Health Alert – Mission Turkey – May 12

May 12, 2020    

Health Event: Message to U.S. citizens – Update on COVID-19 and Related Restrictions

New Updates

  • There will be a four-day curfew/stay-at-home order from May 16 through May 19.  We understand that on May 18 and 19 grocery stores and bakeries will be open from 10:00 to 16:00, but people are only permitted to walk to these locations (driving is not permitted).
  • On designated days restricted age groups are permitted to walk outside between 11:00 and 17:00.
    • Sunday, May 17, individuals over 65. 
    • Wednesday, May 20, individuals ages 0-14.
    • Friday, May 22, individuals ages 15-20.
  • The Government of Turkey encourages all to wear a mask when outside.
  • Entry/Exit travel restrictions have been lifted in nine more provinces: Adana, Diyarbakir, Mardin, Trabzon, Ordu, Denizli, Kahramanmaras, Sanliurfa, and Tekirdag.

TURKISH AIRLINES DIRECT FLIGHTS TO THE UNITED STATES INCLUDE: 

  • Istanbul (IST) to New York (JFK) departing Thursday, May 14 at 14:40
  • Istanbul (IST) to Chicago (ORD) departing Friday, May 15 at 16:05
  • Istanbul (IST) to Houston (IAH) departing Saturday, May 16 at 14:05 (see important note below)
  • Istanbul (IST) to Miami (MIA) departing Saturday, May 16 at 18:30 

Press reports indicate that Turkish Airlines has presented a three-month plan for its operations which does not include regularly scheduled direct flights to the United States until July 2020.

  • All travelers will be required to wear cloth face coverings and gloves during these flights.
  • If you are booked for the Istanbul (IST) to Houston (IAH) flight and you have been in one of the COVID restricted areas within the last 14 days (currently defined as China, Iran, Schengen Area, Ireland, or the UK), you will not be allowed on this flight regardless of citizenship (including U.S. citizens) because Houston is not one of the authorized arrival airports for CDC clearance.
  • Due to weekend movement restrictions, it is recommended that travelers departing on the Saturday flights arrive in Istanbul prior to the start of the curfew and plan to stay at one of the airport hotels.  We understand that The Park Inn by Radisson will be open and offers an airport shuttle during the curfew. 

Actions to Take:

  • If you intend to take one of the four direct Turkish Airlines flights May 14 – 16, please fill out this form and purchase your tickets directly from Turkish Airlines.
  • Information regarding commercial flight options is available on the U.S. Embassy COVID-19 webpage.
  • If you have previously purchased tickets, we recommend that you reconfirm with the airlines that the flight is operational and verify the transit country’s entry requirements prior to your departure.
  • If you are traveling by road to reach an airport in a different province, please contact the local governor’s office to obtain permission to travel by land for your international departure.  In addition, inform us by filling out this form with your name, date of birth, passport number, current location, and flight information (number, date, time).  Please also include your mobile phone number.  We will share your information with Turkish authorities in order to double-track your request for transit to the airport.
  • Carry identity and travel documents with you at all times.  
  • Comply with local authorities at check points and clearly state your intention to seek immediate departure from Turkey.  
  • Visit local resources for more information:
  • Visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19 for information on conditions in Turkey.

Assistance:   

Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts
Follow the Embassy’s primary social media accounts: Twitter and Facebook

https://tr.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulates/Istanbul/  

U.S. Consulate (Adana, Turkey) 
Girne Bulvari No:212 Guzelevler Mah.
Yuregir, Adana – TÜRKİYE   
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 

Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts
Follow our main U.S. Embassy social media accounts: Twitter and Facebook.