Turkey: When Can You Travel?
Visiting Turkey is an experience like no other. Its sheer beauty and culture immediately mesmerizes any traveler. However, planning your trip to Turkey can be confusing and figuring out when to visit is no exception. With many restrictions and shifts in government policy, it can be difficult to know when it’s safe and legal to travel. To help you better understand when you can travel, here’s a comprehensive guide discussing what should be taken into account.
Before the pandemic, travel to Turkey was relatively unrestricted. In 2019, 56.5 million tourists visited the country, significantly contributing to the Turkish economy. Unfortunately, because of the coronavirus, this trend began to differ in 2020 and travel requirements continue to be uncertain.
The current protocol for entering Turkey is to have a negative PCR test taken within the past 72 hours, and either a green healthy QR code originating from the Turkish Health Ministry’s “Hayat Eve Sigar” app or the Health QR card. Depending on the traveler’s nationality, additional tests taken upon arrival might be necessary as well. For example, people from Greece and Canada need additional tests.
Moreover, tourists might require an isolation period after their arrival. Depending on the place of residence prior to visiting Turkey, it can range from five to fourteen days. And some regions might be subjected to stricter travel regulations.
In 2020, Turkey started allowing tourism while also keeping quarantine restrictions in place. Normally, only trips exceeding seven days qualify for the touristic package. As for countries such as Germany, the UK, and the Netherlands, the Turkey Government imposed travel bans stopping any inbound travelers.
The situation is expected to get better with the start of 2021. European and other countries are determined to make entering Turkey easier by 2021. According to the Migration and Tourism Undersecretary Ünal Çöpoğlu, all the tough Covid-19 policies apart, the government is also considering opening to tourism from other countries.
Nevertheless, governments and authorities all over the world strongly advise travelers to check the latest updates and regulations, since the situation is very fast-changing and the situation can change quickly. Stay updated and get enough information before scheduling a trip to Turkey.
Vaccination Requirements
Most countries require vaccination either before or after arriving in the country, and some of them even require both. According to the Istanbul Governance Health Department, all the Turkish citizens need to have a valid vaccination certificate — in line with the World Health Organization standards.
At the moment, the Turkish government claims it will uphold its policy for the vaccination of the population until mid-2021. In some regions, people over the age of 65 have also been vaccinated. However, for visitors, entering Turkey without a valid certificate is still possible.
The Ministry of Health has been releasing weekly reports about Turkey’s vaccine status and how the situation is evolving. So far, there have been no restrictions for those who are not vaccinated, and visitors can still enter Turkey without getting their vaccines beforehand.
At the moment, international travelers can receive vaccines while in Turkey if their country of origin has valid vaccine protocols available. However, those coming from countries which have not officially approved the vaccines, such as the United States or India, can receive vaccines after arriving in Turkey.
Other Travel-Related Considerations
Every country has its own rules and regulations when it comes to traveling. In Turkey, the Ministry of Interior has laid out some requirements that all visitors need to take into consideration.
Tourists need to have a valid passport, authorized visa and other documents which should be kept in order for the duration of their stay in Turkey. Visa applications should be made exclusively through the official website of the Republic of Turkey. If a traveler stays in the country for more than three months, they need to register with the police.
The security level in Turkey is very high. The environment is generally safe, but caution must always be taken for personal safety. According to the Istanbul Governance Health Department, the public transportation infrastructure is being monitored and upgraded all the time. Major airports in Turkey have increased security checks.
Furthermore, there are certain guidelines which must be followed whilst touring the country. The government recommends staying away from large gatherings, especially during the summer. Paying attention to warnings in parks and public spaces is also important. Travellers should be aware that demonstrations can occur at any moment, so avoiding such areas is of utmost importance.
Weather and Seasons to Consider
The best time to visit Turkey mainly depends on one’s preferences: beach activities and sunbathing or immersed in culture with moderate temperatures. The country’s weather allows even a last-minute trip in winter to be amazing and enjoyable. Moreover, a visit in winter reveals great prices.
If you want the best beach experience, aim for the summer. The Mediterranean areas have temperatures around 85-95°F while the Black Sea coast has pleasant temperatures around 60-70°F. On the other hand, during the winter, the northern and central parts of Turkey generally have cold and rainy weather which is great for outdoor activities in nature.
Regardless of the season, the amount of tourists varies and the cost of flights is usually lower. The locals love the winter since they have a few months to relax and admire the snow. The most popular period is the summer when the prices can skyrocket and tourists flock to Turkey’s attractions.
Added Benefits of Traveling to Turkey
Even though there are certain restrictions in place, Turkey remains an amazing place to visit. The locals are extremely hospitable and welcoming, more so than ever since the introduction of the new tourism law, which forbids anti-social behavior. All those travelling to Turkey are greeted with respect.
The culture of Turkey is as diverse and intricate as its landscape, and there’s something new to discover in every city. Given the country’s prominent location on the Mediterranean Sea, holidays in Turkey provide a perfect blend of nightlife, food, culture, and sightseeing. Istanbul alone is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and offers an exciting mix of attractions.
Visitors can enjoy the great thermal baths in the west of the country, beach hopping along the south coast, touring historic places and monuments from the Byzantine and Ottoman eras, ski and snow activities, and of course, world-renowned Turkish cuisine.
Accommodation in Turkey
One of the best things about traveling to Turkey is the wide variety of accommodations available. There is something for all budgets and tastes. From camping in the beautiful mountains on the edge of the Cappadocian region, to luxury resorts in Bodrum, the choices are almost infinite.
Hostels are also popular for budget travelers. The best hostels are found in Istanbul, offering incredible value-for-money, both in terms of location as well as facilities. Moreover, visitors can also explore the boutique hotels, local pensions, and guesthouses which are scattered all over the country.
When it comes to affordability and safety, Turkey is one of the best countries for visitors. It offers all the trappings of a great vacation, regardless of season or travel restrictions. From the unique culture to its affordable and varied accommodation options, Turkey is the perfect destination for travelers looking for a pet-friendly vacation.
Final Notes
In conclusion, there are numerous considerations to keep in mind when planning a trip to Turkey. It is essential to stay updated on the latest travel restrictions and visa requirements as well as accommodation possibilities. The country is a place where you can have anything from a relaxing beach holiday to an adventurous journey, so make sure to make the most of your time there.
