{"id":1729,"date":"2020-08-28T16:00:26","date_gmt":"2020-08-28T08:00:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tourhero.com\/en\/magazine\/?p=1729"},"modified":"2024-01-13T22:25:35","modified_gmt":"2024-01-14T03:25:35","slug":"is-it-safe-to-travel-to-turkey-new-covid-19-protocols","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tourhero.com\/en\/magazine\/destinations\/europe\/is-it-safe-to-travel-to-turkey-new-covid-19-protocols\/","title":{"rendered":"Is it safe to travel: Turkey"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\u26a0\ufe0f Update: November 11, 2021<\/strong>

Entry conditions for international travelers<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong>

Turkey is open to tourists. All arriving passengers must submit a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure unless they have proof of being fully vaccinated (no less than 14 days ago) or proof that they have recovered from COVID-19 in the last six months. Certain travelers may be subject to stricter restrictions including mandatory quarantine, such as those who have recently been in Brazil, South Africa, Nepal, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.

You may be randomly tested at the airport upon arrival \u2014 anyone who tests positive must quarantine for 14 days.

All travelers must complete an Entry Form<\/a> at least 72 hours before their departure.

Domestic restrictions<\/strong>

Face masks and social distancing are mandatory in public places nationwide.

Most businesses are permitted to operate, subject to hygiene and social distancing requirements.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed travel forever. Many international borders remain closed to tourists and most countries have strict restrictions in place. Fortunately, travel is slowly beginning to regain traction. Turkey is one such country where the majority of its international borders are open while it continues to keep up with stringent health and safety practices for all its travelers. We ask the hard question \u2014 \u201cIs it safe to travel to Turkey during the COVID-19 pandemic?\u201d so you can make the right choices and feel comfortable on your trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Is
Image by Emre Gencer<\/a> via Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Turkey is the incredible transcontinental country that straddles Europe and Asia. The history of Turkey dates back centuries to the Ottoman Empire, also known as the Turkish Empire, which came to be one of the world’s most powerful states in the 15th and 16th centuries. Today, Turkey remains vibrant, cosmopolitan, and thriving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Turkey has opened its borders to certain international travelers. Most travelers are required to submit a negative certificate for a COVID-19 PCR test<\/strong> (taken no more than 72 hours prior to departure) to enter the country if they are unvaccinated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read on to discover the answer to the question, is it safe to travel to Turkey?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What do I look out for before planning a trip to Turkey?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"T\u00fcrkiye's
Image by Michael Jerrard<\/a> via Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Safe Travels Stamp by WTTC<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Turkey has been awarded the Safe Travels Stamp by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), which recognizes their commitment to safety for all travelers. Read more about the WTTC and the new Safe Travels protocols here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Safe Tourism Certification Program by TGA<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Alongside the WTTC, the Turkey Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA) has also introduced the Safe Tourism Certification Program<\/a>. Tourist attractions, agencies, and accommodation that adhere to extensive measures imposed for the well-being of travelers will be awarded this certification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The TGA has outlined criteria for accommodation, food and beverage facilities, and tour and transfer vehicles. From there, the agency has shortlisted a list of certified accommodation facilities, restaurants, and tour and transfer vehicles on the TGA website<\/a>. Be sure to keep an eye out for this certification when planning your itinerary to Turkey!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

COVID-19 insurance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The TGA also recommends travelers to purchase the Tourist Protection and Support Insurance with COVID-19 coverage before their travels to Turkey. This policy covers the medical expenses of patients who are treated at hospitals with a positive COVID-19 diagnosis. Find out more here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Choosing your destination<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Istanbul is Turkey’s most populous city and is considered one of the world’s largest cities in terms of population. Being around such large volumes of people may be uncomfortable for some during the pandemic. Fret not! Turkey boasts a bevy of destinations where you can travel outdoors and safely keep your distance from others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cappadocia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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