turkey travel covid test

Turkey adds new testing requirements for entry: Everything you need to know about visiting

Editor's note: This post has been updated with new information.

Turkey reopened to tourists back in June after months of closed borders. But now, there is a new testing requirement for anyone boarding a flight to Turkey. Here's everything you should know about safely getting there and back.

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Related: Europe is out, but these countries are welcoming US travelers

New testing requirements

Beginning Dec. 30, 2020, all international travelers will need a negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours of departure in order to board a flight. This requirement includes any passenger over six years old — including transfer and transit passengers.

Additionally, anyone who's been to the UK, Denmark or South Africa in the last 10 days will also be required to self-isolate for seven days upon arrival. At the end of 7 days, you'll be required to take a second PCR test. If the test result is negative, the isolation period will end.

There is no system in place to be tested upon arrival, so you'll need to make sure that you have your test results in hand before you head to the airport. The order isn't airline-specific. You'll need a negative test to board any flight bound for Turkey.

Right now, the testing requirement is set to remain effective through March 1, 2021, but that may change as the date moves closer if COVID-19 cases continue to rise.

What to expect

Cautions and precautions.

As of June 11, Turkey's international borders are open for travelers from a number of countries, including the U.S. However, travelers should note a couple of precautions:

• The U.S. State Department's travel advisory guide lists Turkey at Level 3: Exercise Increased Caution , due to concerns over terrorism and arbitrary detention. The CDC also issued a Level 3 Travel Health Notice for Turkey due to COVID-19 concerns.
• U.S. travelers will still need to apply for a visa before entering Turkey. You can do so via e-visa application , which takes about three minutes.

Related: These are the US State Department travel advisories for December 2020

• Additional cautions for Turkey travelers include:
• Stay alert in locations frequented by Westerners.
• Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
• Stay at hotels with identifiable security measures.
• Monitor local media and adjust your plans based on new information.

The official crime and safety report for Turkey can be found here , and the State Department's travelers' checklist here .

We should also note that Turkey has reported more than 2 million coronavirus cases with Istanbul especially hard-hit.

All travelers must wear masks in the airport and onboard flights inbound for Turkey , according to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. Travelers who show signs of COVID-19 including but not limited to fever, runny nose, cough or respiratory distress will not be allowed to board flights or enter the country. Upon arrival, travelers will be asked to fill out a passenger information form and undergo medical screenings for infection, and anyone showing symptoms upon arrival will be tested for coronavirus . Anyone who tests positive will be referred to a Turkish hospital for quarantine and treatment.

However, the Turkish embassy's website states that tourist travelers do not need to provide specific health documentation to enter or exit Turkey unless they are arriving for medical treatment.

Turkish citizens and residents are subject to a four-day curfew from 9 pm on Dec. 31, 2020, through 5 am on Jan. 4, 2021. This is in addition to the weekend curfew beginning at 9 pm on Friday and lasting through 5 am on Monday. However, this curfew does not apply to tourists, and there are exceptions for certain individuals.

Keep in mind that restaurants and cafes are not currently open for in-person dining. Additionally, essential businesses such as supermarkets have restricted hours of operation, and nonessential businesses such as movie theatres, amusement parks, Turkish baths and more are closed.

Masks are mandatory in all public areas in a number of provinces and required in crowded public areas such as shopping malls or supermarkets everywhere else. To be safe, bring at least one per traveler, and be prepared to wear it at all times.

Transportation

Travelers over the age of 65 must carry a permit from the Ministry of the Interior. Furthermore, all passengers must wear masks in any public or private vehicle with two or more people present.

How to get there and Where to stay

Turkish Airlines, the flagship carrier of Turkey, suspended all international flights in April. However, the airline is back up and running, albeit on a far more limited schedule than before, as reported by Charlie at Running with Miles .

TPG dubbed the carrier's Miles & Smiles program the " hottest frequent flyer program of 2020" for its many sweet-spot redemptions within the U.S. and abroad. You can easily purchase cash flights to and from Turkey, then use the miles you earn from that travel toward domestic flights.

