Location: Turkey
Health Alert: COVID-19 Related Restrictions in Turkey – Update
New Updates
- There will be a four-day curfew/stay-at-home order from May 16 through May 19. We understand that on May 18 and 19 grocery stores and bakeries will be open from 10:00 to 16:00, but people are only permitted to walk to these locations (driving is not permitted).
- On designated days restricted age groups are permitted to walk outside between 11:00 and 17:00.The Government of Turkey encourages all to wear a mask when outside.The Government of Turkey encourages all to wear a mask when outside.
- Sunday, May 17, individuals over 65.
- Wednesday, May 20, individuals ages 0-14.
- Friday, May 22, individuals ages 15-20.
- The Government of Turkey encourages all to wear a mask when outside.
- Entry/Exit travel restrictions have been lifted in nine more provinces: Adana, Diyarbakir, Mardin, Trabzon, Ordu, Denizli, Kahramanmaras, Sanliurfa, and Tekirdag.
TURKISH AIRLINES DIRECT FLIGHTS TO THE UNITED STATES INCLUDE:
- 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 (see important note below)
- Istanbul (IST) to Miami (MIA) departing Saturday, May 16 at 18:30
Press reports indicate that Turkish Airlines has presented a three-month plan for its operations which does not include regularly scheduled direct flights to the United States until July 2020.
- All travelers will be required to wear cloth face coverings and gloves during these flights.
- If you are booked for the Istanbul (IST) to Houston (IAH) flight and you have been in one of the COVID restricted areas within the last 14 days (currently defined as China, Iran, Schengen Area, Ireland, or the UK), you will not be allowed on this flight regardless of citizenship (including U.S. citizens) because Houston is not one of the authorized arrival airports for CDC clearance.
- Due to weekend movement restrictions, it is recommended that travelers departing on the Saturday flights arrive in Istanbul prior to the start of the curfew and plan to stay at one of the airport hotels. We understand that The Park Inn by Radisson will be open and offers an airport shuttle during the curfew.
Actions to Take:
- If you intend to take one of the four direct Turkish Airlines flights May 14 - 16, please fill out this form and purchase your tickets directly from Turkish Airlines.
- 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 airline 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 permission 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.
- Visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19 for information on conditions in Turkey.
For Assistance:
U.S. Embassy (Ankara, Turkey)
