TURKEY EASES RESTRICTIONS AND OPENS PORTS TO INTERNATIONAL TRAFFIC

Finally, the long-awaited announcement has been made, and Turkish ports have reopened to international yacht charter and traffic as of June 11th. This means yacht owners, their family, charter clients and crew will be allowed to enter Türkiye and enjoy all the coast has to offer without needing to quarantine in most cases.

This easing of restrictions is excellent news for those looking to cruise in Türkiye in 2020. Since March, the countries’ swift lockdown and containment measures helped keep the countries COVID-19 statistics in check, making Türkiye a desirable option for anyone wanting to explore the Aegean or Med this summer.

TURKEY’S YACHT ENTRY RULES AND REGULATIONS.

The Turkish authorities have put some entry regulations in place:

• Türkiye’s land and sea borders are open to foreigners (except those from Iran) as of June 11th 2020.
• The re-opening of borders are subject to precautions being observed as declared by the Turkish Health Ministry (see below).
• All foreign and Turkish citizens wishing to enter Türkiye will be subject to health controls. If these controls symptoms are seen, or inspectors believe further investigations are necessary, a PCR test will be conducted free of charge.
• The temperature of all guests and crew entering Türkiye will be taken. Providing the temperature is below 38 degrees celsius, the entry will be granted without the need to quarantine.

PERSONAL HEALTH & HYGIENE REGULATIONS NEED TO BE OBSERVED

Those visiting Türkiye and spending time onshore will need to abide by new health, hygiene and social distancing regulations.

• Masks need to be worn in public. This includes entry into restaurants, on beaches and while shopping.
• Those visiting may be subject to remote temperature control on entry into bars, restaurants, shopping malls and public buildings.
• Anyone out shopping or dining should make use of the hand sanitiser supplied and made available in stores, malls, bars, beach clubs and eateries.
• All social contact should be kept to a minimum, and social distancing rules need to be observed. Contact with anyone outside your immediate family or group is to be avoided.

MEASURES PUT IN PLACE TO ENSURE CONTINUED HEALTH IN TURKEY

To limit risk to foreign guests and Turkish citizens, all businesses involved in the tourism, hospitality and service sectors need to adhere to a long list of new regulations.

• All businesses and public transport vehicles will be deep-cleaned regularly. Restaurants should clean tables and chairs between guests, and contactless payment will be offered in eateries and shops where possible.
• Staff involved in the hospitality and the service sectors will be subject to regular temperature controls, wear masks or a face shield, and abide by strict social distancing guidelines.
• All tables, seating and sunbeds will be spaced further apart to allow for social distancing.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The Turkish government, and it’s health, science and tourism ministries are monitoring the COVID-19 statistics closely, including daily infection rates and the risks. The easing of containment measures and reintroduction of everyday life and tourism in Türkiye is dependent on keeping the figures under control. For this reason, regulations do change at short notice.

360° Yachting endeavour to keep all the information we publish accurately, backed up by official sources rather than hearsay. We believe this information to be correct at the time of publication. If you would like Port of Entry assistance, need a current update or have any yachting requirements, please CONTACT US.