Turkish Airlines operates direct flights out of Newark (EWR) and New York (JFK) to Istanbul (IST) for around $950 round trip for March, Google Flights showed . For the purposes of this post, TPG chose to highlight travel dates between March 2 to March 9 for a hypothetical trip.

Turkey has a wealth of gorgeous hotels scattered throughout the country, including a generous number of points properties. Here are a few highlights:

One of TPG's favorite hotels in Istanbul is the Çiragan Palace Kempinski . The hotel on the edge of the Bosporous was a former palace. We found cash rates of 411 Euros a night which is a pretty good deal. You could also use points from the Kempinski Discovery loyalty program.

The Bodrum EDITION is a favorite with TPG reviews editor Nick Ellis , and has rooms available from $432 or 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy Points per night in May 2021.

Hilton has a whopping 70 hotels across the country. Rooms at the Ankara Hilton begin at just $85/night for Hilton Honors members or 20,000 points per night. Since Hilton Honors points are just worth 0.6 cents apiece by TPG valuations, we'd go with the cash rate on this booking.

Related: What are points and miles worth?

Istanbul, Ankara and Antalya boast a number of Holiday Inns and Crowne Plazas. But the only InterContinental in Turkey is in Istanbul, where rooms begin at just $99 (or a confusing 19,000 IHG points + $100) per night.

There are seven Hyatt properties in Istanbul alone, and all of them can be booked at great cash rates.

The Grand Hyatt Istanbul is available at a steal of just $132, or 12,000 World of Hyatt points per night. Add $9 per night and include free breakfast, to boot.

Related: Your ultimate guide to World of Hyatt

Additional reporting by Madison Blancaflor.

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Travel health notices, vaccines and medicines, non-vaccine-preventable diseases, stay healthy and safe.

• Packing List

After Your Trip

Be aware of current health issues in Turkey. Learn how to protect yourself.

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Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Flu (influenza)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see  Your COVID-19 Vaccination  for more information. 

COVID-19 vaccine

Hepatitis A

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Turkey.

Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.

Travelers allergic to a vaccine component or who are younger than 6 months should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given.

Unvaccinated travelers who are over 40 years old, immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions planning to depart to a risk area in less than 2 weeks should get the initial dose of vaccine and at the same appointment receive immune globulin.

Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep A

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to Turkey. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to Turkey.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to  CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

Dogs infected with rabies are commonly found in Turkey.

Rabies is also present in some terrestrial wildlife species.

If rabies exposures occur while in Turkey, rabies vaccines may only be available in larger suburban/urban medical facilities.

Rabies pre-exposure vaccination considerations include whether travelers 1) will be performing occupational or recreational activities that increase risk for exposure to potentially rabid animals and 2) might have difficulty getting prompt access to safe post-exposure prophylaxis.

Please consult with a healthcare provider to determine whether you should receive pre-exposure vaccination before travel.

For more information, see country rabies status assessments .

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.

Typhoid - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Typhoid

Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

• Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
• Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
• Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
• Avoid contaminated water and soil
• Avoid floodwater

Clinical Guidance

Avoid bug bites.

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic fever

• Tick bite 
• Touching the body fluids of a person or animal infected with CCHF
• Avoid Bug Bites

Leishmaniasis

• Sand fly bite

Airborne & droplet

• Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
• Bite from an infected rodent
• Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
• Avoid rodents and areas where they live
• Avoid sick people

Tuberculosis (TB)

• Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Turkey, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

• Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
• Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
• Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)
• Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the Department of State Country Information Pages for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Turkey. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
• Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
• Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
• Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
• Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

• FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
• Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• 2-undecanone
• Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

• Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
• Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in Turkey include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.

• Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
• Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
• Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
• If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
• Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
• Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
• Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

• Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
• Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
• Do not dive into shallow water.
• Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
• Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
• To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

• Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
• Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
• Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
• Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
• If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

• Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
• Go to a doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

• Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
• If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

• Use latex condoms correctly.
• Do not inject drugs.
• Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
• Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
• If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

• Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
• Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
• Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
• Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Turkey’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
• Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.

