Masks are also mandatory in all shops, restaurants, hairdressers and barber shops. Sign up to get email notifications. This list of Stringent Regulatory Authorities recognised by the World Health Organisation may also be a useful source of additional information. ISTANBUL Tourism authorities in Turkey have certified the novel coronavirus measures of 86% of accommodation facilities in Istanbul, according to local authorities. Turkey’s most hypnotic city isn’t as inaccessible as you think. On Monday morning, retailers were allowed to open and cafes and restaurants offered takeout and delivery services. Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details. People walk in central Istanbul, Monday, April 26, 2021. It is illegal to travel abroad from the UK for holidays. “Everybody makes such a fuss about the virus, but most people who have had it are fine,” she said, as she fed a stray dog the leftovers of her chicken kebab wrap. Everyone else was subject to a fine of 3,150 Turkish lira, around $400. This does not apply to foreign tourists. Turkey Travel Restrictions Istanbul Travel Restrictions . If your medical supplies do run out whilst in Turkey it may be possible, in some cases, to liaise with Turkish hospitals and your GP to arrange for a Turkish prescription for the equivalent medicine. Istanbul’s population fell last year for the first time in at least two decades as coronavirus lockdowns shuttered Turkey’s commercial capital and attracted people to the countryside. Despite an effort to salvage the industry with the creation this summer of a healthy tourism certification program, designed to ensure that travel and hospitality sectors met the government’s health and hygiene requirements, arrivals were down by 86 percent in July, compared to the same period in 2019. TEMPO.CO, Istanbul - Turkey declared the strictest lockdown so far since the beginning of the pandemic to curb Covid-19 in the country began on Thursday, April 29, at 7 p.m. local time. Supermarkets, grocery stores, butchers and bakeries will operate between 10am and 5pm, Monday to Saturday, and from 7 May will sell essential items only: food, cleaning products, pet supplies, cosmetic products (but not make up). As of 30 September the HES code will also be required when checking into accommodation including hotels, motels, boarding houses, pensions, camps etc. They, like the other tourists encountered on the city’s streets over the weekend, hadn’t known before they arrived that they would be free to wander the city. “We are told to stay home, but we tell them to go out and explore. During this time, other than a few exceptions, intercity travel will not be permitted by private vehicle during curfew hours if you are a Turkish citizen or a resident of Turkey. Then Turkey reopened as quickly as it had locked down: On June 1 restaurants, museums, and hotels were allowed to reopen. What are the attractions of the Asian Side of Istanbul Coronavirus (COVID-19) travel It is illegal to travel abroad from the UK for holidays. But Not if You’re a Tourist. How to get from Sabiha Gokcen airport to Sultanahmet (old city)? Preview. 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. Travel here is possible if you meet certain entry regulations which can include taking a COVID-19 test. “Life is too short to stay at home for another year,” said Ana Nicolas, a 53-year-old Spanish tourist, who was visiting from Madrid, which is under a nationwide curfew and state of emergency scheduled to last until early May 2021. We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services. See Entry requirements to find out what you will need to do when you arrive in Turkey. Related: What are the most popular tours in Istanbul? Find out more about MHRA approval for these vaccines. The majority of tourists currently visiting the city are young and adventurous, Mr. Uygur said, expressing concern that they might get restless with so many of the city’s attractions closed off. View Health for further details on healthcare in Turkey. We know that plans can change! Is Turkey or Istanbul safe? For most visitors, the call to prayer, which echoes through the city five times a day, is likely indistinguishable from the somber funeral prayers that are broadcast all too often as the pandemic has raged in recent weeks. If you’ve outstayed your visa due to COVID-19, but did not leave before 11 July 2020, you’ll be banned from Turkey for a period of time, determined by the length of overstay. Flights from the UK fly direct to Istanbul, with connecting flights to Dalaman, Antalya and Bodrum. The European Union’s travel commission said it did not track whether tourists were being exempted in other cities. Coronavirus (COVID-19) travel It is illegal to travel abroad from the UK for holidays. When you return, follow the rules to enter the UK from abroad (except from Ireland). Formula 1 will return to Istanbul this year following the cancellation of the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal due to travel restrictions related to COVID-19, a move which has excited Turkish fans and the ailing tourism industry. I know you need visas but if you are less there than a day would be possible? Follow Turkish announcements and local media for up to date information. As further information is available about the national vaccination programme, this page will be updated. Is Istanbul on Your Post-Covid Travel Wish List? Put a single space between each item. 