quarantine.
At least 14 days must have passed since your second dose of the vaccine and the vaccine must be approved by the Turkish Ministry of Health or World Health Organization.

Proof of vaccination status

You must present proof that you have been fully vaccinated to enter Turkey.
Turkey will accept the UK’s proof of COVID-19 recovery and vaccination record and proof of COVID-19 vaccination issued in the Crown Dependencies. Your NHS appointment card from vaccination centres is not designed to be used as proof of vaccination and should not be used to demonstrate your vaccine status.

If you’re not fully vaccinated

If you’re not fully vaccinated, you’ll need to show proof of a negative PCR test (taken no more than 72 hours before entry), rapid antigen test (taken no more than 48 hours before entry), or proof of a recent recovery from COVID-19 within the last six months, when entering Turkey. See information on getting a test before entry.
You should not use the NHS testing service to get a test in order to facilitate your travel to another country. You should arrange to take a private test.

If you’ve had COVID-19 in the last six months

If you’re not fully vaccinated but have recovered from COVID-19 in the last six months, you can enter Turkey. You’ll need to show evidence of a positive PCR test (taken more than 14 days and less than six months ago). You will not need to take an additional COVID-19 test.
You can use the NHS COVID Pass to demonstrate proof of COVID-19 recovery when entering Turkey.

Children and young people

Children aged 11 and under can follow the rules for fully vaccinated travellers to enter Turkey.

While you are dreaming about your next trip to Turkey, you can whet your appetite by viewing Kleopatra Beach in Alanya or Marmaris Beach in Marmaris in real time, courtesy of live streaming, so you can insert yourself in the picture.

The Situation in Turkey

Of course, COVID-19 has not been defeated in Turkey and there is still a need to protect the public from future waves. Therefore there are measures you’ll need to abide by when on holiday in Turkey.

It is mandatory to wear a face mask at all times outside.
Foreign travellers who are in the country for short trips and tourism are exempt from the curfews which affect Turkish citizens only.
There are capacity limits on public transport to make sure passengers follow social distancing guidelines

Stay tuned to our blog for updates on the situation in Turkey and other holiday destinations. That’s also a very nice place to visit just to get a virtual fix for now, in anticipation of actually travelling.