Malaria is a risk in some parts of Turkey. If you are going to a risk area, fill your malaria prescription before you leave, and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

• Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
• Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
• Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

• Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
• Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
• Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
• Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
• Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
• Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

• Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
• Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
• Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

• Wear a seatbelt at all times.
• Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
• When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
• Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Turkey may be poor.
• Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
• Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
• If you choose to drive a vehicle in Turkey, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
• Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
• Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
• Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
• If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
• Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Medical Evacuation Insurance

If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

For information traffic safety and road conditions in Turkey, see Travel and Transportation on US Department of State's country-specific information for Turkey .

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

• Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
• Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
• Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
• Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

• Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
• Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
• Follow all local laws and social customs.
• Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
• Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
• If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Turkey for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

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• COVID-19 travel restrictions: Turkey
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Travel restrictions

By Kiwi.com February 21, 2022

By Kiwi.com | February 21, 2022

Last update: April 6, 2022

This article was published on February 21, 2022, and all the information in the article is correct as of this time. Before you book your trip, we highly recommend that you also check official sources for the most up-to-date travel requirements, as they are subject to constant change.

Can I enter Turkey?

Turkey is open for travel to most countries of the world. Nevertheless, please note that several COVID-19 restrictions are in place now.

When traveling to Turkey, the first thing you have to do is complete a Traveler Entry Form. The next steps vary depending on your departure country and vaccination status.

Can I enter Turkey if I am vaccinated?

You can enter Turkey if you are vaccinated. You are considered fully vaccinated at least 14 days after administration of the second dose for vaccines with a two-dose schedule; or at least 21 days after administration of the vaccine with a single dose schedule.

As of January 2022, the following vaccine drugs are approved in Turkey:

• Pfizer/BioNTech
• Sinovac (CoronaVac)

Travel documents if you are vaccinated

• A vaccination certificate in English or Turkish

Please note that besides a certificate, you also have to show a PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before entering Turkey if you are coming from high-risk countries (see the list of these countries in the “ Traveling to Turkey from “high-risk” countries” section)

Can I enter Turkey if I am unvaccinated?

You can enter Turkey if you are unvaccinated.

Travel documents if you are unvaccinated

If you are unvaccinated, please present one of the following documents:

• A negative PCR test result no older than 72 hours / a negative rapid antigen test no older than 48 hours
• Documentation of recovery from COVID-19 no less than 28 days and no more than six months old

Traveling to Turkey from “high-risk” countries

Presently, the “high-risk” countries list includes:

• Afghanistan
• Egypt  
• South Africa

If you have been present in the countries mentioned in the last 14 days before entering Turkey, you must:

• Take a negative PCR test no more than 72 hours before arrival (even for fully vaccinated travelers)
• Present a vaccination certificate without the test (only for Hungarian, Serbian, and Turkish citizens)

Can I leave Turkey?

There are no COVID-19 restrictions for leaving Turkey. Please check the destination country’s requirements concerning COVID-19 tests (even for fully vaccinated arrivals) and entry declarations in advance.

• A vaccination certificate

Unvaccinated travelers have to present one of the following documents:

• Documentation of recovery from COVID-19 (stating that the visitor has been infected no older than 180 days before the day of crossing the border of a particular country)
• A negative COVID-19 test result (the relevant period and kind of test may vary, please check the requirements of your destination country)

COVID-19 situation in Turkey currently

Presently, the COVID-19 situation in Turkey is moderate. More than 60% of the country’s population have been fully vaccinated.

Is it safe to travel to Turkey right now?

Is istanbul open for travel, do i have to quarantine if i go to turkey, how do i get a health pass to travel to turkey,  useful links.

• Turkey Travel Entry Form 
• Turkey Travel and Entry Restrictions

Do you want more travel restrictions articles? Visit our Travel Restriction section at Kiwi.com Stories

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Turkey Vaccination Requirements

Be ready for your trip to Turkey! For most, entering Turkey requires only a few travel documents and meeting some health-related regulations. We’ve compiled this guide to ensure you meet all the vaccine requirements!

Here is all the detailed information about vaccines when planning your trip to Turkey . Also, remember to check if you have all the necessary documents using our visa checker tool .

Are vaccinations needed to travel to Turkey?

