Full lockdown in Turkey: what awaits Ukrainian tourists

Author

Natalia Myronova

From 19:00 on April 29 to 05:00 on May 17, 2021, a strict lockdown is being introduced in Turkey due to the increase in the number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases. This was announced by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Anadolu reports.

has compiled information on what will work, what tourists should do, and what are the regulations for entering Turkey.

Strict lockdown in Turkey

Erdogan informed the lockdown during the month of Ramadan would be due to an increase in new cases and deaths from the coronavirus. He added that Turkey needs to reduce the number of daily infections to less than 5,000 cases per day. The President added that Turkey needs to be ready to welcome tourists and avoid economic losses.

"At a time when Europe is in the process of opening, we must quickly reduce the number of cases to less than 5,000 in order not to be left behind. In the coming days, we need to work harder together to achieve the desired relief," he said.

So, during a full lockdown in Turkey:

A curfew will be imposed from 19:00 on April 29 to 05:00 on May 17, 2021;
All organizations and institutions will cease their activities;
Food manufacturers, health workers and some categories from the list of the Ministry of Internal Affairs are allowed to work;
Intercity trips are allowed only if there is a special permit from the authorities and the occupancy is no more than 50%;
Accommodation in hotels or guesthouses is no exception to curfew;
Kindergartens and schools will be closed, exams will be postponed.

What will happen to tourists

After announcing the imposition of a full lockdown in Turkey, the authorities added that the restrictions would not apply to foreigners temporarily staying in the country. Shops, hotels and boarding guest houses, museums, and public transport will work for tourists. However, shops will close until 17:00.

H.E. Ambassador of Ukraine to Turkey Andrii Sybiha informed that in the near future all employees of the tourism sector in Turkey would be vaccinated, and that would make the travel safer.

"The country has introduced the certification of safe tourism that is checked by a number of institutions of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Turkey," he said.

According to Minister of Culture and Information Policy Oleksandr Tkachenko, Ukraine and Turkey signed a memorandum on strengthening cooperation in the tourism industry. The document provides for: strengthening tourist security, improving the quality of tourist services and protecting the rights of tourists; weakening of the border crossing regulations for travel of citizens of both countries; learning from Turkish experience in improving quality standards, in particular, in the field of hotel certification and improving service; expanding the presence of Ukrainian TV channels in Turkish hotels; creation and promotion of audio guides in Ukrainian and Turkish languages at tourist sites that will contribute to the strengthening of cultural relations.

"International agreements should be updated and expanded. This is the key to sustainable development. Particularly when our country is especially experiencing support from the Turkish side today. As well as solidarity in geopolitical views. In addition, the pandemic is constantly making its own adjustments to the strategic course of our states. After discussing possible directions, we have signed a memorandum of cooperation," he wrote.

Tkachenko added that due to imposing the lockdown, walks outside the hotel territory for tourists will also be available. Tourists can safely move around the country and visit sights without a large crowd of people.

Regulations of entry to Turkey

С 15 мая 2021 года, прежде чем въехать в Турцию, туристы должны сдать тест на коронавирус и заполнить электронную анкету на сайте МОЗ Турции за 72 часа до вылета.

From May 15, 2021, before entering Turkey, tourists must do a coronavirus test and fill out an electronic form on the website of the Turkish Ministry of Health 72 hours before departure.

Tourists need to indicate in the form their passport details, phone number, e-mail, type of entry, date of departure and flight number, address of stay in Turkey. If the aform is not completed, the tourist may be fined or not allowed to board the plane.