Last update: 01/22/2022
Turkey has had its borders open to tourists from around the world since June 12, 2020. Tourists from most countries can currently visit, but there are a few exceptions. Like many countries that are open to tourists, Turkey has implemented several travel restrictions for visitors.
All unvaccinated travelers and travelers from the UK, Iran, Egypt, and Singapore must have proof of a negative PCR COVID test result that was obtained within 72 hours prior to arrival in Turkey. A rapid antigen test from within 48 hours prior to arrival in Turkey is also acceptable. Vaccinated travelers must present proof of full vaccination.
All travelers must complete a Turkey Entrance Form within the 72 hours before travel. There is no mandatory quarantine upon arrival for vaccinated travelers or for unvaccinated travelers from most countries.
Can I travel to Turkey right now?
Turkey is open to travelers from most countries. Below is a map of all the countries that can visit Turkey at the moment.
Turkey
- Turkey
- Countries allowed to travel to Turkey
Turkey has reopened borders to tourists from these countries
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*Travelers from Afghanistan and Pakistan must quarantine for 10 days from their arrival in Turkey. If the PCR test they take on day 7 of their quarantine period is negative, they may end their quarantine.
**Travelers from Egypt, Iran, Singapore, and the UK must present proof of a negative PCR test result that was obtained within 72 hours of arrival in Turkey.
Turkey travel ban is in place for these countries
- Bangladesh
- Brazil
- India
- Nepal
- South Africa
- Sri Lanka
* If travelers have been in any of these countries in the last 10 days before entering Turkey, they must quarantine for 14 days from their arrival in Turkey and take a PCR test on the 14th day of their quarantine period. If that test is negative, they can end their quarantine.
Turkey COVID-19 travel restrictions and entry requirements
Turkey’s entry requirements for travelers are pretty straightforward. All unvaccinated travelers and travelers from the UK, Egypt, Iran, and Singapore must present proof of a negative PCR test result that was obtained within 72 hours prior to arrival in Turkey. A rapid antigen test from within 48 hours prior to arrival in Turkey is also acceptable. Vaccinated travelers must present proof of vaccination.
All travelers must submit a Turkey Entrance Form within 72 hours before travel and may be subject to PCR testing on arrival in Turkey.
Travelers who have been in Afghanistan or Pakistan in the last 14 days must quarantine for 10 days from their arrival in Turkey and take a PCR test on day 7 of their quarantine period. If that test is negative, they may end their quarantine period.
Travelers who have been in Bangladesh, Brazil, South Africa, India, Nepal, or Sri Lanka in the last 14 days must present a negative PCR test result that was obtained within 72 hours prior to arrival in Turkey and quarantine for 14 days from their arrival in Turkey, regardless of vaccination status. They will then take a PCR test on day 14 of their quarantine period and can end their quarantine if that test is negative.
COVID-19 vaccine to travel to Turkey
Vaccinated travelers who have been vaccinated at least 14 days before their arrival in Turkey and can present proof of vaccination or travelers who can present proof of recovery from COVID-19 in the last six months do not have to present a negative PCR test to enter Turkey or quarantine.
Without proof of vaccination or proof of recovery from COVID-19, travelers will still have to present a negative PCR test from within 72 hours prior to arrival in Turkey or a rapid antigen test from within 48 hours prior to arrival in Turkey.
Regardless of vaccination status, travelers from the UK, Iran, Egypt, and Singapore must present a negative PCR test result that was obtained within 72 hours prior to arrival in Turkey.
COVID-19 vaccine to travel to Turkey
Travelers who have been in Bangladesh, Brazil, South Africa, India, Nepal, or Sri Lanka in the last 14 days must present a negative PCR test result that was obtained within 72 hours prior to arrival in Turkey and quarantine for 14 days from their arrival in Turkey, regardless of vaccination status. They will then take a PCR test on day 14 of their quarantine period and can end their quarantine if that test is negative.
Regardless of vaccination status, travelers who have been in Afghanistan or Pakistan in the last 14 days must quarantine for 10 days from their arrival in Turkey and take a PCR test on day 7 of their quarantine period. If that test is negative, they can end their quarantine period.
Children under the age of 6 are exempt from showing proof of vaccination, proof of recovery, or a negative PCR test result.
Is PCR testing mandatory to travel to Turkey?
All unvaccinated travelers are required to take a PCR test before they travel to Turkey and provide evidence of a negative result that was obtained within 72 hours prior to arrival in Turkey. A rapid antigen test from within 48 hours prior to arrival in Turkey is also acceptable.