Like many countries, Turkey has certain regulations and vaccination recommendations for travelers. According to the CDC website and the World Health Organization, it is recommended to obtain certain vaccine shots against various diseases before entering Turkey_

• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Bacillus anthracis
• Polio, measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)
• Tdap (lockjaw, diphtheria, and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, and flu.

To enter Turkey, immunization shots for these diseases are recommended before arriving there.

COVID-19 regulations Turkey

All COVID-19 travel restrictions have been lifted by Turkish officials, meaning you will not need a COVID-19 test to enter Turkey, nor do you need to undergo quarantine.

Health documents to pack when traveling to Turkey

• Health insurance card (your regular plan or supplemental travel health insurance plan) and copies of claim forms.
• Copies of prescriptions, including generic names for your medication.
• Contact card containing the street addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses of your family member or close contacts back home, health care provider(s) at home, lodging in Turkey, hospitals and emergency services in Turkey, and your relevant embassy or consulate in Turkey.

Get your Turkey eVisa with us!

Questions about traveling to Turkey?

For further information, use our visa checker . Alternatively, contact our expert customer service team online or via email at [email protected] .

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• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad
• Foreign travel advice

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Dial 112 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance or medical assistance company promptly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccinations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for Turkey
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

See what health risks you’ll face in Turkey

Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Turkey. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro .

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries. Some common medicines are controlled in Turkey. For more information and the documentation needed, contact the nearest Turkish Embassy or Consulate. Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro .

The NHS has information on whether you can take your medicine abroad . British prescriptions are not accepted in pharmacies in Turkey. In some cases, you may be able to liaise with Turkish hospitals and your GP to arrange for a Turkish prescription for the equivalent medicine.

Health insurance cards

The European Health Insurance Card ( EHIC ) and Global Health Insurance card ( GHIC ) are not valid in Turkey.

Healthcare facilities in Turkey

View a list of medical facilities in Turkey .

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health . There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro .

Medical tourism

Medical tourism is when people travel to have medical, surgical or dental treatment abroad. Cosmetic surgery, dental procedures and cardiac surgery are the most common procedures for medical tourists.

The standard of medical facilities and available treatments can vary widely globally and also within countries. We are aware of six British nationals having died in Turkey in 2023 following medical procedures. Some British nationals have also experienced complications and needed further treatment or surgery following their procedure.

If you are considering travelling to Turkey for medical, surgical or dental treatment, you should:

• read more advice on  going abroad for medical treatment and elective surgery
• discuss plans with your UK doctor before going ahead with any medical procedures abroad
• do your own research - private companies have a financial interest in arranging your medical treatment abroad and the information they provide should not be your only source of information

Find further  advice on medical tourism from TravelHealthPro , and NHS guidance on  going abroad for medical treatment , and (if relevant to you) on  cosmetic surgery abroad . 

The Turkish Ministry of Health provides a list of its approved medical providers on the  HealthTurkiye website . This website is for information only.  FCDO  does not make any recommendation of or endorsement as to the competence or suitability of any individual or facility. It is important that individuals make their own enquiries and due diligence checks.

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Can I go to Turkey? Travel restrictions from the UK explained

By Abigail Malbon

Here’s what you need to know about the UK's travel rules for when you return from the country, plus Turkey’s own entry requirements for people looking to visit.

Is Turkey on the red list?

Turkey is one of eight countries that was removed from the red list on Monday 4 October 2021. 

However, from Friday 18 March 2022, there are no Covid travel rules in the UK, which means that those returning to the country do not need to test, quarantine or fill in a passenger locator form , regardless of their vaccination status. The government will also no longer manage any quarantine hotels from the end of March. 

What are the entry requirements for Turkey?

As of 1 June 2022, all Covid entry requirements to Turkey have been dropped. This means that you can now enter Turkey regardless of your vaccination status and without needing to show proof of a negative Covid test. 

Previously, all travellers aged six and over needed to complete an online form a maximum of 72 hours before travelling.

Fully vaccinated travellers could enter without needing to test or quarantine, but had to show proof of their vaccination status, while unvaccinated travellers had 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. 

