Announcements

10 March 2022 | New COVID-19 measures

The Ministry of Interior issued a circular on 4 March, specifying the new conditions for outdoor mask mandate, submission of negative PCR test result and contact tracing (HES) code requirement. According to the circular, in addition to outdoors, the mask mandate has also been lifted in indoor areas where physical distancing is applicable and proper ventilation is available. However, the mask mandate will continue in places where physical distance can’t be maintained such as schools, hospitals, theatres, movie theatres and all kinds of public transport, including intercity transportation. HES codes won’t be required in theatres, shopping malls, astro pitches and transportation. Those who are not vaccinated or haven’t had the disease in the last 180 days will no longer have to submit a negative PCR test result in situations like plane travel. Only those with symptoms will be asked to submit a PCR result. Among those who enter Türkiye via airports or border crossings, who received at least two vaccine doses (one dose for Johnson & Johnson vaccines) at least 14 days before their arrival, who have had the disease in the past six months (the six-month period starts from 28 days after a person’s first positive PCR result) and who got a negative PCR results within 72 hours before their arrival will not be quarantined. No documents will be required from people who will enter the country through land, sea and railway border crossings. Children under the age of 12 will be exempted from the requirements of PCR/antigen test reports and vaccination certificates. In order to prevent adverse effects on foreign trade, flight crew members and key personnel will be exempted from quarantine

The source

26 August 2021 | New COVID-19 measures

In line with the decisions taken by the Presidential Cabinet Meeting on 19.08.2021, a circular has been issued with regards to the requirement of presenting a PCR test for certain activities, starting Monday, 06 September. The circular outlines the following measures:

While respecting the basic principles of cleanliness, mask-wearing, and social distancing, the volunteer-based vaccination campaign remains the most powerful factor in combatting the Coronavirus (Covid-19) to minimize the risk posed by the pandemic against public health and order.

Therefore, individuals who have not contracted the disease or have not been vaccinated will be required to have a negative PCR test result for public intercity travels including travel by air, bus, train, or by any other modes of public transportation, except for travel by private vehicles.

Persons who are unvaccinated will be required to provide a negative PCR test result to attend public events such as concerts, cinemas (movie theatres), and theatres.

 Individuals who have not contracted the disease, have not been vaccinated, or do not show a negative PCR test will not be allowed to travel (using public transportation) or attend public events.

Source: https://www.icisleri.gov.tr/bazi-faaliyetler-icin-pcr-testi-zorunlulugu-genelgesi-gonderildi

In line with the decisions taken by the Presidential Cabinet Meeting on 19.08.2021, a circular has been issued with regards to the requirement of presenting a PCR test for certain activities, starting Monday, 06 September. The circular outlines the following measures:

While respecting the basic principles of cleanliness, mask-wearing, and social distancing, the volunteer-based vaccination campaign remains the most powerful factor in combatting the Coronavirus (Covid-19) to minimize the risk posed by the pandemic against public health and order.

Therefore, individuals who have not contracted the disease or have not been vaccinated will be required to have a negative PCR test result for public intercity travels including travel by air, bus, train, or by any other modes of public transportation, except for travel by private vehicles.

Persons who are unvaccinated will be required to provide a negative PCR test result to attend public events such as concerts, cinemas (movie theatres), and theatres.

 Individuals who have not contracted the disease, have not been vaccinated, or do not show a negative PCR test will not be allowed to travel (using public transportation) or attend public events.

Source: https://www.icisleri.gov.tr/bazi-faaliyetler-icin-pcr-testi-zorunlulugu-genelgesi-gonderildi 1/1

In line with the decisions taken by the Presidential Cabinet Meeting on 21.06.2021, a circular has been issued, outlining the following measures starting as of Thursday, 1 July 2021, as part of the third phase of the gradual normalisation period.

