Turkey launches new testing rules for UK arrivals despite being on red list – FCDO update

Boris Johnson says travel red list is under 'constant review'

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Though Turkey remains on the UK’s red list for travel, the nation has made the decision to put in place new COVID-19 testing rules for UK arrivals. Direct flights from Turkey to England are currently “prohibited”, though UK arrivals can still enter the country as long as they meet the specific requirements set out by Turkish authorities.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), which provides travel advice for UK nationals travelling abroad, has updated its information for Turkey.

“From June 1, passengers arriving from UK, Iran, Egypt or Singapore will require a negative PCR test taken within the 72 hours prior to arriving in Turkey,” explains the travel authority.

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

It 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.”

All arrivals into Turkey will be subject to a “medical evaluation” which will check for symptoms of coronavirus.

According to the FCDO, this includes “temperature checks”.

Passengers will also be required to complete a Passenger Locator Form (PLF), provided by airlines, before arriving in Turkey.

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“You will be asked to provide the residential address of where you will stay, within the borders of Turkey, and your contact information,” explains the FCDO.

“You may be asked by your airline to provide personal information regarding COVID-19 that may be shared with the Ministry of Health and third countries when necessary.

“Anyone who knowingly provides false information may be prevented from travelling.”

The FCDO further warns that regulations currently in place can change “with little warning.”

The travel authority advises Britons to monitor the FCDO’s latest travel advice for the latest updates and “stay in contact with your travel provider.”

While Turkey is allowing UK arrivals to enter in line with testing and data requirements, the UK Government maintains that those returning from Turkey must enter into 10 days of mandatory quarantine in a Government-approved facility.

The FCDO is currently advising “against all but essential travel to the whole of Turkey based on the current assessment of COVID-19 risks.”

Britons should not travel to red list countries unless absolutely essential.

The Gov.uk website explains: “If you have been in a country or territory on the red list in the last 10 days you will only be allowed to enter the UK if you are a British or Irish National, or you have residence rights in the UK.

“Before you travel to England you must take a COVID-19 test, book a quarantine hotel package, including two COVID-19 tests, [and] complete a passenger locator form.”

Upon arrival in England, travellers must then enter into “quarantine in a manned hotel” including taking “two COVID-19 tests” during that time.

A full review of the “traffic light” system is anticipated later this week, though there has been no official confirmation as to whether or when countries will be moved from the red list.

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