Coronavirus entry requirements could still change at short notice, so travellers are advised to check the specifics with their airline before travelling. For the latest advice, please check the UK government's advice on Turkey's entry requirements . 

Daily Sabah

• Environment
• Expat Corner

Turkey travel updates and testing for COVID-19

By leyla yvonne ergil.

Travel in, to and from Turkey has been complicated this summer, a sentiment echoed throughout most countries in the world. The following is a guide to the latest updates surrounding travel and Turkey, info on getting tested and resources for foreigners

Turkey is the top holiday destination for U.K. travelers looking to go on a vacation or visit their holiday homes in the country. Ever since England adopted the traffic light system for international travel in early May, Turkey has remained on the country's “Red List,” causing disappointment among many Brits this year.

Turkey is certainly not alone, however, as the U.K.’s “Red List” includes 62 countries, with Montenegro and Thailand being the most recent additions. All U.K. citizens arriving from “Red List” must endure a 10-day hotel quarantine at a cost of around 2,000 pounds ($2,756) per adult. In addition, there are pre-departure Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test requirements and mandatory testing on day two and day eight of the quarantine duration.

While the pandemic crowds that have settled in Bodrum have more than maxed out the area’s capacity, other regions in Turkey, such as Dalyan, which relies on British tourists, have definitely felt their absence. It’s hard to understand why Turkey remains on the U.K.’s “Red List” as coronavirus figures are lower in Turkey than in the U.K. and the seven-day incidence rate is nearly half. Nonetheless, hopes are that Turkey will be reconsidered in the next assessment expected on Sept. 16.

What are the current travel conditions in Turkey?

Turkey has also suspended flights with a number of countries; namely Bangladesh, Brazil, India, Nepal, South Africa and Sri Lanka. Any passengers that have spent time in these countries, as well as in Afghanistan and Pakistan, over the prior 15 days to their arrival to Turkey will be subject to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken at most 72 hours prior to departure. Meanwhile, the same requirement is true for any passengers arriving from Egypt, Iran, Singapore, or the United Kingdom. Those passengers arriving from other destinations must either have a negative PCR or antigen test (taken 48 hours prior) or have a COVID-19 certificate proving they were vaccinated at least 14 days earlier.

Since March, all entrants to Turkey have had to submit a mandatory health declaration referred to as the “Entry Form to Turkey,” which is an online form that generates a QR Code and a HES Code. HES, stands for “Hayat Eve Sığar” in Turkish, which translates to “Life Fits into Home” and is Turkey’s COVID-19 tracking app. The code is helpful as it is required for public transportation and entry into many shopping centers and official buildings. The form, available at the website https://register.health.gov.tr/ requests information such as contact and travel details and must be completed before boarding. The form is not required for transit passengers or children under the age of six.

For flying out to countries such as Germany, Russia and the U.S., arrivals from Turkey must have either a negative COVID-19 test result from within 72 hours of departure, a COVID-19 vaccination certificate or proof of recovery from coronavirus. For arrivals in the U.S., those who have not been vaccinated must quarantine for seven days if they agree to get tested again and 10 days if they refrain from taking another test.

To count as fully vaccinated in the U.S., a passenger must have had two doses of the BioNTech/Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or one dose of the Johnson vaccine. Passengers who have been given either the Sinovac or AstraZeneca vaccines are not considered fully vaccinated according to U.S. travel criteria.

New domestic flight requirements

As of Sept. 6, 2021, for domestic flights in Turkey, it will now be required that passengers present one of three documents, which are: a negative result from a PCR test taken within 48 hours before boarding, a vaccination certificate proving all necessary vaccinations have been completed at least 14 days prior to flying, or a document proving that you have recovered from COVID-19 within the past 180 days.

How to get tested for COVID-19 in Turkey

It is extremely easy to get a COVID-19 PCR test in Turkey. All state hospitals provide the test for free for some groups of people like students or teachers, while private hospitals charge around 250 TL (around $30). All airports in Turkey also have testing centers and the cost is approximately 170 TL. In Istanbul for example, the Istanbul Airport has a 24-hour PCR testing center located on the arrivals floor (exit gate number 14) that efficiently offers testing and results. The PCR test results are made available in 1 1/2 hours and the center also offers the antibody blood test, which determines whether someone has previously been infected with COVID-19 and the antigen test, which establishes whether the individual is still sick. The antibody test takes 45 minutes to see results, while the antigen test results are released in just 20 minutes.

