Most countries require passengers returning from Turkey to present a negative PCR test before departure from Turkey in order to enter their country.
As a result, travelers coming to Turkey from all over the world are now encountering quite a few questions and concerns about the whole procedure.
In order for you to have a pleasant vacation in Antalya, as well as a stress-free return flight, we will answer the most common questions and give you some useful tips in this complete guide to PCR tests in Antalya.
Read this article for more details about the COVID-19 Rules in Turkey.
Where Can I Take the PCR test in Antalya?
State Hospitals in the Antalya Province
The tests in hospitals are usually done in tents in the open air to prevent the spread of the virus.
You can have your COVID-19 Antigen PCR test done at state hospitals in Antalya. It's recommended to contact the facility beforehand. However, taking a PCR test in state hospitals is not highly recommended, as you can expect the following disadvantages:
- Disadvantages:
One disadvantage is the language barrier that is prevalent in many places in Antalya’s state hospitals. Since many Turkish people still do not speak English as a second language, there may be communication problems.
Furthermore, you should be prepared for a long wait time at state hospitals. You will usually have to wait in line for a long time (about 1 to 1.5 hours) to be able to take the PCR test, and then, you will have to wait a comparatively long time until the test result is available.
- General information:
- Costs: The fee per PCR test is 250 TL in state hospitals.
- PCR Test Result Time: Within 24 hours.
- Hours: In state hospitals you can take the PCR test 24/7.
- Some Addresses:
- Muratpaşa District (District in Antalya City): Antalya Education and Research Hospital (Antalya Eğitim ve Araştırma Hastanesi), Address: Varlık, Kazım Karabekir Cd., 07100 Muratpaşa/Antalya
- Kepez District (District in Antalya City): Kepez State Hospital (Kepez Devlet Hastanesi), Address: Hüsnü Karakaş, No:124, Güneş Cd., 07320 Kepez
- Manavgat District: Manavgat State Hospital (Manavgat Devlet Hastanesi), Address: Çağlayan, Şelale Cd. Üzeri, 07600 Manavgat/Antalya
- Alanya District: New Alanya Education and Research Hospital (Alanya Eğitim ve Araştırma Hastanesi), Address: Oba, Fidanlık Cd., 07400 Alanya/Antalya
- Finike District: Finike State Hospital (Finike Devlet Hastanesi), Address: Sahilkent, Akdeniz Blv. NO:302, 07740 Finike/Antalya
Private Clinics in the Antalya Province
Several private clinics provide Covid-19 tests in Antalya. The basic version is also available for 250 TL. For faster results, no waiting time, and other benefits private clinics charge and extra fee.
In the province of Antalya, there are a lot of private clinics where you can also be tested. Just like in state hospitals, you usually pay 250 TL for the PCR test. It is recommended to contact the facility beforehand.
- Advantages:
Taking a PCR test in one of Antalya's private clinics is comparatively much faster, as there are normally no long waiting lines.
The staff usually speaks English, some also speak German or Russian, which makes communication much easier.
In addition, the test result is available within a few hours.
In many private clinics, it's possible to make an appointment. This option is highly recommended, as it allows you to avoid possible waiting times.
- Disadvantages:
Even though most private clinics charge the standard price of 250 TL for performing the PCR test, there are a few clinics that charge higher prices. We recommend that you inquire in advance.
- General Information:
- PCR Test Result Time: A few hours
- Hours: In private clinics, you can get tested around the clock.
- Addresses:
Lara Anadolu Hospital, Antalya Medical Park, Alanya Anadolu Hospital, Side Anadolu Hospital, and Ahu Hospital are just some of the private clinics in the Antalya province. You can find an updated list of all Covid-19 test laboratories in Turkey here.
The Antalya Airport
Entrance to the Covid-19 Test Center at the Antalya Airport
The Antalya Airport offers travelers the opportunity to have pre-flight PCR testing at the Antalya Airport.
You can find the testing center in Terminal 1 Arrivals. You will pass by it when you arrive at the Antalya Airport. When you are at the exit, just look to the left and you will see the testing center.
- Disadvantages:
The testing center in the Antalya Airport is very busy, which is why you have to expect long wait times here. In addition, you have to wait in several lines, one after the other, to get a number, to pay the testing fee, and then to head to the testing cabins to finally take the PCR test.
Since in many cases, for example for a trip to Germany, you can only fly if you have a negative PCR test result (which is not older than 48 hours), there is a risk of missing the flight if you do not arrive early enough.
You can go to the check-in only when you have your negative test result. You will have to show it along with your travel documents. Please check the current regulations for your country of entry, as well as your airline.
For the check-in itself you should plan at least 2 hours. Please note, that with almost all airlines you also have to check in your hand luggage, which in turn leads to a longer procedure.
It is also important to note that online check-in is currently not possible at the Antalya Airport. This is due to the fact that the negative PCR test and all other documents must be checked at check-in.
Travelers who wish to take the PCR test at the airport are therefore strongly advised to arrive at the Antalya Airport as early as possible, but at least 6 hours before departure, so that there is enough time for the PCR test, the result from test, and for check-in.
- General Information:
- Cost: The PCR test costs 250 TL at the Antalya airport.
- PCR Test Result Time: On average, the test results come out in 2.5 to 4 hours.
- Hours: You can can take the PCR test 24/7 at the Antalya Airport.
Hotels in the Antalya Province
Some hotels in Antalya offer you the possibility get tested directly at the hotel. After you have registered for the PCR test, the medical staff takes a sample at the hotel’s health center and then bring it to a laboratory where the PCR test is evaluated. The test result is received either by email or SMS.
- Advantages:
If you have the option to get tested at the Antalya Hotel you booked , this is the easiest and most stress-free option to get a PCR test done.
Thanks to prior registration, there is no waiting time at all and there is also no need to travel to the testing center, which, in turn, can save you precious time.
- Disadvantages:
This option is currently only offered at some large 5-star hotels in Antalya. Many 3 and 4 star hotels in Antalya do not currently offer this option. We recommend that you contact your hotel beforehand to find out.
- General Information:
- Cost: The PCR test costs 250 TL in most of the hotels in Antalya where it's offered. Find out beforehand what the testing fee is in your hotel.
- PCR Test Result Time: Usually within 24 hours
- Hours: The hours for taking PCR tests depend on the office hours of the particular hotel. After you sign up for it at your hotel, you will receive all further information from the hotel staff.
Bottom line
Due to the limited capacity at the Antalya Airport and state hospitals, you can expect a very long wait times. For this reason, it's not highly recommended to take the PCR test at the airport or in state hospitals in Antalya.
The least stressful option is to get tested directly in your own hotel, if this option is offered. Otherwise, it's recommended to have the PCR test done in a private clinic in Antalya.
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