Travel: Simon Calder discusses taking PCR tests

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Turkey has been on the UK Government’s red list for travel throughout the summer months, causing a wave of cancelled holiday plans for Britons. In its most recent update, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) explained more rules regarding testing and vaccine requirements in Turkey.

However, the nation remains on the red list with no indication as to if or when it could change status.

What are the current travel rules for Britons hoping to visit Turkey?

Turkey remains on the UK’s red list for travel, meaning only UK and Irish citizens and residents are permitted to enter the UK.

Those who do travel to the UK from Turkey must book and pay for a hotel quarantine period.

This isolation period will last for 10 days (11 nights) in a Government-approved hotel.

Testing will be carried out throughout the stay and will be included in the £2,285 cost for one adult.

The FCDO advises people “should not travel to red list countries of territories” such as Turkey.

Despite this, travellers from the UK are permitted to enter Turkey at the time of writing.

Passengers hoping to enter Turkey from the UK must take a coronavirus test within the three days before arrival.

The FCDO explains: “Passengers arriving from UK, Iran, Egypt or Singapore will require a negative PCR test taken within the 72 hours prior to arriving in Turkey.”

The FCDO adds: “All arrivals into Turkey, except Turkish citizens or residence permit holders, must complete an online form within 72 hours of travel.

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

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All arrivals into Turkey will then be subject to a medical evaluation for symptoms of coronavirus, including temperature checks.

They may also be subject to a random PCR test upon arrival.

The FCDO adds: “Passengers from the UK require a negative PCR test, within 72 hours of arrival, to enter Turkey.”

Arrivals must provide the address of where they intend on staying during their time in Turkey.

What is the latest travel update for Turkey from the FCDO?

The FCDO’s most recent travel advice update for Turkey explains rules surrounding vaccination or PCR testing for “certain movements” in the country from September 6, 2021.

However, this new rule only applies to Turkish citizens and residents.

The FCDO explains: “From September 6, Turkish citizens and residents must have proof of either two Covid vaccinations or recent Covid recovery (linked to the HES code) or a negative PCR test (within 48 hours) for all domestic travel by planes, and inter-provincial travel, including buses, trains or other public transportation vehicles.”

This HES code is also required when checking into accommodation, but only for Turkish residents or citizens.

Tourists are exempted from this latest travel update.

See the latest Covid vaccine stats below and visit InYourArea for all the Covid vaccine latest

What is the Covid situation like in Turkey?

According to the European Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (ECDC), as of September 2, 2021, Turkey reported 287,075 cases of coronavirus during the previous 14-day reporting period.

By comparison, during the same time, the UK reported 463,986 confirmed cases.

Reuters reports Turkey has administered at least 96,761,208 doses of COVID vaccines so far.

It explains: “Assuming every person needs two doses, that’s enough to have vaccinated about 58 percent of the country’s population.”

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