FAQ-Turkey travel and entry restrictions 2022

The Turkish government has several travel restrictions that it uses to control its borders. This includes special measures to protect security and health in the country.

Due to COVID-19, Turkey introduced travel restrictions on foreign visitors in the interest of public safety. Turkey’s Covid restrictions have been reviewed and updated throughout the pandemic.

This article looks at current Turkey entry restrictions, explaining:

• Who can enter Turkey under the current rules
• Entry restrictions for tourists during COVID-19
• Whether your Turkish Visa is still valid under the restrictions

NOTE:All visitors must check the Turkey COVID-19 entry requirements before planning their trip to the country.

Yes, Turkey is open for tourism. Travelers of all nationalities who meet Turkey’s immigration regulations can enter the country following the rules outlined below.

As always, foreigners need a passport and a valid visa or a copy of an approved online eVisa to travel to Turkey.

Visitors should check the latest lockdown update and travel advisories. Turkey travel restrictions for tourists are under constant review as the international situation evolves.

The Turkish government does not prohibit any nationalities from entering Turkey based on citizenship. However, it does place restrictions on who may come into the country based on the departure point.

Entry from selected high-risk countries is banned. Visitors must check the latest travel-ban list.

Most other international tourists can travel to Turkey either visa-free or, for those fitting the requirements, with an eVisa.

Some countries may only enter with a conventional sticker visa, which individuals can only obtain at a Turkish embassy. This includes national citizens of:

• Algeria
• Cuba
• Guyana
• Kiribati
• Laos
• Marshall Islands
• Micronesia
• Myanmar
• Nauru
• North Korea
• Palau
• Papua New Guinea
• Samoa
• South Sudan
• Syria
• Tonga

Additional procedures are in place to safeguard the health of residents and tourists in Turkey. To be granted entry to the country, visitors from overseas are required to comply with the following special coronavirus rules.

Complete a “Traveler Entry Form” before arrival

All incoming passengers over the age of 6 must complete a “Traveler Entry Form” at least four days before their arrival in Turkey. Children under 6 are exempt.

The purpose of the form is to contact individuals who have been in contact with someone who later tested positive for COVID-19.

Visitors should provide contact information and the accommodation address in Turkey. 

The “Form for Entry to Turkey” must be completed online and takes a few minutes. All passengers need to present it before boarding a flight to Turkey and again on arrival.

Please note that it is not possible to transit through Adana until further notice.

Use the button below to complete the Entrance Form for Turkey now or when applying for the Turkish eVisa

Passengers over the age of 12 must have a document showing a negative COVID-19 test result to enter Turkey. Either:

• PCR test taken in the last 72 hours
• Rapid antigen test taken in the last 48 hours

Fully vaccinated and recovered patients are exempt if they can provide either:

• Vaccination certificate showing the last dose was given at least 14 days before arrival
• Medical certificate showing recovery between 28 days and 6 months before travel

Passengers who have been to specified high-risk countries in the last 14 days must submit a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival.

If not vaccinated, they have to quarantine up to 10 days, at their own expense, at designated hotels. Children under 12 years of age are exempt.

Hungarian, Serbian, and Turkish citizens with a vaccination certificate stating that they were vaccinated in their home country can enter without a PCR test. Serbian and Turkish nationals under the age of 18 accompanied by citizens of Serbia or Turkey with a COVID-19 vaccination certificate are also exempt.

Turkey quarantine rules

Travelers arriving from countries considered high-risk, or who have been to high-risk countries in the last 14 days, are required to quarantine in Turkey.

Quarantine is carried out at accommodation facilities determined by the Turkish government.

On arrival in Turkey, passengers and airline crew will undergo a brief medical check, including temperature controls. Individuals who are not displaying any symptoms can continue their journey.

Visitors who test positive for coronavirus will be treated at a medical facility determined by the Turkish authorities or, alternatively, a private medical facility of the traveler’s choosing.

Istanbul’s entry restrictions are the same as the rest of the country.

As Istanbul Airport is the main arrival point for most foreign arrivals, it has taken several measures against COVID-19.

Istanbul Airport has test centers which offer service 24/7. Passengers can get a PCR, antibody, and antigen test done at the airport.

Everyone must wear their mask while at the airport, including the terminal area.

Travelers should expect body temperature screens at the terminal entrance.

All areas of Istanbul Airport are frequently cleaned and sanitized.

In addition to COVID-19 travel restrictions, the Turkish government has numerous public safety measures to protect the population.

The government screens those applying for eVisas and visas with criminal record background checks to prevent passengers that pose a threat to the public from entering the country.

This, however, does not affect travelers with minor records and is intended to restrict terrorist activity and the risk of violent or dangerous criminal activity.