To get tested you simply get a queue number by clicking on the “I want to get tested” button at the kiosk, which accepts cash or credit card. Keep in mind that to get your results, you also have to get a queue number by pressing on the “I wish to get my test results” option at the ticket dispenser after which you can obtain the document certifying the results at the information desk in the testing area.

Resources on Turkey, COVID-19 and travel for expats, visitors

Throughout the pandemic, the “Coronavirus Turkey - UK Information” Facebook group, run by a number of expats and Turkish translators, has provided invaluable knowledge and assistance to expats connected to Turkey. In addition, the group posts daily statistics and incident maps from the HES app upon request so anyone can easily see what the rate of infection is in their area of interest in Turkey.

“Travel Bug” is another Facebook group that was started in 2019 by John McLaughlin, who was driving from the U.K. to Turkey’s Didim with his son. The photos they took and the adventures they shared from their journey spawned a popular Facebook travel group amongst expats driving between the two countries or connected somehow to travel and Turkey. This group inspired Lucie Fontana, whose husband was in Turkey when the U.K. clamped down, to start the Facebook group “Come fly with me!” which focuses on air travel between the countries. This extremely helpful and active group has skyrocketed to have nearly 9,000 members all discussing topics related to Coronavirus, Turkey and travel.

“Doc Martins Surgery for Expats” in Turkey has always served as the official guide for anything Turkey-related and has a blog site, where the answers to most any question you may have are explained in precise detail. In addition to practical information on residing in Turkey, the group also answers questions such as how to get an EU QR code attached to a Turkish Vaccination Certificate. Meanwhile, “Bodrum Echo Community,” “Fethiye Times” and “The Ege Eye” have always been excellent resources for any information regarding Turkey and all have active Facebook pages.

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Ukraine war latest: Russia says it is considering nuclear shift - and tells West it is 'playing with fire'; US leads drills after North Korea warhead test

A senior Russian diplomat says Putin is reviewing the country's nuclear doctrine - and warns the West it is "playing with fire". Meanwhile, a Russian navy missile cruiser carries out drills in the Mediterranean. Listen to a Sky News podcast on Putin and North Korea while you scroll.

Friday 28 June 2024 08:56, UK

• US warned of 'dangerous illusions' as Russia mulls change in nuclear stance
• EU signs security agreement with Ukraine in Brussels
• Ukraine receives latest EU financial support package worth £1.6bn
• N Korea tests multiple warhead missile - as US leads drills after Putin-Kim pact
• Your questions answered : Has the West been honest about Ukraine's failures?
• Big picture : What you need to know this week
• Listen to the Daily above and tap here to follow wherever you get your podcasts
• Live updates by Katie Williams

Ask a question or make a comment

We're pausing our live coverage of the war in Ukraine for this evening.

Scroll through below to catch up on the latest developments.

Two people have been killed and two more are wounded as a result of Russian shelling in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region, an official has said.

Vadym Filashkin, head of the regional military administration, said Russian forces struck the centre of Kurakhove city, killing a woman and a 40-year-old man.

Two injured people were taken to hospital, he said.

He added that the extent of the damage in the attack was being assessed.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban had a seemingly lively chat ahead of a meeting of European leaders in Brussels today.

It's not known what that the two men discussed - but relations between Budapest and Kyiv have become more strained since the Russian invasion in 2022.

Hungary is Russia's closest ally in the EU and Mr Orban has maintained a friendship with Vladimir Putin while criticising the EU's strategy on Ukraine.

In December, Mr Orban blocked a €50bn aid package for Ukraine in a move that frustrated other EU leaders. He lifted the veto several months later.

Two people have been injured in a Russian drone attack on southern Ukraine, an official has said.

