MAY 17, 2021 UPDATE – IS TURKEY’S FULL LOCKDOWN OVER?
UPDATE APRIL 27: For the current FULL LOCKDOWN situation please CLICK HERE.
UPDATE: For the latest April 2021 restrictions and rules, please see this post.
The Turkish government on the evening of March 1, 2021, provided an update on covid restrictions throughout the country. We have an update on what is opening back up and what is staying closed, including restaurants which have been closed for dine in services since November 20th. We also have an update on whether a negative Covid test will still be required to enter Turkey and with all things considered, is Turkey worth visiting right now?
CATEGORIZED CITIES
Beginning on March 2nd, lockdown has been partially lifted, with cities being categorized from low risk to very high risk. If you are a tourist, most cities you’d consider fall into either medium or high risk. Examples of a medium risk city are Nevsehir, which is home to Cappadocia and Ankara, Turkey’s capital. Examples of high risk cities include Antalya, Mugla (home to Bodrum, Fethiye and Marmaris), Izmir and Istanbul.
SUNDAY LOCKDOWN FOR HIGH AND VERY HIGH RISK CITIES
So, what is the big difference between medium and high risk cities? Weekend lockdowns are completely over for low and medium risk cities. High and very high risk cities will still have lockdowns, but on Sunday only (beginning 9pm Saturday night through 5am Monday). This means Istanbul will be locked down on Sunday, but Cappadocia won’t.
NIGHTLY LOCKDOWN FOR CTIZENS AND RESIDENTS ONLY
Nightly lockdowns for citizens and residents will continue from 9pm through 5am throughout the country. This won’t stop tourists from going out at night, or on Sunday, but businesses like malls and markets will continue to close earlier to comply with these updated lockdown rules.
The only thing in Istanbul that we could find which will remain fully closed is the Basilica Cistern and when we called to ask, there was no update as to when it will reopen at this time.
RESTAURANTS CAN REOPEN WITH RESTRICTIONS
Restaurants are open again for dine in service except in very high risk cities. There is a time and capacity limit though. Restaurants can be open for dine in service from 7am to 7pm each day, but will be cannot exceed 50% capacity. You may want to go ahead and make a reservation for your favorite restaurant to make sure you will get a seat.
In low and medium risk cities, this even includes on Sunday. That said, in high risk cities like Istanbul, restaurants will not open on Sundays during lockdown, however, take out service will still be available.
PCR TESTS REMAIN MANDATORY FOR ENTRY INTO TURKEY.
You will still be required to present a negative covid PCR test within 72 hours prior to departure in order to enter Turkey. The original deadline was March 1, 2021, but this has been extended. One website we found mentioned March 31, but we have also heard rumors the requirement will be extended through May 26. Turkish Airlines’ website ha snot provided a date at this point. We will update that information as soon as we can.
Additionally, Brazil has been added to the 14 day quarantine list alongside the UK, South Africa and Denmark. The quarantine will be at a place the Turkish government chooses, you cannot elect to stay at a hotel or airbnb of your choice if you come from one of those four countries.
IS IT WORTH VISITING TURKEY NOW?
Yes, but keep monitoring the situation over the next month or so. Vaccine is being rolled out in Turkey fairly quickly, but cases have started to slightly tick up again.
If cases reach over 20,000 daily again, the government may reenter stricter lockdown restrictions.
That being said as the weather continue to warm through March, now is the perfect time to start thinking of a late spring/summer holiday, but of course make the best smart decision for you!
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