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. Check the latest information on risk from COVID-19 for Turkey on the TravelHealthPro website. “It’s certainly a unique experience to have a city to yourself,” said Marc Heroux, a 48-year-old French financial analyst, who spent the day exploring museums with a friend visiting from Germany. Also, I know with the COVID-19 is causing issues with tourism, I'm just wondering if I visit the city like the Hagia Sophia? On Sunday, foreign tourists visited Istanbul's Topkapi Palace, while Turkish residents were prohibited from going out because of growing numbers of cases of Covid-19. Turkey claims to have one of Europe's lowest Covid-19 mortality rates. COVID-19 control measures for air, land, and sea travel continue. Basically, we are giving them the green light to spread the virus.”. Check our advice for each country you will visit or transit through. 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. This information will be updated regularly and you should check the status of your intended destination before travelling. 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. Report inappropriate content . Turkish citizens and residents need HES codes (see the ‘Travel in Turkey’ section) to enter shopping centres. All forums . “We’ve got to just be brave and live as normal as we can,” she added, as a group of tourists lined up behind her to take selfies in front the Ortakoy mosque. A curfew is currently in place until at least 5am on Monday 17 May. A traditional Turkish ice cream vendor, who is famous for his scooping tricks, put on a show, and a souvenir shop opened its doors for a group of women from West Africa looking to buy Turkish coffee and leather handbags. If you have not yet registered with the Turkish health service you should do so through the Enabiz website. Turkish citizens and residents must request a HES (Hayat Eve Sigar) Code for domestic and international flights, train and ferry travel. “We’ll see if this effort to stay open for tourism will help bring more people in. It depends on how satisfied they are when they return home.”. “We felt like animals locked in a cage for too long and we wanted to escape and see a new place with different energy and culture.”. Before boarding, all passengers aged 6 years and above will be required to show a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to departure. Your best options for Istanbul travel insurance are World Nomads and SafetyWing – World Nomads being a heavy-duty, all-encompassing option and … “It is amazing to see all the exhibitions without any crowds. Hotels also offered indoor and outdoor dining for visitors. See the TravelHealthPro website for further advice on travel abroad and reducing spread of respiratory viruses during the COVID-19 pandemic. The country’s tourism sector is poised to shrink by 70 percent this year, bringing in 15 million visitors and more than $11 billion in revenue, a steep drop from the 45 million visitors and $35 billion in revenue in 2019, according to statistics from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. COVID-19 Measures in the Terminal Area Istanbul Airport test center offers service to passengers on a 24/7 basis. However, most likely I must have an airline ticket to be allowed to enter the airport terminal. Get notified by e-mail when a reply is posted. All businesses (except those with certain exemptions) will be closed. “At first it was a bit boring here because bars and restaurants are closed, but now we have found some places close to our hotel that let us come inside, even though it looks closed outside,” Mr. Kalachinov said. Anyone suspected of having COVID-19 will be transported to a hospital for examination or to a dormitory to self-isolate. The reopening of Istanbul's … Across Europe, a strict new set of lockdown measures has emptied the streets of cities like Rome, Paris and London, where hordes of tourists usually crowd the streets. “You almost expect to get punished for traveling these days with all the shaming and ever-changing restrictions, but here we are with exclusive access to one of the most beautiful and enchanting cities of the world,” said Erin Lockhart, a 32-year-old British musician, as she played her guitar against the backdrop of the glistening Bosporus that stood as still as a pond in the absence of regular boat traffic. Istanbul forums . “It’s not your average holiday, but it’s cool to just be able to roam about a city with so few people in it and sit in the sunshine with a beer and a snack,” said Mandy Miller, a 26-year-old student from London, who traveled to Turkey for a week with her boyfriend without telling her family and friends. “This year has been a complete write-off, especially for Istanbul,” said Cuneyt Uygur, a Turkish tour guide based in the city. In England, you must have a permitted reason to travel abroad and complete the declaration form. Public transport will be limited to 50% capacity, with no standing passengers allowed. So here we prepared the latest updated information about Turkey Travel Restrictions (Covid-9 Restrictions) as of April, 2021. Aykut has been a travel guide in Istanbul for 13 years. These restrictions do not apply to those visiting for tourism. Many international tourists visiting Istanbul over the weekend were from Russia and the Middle East, but Europeans and Americans were also among the crowds. But a look at the regulations across the union found no other country allowing visitors free rein while its own population was under a stay-at-home edict. And sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to receive expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Residents are permitted to walk to their nearest store, for essential needs only. The New York Times estimates that Turkey's tourism revenue in 2020 will be closer to $11 billion, a drop of $24 billion year-over-year. For many, the decision to travel to Turkey was triggered by lockdown fatigue. Istanbul forums . The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 4 Travel Health Notice for Turkey due to COVID-19, indicating a very