Is it possible to vacation in Turkey even during the corona pandemic? The situation is getting worse and worse.
Ankara / Berlin – Many Germans are drawn to Turkey for their vacation. But under the conditions of the corona pandemic, a “normal” vacation turns out to be difficult. Even more: The German government classifies Turkey as a high-risk corona area alongside the USA and Israel.
The changes will come into effect for the USA and Israel on the night of Sunday (August 15, 2021). Only in the case of Turkey should the upgrade only come into effect on Tuesday night (17.08.2021), as the Robert Koch Institute announced. According to the report, this is justified with the current high number of travelers with a Turkish migration background in the middle of their vacation time.
Vacation in Turkey: Country should be classified as a high risk area
Entrants from high-risk areas must be in quarantine for ten days, with the exception of those who have been fully vaccinated and those who have recovered. The quarantine can be ended with a negative corona test after five days at the earliest.
The decision of the federal government is not without reason. Turkey has been hard hit by the corona pandemic in the past. In April 2021, the 7-day incidence reached a high of 500. In Turkey, there have been almost 6 million confirmed corona infections so far, and more than 53,000 people have died in connection with corona. The vaccination rates in Turkey are steadily increasing. 51.92% of the population have now received an initial vaccination against the coronavirus, 38.59% are fully vaccinated. (As of: 08/15/2021; Source: JHU).
Turkey vacation in the pandemic: what is the current corona situation in the country?
By July 31, 2021, Turkey was classified as a corona risk area by the Robert Koch Institute (RKI). The Foreign Office therefore 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 slipped out of the status “risk area”. The warning from the Foreign Office was also lifted The status changes again when it is classified as a high-risk area.
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 194.4 (as of August 15, 2021, source: JHU).
Summer vacation in Turkey: this must be considered before entering the country
Travelers must register with an immigration form 72 hours before entering Turkey. You will then receive an “HES code” that must be proven during corona checks in the country. A negative PCR test must also be presented. The test must not be older than 72 hours upon arrival. A rapid antigen test is also accepted by the authorities in Turkey. That test can be a maximum of 48 hours old. Corona self-tests are not accepted. Children under six years of age do not need a test – just like those who have been vaccinated and those who have recovered.
Current corona information
The Federal Foreign Office provides current information about Corona in Turkey.
Vaccinated persons, however, need proof that the 14 days have passed since the vaccination. Temperature measurements are carried out at the airports in Turkey. According to the ADAC, those who want to enter Turkey by land have no problems at the country’s 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.
Turkey: These corona rules apply on vacation
Cafes, hotels, shopping malls and cinemas are open in Turkey. However, these are subject to strict Corona rules – violations of the regulations 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)
Since August 1, 2021, a corona test has been mandatory when returning from Turkey. When entering Germany, vacationers must generally present a negative corona test. Corresponding evidence of a complete vaccination or recovery is also possible. Only children under the age of 12 are exempt from the obligation to test.
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(marv) Stand: 15.08.2021
