Health Alert: COVID-19 Related Restrictions in Turkey – Update

NEW UPDATES:

On April 26, 2021, the Government of Turkey (GoT) announced additional restrictions and closures to stop the spread of COVID-19, including a full-time curfew throughout ALL of Turkey, starting at 19:00 on Thursday, April 29, 2021, and ending at 05:00 on Monday, May 17, 2021, encompassing weekdays and weekends.

  • The U.S. Embassy in Ankara, U.S. Consulate General in Istanbul, U.S. Consulate in Adana, and Consular Agency in Izmir will be closed for routine consular services for the duration of the curfew.  During this period, only emergency services will be provided.
  • The COVID-19 related restrictions apply to all citizens and residents of Turkey; tourists are exempt.
  • During the curfew, all commercial enterprises, workplaces and/or offices will be closed, with limited exceptions.
  • All schools will be closed and on virtual learning during this period. This includes all grades, including daycares and kindergartens.
  • Grocery stores, markets, greengrocers, butchers, dried fruits, and desserts shops will be open between 10:00 – 17:00, Monday – Saturday. (Independent stores may be open Sundays). Individuals may shop for their essential needs at the closest store within walking distance (driving is not allowed).
  • Until the end of Ramadan, Thursday, May 13, 2021, dining establishments such as restaurants, patisseries, cafés, and cafeterias will be available for 24/7 delivery services only. After this date, they will be available for delivery services until 01:00 only.
  • Intercity travel is not allowed. A hotel/lodging reservation during the period of the curfew will not provide exemption from the curfew and/or intercity travel restrictions. Only individuals who have a travel permit that meets the exigent/mandatory circumstances below will be allowed. Tourist exemptions apply only to persons in the country for a short time on a tourist visa. (International travel tickets purchased prior to the GOT announcement are exempted from this restriction.)
    • Exigent or mandatory circumstances apply for individuals who:
      • Have been discharged from a hospital and are returning to their residence of origin.
      • Have medical appointments based on a doctor’s report.
      • Have come to a given city within the last five days but do not have a place to stay and want to return to their place of residence (must have valid travel ticket, vehicle license plate, or other documents showing their travel, and information).
      • Will attend exams announced by the Ministry of Education or other central exams
  • For any intercity travel, a travel permit must be obtained from the Travel Permit Boards through the e-devlet application or by calling 199.  For additional details please see https://tr.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information-2/.

Actions to Take:

Assistance:

U.S. Embassy (Ankara, Turkey)
110 Ataturk Boulevard
Kavaklidere, 06100
Ankara, Turkey
Tel: +90-312-455-5555
Ankara-ACS@state.gov
https://tr.usembassy.gov/

U.S. Consulate General (Istanbul, Turkey)
Poligon Mahallesi, Sariyer Caddesi No: 75
İstinye 34460 Sariyer
Istanbul, Turkey
Tel: +90-212-335-9000
ACS_Istanbul@state.gov
https://tr.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulates/Istanbul/

U.S. Consulate (Adana, Turkey) 
Girne Bulvari No:212 Guzelevler Mah.
Yuregir, Adana, Turkey
Tel: +90-322-455-4100
CA-Adana@state.gov
https://tr.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulates/Adana/

U.S. Consular Agency (Izmir, Turkey)
Izmir@state.gov

State Department – Consular Affairs
1-888-407-4747 or 1-202-501-4444
Turkey’s Country Page
Turkey’s Travel Advisory
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts
Follow our main U.S. Embassy social media accounts: Twitter and Facebook