Turkey currently has general measures in place to contain the COVID-19 virus. In addition to these state-wide restrictions, the province of Antalya has also implemented some additional measures.
In this guide, you will find the general Covid-19 rules in Turkey, as well as additional special rules that apply in Antalya.
The Turkish Ministry of Health has categorized the provinces of Turkey into the following four risk zones: Low risk (blue zone), medium risk (yellow zone), high risk (orange zone) and very high risk (red zone).
In addition to nationwide regulations, further requirements may apply within these zones. The Antalya province is currently a very high risk zone. Check the Official Turkish COVID-19 Health Website for a current map of the risk zones and the latest numbers of Covid-19 infections in Turkey.
General Rules that Apply Throughout Turkey
The Turkish government has announced a gradual normalization period to bring Covid-19 infections under control. The new rules start June 1st.
Following measures apply:
- Face Mask: It's mandatory to wear a mask at all times in all public places. This also includes the beaches, public transportation, streets, parks, and inside cars with other people.
- Social Distancing: Social distancing (at least 3 steps distance between people) is mandatory in public areas.
- Curfew: Nationwide curfews are in place every weekday from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. and on weekends continuously from Saturday, 10 p.m. to Monday, 5 a.m. However, they do not apply for foreign tourists who are visiting Turkey on short trips.
- Dining Establishments: Restaurants, cafes, and all other dining establishments are permitted to open from 7 am to 9 pm. They are closed on Sundays with the exception of take-away and delivery services.
- HES Code: A HES Code is mandatory to use public transportation, for inter-city travel, and to enter sites like banks, shopping centers, hotels, museums, and more. You can find further information in our guide about the HES Code in Antalya.
- Supermarkets: Supermarkets, bakeries, and butcher shops are open from Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. Sundays, they are open from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. On Sundays, grocery purchases are allowed only in the immediate vicinity of your place of residence. Driving by car is not permitted.
- Inter-City Travel: Travel between provinces by private transport is prohibited during curfews, without a valid reason. Intercity travel by car is possible only with a travel permit for specific reasons, such as to get to the airport for international flights.
- Smoking: Smoking in public areas is banned.
- Age-Specific Restrictions: Persons above the age of 65 who have not had their COVID-19 vaccine can only go outside between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Children under 18 years of age and persons 65 years of age and older are not allowed to use public transportation.
- Hotel/Accommodation Reservations: Individuals with hotel reservations during curfew and weekend closures are exempt from curfew and intercity travel restrictions.
Fines will be imposed on those who do not comply with the restrictions imposed to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
Additional Rules in the Province of Antalya
- Government buildings, hotels, and tourist attractions in the Antalya province such as Hadrian's Gate, the historical Antalya Kaleiçi Ancient City, the streets, and Hıdırlık Tower are disinfected periodically against the COVID-19 virus.
- About 400 hotels in the Antalya region have received a “Safe Tourism Certification” from the Turkish Ministry of Tourism and Culture. Check out the list with all the hotels in Turkey that have a Safe Tourism Certification.
The following precautions and safety measures have been taken in Antalya hotels to prevent domestic and foreign tourists from being affected by the virus:
- Guests are asked to wear a mask when entering restaurants and getting food, sometimes also in closed public spaces.
- Instead of an open self-serve buffets, the kitchen staff serves the desired dishes to guests.
- Public areas are arranged to facilitate social distancing rules.
- Free face masks are available at the reception desks.
- Hotels that have received a “Safe Tourism Certification” use hygiene, cleanliness, and safety measurement standards published by public health authorities and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
- Hotel staff follows safety protocols as directed by public health authorities.
- Hand disinfection devices have been placed in key areas.
- Before checking into the hotel, Body temperature measurements are made. In some hotels this is done with a digital thermometer, in others you can see devices with temperature sensors. In order for guests to enjoy their vacation safely and undisturbed, other hotels take body temperature measurements in a more hidden way by using devices such as thermal cameras.
- The facility and accommodations are continually disinfected; plates, glasses, cutlery etc. are constantly sanitized.
It's easy to see from this information that Turkish Government is responding to the pandemic situation with all possible care. Specific measures are put in place, so that visitors who will travel to Turkey and Antalya during the spring and summer of 2021 have the most wonderful trip without worries.
Don't hesitate to ask us questions in the comments section below. Our team will make every effort to give you answers and facilitate your trip to Antalya.
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