COVID-19: Travel restrictions, quarantine policies updated

The Turkish government updated travel restrictions, quarantine policies and testing requirements for those arriving to the country as of Aug 4.

Key Points:

• Travelers coming from, or who have been in, Bangladesh, Brazil, India, Nepal, South Africa, or Sri Lanka within 14 days of intended arrival must submit a negative PCR test conducted within 72 hours of entering the country and undergo a 14-day mandatory quarantine upon arrival.
  • Travelers from one of these countries cannot travel on a direct flight to Turkey.
• Travelers coming from, or who have been in, Afghanistan or Pakistan within 14 days of intended arrival must submit a negative PCR conducted test within 72 hours of intended arrival and quarantine for 10 days.
• Travelers coming from Egypt, Iran, Singapore, or the U.K. are required to submit a negative PCR test result conducted within 72 hours of intended arrival into Turkey.
• Travelers arriving from any other country are not required to submit a negative PCR test result or quarantine if they submit an official vaccine certificate proving that they have been fully vaccinated at least 14 days prior to entering Turkey or have previously recovered from the virus within the last six months.
  • If no vaccination certificate is submitted, travelers must submit a negative PCR test result conducted within 72 hours of intended arrival.

Additional Information: As of March 15, travelers arriving from international flights must complete the Turkey Entry Form within 72 hours of their intended departure. A paper printout or mobile screenshot of the completed form will be checked prior to boarding the flight.

The Istanbul Migration Directorate has resumed in-person residence permit appointments. Those needing an appointment or a new residence permit card should expect significant delays.

The Ministry of Labor now requires all initial work permit applicants to present a recent negative PCR test or proof of vaccination.

BAL Analysis: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and BAL will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

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