Two years after the uprising of the COVID-19 pandemic, humankind has developed a series of treatments and vaccines to fight the disease. 

Massive vaccination campaigns have allowed governments to lift restrictions and lockdowns. This is the case of Turkey, a country that on March 3rd eased domestic measures to contain the spread of the Coronavirus. 

Since March 3rd 2022, facemasks are no longer required outdoors or in well-ventilated uncrowded spaces indoors. However, these are still required on public transport, healthcare facilities, theaters or cinemas.

If you are planning a visit to Turkey for tourism or business, then you must have updated information regarding lockdowns and COVID-19 measures. In a nutshell:

- For individuals coming from non high-risk countries (the specified list is below), it is possible to enter Turkey without a vaccination card, however you must present a negative PCR or antigen test taken 2 days before arrival.

- Turkey has seen a clear decrease in the COVID-19 case rates in recent weeks.

- Fully vaccinated nationals don’t need to present a negative PCR test for entering Turkey.

- Three vaccines in Turkey are being administered by the government: Pfizer-BioNtech, CoronaVac and Sputnik-V.

In this article we will tell you all you need to know about the Turkey COVID-19 situation.

Rate of Cases 

Since the beginning of the pandemic, Turkey has suffered more than 15 million cases and almost 100,000 deaths caused by the COVID-19. Turkey is among the top 15 countries with more COVID-19 cases registered.

However, the Turkish COVID-19 policy has been pretty effective compared to other countries, such as Argentina and Spain, which have had more deaths related to COVID-19 despite having less population.

Even though the Omicron variant caused a spike on the COVID-19 cases in February 2022, Turkey has managed to decrease the number of new cases and deaths in recent weeks, 

Vaccination Rates

By April 2022, Turkey had fully vaccinated 53 million people, around 63% of its population. In big cities, such as Ankara or Istanbul, the vaccination rate reaches to more than 80% of the population fully vaccinated.

Turkey has approved to apply three types of vaccine: The German Pfizer-BioNTech, the Chinese CoronaVac and the Russian Sputnik V.

What do you need to know if you are planning to visit Turkey?

As we told you above, Turkey has recently eased their domestic measures to contain COVID-19, as vaccination campaigns have reduced the mortality of the disease. Below we will tell you the most recent COVID-19 requirements for entering Turkey.

If you are planning to visit Turkey in the near future, then you must know that travelers coming from South Africa, Mozambique, India, Pakistan, Brazil and other countries with high rates of COVID-19 cases(or have been in one of those countries in the previous 14 days) must present a negative PCR test, which has to be taken 72 hours before arriving Turkey. If the traveler is not vaccinated or has not recovered from COVID-19 recently, then he or she must self isolate for up to seven days in a hotel.

Travelers from all countries must have a proof of vaccination against COVID-19 completed (two or three doses, depending on the vaccine) or proof that they have contracted COVID-19 in the previous six months. If this is not your case, then you must present a negative result from a PCR taken 72 hours before arrival or an antigen test taken 48 hours before arrival.

Non-vaccinated Turkish residents can isolate themselves in their homes. However, they can’t use public transport or take domestic flights. You must note that COVID-19 policies are constantly changing because of variant strains and new outbreaks, so we encourage you to keep updated information and check that you comply with all the requirements stipulated by Turkish authorities before your departure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be vaccinated to go to Turkey?

Its not mandatory to be vaccinated. However, you must note that some indoor places could ask you to have a proof of vaccination in order to let you enter the place.

Do I have to comply with quarantine after entering Turkey?

Non vaccinated individuals who come from the following countries (South Africa, Mozambique, India, Pakistan, Brazil and other countries with high rates of COVID-19 cases) must have a 7 days quarantine upon entering Turkey. 

If you are not vaccinated and don’t come from the countries specified above, then a negative PCR or antigen test should be enough.

Does the Day 3 antigen test replace the PCR test?

It is possible to enter Turkey presenting a negative antigen test taken 2 days before departure instead of a PCR test.

Contact us 

In Mundo, our goal is to give you all the necessary information about business and other relevant updates about the countries you wish to visit and invest in. This includes the COVID-19 pandemic, and how different decisions from policymakers will affect the business, tourism and investment conditions in Turkey.

If you want to know more about the residency programs and economic opportunities in this amazing country, take a look on our Country Page for Turkey.

Don’t hesitate and contact us today.

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