Health Alert: Turkey, New Planned Direct Flights to the U.S.

Location: Turkey

Event: Message to U.S. Citizens – New Planned Direct Flights to the United States

Update

Turkish Airlines has indicated it plans to operate four direct flights to the United States next week. These would be commercially-operated flights, NOT U.S. government-operated, and only the airline will be able to advise regarding ticket conditions (ability to take pets, luggage allowances, etc.).

If you intend to take one of these flights, please fill out this form so we can flag your intention to purchase a ticket to both Turkish Airlines and Turkish authorities. You will still need to book the flight directly with Turkish Airlines. These flights are not yet available for sale, and we will message again when sales are open.

Please contact us at one of the email addresses below if you require financial assistance to return to the United States.

Press reports indicate that Turkish Airlines has presented a three-month plan for its operations, which would not include regularly-scheduled, direct flights to the United States until July 2020.

CURRENTLY PROJECTED DIRECT FLIGHTS TO THE UNITED STATES

Istanbul (IST) to New York (JFK) departing Thursday, May 14 at 14:40
Istanbul (IST) to Chicago (ORD) departing Friday, May 15 at 16:05
Istanbul (IST) to Houston (IAH) departing Saturday, May 16 at 14:05
Istanbul (IST) to Miami (MIA) departing Saturday, May 16 at 18:30

Actions to Take:

If you intend to take one of the four Turkish Airlines flights listed above, please fill out this form.
Information regarding other commercial flight options is available on the U.S. Embassy COVID-19 webpage.
If you have previously purchased tickets on a commercial airline, we recommend that you reconfirm with the airlines that the flight is operational and verify the transit country's entry requirements prior to your departure.
While Turkish citizens can call “199” to seek an inter-city travel permit, U.S. citizens traveling by road to reach an airport in a different province must still contact the district governor’s office to obtain permission to travel by land for international departure. U.S. citizens can fill out this form for the Embassy to prepare a document in support of the travel permit application. We also may share this information with the Turkish authorities in support of your travel, but the decision to grant travel permissions lies with the district governor. Comply with local authorities at checkpoints and clearly state your intention to seek immediate departure from Turkey.
Carry identity and travel documents with you at all times.
Review local resources for more information:
Visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19 for information on conditions in Turkey.