Is It Safe to Travel to Turkey now? [Traveling during the Pandemic]

Turkey is an excellent option if you want to travel out of the country or meet your loved ones halfway since it’s between Europe and Asia. PCR Tests are now required. You’ll probably ask if “is it safe to travel to Turkey now?” Read our article on the COVID updates of the country.

Turkey is the gateway to Europe for Asian countries. They have gorgeous views, beautiful buildings, delicious food, and, my personal favorite; they have cared-for stray cats and dogs. Turkey is one of the countries that opened amidst the pandemic as tourism is an important sector here. Check out their current situation in case you want to go.

Advisory

• Turkey has temporarily suspended direct passenger flights between the UK and Turkey. However, limited flights from Turkey to the UK continue. Passengers who have been in the UK within the last 10 days will be required to quarantine for 10 days on arrival in Turkey.
• All arrivals into Turkey will be subject to a medical evaluation for symptoms of coronavirus, including temperature checks.
• All passengers from all points of departure to Turkey must have proof of a negative PCR test undertaken within 72 hours prior to departure to Turkey

Travel Requirements

1. Make sure you have entry visa requirements for Turkey – here’s a guide on How to Apply For A Turkey Tourist Visa with Your Philippines Passport

2. Must have proof of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to departure to Turkey

3. Passengers must wear masks during the flights and at the airport

3. A Passenger Information Form – completed when arriving in Turkey, you will be given during your flight, or you can prepare it ahead – here’s the link

4. Passengers will undergo a medical examination; those with symptoms will have tests performed. Those who are positive will take medical treatment.

Travel Restrictions for Filipinos

As per DFA, Filipinos are allowed to leave the Philippines to enter Turkey. However, it is subject to the following:

• Flight availability and other special arrangements of commercial flights
• Destination country’s medical protocols on arriving and departing international passengers.

How to Fly to Turkey from the Philippines

There are direct flights from the Philippines to Turkey. Turkish Airlines have flights from Manila to Istanbul.

COVID-19 Cases in Turkey

The population of Turkey is about 82 Million as per the World Bank in 2019. As stated on the WHO website, there have been 414,278confirmed cases (as of writing) with 11,507 deaths.

Guidelines for Tourists

• Masks must be worn in public areas
• Turkey has a Safe Tourism Certification Program, which is a certificate that proves that establishments have extensive measures for COVID-19 and are recommended by the Turkey Tourism and Promotion Development Agency

Travel Warnings

From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Warning Level 3, Avoid Nonessential Travel
“CDC recommends travelers avoid all non-essential international travel to Turkey. Travelers at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19 should consider postponing all travel, including essential travel, to Turkey. COVID-19 risk in Turkey is high. If you get sick in Turkey and need medical care, resources may be limited.”

From the US Travel.State.Gov

Level 3, Reconsider Travel
“Reconsider travel to Turkey due to COVID-19. Exercise increased caution when traveling to Turkey due to terrorism and arbitrary detentions. Some areas have increased risk.”

From the UK Government

The FCDO advise against all but essential travel to:

• The whole of Turkey, based on the current assessment of COVID-19 risks
• All other areas of Sirnak, Kilis (including Kilis city), and Hatay provinces
• The provinces of Diyarbakir, Tunceli, and Hakkari

COVID-19 Positive

Passengers or tourists suspected of having COVID 19 will be put under quarantine and tested. Those who will be positive are sent to the hospital. There, they will decide if they will be treated in the hospital or hotel. They must accept the treatment, methodology, and drug protocol of the country.

In case they do not want to isolate in Turkey and wish to return to their country, it’s the airline’s or captain’s discretion to allow the passenger on board.

Emergency Numbers for COVID 19 in Turkey

If you develop symptoms, you should call 112.

So Is It Safe To Travel To Turkey now?

We are not really sure if it is really safe to travel or not. But, overall, the decision to travel, especially if it’s non-essential, is yours. In case you push through with it, we recommend getting medical-travel insurance; SafetyWing’s Nomad’s Insurance covers COVID-19. I hope this article helps you decide if you want to go to Turkey now or postpone it later.

About the Writer

Hey, I’m Lyza! I once was a person who just imagined going to places “one day” but decided to pursue my dreams. My first travel abroad was in Japan, solo, last 2018, and fell in love with the journey since. I’m aiming to visit 10 countries before turning 30 and 2 new places in the Philippines every year. Besides traveling, I love organizing trips, photography, reading, and making new friends. Follow my adventures through my Instagram.​​

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