Is it possible to vacation in Turkey this summer despite the corona crisis? The current corona situation and the corona rules in Turkey at a glance.
Ankara – Turkey is one of the Germans’ favorite vacation destinations. But is it possible to take a vacation in Turkey this summer in view of the corona pandemic? Or will Corona, especially the Delta variant, prevent relaxing holidays? An overview of the current Corona situation in Turkey and all the rules that travelers must observe.
The coronavirus hit Turkey hard, with the 7-day incidence reaching a high of 500 in April 2021. So far, there have been more than 5.7 million confirmed corona infections in Turkey and more than 51,000 people have died in connection with corona . The vaccination rates in the country are meanwhile increasing: around 48.6 percent of the population have received a first corona vaccination, 32.44 percent of the population are fully vaccinated (as of August 1, 2021; source: JHU)
Vacation in Turkey: What is the current corona situation in the country – keyword delta variant?
The delta variant of the corona virus has already been detected in Turkey, but only little data is collected in Turkey about the different corona variants, which is why there is hardly any meaningful data on the occurrence of the delta variant.
Summer vacation in Turkey: Foreign Office advises against it
By July 31, 2021, Turkey was classified as a corona risk area by the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), which is why the Foreign Office advised against “unnecessary, tourist trips” to Turkey. However, since the categorization has changed from August 1, 2021 (there are now only the levels “high risk area” and “virus variant area”, Turkey has slipped out of the “risk area” status, and the warning from the Foreign Office has also been lifted.
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Turkey vacation 2021: how high is the corona incidence?
After the 7-day incidence peaked at 500 in Turkey in April, the incidence has been falling for some time. In the meantime the value is rising again. The corona incidence in Turkey is currently 165.6 (as of August 1, 2021, source: JHU).
Entry into Turkey despite Corona: What rules do travelers have to observe?
If you want to enter Turkey, you have to register online 72 hours before entry, the entry form is also available in German. Once you have successfully registered, you will receive the “HES code”, which must be proven during inspections in the country.
When entering Turkey, a negative PCR test must be presented (must not be older than 72 hours), a rapid antigen test is also accepted, which must be a maximum of 48 hours old. Corona self-tests are not sufficient, however, proof of the test is required (German or English languages are accepted). Children under six years of age do not need a test – just like those who have been vaccinated and those who have recovered.
However, these require official proof that at least 14 days have passed since the full vaccination, alternatively a document that recovery from a corona infection was a maximum of six months ago. If you travel to Turkey by plane, you have to present the corona test at check-in at the departure airport.
On arrival in Turkey there are temperature measurements at the airport – if corona symptoms or an increased temperature occur, health examinations can be arranged.
Travel to Turkey by land: Return travel only possible via Bulgaria
According to the ADAC, those who enter Turkey by land have no problems at the land borders. When leaving Turkey by car, however, you have to drive through Bulgaria, the ADAC continues. Background: Currently only Greek nationals from Turkey are allowed to travel to Greece.
Different corona rules also apply in the transit countries, as the ADAC also points out. The ADAC says: “On the return journey, transit through Bulgaria is permitted if the returnees are German citizens or can show a residence permit for Germany.” However, the ADAC cannot guarantee this – the decision lies with the local border authorities.
Vacation in Turkey: Which corona rules apply when traveling in the country?
Restaurants, cafes, hotels, shopping centers, cinemas and theaters are open in Turkey, but there are corona rules. Violations of these rules are punishable by fines.
- Distance rule: apply everywhere – at least three steps to other people.
- Mask requirement: applies to public transport, workplaces, parks, markets, streets, squares and beaches.
- Smoking ban: applies in public.
- Music in bars etc .: may only be played until midnight.
- HES code: Is required for restaurants, shopping centers, hotels, public transport and domestic Turkish flights (further information)
Returning from vacation in Turkey: what applies to the return journey to Germany?
Since Turkey is classified as a corona risk area, strict rules apply to the return journey to Germany. The digital entry registration must be completed before crossing the border into Germany.
Current corona information
The Federal Foreign Office provides the latest information about Corona in Turkey.
In addition, returnees must be tested for corona in good time – when entering Germany, a negative corona test must be presented, which may be a maximum of 48 hours (antigen rapid test) or 72 hours (PCR test) old. Vaccinated and convalescent persons with the relevant evidence and children up to 6 years of age are exempt from the test. (tab) Status: 08/01/2021
Header list image: © Daniel Carde / Imago
