Choose your pass

VISITING TURKEY DURING COVID 19

Millions of people have been locked up in their homes since Covid 19 started. Many travelers are counting days to travel the world again! The good news is that with the increasing vaccination of Covid19, while countries are slowly opening their doors, tourists are already planning their travel!

Istanbul.com Creator Community
Istanbul.com Creator Community
February 1, 2021 7 min
VISITING TURKEY DURING COVID 19


Istanbul, Turkey is one of the most secure destinations to visit during Covid 19.


Turkey has been managing the Covid19 process very professionally since the beginning. By setting rules and keeping citizens isolated, Turkey was extremely careful to keep the virus from spreading dramatically. With this way Turkey has been started to turn back to normal life since the beginning of the March.


Istanbul is a magnificent city that offers many touristic & historical attractions to its visitors. Istanbul hosts millions of tourists every year.


 


In this article, we will review tourism in Turkey at the present time, the safety of travelling Istanbul during Covid19 and how to travel to Istanbul, Turkey during COVID-19 epidemic with necessary precautions.


 


Do I Need A Tourist Visa To Travel To Turkey?


Turkey is a tourist country par excellence and provides everything necessary to facilitate access to it, and many successive governments in this country have taken all measures to ensure the smooth arrival of tourists to Turkey without any obstacles or difficulties, and this includes the signing of many agreements with many From European, American, and Arab countries, in order to facilitate the entry of their citizens without a visa or even with an expired passport.


 


Which Countries Can Enter Turkey Without Visa?


There are 78 countries whose citizens are exempt from obtaining a prior tourist visa and can direct entry to Turkey. Here are some of the countries that can enter Turkey without a visa are:


 


Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belize, Bolivia, Ecuador, Iran, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Jordan, Lebanon, Mongolia, Morocco, Qatar, Russia, Tajikistan, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.


 


As for the rest of the countries that cannot directly enter Turkey without visa, citizens must request a tourist visa before traveling to Turkey, the procedures for obtaining a tourist visa have become very easy and simple thanks to the electronic visa system that makes it easy for all people to obtain tourist visa easily from home, you can visit the official website of the electronic visa, apply for the visa, and even get additional information about how to apply for the visa for Turkey.


 


Covid-19 Travel Restrictions in Turkey


 


Do I Need To Undergo Quarantine If I Travel To Turkey?


No, you don’t need to quarantine yourself in any kind of facility when you enter Turkey. Throughout the coronavirus epidemic, Turkey has not closed its doors to tourists who want to visit Turkey, but Turkey also took great preventive measures to protect travelers and citizens.


Turkey requires PCR test from the people who will visit Istanbul, Turkey during Covid-19. PCR Test must be issued by an official authorized place from your country. You can always review the latest developments on this topic by visiting the website of the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Health in Turkey, and which is available in many languages including Arabic, English and Russian.


 


Are There Any COVID-19 Tests Or Medical Procedures I Have To Do When I Arrive In Turkey?


 


As we mentioned earlier, Turkey offers many advanced facilities regarding access to it with the least effort, and in implementation of this policy, Turkey at the present time does not require people coming to its lands to undergo any test upon arrival, it is enough to be subject to a prior PCR examination before your arrival from your country of residence and show it to the visa officers at the airport upon your arrival, and then you can go to your desired destination without any trouble.


But you must take into account the permanent implementation of personal safety measures and the application of the rules of social distancing and wearing masks and cleaning hands continuously, and this is inevitable!


The Ministry of Health of Turkey at the present time requires all citizens, residents and tourists to obtain HES Code through the smart phone application (Hayat Eve Sığar) launched by the Turkish Ministry of Health, which is very necessary for public safety and useful in cases of reporting suspicion or the occurrence of a case of COVID-19. This application also gives warnings regarding crowded places or when entering an area where COVID-19 cases occur.


 


Are Hotels In Turkey Open And Safe?


Of course, all hotels in Istanbul, Turkey are open and operate continuously and are constantly monitored by the Turkish Ministry of Health and sterilization operations are carried out continuously. All public safety rules regarding the reception of tourists and visitors wishing to stay in Istanbul and spend a great Istanbul vacation in a safe environment are taken.


 


Travel Methods to Visit Turkey


 


 


Are There Flights To Turkey Now?