Fully vaccinated travelers or travelers with proof of recovery from COVID-19 from most countries are not required to present a PCR test.
Regardless of vaccination status, travelers from the UK, Iran, Egypt, and Singapore must have proof of a negative PCR test result that was obtained within 72 hours prior to arrival in Turkey.
Travelers who have been in Bangladesh, Brazil, South Africa, India, Nepal, or Sri Lanka in the last 14 days must present a negative PCR test result that was obtained within 72 hours prior to arrival in Turkey, regardless of vaccination status. They will also take a second PCR test on day 14 of their 14-day quarantine period and can end their quarantine if that test is negative.
Travelers from Afghanistan and Pakistan will take a PCR test on day 7 of their 10-day quarantine period. If that test is negative, they will be allowed to end their quarantine.
Children under the age of 6 are exempt from this negative PCR test result requirement.
All travelers may also be subject to PCR testing on arrival in Turkey.
Is there a mandatory quarantine upon arrival in Turkey?
There is no mandatory quarantine upon arrival in Turkey if you have proof of vaccination or recovery from COVID-19 and are not traveling from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Brazil. India, Nepal, Pakistan, South Africa, or Sri Lanka.
Travelers who have been in Bangladesh, Brazil, India, Nepal, South Africa, or Sri Lanka in the last 14 days must quarantine for 14 days from their arrival in Turkey. On the 14th day of their quarantine period, they must take a PCR test. If that PCR test is negative, they may end their quarantine.
Travelers who are arriving from Afghanistan or Pakistan, or who have been in these countries in the last 14 days, must quarantine for 10 days from their arrival in Turkey and take a PCR test on day 7 of their quarantine period. If that test is negative, they may end their quarantine.
All travelers may be subject to PCR testing on arrival in Turkey. If they test positive, travelers will have to quarantine for 14 days.
Is there a mandatory quarantine upon arrival in Turkey?
Travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage to visit Turkey
It is not absolutely mandatory to have COVID-19 travel insurance to visit Turkey, but it is always wise to travel with some kind of insurance coverage. That way, you can feel safe and secure no matter what happens while you’re traveling.
If you’re wondering what the best travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage is, it’s definitely Heymondo. When we compared insurance policies and prices, they came out on top for their policies’ extensive COVID-19 coverage and great value for an affordable price.
That’s why we always use Heymondo insurance when we travel. If you want to get their policies at an even more affordable price, you can get 5% off just for being our reader.
Other travel restrictions for Turkey during COVID-19
Turkey has implemented a few other travel restrictions for visitors:
- All travelers must complete a Turkey Entrance Form within 72 hours before travel.
- All travelers may undergo PCR testing on arrival.
- Face masks are required in all public areas.
- Social distancing rules must be observed.
- You may be required to have a tourist visa to visit Turkey. Check if you need one below.
What’s open in Turkey
Wondering what you’ll do when you get to Turkey? There’s no need to worry. Hotels, restaurants, and attractions are all open in Turkey.
Hotels and accommodations that are open in Turkey
Hotels in Turkey are open, so you can rest assured that you’ll find a place to stay if you visit.
Hotels and accommodations that are open in Turkey
Turkey has implemented a Safe Tourism Certification Program, which is required for all accommodations with more than 30 rooms and is optional for accommodations with fewer than 30 rooms. Accommodations that are certified under this program have passed monthly inspections for health and hygiene.
A list of certified accommodations is available on the Ministry of Culture and Tourism’s website. However, these are the most popular and best options:
- CVK Park Bosphorus Hotel (Istambul)
- Swissotel The Bosphorus (Istambul)
- Radisson Blu Hotel (Istambul)
- Akra Hotel (Antalya)
- Sealife Family Resort Hotel (Antalya)
- Museum Hotel (Cappadocia)
- Sultan Cave Suites (Cappadocia)
- Mithra Cave Hotel (Cappadocia)
Guests must wear masks at all times and social distance in common areas. They will also undergo a temperature screening every time they enter their accommodation. All rooms and surfaces will be disinfected regularly.
You can find more details on the Safe Tourism Program here and here.
Attractions that are open in Turkey
There are many attractions that are open in Turkey right now and many tours are operating.
Turkey’s Safe Tourism Certification Program also applies to attractions. A list of certified theme parks, sea tourism facilities, tour and transfer vehicles, and culture, art, and congress facilities is available here.
