Is it Safe to Travel to Turkey?

Turkey is one of the few countries accepting Americans during COVID-19. But does that mean you should travel there? The first thing I do now when considering an international destination is to check the CDC and WHO websites to investigate their COVID statistics. Comparing the infection and death rates of Turkey to my own county (Los Angeles) gave me peace of mind. I knew that with the proper planning and research, it was possible to have safe travel in Turkey during COVID-19. 

I quickly researched flights on Skyscanner and discovered that flights to Turkey were cheap for summer on Qatar and Turkish Air. So cheap, it wasn’t even worth it to use points but instead buy the tickets outright. I chose to fly Qatar Airways because they were 40% cheaper on this flight compared to their competitors. Also, their safety standards of cleanliness and enhanced passenger protocols gave me peace of mind and confidence. Double checking seating charts is now an essential travel hack. I check for occupancy and if the middle seats are being blocked . My flight to Turkey was about 40% full.

Entry Requirements into Turkey During COVID-19

• Travelers are not required to present proof of a negative COVID-19 test.
• Those showing signs of COVID will have a PCR test administered upon arrival.
• No quarantine is required unless testing positive for COVID.
• It will be mandatory for those testing positive to quarantine at their own cost.
• All travelers still need to follow regular visa requirements.

The Visa process is unchanged

E-Visa is still available to US citizens. If you choose this easy online option, be sure that entry and exit dates are firm. Otherwise, you will have to purchase another visa with cash upon arrival. 

As with my previous trips, I voluntarily tested 48 hrs before my trip. After speaking with my Doctor and receiving negative test results, I felt good about boarding my plane to Turkey. There are temperature and thermal scans in both Istanbul and Izmir airports to ensure passengers traveling were not displaying COVID symptoms.   

Easy to Social Distance

Now, whenever I’m planning a trip, I look for activities or sites that are outdoors. I like to not spend too much time in big cities, but rather experience the outdoors or small villages and social distance. Turkey has a good combination of both sightseeing and activities that are located outdoors. This is one of the keys to success for safe travel in Turkey during COVID-19. Between the Aegean, Mediterranean and the Black Sea, there are over 5000 miles (8000 km) of coastline to explore. Some of the best beaches in the whole region are located on the Turkish coast. The Unesco World Heritage Sites of Ephesus, Pergamon, Xanthos, Hieropolis and so many more are mostly outdoors. With limited crowds during this time, visitors can wander ancient ruins very comfortably and social distance. Natural wonders like Cappadocia, Pamukkale or Sakilikent National Park are an outdoor lovers dream come true.

Safety Measures Within Turkey During COVID-19

In the big cities of Istanbul and Izmir, temp checks, hand sanitizer and masks are the requirement to enter most buildings. Whether entering a bazaar or a rooftop bar, the procedures are pretty consistent. Even in smaller coastal towns, mask wearing and proper hand sanitation is given importance and due diligence. Social distancing signs are posted on every public beach. Beach beds are spaced out. I also noticed some beaches spray sanitizer on beds in between use. Both beaches and beach clubs were sparsely occupied, so overcrowding was never an issue. 

The Consistent Safety Protocols and Message

Are you going to see everyone wearing a mask all of the time? No. In big cities most people wear masks in public as required. In smaller towns and villages, most locals will wear a mask when they interact with you if you are inside. Due to the low infection rates in Turkey, and the common response to the rules, I feel that it is safe to travel to Turkey during COVID-19. What I did notice is the lack of fear, lack of paranoia and the common effort to take proper precautions. There are signs everywhere about social distancing and best practices. Hand sanitizer stations are prevalent everywhere. From social distancing at the airport carousel to the hand sanitizer pump outside of my airbnb on a small coastal town, the efforts and procedures are noticeable.

Stay Safe Tourism Certificate

Turkey Tourism has its own certification program for hotels, restaurants and transportation which puts in place measures of safety. The certification is meant to promote the health and well being of travelers in touristic places. The hotels that I chose all met the guidelines and standards of certification for cleanliness and social distancing. The protocols cover everything from guest check in, rooms, facilities and food service. Inspections are conducted regularly so it is important for properties to keep up their standards. The Safe Tourism Certificate was prominently displayed by properties that adhered to the guidelines and recommended safety procedures

Safe Travel in Turkey During COVID-19

Public transportation is operating in Turkey. Everything from minibuses that cross regions to buses and trams are fully functioning. To stay safe in Turkey during COVID, I avoided public transport all together. It was easy for me to limit my exposure by hiring taxis in big cities and then renting a car for two weeks for a roadtrip. Most taxi drivers wear a mask or quickly put it on as soon as you step in the cab. My car hire company also guaranteed enhanced cleaning of vehicles. Since driving in Turkey is easy with good roads and cheap tolls, hiring my own car became the obvious choice. It’s also the best way to explore Turkey. 

Al fresco dining is common place. Most restaurants, especially during the warmer months, will have outside seating or fans. In most beach clubs, beaches, cafe’s and restaurants, waiters and staff are wearing mask. In smaller towns and local beaches or eateries, there may be a relaxation of the rules, but everyone seems to be doing their best to abide by them and respect public health. 

COVID Safety Precautions with Turkish Flair

The relaxed attitude that is pervasive within every day life in Turkey extends to Coronavirus, because most Turkish people are doing their part to fight it. Especially due to their association with the European Union, Turkey has safety measures in place to protect its citizens and visitors. The country’s approach lacks drama or any kind of heightened sense of emotion. Due to their low infection rate (compared to other nations), everyday life seems to carry on. The gregarious charm of the Turkish people is still strong. The Turkish people seem to be following anti-COVID measures laid out by their government for the common good allowing them to enjoy their laid back approach to life.

What is Open in Turkey During Coronavirus?

Most tourist sites throughout Turkey are open but there is plenty of renovation happening during this time. The most notable closure is the Galata Tower in Istanbul. Turkey is taking advantage of the downturn in tourism to renovate important sites. The big difference is most tourist sites are operating under pandemic operating hours. They might open later or close early. Google tends to be the most reliable source of up-to-date information. For example, Ephesus opened at 10am instead of 8am. 

Was it worth it?

For me, it was absolutely worth it to travel to Turkey during COVID. This trip lifted my sprits, reconnected me with my passions, and had a positive impact on my mental health. As a tourism destination, there is no doubt Turkey is amazing. The culture, natural diversity, history and food make Turkey a fascinating country for any traveler. The mix of golden Mediterranean sunsets, ancient sites, dramatic landscapes, exquisite meals, small Aegean villages and phenomenal beaches made it all worth it for me. I would agree that safe travel to Turkey during COVID-19 is possible.

For the latest information on traveling during the coronavirus outbreak, visit the websites of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization. 

If you are ill or are exhibiting COVID symptoms, do not fly. As a healthy young person, I chose to fly internationally during COVID because for me, the reward is far greater than the risk.

Here are some ideas on What to Pack for Flying During COVID-19 and don’t forget to check out my tips on Flying During COVID-19 Pandemic

For another perspective on Traveling to Turkey during Covid, read my good friend, Jackie Ueng Bohemian Vagabond’s Post here.

Flying During the COVID-19 Pandemic

• COVID19
• travel tips
• Turkey