high level of COVID-19 in country. Some countries have closed borders, and any country may further restrict travel or bring in new social distancing rules with little warning. The COVID-19 pandemic, which was reported in early January 2020 in China and spread rapidly around the globe, will certainly remain as one of the most impactful disruptive events of the 21 st century. Travel here may be suspended, the country may be closed or entry only possible if you are a citizen and/or meet strict requirements. Find out more about COVID-19 vaccines on the World Health Organisation COVID-19 vaccines page. You should contact local authorities for information on testing facilities. New COVID-19 restrictions will be in place until at least 17 May. Restaurants and cafes will only be offering a delivery service. Residents of Turkey’s liveliest and most populous city were ordered to stay at home this past weekend as part of a strict curfew, issued by the government last week to curb a dangerous resurgence of the coronavirus. Information about vaccines used in other national programmes, including regulatory status, should be available from the local authorities. On Saturday and Sunday plainclothes police officers patrolled the streets and police set up checkpoints across different districts to check the ID cards and passports of people traveling through, one by one. Why Wait? A map of Turkey illustrating these tiers is available from the Ministry of Health. Coronavirus (COVID-19) Travel Information International passengers who will arrive to Turkey as of 15th of March 2021 GMT+3 (not including transit passengers and passengers under of age 6) are required to fill in the Turkey Entrance Form which can be obtained on ' register.health.gov.tr ' … There is currently no requirement to self-isolate once in Turkey. Driving is not permitted. Passengers arriving in Turkey will be required to complete an information form and will be checked for symptoms. Turkey’s decision to enter into a full nationwide lockdown at the weekend was in response to a rapid surge in infections and to a record number of deaths, which more than doubled in less than three weeks. “I’m happy for tourists to visit my country, but when hospitals are full and people are dying, this is not an appropriate time to be adventurous,” said Tulin Polat, 26, who was laid off from her waitressing job because of the new lockdown measures. Nationwide curfews are in place until at least 5am on 17 May. The Turkish authorities have started the rollout of their vaccination programme. You may also be required to quarantine upon arrival and/or return. All content is available under the Open Government Licence v3.0, except where otherwise stated, travel abroad and reducing spread of respiratory viruses during the COVID-19 pandemic, guidance on how to look after your mental wellbeing and mental health, healthcare if you’re waiting to return to the UK, list of Stringent Regulatory Authorities recognised by the World Health Organisation, World Health Organisation COVID-19 vaccines page, nearest British embassy, high commission or consulate, About Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office travel advice, What to do if you’re affected by a crisis overseas, Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance and support, Transparency and freedom of information releases. You can have your PCR, Antibody, and Antigen tests done at the testing center and rapidly obtain your results. In order to comply with the curfew, all businesses (except those with certain exemptions) will be closed until at least 5am on 17 May. A man photographs Istanbul’s historic skyline from an almost empty passenger ferry. These restrictions do not apply to those visiting for tourism. All telephone numbers are available 24/7. Airlines also have information on their websites in English about the HES code, including: Provinces in Turkey are split into four tiers by COVID-19 risk: low, medium, high and very high. Travel agencies are required to check the HES code of the person before selling a ticket. The commotion of bustling Istanbul life — the traffic, car horns, fishermen, crisscrossing passenger ferries, clanking construction and pungent smells of street food stands — gave way to a surreal hush, so quiet that the sound of sea gulls and crowing roosters pierced the air. Ms. Lockhart decided to travel to Istanbul last week to meet up with her American boyfriend because it was one of the few cities that they could both fly to directly without having to quarantine. How to get from Sabiha Gokcen airport to Sultanahmet (old city)? On way back I must show negative COVID-19 PCR test to Bulgarian Border Control to avoid 14-days quarantine on arrival. 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. Follow current COVID-19 rules where you live: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. You should ensure that you are prepared for any unplanned or extended stays due to changes in COVID-related restrictions or your travel arrangements. Follow current COVID-19 rules where you live: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Yet the atmosphere and the energy of Istanbul were severely dampened by the weekend curfew, with shuttered restaurants and shops and locals confined to their homes. The UK Foreign Office has updated the latest travel advice for holidaymakers heading to … Tourists had the Harem section of the Topkapi Palace to themselves, save for the guards. Outside a cafe, a man dressed in a sultan costume tried to lure patrons with the promise of fresh pastries and socially distant indoor seating. With the flexible change or change-to-open ticker rights, you can safely plan a new trip. Bagrta and Denis Kalachinov, visitors from Moscow, took in the view from the Galata Tower. Follow