Turkey

NicoleSmith00

Hi all, just an idea for anyone struggling to meet— Turkey is allowing anyone from anywhere to enter. I'm a US Citizen, and my partner SCHENGEN, and we booked tickets with Turkish Airlines for Aug 7-15. Whether that trip actually comes to fruition and the airline doesn't cancel on a whim is of course a risk we're taking, however in 25 days there is a chance we will actually successfully meet there. No COVID test is required, no proof of relationship; just an e-visa you complete online which US citizens need to do. We made said Croatia would be our emergency last minute "plan B" in the case that Turkish Airlines cancelled with no noticed, however it was just announced that Croatia will be requiring COVID tests and quarantines, and as everyone knows it's nearly impossible to get COVID results within 72 hours in the US, and most people with Corporate careers can't just take 14 days off in a row.

My four favorite sites for keeping up-to-date with real-time border changes are:

https://www.iata.org/
https://thepointsguy.com/news/
https://www.traveloffpath.com/travel-news/
https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/

SIDE NOTE— If Turkish Airlines does cancel our upcoming trip, this will be the third time this has happened during the pandemic. We're not giving up! First he tried coming to the US when the ban was supposed to be lifted, then we attempted Iceland (we all know what happened with that), and now Turkey is our next chance. So far, we feel optimistic, but it will be heartbreaking if this too doesn't work out. We're going to need a new plan B that isn't Croatia. Tanzania and Rwanda are out of the question— too far away aka too risky with all the connections— and Mexico is too far from him. Maybe Antigua in the Caribbean?

Is anyone else planning on meeting up in Turkey with their S.O.?

FelixUrbasik

That's interesting. I didn't know Turkey let's everyone in. I really hope this works out! But be careful though, if they are not testing you could catch an infection there. And will your countries let you back in?

NicoleSmith00

Oh for sure we will be careful. We recognize that just because we're traveling doesn't mean COVID has disappeared. Turkey requires mask wearing at all times in public places, and they've done a much better job of stopping the spread than the US and some countries in Europe.

As long as you are a US citizen, you are allowed back into the US. I read an article about an American in Turkey who just landed in Chicago without any issue.

Entry requirements for Turkey:

All nations that require an e-visa or stamp visa will obtain one prior to entering Turkey
Tourists are required to wear a face-mask during the inbound flight to Turkey, as well as in the airport. Any tourist not wearing a mask will be denied entry.
Travelers agree to a health screening and temperature check (as of right now, you do not need to bring test results or health certificates prior to boarding)
Once in Turkey, the wearing of face-masks in public spaces is mandatory for many cities including Ankara and Istanbul.

Is Testing Mandatory to enter Turkey?

At this time, there is NO mandatory testing for tourists into Turkey.

**However, any passengers showing symptoms including high fever, coughing or respiratory difficulties upon arrival will be will be required to undergo a PCR swab test. In the event that a test returns with a positive result, the traveler will be provided with medical treatment at a facility determined by the Ministry of Health or at a private medical facility in Turkey at the travelers expense.

FLIGHT OPTIONS From USA

New York on Turkish Airlines starting July 10
Washington D.C. on Turkish Airlines starting July 5
Chicago on Turkish Airlines starting June 30
Miami on Turkish Airlines starting July 10
Houston on Turkish Airlines starting July 27
Los Angeles on Turkish Airlines starting June 29
San Francisco on Turkish Airlines starting July 16

There are many options from Canada and Europe too.

So, as of today with 25 days left until our departure, our flight is taking off. We're aware anything can change without notice, which is why we have our eye on the Caribbean as a backup plan.

I'll keep everyone posted with updates on whether this trip comes to fruition! Hopefully it will all work out for the best.

NicoleSmith00

If you're not a U.S. citizen, I recommend checking with your country's government site and cross referencing with the airline going to Turkey to better understand whether and when you'll be allowed back.

draw700

Hello, Thank you for the post. I am a US resident/citizen and my partner is an Italian resident/citizen. We were planning to go to Croatia at the end of August but I worry about (1) getting my C-19 test results in 48 hours (HR requirement is 48 hours not 72 hours) (2) with a negative test it is still 'recommended' to only leave for necessary reasons so still sounds like SI/Q (3) my flight transfers in VIE (outbound) and FRA (return) given there are reports about problems. We have emails from border control in AT/GR saying I can transfer because my final destination HR is not Schengen but I know the rules could change or the airline could deny me boarding for any reason like the flight is overbooked (which we think happened to a girl doing the same thing with LOT). We are now thinking about about to Turkey. Are you on Twitter? May I please direct message you there with some questions? Thank you @draw700

draw700

I just learned Italians cannot travel outside EU/Schengen so Turkey is off the list.

NicoleSmith00

Hey! I'm not on social media, however I can empathize with your situation. I'm sorry to hear Italians can't travel outside EU/Schengen. Travel rules seem to change on a daily basis, so there is hope things might look different in a few weeks. Which state do you live in?

draw700

Hi! Thank you. I live in PA. Why do you ask? Italy is being very strict for both residents and visitors so unfortunately, we do not think that the situation will change anytime soon. The IT state of emergency does not end until 12/31/20. A couples exemption is possible but it will require very strict conditions. Our plan is to go to Croatia but I have a question about that. I posted this there: Have any Americans traveled to Croatia with a negative test? I don't understand the difference between the recommendation to stay at home and only go out for necessary reasons (if you have a negative test upon arrival). And self-isolation if you don't have a negative test upon arrival. They sound the same but I understand there are fines for breaking self-isolation. Thank you https://www.hzjz.hr/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Recommendations-and-Instructions_EN-1.pdf https://www.hzjz.hr/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/letak-samoizolacija_EN.pdf

NicoleSmith00

Just curious. I'm so sorry to hear about Italy being so strict. While that is unfortunate, I am positive that you and your partner will find other countries in the coming weeks where you can meet between now and December, as a good middle-ground.

While I'm definitely no expert on Croatia, I found this article on its reopening super helpful. There are 46 comments, so I'm sure you may be able to deduce some insight. Let me know if it clarifies your concerns.

https://www.traveloffpath.com/croatia-has-reopened-to-tourists-from-these-countries/

draw700

Thank you for sharing. I did not know I have to email border control in HR! I am already emailing AT and GR for my connecting flights.

sanzsofia90

Hi all,

I’m Sofia from Chile, I’m soon to be travelling to Cappadocia with my husband, and the question I have is precisely about him. He is from Cuba, I was wondering if now that we are married she could apply for the electronic visa for Turkey (https://www.visasturkey.com/requirements/).

I know that Cubans are not eligible for it, but maybe after being married to me there is a chance he can apply for it? Perhaps what I am asking makes no sense, but It is worth the try.

Thank you!