However, if you want to know the most popular attractions and tours operating in Turkey right now, check out these suggestions:
- Hot Air Balloon Flight in Cappadocia
- Bosphorus Cruise (Istanbul)
- Topkapi Palace Visit (Istanbul)
- Hagia Sophia Visit (Istanbul)
- Basilica Cistern Visit (Istanbul)
- Whirling Dervishes Experience in Istanbul
- Full-Day Pamukkale and Hierapolis Tour from Antalya
- Antalya City Tour and Duden Waterfalls Visit with Boat Trip
Guests must wear masks and abide by social distancing guidelines. They will also have their temperatures checked when they enter the attraction.
More information on attraction regulations is available here.
Restaurants that are open in Turkey
Restaurants, cafes, and cafeterias in Turkey are currently open for indoor dining, outdoor dining, delivery, and takeout.
Restaurants that are open in Turkey
More information on restaurant regulations is available here. Turkey’s Safe Tourism Certification Program also applies to restaurants and cafes. You can find a list of certified restaurants and cafes here.
Airports that are open in Turkey
Turkey has 35 international airports, and its busiest are Istanbul Airport, Antalya Airport, and Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport, all three of which are currently open for both domestic and international travel.
Travelers must wear masks at all times and will be subject to health screenings upon arrival.
Where to get a PCR test in Turkey – COVID-19 testing in Turkey
Your country may require you to take a PCR test in order to fly back home. If you need to get a PCR test in Turkey, the Turkish government has updated its website with a list of facilities in Turkey that perform COVID-19 tests.
Turkey reopening its borders to tourists – F.A.Q.
Check out these FAQs related to Turkey reopening for tourists and let us know if you have any other questions in the comments below.
Can I travel to Turkey right now?
Yes, you can travel to Turkey from most countries right now.
Is it safe to travel to Turkey during the COVID-19 pandemic?
There are currently 90,000+ active cases and 50,000+ deaths due to COVID-19 in Turkey as of today. The CDC classifies travel to Turkey as “Level 3- High Risk.” If you have a pre-existing condition or any health condition that could increase your chances of serious illness, do not travel to Turkey. Additionally, even if you are not high-risk, you might want to reconsider traveling to Turkey.
Is there a travel ban in Turkey?
Yes, travelers cannot travel directly from Bangladesh, Brazil, India, Nepal, South Africa, or Sri Lanka.
Is quarantine required to visit Turkey?
No, there is no mandatory quarantine upon arrival in Turkey as long as you are vaccinated or have proof of recovery from COVID-19 and you are not traveling from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Brazil. India, Nepal, Pakistan, South Africa, or Sri Lanka.
Do you need a PCR COVID-19 test to travel to Turkey?
Yes, if you are unvaccinated, you must provide proof of a negative PCR test result that was obtained within 72 hours prior to arrival in Turkey. A rapid antigen test from within 48 hours prior to arrival in Turkey is also acceptable. If you are traveling from the UK, Egypt, Iran, or Singapore, you must have proof of a negative PCR test result that was obtained within 72 hours prior to arrival in Turkey, regardless of your vaccination status.
Is a curfew in place?
No, there is currently no curfew in Turkey.
Are there restrictions on intercity or interregional travel?
No, there are currently no restrictions on intercity or interregional travel.
Are hotels open in Turkey?
Yes, hotels in Turkey are currently open.
Are airports open in Turkey?
Yes, airports in Turkey are open.
Are restaurants open in Turkey?
Yes, restaurants are open in Turkey.
Are attractions open in Turkey?
Yes, many attractions are open and some tours are operating.
Is the Hagia Sophia open?
Yes, the Hagia Sophia is currently open from 9 AM to 5 PM.
Is Turkey open to American tourists?
Yes, Americans can currently visit Turkey.
Is Turkey open to Canadian tourists?
Yes, Canadian tourists can travel to Turkey.
Sources
We will update this guide on Turkey reopening to tourism with any new developments. If you need more information on travel to Turkey, you can check these official sources:
- US Embassy Updates on COVID-19 in Turkey
- CDC Travel Recommendations for Turkey
- General Turkey Travel Advisory
- Turkish Airlines’ Coronavirus Travel Information
- Turkish Airlines’ Country-Specific Entry Restrictions
- Turkish Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 Information Page in English
- Turkish Ministry of Tourism and Culture’s Safe Tourism Information Page in Turkish
- Turkish Ministry of Tourism and Culture’s Lists of Certified Accommodations, Restaurants, and Attractions in English
- Safe Tourism Turkey Website in English
- Safe Tourism Program’s Measures for Tourist Facilities in English
- Turkey Entrance Form