current COVID-19 rules where you live: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. What are the attractions of the Asian Side of Istanbul The Turkish government is, as a result, rapidly easing restrictions. You feel like a V.I.P. Much of Europe is currently under some form of lockdown. You can change your cookie settings at any time. You are responsible for organising your own COVID-19 test, in line with UK government testing requirements. We use some essential cookies to make this website work. British-issued prescriptions are not accepted in pharmacies in Turkey, although some medicines may be available over the counter. For information on financial support you can access whilst abroad, visit our financial assistance guidance. İstanbul Üniversitesi Yayın Projesi How Effective are the COVID-19 Fiscal-Support and RestartingTourism Policies Taken by the Top 3 European Destinations? Health screening and temperature checks are carried out at airports and anybody found to have Covid-19 symptoms is taken to a medical facility for testing. Chain supermarkets will be closed on Sundays. London is so depressing,” she added. Chain supermarkets will open from 10am to 5pm, Monday to Saturday. The city’s strict weekend curfew doesn’t apply to foreign visitors, who are free to roam the city, even as Turkey’s Covid-19 cases spike. Residence permit holders who do not abide by COVID-19 restrictions may be issued with a fine of up to 3,150 TL (approximately £290) or have their residency cancelled. Restaurants and shops were closed, but tourists had Istanbul’s streets almost to themselves. But few tourists voiced concerns about the risks posed by the pandemic. See also the guidance on healthcare if you’re waiting to return to the UK. Is Turkey or Istanbul safe? Put a single space between each item. Intercity travel is banned except for compulsory cases, and all commercial businesses are closed, with several exceptions, during the complete lockdown which will last until May 17. Since reopening its borders to international tourists in June, Turkey has not required testing or quarantine upon arrival. See Travel in Turkey if you fall into one of these categories and need to travel. Some provinces also require submission of a HES code upon entry to public buildings, shopping malls and banks. To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. Fans could be issued with free Covid tests to take with them to Istanbul, under plans to help make foreign travel a reality. Avec notre correspondante à Istanbul, Cerise Sudry-Le Dû Des rues vides, des terrasses désertées, des musées fermés... Comme dans de nombreuses grandes villes européennes, Istanbul vit … Looking out at the silhouette of the old city’s minarets from the top of the Galata Tower, Ms. Kalachinov’s husband, Denis, said he felt safer in Turkey than at home in Russia, where few people wear masks and all businesses are open as usual. Visit the Embassy's COVID-19 page for more information on COVID-19 in Turkey. You can change domestic and international tickets purchased between March 21, 2020 and December 31, 2021 (inclusive) for another flight taking place by March 31, 2022 (inclusive), without paying a penalty. and it feels very safe,” he said. It has authorised the Pfizer/BioNTech, Oxford/AstraZeneca and Moderna vaccines for temporary supply and use in the UK. Turkish essential workers were allowed to proceed, as were tourists. If you take regular medication, make sure you have adequate supplies to cover you in case you are required to quarantine as a result of a positive COVID test. Travel industry workers were trying to capitalize on the opportunities presented by the curfew exemption for tourists. If you need urgent consular assistance, contact your nearest British embassy, high commission or consulate. Turkish citizens and residents can apply for travel permits through e-devlet or by calling ALO 199. Read our community guidelines. Don’t worry we won’t send you spam or share your email address with anyone. Get answers to your questions about Istanbul . Restrictions apply to all but temporary visitors for tourism. Smoking in open areas (streets, avenues and other open public areas) is banned. If you have valid residency and are registered with the health service you are eligible for the vaccine. “It should be this free and relaxed everywhere. British nationals living overseas should seek medical advice from their local healthcare provider in the country where they reside. It will take only 2 minutes to fill in. Your message. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/08/travel/istanbul-tourists-curfew.html. Travel mishaps can and do happen and it is well worth thinking about insurance before you leave home. Foreign tourists posed against the backdrop of the Ortakoy Mosque as the Turkish police stood guard. Direct flights between UK and Turkey are currently operating. Ask a question Recent Conversations. “Accepting tourists without testing only makes the situation worse,” she continued. Tourism slowed following several terrorist attacks in Istanbul and a 2016 coup attempt that stunned the country, but had been picking up before the pandemic. Istanbul Is Locking Down. By June 12, Turkey lifted all COVID-19 travel … Reply to: Covid in transit. The city’s strict weekend curfew doesn’t apply to foreign visitors, who are free to roam the city, even as Turkey’s Covid-19 cases spike. Swimming pools, gyms, football pitches, beauty salons, Turkish baths, amusement parks and internet cafes will be closed. The details of foreign nationals may not automatically be included in the system which sends automatic appointments out. The wearing of masks is mandatory at all times outside the home throughout Turkey. Restrictions unknown. They will be closed on Sundays.