  • As of 5 am on Thursday, 1 July 2021, the curfew, and the restrictions on intercity travel, both on weekdays and weekends, will be lifted.
  • All places of work, whose activities have been suspended, will become operational again as of Thursday, 1 July 2021.
  • Restrictions on the number of passengers/seat capacity for intracity and intercity modes of public transport will be lifted as of Thursday, 1 July 2021.
  • Restrictions on citizens aged 65 and over and young people/children aged 18 and below for using the intracity modes of public transport will be lifted on Thursday, 1 July 2021.

Basic principles of cleanliness, mask-wearing, and social distancing continue to be extremely important, even if you’re vaccinated.

For more information go to: 

https://www.icisleri.gov.tr/81-il-valiligine-kademeli-normallesme-tedbirleri-genelgesi-gonderildi.

31 May 2021 | New curfew measures

In line with the decisions taken by the Presidential Cabinet Meeting on 21.06.2021, a circular has been issued, outlining the following measures starting as of Thursday, 1 July 2021, as part of the third phase of the gradual normalisation period.

  • As of 5 am on Thursday, 1 July 2021, the curfew, and the restrictions on intercity travel, both on weekdays and weekends, will be lifted.
  • All places of work, whose activities have been suspended, will become operational again as of Thursday, 1 July 2021.
  • Restrictions on the number of passengers/seat capacity for intracity and intercity modes of public transport will be lifted as of Thursday, 1 July 2021.
  • Restrictions on citizens aged 65 and over and young people/children aged 18 and below for using the intracity modes of public transport will be lifted on Thursday, 1 July 2021.

Basic principles of cleanliness, mask-wearing, and social distancing continue to be extremely important, even if you’re vaccinated.

For more information go to: 

https://www.icisleri.gov.tr/81-il-valiligine-kademeli-normallesme-tedbirleri-genelgesi-gonderildi.

31 May 2021 | New curfew measures

In line with the decisions taken by the Presidential Cabinet Meeting on 31.05.2021, a circular has been issued with regards to the gradual normalization plan, starting as of 05.00 on Tuesday, June 1, 2021. The circular outlines the following measures:

CURFEW RESTRICTIONS  

  • In the second stage of the gradual normalization period; curfew will be imposed on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday between 22.00 – 05.00; On Sundays, curfews will be imposed starting at 22.00 on Saturday, covering the whole of Sunday and finishing at 05.00 on Monday.
  • On Sundays when full-day curfews will be applied, grocery stores, grocery stores, grocery stores, butchers, nuts and sweet shops will be able to operate between 10.00-17.00, and the citizens will be able to commute to the nearest stores provided that their mandatory needs are met and they do not drive (except for our disabled citizens).
  • The exemption for curfews for foreigners only covers foreigners who are in our country for a temporary/short period within the scope of touristic activities; foreigners who are in our country are subject to curfews outside the scope of tourist activities, including residents, temporary protection holders or international protection applicants and status holders.
  • The basic needs for the citizens in advanced age groups or severely ill people who are unable to meet their own needs will be met by VEFA Social Support Groups on 112, 155 and 156, and the necessary measures will be taken by governors and governors in order to assign personnel and address the needs as soon as possible.
  • In relation to the citizens aged 65 and over who have received two doses of the vaccine right, and young people and children under 18 years of age, there will be no additional curfews other than the curfew applied for everyone.
  • Citizens aged 65 and over who are not vaccinated despite being eligible for vaccinations will only be able to go out on the street between 10.00 and 14.00 on other days other than Sundays; on Sundays, they will be subject to a full-time curfew.
  • Citizens aged 65 and over and young people under 18 years of age and our children will not be able to use public transportation (metro, metrobus, bus, minibus, bus, etc.) in the city.
  • From this provision, students who the Ministry of National Education deems appropriate to conduct face-to-face education and training will be exempted.

TRAVEL RESTRICTION BETWEEN CITIES

  • Only on the periods and days when curfews are applied, intercity travel restrictions will be applied and no restrictions on intercity travel will be applied during the period when no curfew is applied.
  • During the periods and days when curfews are applied, to the citizens will not be asked to obtain travel permits for intercity travel by public transportation such as planes, trains and buses, and they will only need to present their travel between cities with tickets, reservation codes, etc.

