Turkey: Authorities will introduce a COVID-19 normalization system based on provincial-level epidemiological risk, from March 1 /update 32

Event

Turkey will begin to ease measures imposed to limit the spread of COVID-19 from March 1. Authorities will introduce a tiered normalization system where restrictions will be eased or tightened based on infection rates and vaccination rates at a provincial level. There will be four levels: low, medium, high, and very high. Additionally, effective Feb. 22, the national government has empowered provincial authorities to implement local quarantines and curfews based on epidemiological data. Accordingly, several districts have been placed under localized restrictions by provincial authorities, including the Ermenek district in Karaman Province, Cucun district in Kayseri Province, Samandoken district in Gaziantep, and Orhaniye district in Sakarya Province. The restrictions vary in duration and severity depending on local COVID-19 risk, but generally require residents to remain at home unless an essential or urgent task must be performed.

Authorities continue to maintain numerous measures that will likely remain in effect up to and possibly beyond March 1.

All international travelers arriving by air, land, or sea must produce proof of a negative COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test result taken no more than 72 hours prior to their flight or ferry's scheduled departure. Any traveler unable to submit a negative test result at the point of departure will not be allowed to board their flight; persons arriving in Turkey without proof of having tested negative will be required to quarantine either at their reported address in Turkey or at a government-designated facility. This directive will remain in force through at least March 1.

Additionally, all flights to/from the UK, Denmark, Brazil, and South Africa remain indefinitely suspended in response to discoveries of variant strains of COVID-19 in these countries. All travelers who have visited the UK, Denmark, Brazil, or South Africa within the 10 days prior to their arrival in Turkey will be quarantined for 14 days in a government-selected facility. Travelers are required to undergo a second COVID-19 test - in addition to the test taken prior to departure - after 10 days and may leave quarantine following a negative result. Humanitarian, cargo, repatriation, and emergency medical flights are exempt from the suspension; other flights may be exempted at the discretion of the Ministry of Health.

Generally, Turkey's air, land, and sea borders are open for most travelers, subject to the aforementioned requirements. However, nonessential travel with Iran and Iraq remains suspended.

Domestically, a 2100-0500 curfew remains in force nationwide on weekdays, with a weekend curfew running from 2100 each Friday until 0500 the following Monday. Residents must stay at home during this time frame, except to perform essential work or seek urgent medical care. While most nonessential stores and businesses must close during this period, grocery stores and food delivery services are exempt. Restaurants may perform deliveries. Additionally, age group-specific curfews remain in effect; residents under 20 years of age may only leave their accommodations 1300-1600, while those over 65 years of age may only leave their accommodations 1000-1300.

A range of measures remains in force outside curfew hours. All persons nationwide must wear protective facemasks and observe social distancing while in public. Strict social distancing guidelines have also been imposed on public transport. Standing passengers are not permitted on minibusses or vans. Standing is permitted at 50-percent capacity on the Metro and trams in Ankara and Istanbul. Passengers may occupy up to 30 percent of the standing capacity on buses and metro buses nationwide. Additionally, residents under the age of 20 or over the age of 65 are barred from using public transport; children must travel in the company of a parent or guardian. Weddings and funerals are capped at 30 people.

Persons suspected of contracting COVID-19 or who come into contact with an individual infected with COVID-19 are required to self-isolate for 10 days; persons who test negative for COVID-19 after five days may end self-isolation early. Turkish nationals and residents are required to obtain a government-provided Hayat Eve Sigar (HES) code before international or intercity travel on public transport. Numerous regions, including Istanbul, Ankara, and Agri Province, require residents to present an HES code upon entering public institutions, government offices, or banks.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further tighten, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks, particularly in response to developments regarding variant strains of COVID-19.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments. Plan for queues and delays at available shopping centers.