Certainly, all incoming flights to Turkey are working continuously and have not stopped throughout the period of the pandemic. However, due to some compelling circumstances, some flights may be canceled from some countries according to the severity of the cases in them or because (for instance, Britain in the recent period has become a serious outbreak of cases of the new strain of Covid-19, and flights to and from Britain have been temporarily suspended). However, despite everything, all safety measures are applied with regard to the safety and security of travelers wishing to come to Turkey permanently, and airlines are obligated to apply public safety rules in order to preserve public safety.


 


Is Turkish Airlines A Good & Safe Airline?


Certainly, Turkish Airlines is one of the five most important airlines in the world, and it has an impressive fleet of aviation and covers all global destinations, and thanks to the quality of Turkish Airlines services, the lowest number of Covid-19 cases in the world has been recorded on board its aircraft. In addition, all its aircraft are permanently subject to disinfection and sterilization operations, and public safety measures are taken and applied strictly, so as to ensure the safety of all travelers from the risk of contracting Covid-19 or transmitting the infection if found to other people on board its flights.


 


How Easy Is It To Travel To Turkey?


It is very simple, of course, it is very easy to travel to Turkey during Covid19. All you have to do is obtain the HES Code as we mentioned previously, and then you can move within Turkey freely and without any restrictions.


 


Turkey Travel Advice & Safety


As a summary of what we talked about previously, Turkey is a very safe country for tourism and travel, and all tourism events and activities are working continuously and have not been interrupted throughout the spread of Covid-19 in Turkey, but despite everything, the rules of public safety and social distancing are applied strictly, and this is to ensure the safety of everyone, including tourists and citizens as well.


So, if you decide to travel to Turkey for tourism and spend an enjoyable holiday, you will find that Turkey is ready to receive tourists in safe and well manner.


Also, in the event that you contract Covid-19 during your visit to Turkey, you will find the hospitals ready to receive you and take care of you with an advanced medical care.


As a final advice, 90% of COVID-19 cases occur due to people’s disregard for public safety. We guarantee you a healthy and safe holiday in the event that you commit to wearing a mask, maintaining constant hand hygiene, and adhering to the imposed social distancing rules and staying away from crowded areas.


 


Enjoy your travel in Istanbul, Turkey!

Best Sights in One Day

Istanbul FAST Pass®

Visit 2 landmarks & 3 authentic experiences including Hagia Sofia or Topkapi Palace and Blue Mosque with Bosphorus Cruise.

1 Pass Option expand_more
2 Travelers expand_more
Adult €49 / person
1
Child (5-12) €44 / person
0
3 Review expand_more
With Hagia Sophia (Adult) x 1 €49.00
eco Instant Access Fee €10.00
Order Total €59.00
Istanbul FAST Pass®
With Hagia Sophia · 1 Adult
€59.00

Istanbul Must-Sees

Istanbul DISCOVER Pass®

Visit 3 landmarks & 100+ top attractions including Hagia Sofia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque.

1 Pass Duration expand_more
2 Travelers expand_more
Adult €149 / person
1
Child (5-12) €139 / person
0
3 Review expand_more
3 Days (Adult) x 1 €149.00
eco Instant Access Fee €10.00
Order Total €159.00
Istanbul DISCOVER Pass®
3 Days · 1 Adult
€159.00

Ultimate Istanbul Experience

Istanbul PRIME Pass®

Visit ALL 7 landmarks, 120+ top attractions & premium experiences including Luxury Bosphorus Sunset, Breakfast & Dinner Cruises and deluxe Hammam.

1 Pass Duration expand_more
2 Travelers expand_more
Adult €259 / person
1
Child (5-12) €249 / person
0
3 Review expand_more
5 Days (Adult) x 1 €259.00
eco Instant Access Fee €10.00
Order Total €269.00
Istanbul PRIME Pass®
5 Days · 1 Adult
€269.00

Find more Istanbul inspiration

Eminonu & Sirkeci: Your Ultimate Guide
calendar_today Dec 20, 2023 13 min

Eminonu & Sirkeci: Your Ultimate Guide

Istanbul is full of colors, spices, and music. One of the most colorful places in this amazing city is the Eminonu Neighbourhood. In this article, we will delve into the Eminonu and Sirkeci together and discover both well-known and hidden gems of these places. But before we dig into Eminonu and its richness, let’s have […]

