Turkey

Turkish authorities continue to impose weekend curfews and these can be extended to cover public holidays. Follow the Australian Embassy on social media for regular updates (see Local contacts). If you’re in one of these provinces, you must stay in your accommodation during the curfew period, unless there is an emergency. The 31 provinces are: Adana, Ankara, Antalya, Aydın, Balıkesir, Bursa, Denizli, Diyarbakır, Erzurum, Eskişehir, Gaziantep, Hatay, İstanbul, İzmir, Kahramanmaraş, Kayseri, Kocaeli, Konya, Malatya, Manisa, Mardin, Mersin, Muğla, Ordu, Sakarya, Samsun, Şanlıurfa, Tekirdağ, Trabzon, Van, Zonguldak. 

Persons aged 65 and over, those 20 and under, or those who have a chronic medical condition are subject to a  further curfew and may not leave their homes. People who must travel or leave home may only do so after requesting official permission via the designated phone lines: 112, 155, and 156.

Domestic travel is restricted to minimise movement within Turkey. Domestic flights are suspended. Inter-city public transport has been reduced or suspended. Inter-city buses are limited, and may require a domestic travel permit. Inter-city train services have stopped. Travel by private vehicle or commercial transfer service is possible, but you’ll need a travel permit to enter and exit major centres. You may also be subject to health screening and checkpoints.

Large-scale events, including Anzac Day, have been cancelled. Public entertainment and recreation venues are closed.

All non-essential shops and community spaces are closed. This includes schools, restaurants, bars, libraries, playgrounds, gyms, cinemas, theatres and some public outdoor spaces. Police have been given powers to enforce new restrictions.

You must wear a mask in crowded places, including in markets and supermarkets. In Istanbul and Ankara, you must also wear a mask on public transport, and in private vehicles containing more than two people.

The Turkish Government has suspended international passenger flights from Turkey. Extremely limited flight options may still be available. Follow the Australian Embassy on social media for regular updates (see Local contacts for links). 

If you’re a foreign national and you overstay your visa due to COVID-19, Turkish authorities have confirmed that you won’t face any fines or penalties.

If you’re staying in Turkey, follow the advice of local authorities, take care to protect yourself from exposure to COVID-19, ensure you have arrangements in place for an extended stay, and keep in contact with family and friends back home. If you need urgent consular assistance call the nearest Australian mission or call +61 2 6261 3305.

Read the original advice at SmartTraveller.gov.au by Australian Government