Turkey holidays: FCDO issues new update as nation toughens restrictions for UK arrivals

Simon Calder discusses international travel ban

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Concerns are beginning to mount over the third wave of coronavirus which is sweeping parts of Europe. Though the UK is yet to feel its effects, some nations remain cautious of British travellers due to the risk of COVID-19 variants.

Turkey is one of the latest nations to further increase “entry requirements” for those entering the country from the UK.

In line with this, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has issued an update to its travel advice pages.

Yesterday, the FCDO explained there were some new changes to “entry restrictions to Turkey and quarantine requirements for arrivals from the UK; passengers who have been in the UK within the last 10 must quarantine for 10 days on arrival.”

The travel authority stated: “The Turkish Government have implemented a series of COVID-19 travel restrictions that are affecting flight operations between the United Kingdom and Turkey.

“Direct flights have been temporarily suspended from the UK to Turkey

“Flights from Turkey to the UK continue.

“If you are in Turkey and wish to return to the United Kingdom, direct commercial flights are available from Istanbul with Pegasus Airlines and Turkish Airlines.

“Tickets can be purchased directly from the airlines via their normal points of sale.

“If you held a ticket for a flight on one of these airlines that was cancelled, you should contact them directly to discuss your rebooking option.”

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Airlines are allowed to transport transit passengers from the UK who are travelling on one ticket via Turkey to another international destination.

However, the FCDO warns these flights may be cancelled or their itineraries changed “at short notice”.

Passengers are advised to stay up-to-date with their relevant airline. Though direct flights from the UK are cancelled, travel to Turkey from the UK via a third country is permitted.

However, arrivals will be subject to quarantine.

The FCDO continues: “Passengers who have been in the UK within the last 10 days will be required to quarantine for 10 days on arrival in Turkey.

“This can be at a residential address.

In addition, before boarding, all passengers aged six years and above will be required to show a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to departure.”

Tests to facilitate travel must not be obtained using NHS services.

“Passengers in quarantine can take a PCR test on day seven of their quarantine – if negative, the quarantine can end at that point,” states the FCDO.

“All arrivals into Turkey, except Turkish citizens or residence permit holders, must complete an online form within 72 hours of travel,” explains the travel advice page.

“This is not required for those passengers transiting in Turkey en route to another country.”

Furthermore, all passengers arriving in Turkey will be subject to a medical evaluation for symptoms of coronavirus, including temperature checks.

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