Best Restaurants for Asian Food in Istanbul 2023
calendar_today Apr 24, 2023 8 min

Best Restaurants for Asian Food in Istanbul 2023

Istanbul is a melting pot of different cultures, and this is reflected in its diverse food scene. When it comes to Asian cuisine in Istanbul, there are many great options to choose from. From Japanese sushi to Chinese dim sum, Korean barbecue to Thai curries, Istanbul has it all. Many Asian restaurants in Istanbul are […]

The Perfect Day Trip from Istanbul: Şile and Ağva’s Natural Wonders
calendar_today May 12, 2023 13 min

The Perfect Day Trip from Istanbul: Şile and Ağva’s Natural Wonders

The towns of Sile and Agva, which are nestled along the Black Sea coast, provide a tranquil haven from Istanbul's hustle and bustle. These small communities, which are only a few hours' drive from the metropolis, are renowned for their breathtaking natural beauty, peaceful beaches, and classic architecture. Sile and Agva have something to offer […]

Istanbul in April: What to Do and See in April 2025
calendar_today Mar 31, 2023 9 min

Istanbul in April: What to Do and See in April 2025

April is the best time to visit Istanbul, especially in 2025. Spring officially begins in April in Istanbul, one of the most beautiful times in Istanbul. Now that winter has passed, the climate is gradually warming. One of the most picturesque cities to witness the change of seasons is Istanbul. Blooming flowers in beautiful parks, […]

Discovering Casa Botter – A Timeless Ode to Istanbul’s Architectural Brilliance
calendar_today Jul 20, 2023 7 min

Discovering Casa Botter – A Timeless Ode to Istanbul’s Architectural Brilliance

Nestled in the heart of Istanbul's historic Asmalımescit neighborhood, a magnificent architectural treasure awaits those with an appreciation for beauty and history. Welcome to Casa Botter, an enchanting building that has gracefully transformed into an exhibition center, breathing new life into its storied past. Commissioned in the early 1900s by the esteemed Dutch tailor and […]

Istanbul in June 2025: Weather, What to Pack, What to Do
calendar_today May 31, 2023 13 min

Istanbul in June 2025: Weather, What to Pack, What to Do

June is a great time to visit Istanbul, Turkey. Especially, if you are thinking of getting a city break, then your route should be Istanbul! The weather is usually warm and sunny, with average temperatures ranging from 20 to 28 degrees Celsius (68 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit). It's a great time to explore the city […]

Istanbul in March 2024: What to Do, Wear, Eat, and More
calendar_today Feb 28, 2023 7 min

Istanbul in March 2024: What to Do, Wear, Eat, and More

Here comes the spring! Istanbul is beautiful in March. It is still cold but generally sunny, the trees are green, and life is joyous! But there is a Turkish saying “March makes you look through the door, burns a pickaxe and a shovel” which means that march has unreliable weather. In this article, we will […]

Valentine’s Day in Istanbul: A Romantic Getaway in 2026
calendar_today Feb 3, 2023 6 min

Valentine’s Day in Istanbul: A Romantic Getaway in 2026

Here are the most romantic days of the year. Whether in love or not, it is not easy to stay out of Valentine’s Day excitement. Especially if you love romantic dinners, lovely journeys, and new experiences to discover with your loved one, this time of year is the best for you. 
 
 On this […]

The Magnificent Hagia Sophia: Everything About Hagia Sophia Istanbul
calendar_today Jun 9, 2023 9 min

The Magnificent Hagia Sophia: Everything About Hagia Sophia Istanbul

Hagia Sophia, also known as Ayasofya, stands as a testament to Istanbul's rich history and architectural brilliance. This magnificent structure, with its captivating blend of Byzantine and Islamic influences, holds immense cultural and historical significance. In this article, we will explore the importance of Hagia Sophia ​delve into its architectural significance and beauty, highlight what […]

Ultimate Guide: Getting to Sabiha Gokcen Airport from Istanbul City Center
calendar_today Jul 11, 2023 12 min

Ultimate Guide: Getting to Sabiha Gokcen Airport from Istanbul City Center

Welcome to Istanbul, a city where rich history, vibrant culture, and modernity intertwine. If you're wondering how to get to Sabiha Gökçen Airport from the bustling city center, look no further than the Istanbul Tourist Pass®. Our comprehensive pass not only grants you access to the city's top attractions and experiences but also provides seamless […]