Does Turkey Require a COVID Vaccine?

Planning a trip to Turkey? Wondering if you need a COVID vaccine? The answer is yes, Turkey requires a COVID-19 vaccination certificate or a negative PCR test result for entry. This applies to all travelers, regardless of nationality.

Here’s what you need to know:

Vaccination Certificate:

  • You must be fully vaccinated with a WHO-approved vaccine at least 14 days before your arrival in Turkey.
  • Accepted vaccines include: Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Sinovac, Sputnik V, Sinopharm, and Covaxin.
  • You must have a vaccination certificate in English, Turkish, French, German, Spanish, Arabic, or Russian.
  • The certificate should include your name, date of birth, vaccine type, dates of vaccination, and the number of doses received.

Negative PCR Test:

  • If you are not vaccinated, you can enter Turkey with a negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours before your arrival.
  • The test result must be in English, Turkish, French, German, Spanish, Arabic, or Russian.
  • Children under the age of 12 are exempt from the vaccination and testing requirements.

Additional Information:

  • COVID-19 control measures are still in place for air, land, and sea travel.
  • You may be subject to temperature checks and other health screenings upon arrival.
  • It’s important to check the latest travel advisories and entry requirements before your trip, as they may change.

Here are some helpful resources:

Remember, staying up-to-date on your vaccinations is the best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.

Safe travels!

Keep away from animals

The majority of animals stay away from people, but if they feel threatened, are defending their young or territory, are hurt, or are ill, they may attack. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

  • Never feed or handle any animals you don’t know.
  • Keep animals away from open wounds, and avoid getting animal saliva in your mouth or eyes.
  • Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
  • Pets traveling should be closely monitored and not permitted to interact with local wildlife.
  • Seek medical attention right away if you awaken in a room containing a bat. Bat bites may be hard to see.

While all animals can be dangerous, you should exercise particular caution when around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea creatures like jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

  • Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
  • Go to a doctor right away.
  • When you return to the US, let your doctor know about your injury.

Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a fatal illness that needs to be treated right away; however, in certain places, treatment may not be available.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e. g. , hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

You can also visit the Department of State Country Information Pages for additional information about food and water safety.

Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Turkey. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.

  • Wear caps, long sleeve shirts, and long pants to cover exposed skin.
  • Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
  • Use gear and clothes that have been treated with permethrin (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents) Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
  • Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
  • If your sleeping area is open to the outdoors, use a bed net.
  • To protect yourself from ticks and mosquitoes, apply a repellent that has at least 5% 2020 DEET or more for protection that lasts for several hours.
  • ONLY FOR MOSQUITOE PROTECTION: Products containing one of the following active ingredients can also aid in preventing mosquito bites. Higher percentages of active ingredient provide longer protection. DEET Picaridin (also called para-menthane-diol (PMD) or oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) IR3535 2-undecanone; also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
  • Always use insect repellent as directed.
  • Refrain from picking at insect bites, and use calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream to soothe itching.
  • Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs.

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites.

If you intend to engage in outdoor activities while visiting Turkey, follow these precautions to ensure your safety and well-being.

  • Keep an eye out for shifting weather patterns and modify your plans if necessary.
  • Dress appropriately for the activity and bring along safety supplies like sunscreen, bug repellent, and a basic first aid kit.
  • Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Pack a travel health kit that contains supplies relevant to your planned activities.
  • Heat-related illness, such as heat stroke, can be deadly. Eat frequently, stay hydrated, dress comfortably, and avoid strenuous activity when the temperature is high. Eat salty snacks and drink water if you plan to spend a lot of time outside in the heat to stay hydrated and replenish lost salt from perspiration.
  • Use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothes, and find shade during the hottest part of the day (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) to protect yourself from UV radiation. m. –4 p. m. ).
  • Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing may increase your exposure to the sun because sunlight reflects off of snow, sand, and water.
  • Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. If you are traveling to a cold place, wear layers of clothing and make sure your hands, feet, and head are covered.
  • Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
  • Adhere to all boating safety regulations, avoid drinking and driving, and make sure you always wear a life jacket when boating.
  • Do not dive into shallow water.
  • Avoid swimming in freshwater in developing nations or places with inadequate sanitation.
  • Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
  • Wearing shoes on beaches where animal waste may be present can help prevent infections.

Turkey’s Covid-19 vaccine

FAQ

Do I need any vaccinations to travel to Turkey?

Courses or boosters usually advised: none. Other vaccines to consider: Hepatitis A; Hepatitis B; Rabies; Tetanus. Selectively advised vaccines – only for those individuals at highest risk: none. No yellow fever vaccination certificate required for this country.

Do you need Covid test to enter Turkey?

Click here for details. As of June 1st of 2022, all restrictions against Covid in Turkey have been lifted for any flights within the country. So international (and also domestic) passengers no longer need to provide: PCR test.

Can I travel without COVID vaccine?

If you’re not vaccinated, make sure the country you want to visit will allow you entry. In addition, before returning to the U.S., you’re required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within one day of the flight’s departure. While abroad, you’ll need to go to a COVID-19 testing center.

What immunisations do I need for Turkey?

Vaccines for disease
Clinical Guidance for Healthcare providers
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B – CDC Yellow Book Dosing info – Hep B
Measles
Measles (Rubeola) – CDC Yellow Book
Rabies
Rabies – CDC Yellow Book
Typhoid
Typhoid – CDC Yellow Book Dosing info – Typhoid

Leave a Comment