The Kherson regional administration said Russian forces launched an attack on the village of Novodmytrivka, leaving a 66-year-old man and 71-year-old woman hurt.

Both have blast injuries and have been taken to hospital for treatment, it said on Telegram.

The US, Israel and Ukraine are all in talks to provide Ukraine with up to eight Patriot air defence systems, according to the Financial Times.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy has repeatedly called for NATO members to send his country the US-made Patriot systems as it battles intensifying Russian attacks.

The FT said the deal would likely involve Israel first sending the systems it plans to retire to the US, before they are handed over to Kyiv.

Sources with knowledge of the negotiations told the paper the outlines of the deal have been discussed between ministers and senior officials from each of the three countries.

Mr Zelenskyy said in May that Kyiv urgently needed at least seven more Patriot missile systems to ward off Russian strikes against its power grid, civilian areas and military targets.

Pictures have emerged this evening of the aftermath of Russia's latest airstrike on the northeastern Ukrainian region of Kharkiv.

Emergency services said earlier that five people were injured and buildings were damaged in the attack (see 17.55 post).

Russian forces launched an assault on a new front in Kharkiv in May, after months of fighting focused on the east.

Ukrainian troops have repelled Russian forces from a neighbourhood in the frontline town of Chasiv Yar, a Ukrainian military official has said.

Nazar Voloshin, a spokesman for the Khortytsia operational-strategic group, told the Interfax-Ukraine news agency that Russian forces had been pushed out of the Kanal neighborhood in the east of the town.

Mr Voloshin claimed Moscow's forces were not slowing down in their push to break through in Chasiv Yar, and said two assault operations were ongoing.

"Ukrainian defenders reliably hold the defence in this area and give a decent rebuff to the Russian aggressor," he told the agency.

For context: Chasiv Yar, a strategically-important town in the eastern Donetsk region, has long been a Russian target.

It has been pummelled by Russian air, artillery and drone strikes for months now, as Moscow views the town as a gateway to launch direct offensives against several Ukrainian "fortress cities".

Chasiv Yar had a pre-war population of more than 12,000, but now only a few hundred residents remain.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged EU leaders to make good on their promises to provide his country with military aid after the bloc signed a security agreement underlining its support for Kyiv in the long term.

"Fulfilment of every promise is important, not only in terms of protecting lives but also to destroy the Russian illusion that they will achieve something by war," he said at the summit in Brussels today.

The Ukrainian president thanked countries that have so far promised equipment and arms aid, but pointed out that they were "needed urgently on the battlefield".

He also urged more help on "the urgent things - air defence, that is one".

The EU-Ukraine security agreement entrenches the EU's commitment to help Ukraine in nine areas of security and defence policy - including arms deliveries, military training, defence industry cooperation and demining,

In essence, it encapsulates what the 27-nation bloc has been doing for the country since the start of the war.

But the EU has made a specific commitment to the "predictable, efficient, sustainable and long-term provision of military equipment" for Ukraine.

Kyiv in return has promised to uphold European values and continue on its reform path in preparation to join the EU.

Five people have been injured in Russian airstrikes in Ukraine's northeastern Kharkiv region, according to emergency services.

The State Emergency Service of Ukraine said the strikes hit a residential area of the region, partially destroying one building and damaging others - including a school - as well as cars.

Crews at the scene said five people were hurt.

The windows and gates of the local fire station were also damaged, the emergency service said.

While the apparent gains made by Russia during its spring offensive in Kharkiv were the focus of much of the news coverage of the way in May, a new report indicates any progress made by Vladimir Putin's troops came at a significant cost.

According to UK and other Western intelligence agency sources cited by the New York Times, more than 1,000 Russian soldiers were injured or killed each day last month.

However, the newspaper also cites US officials as saying Moscow is continuing to recruit between 25,000 and 30,000 new soldiers a month - roughly as many as it is losing from the battlefield.

American officials told the outlet that Russia achieved a critical objective of Mr Putin in creating a buffer zone along the border to make it more difficult for the Ukrainians to strike into the country.

But, the Western officials said, this did not threaten Kharkiv and was ultimately stopped by Ukrainian forces.

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