ACTIVITIES OF WORKPLACES

  • Places to eat and drink (such as restaurants, restaurants, cafeterias, bakeries); will be able to serve between 07.00-21.00 on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, come and take and takeaway service between 21.00 – 24.00, they will be able to operate only takeaways and Sundays between 07.00 – 24.00.
  • Outside the workplaces listed above, shops such as clothing, haberdashery, glassware, hardware, tailors, barbers, offices and offices in the retail and service sector, workplaces and shopping malls; will be able to operate between 07.00 – 21.00 hours (except Sundays).
  • Market places (except Sundays) will be able to operate between 07.00 and 20.00 hours.
  • Online market and food order companies will be able to work as a home / address service between 07.00 – 24.00 on weekdays and weekends.

EDUCATION – TEACHING ACTIVITIES

  • Nurseries and kindergartens, which are currently active, will continue their activities in the second phase of the gradual normalization, and the practice will continue for all other school and grade levels as announced to the public by the Ministry of National Education.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION PRECAUTIONS

  • Public transportation vehicles operating between cities (excluding aircraft); They will be able to accept passengers at the rate of 50% of the passenger carrying capacity.
  • Urban public transportation vehicles (minibuses, midibuses, etc.), on the other hand, will be able to operate subject to the 50% capacity limitation and the rule of not accepting standing passengers.

For further details please got to: https://www.icisleri.gov.tr/kademeli-normallesme-tedbirleri-genelgesi

18 May 2021 | New curfew measures

In line with the decisions taken by the Presidential Cabinet Meeting on 16.05.2021, a circular has been issued with regards to the gradual normalization plan, starting as of today, Monday, 17 May at 05:00 am, effective until June 1st, 2021 at 05:00 am. The circular outlines the following measures:

  1. Curfew Restrictions
  • Curfew will be implemented from 21:00 to 05:00 during weekdays, including a full weekend curfew on Saturday and Sunday that will end at 05:00 on Monday.
  • Markets, grocery stores, greengrocers, butchers, dried fruit, and dessert shops will operate between 10:00 and 17:00 during the weekend curfew on Saturday and Sunday. People will be allowed to shop nearest to their place of residence, on the condition of meeting their essential needs and not driving (except for persons with disabilities).
  • Bakeries producing bread and/or businesses with a bakery products licence and only the bread-selling dealers of these businesses will be open during the curfew days of Saturday and Sunday.  People will be able to go to and from the bakery within walking distance of their residences, on the condition of meeting their bread and bakery product needs and not driving (except for persons with disabilities). Bread distribution vehicles belonging to bakeries and bakery products licenced businesses can only serve bread to markets and grocery stores, and no sales will be made outdoors.
  • Curfew exemption granted to foreign nationals will only cover those staying in the country for a temporary/short term as part of touristic activities. Curfew restrictions will apply to foreign nationals staying in the country for non-touristic reasons, including those with a residence permit, persons under temporary protection and international protection applicants and status holders.
  • During the full-closure period, citizens included in old-age groups or with severe illness who are unable to meet their basic needs will call 112, 155, and 156 hotlines and inform their needs and these will be met by VEFA Social Support Groups and the necessary measures will be taken by governors and district governors in terms of both staffing and addressing the needs as soon as possible.
  • There will be no special restrictions on citizens aged 65 and over who have had two doses of COVID-19 vaccines and those under 18. Citizens aged 65 and above who haven’t had COVID-19 vaccine despite their eligibility will be allowed to go out between 10:00 and 14:00 and will be subject to weekend curfews. Regardless of weekdays or weekends, citizens aged 65 and over and young people under 18 and children will not be allowed to use public transportation vehicles (metro, metrobus, bus, minibus, etc.).
  1. Inter-city Travel Restrictions

Inter-city travels will not be allowed during the period and days (weekdays and weekends) in which the curfew is implemented.

  • No travel permit will be required for inter-city travels. Using public transport (plane, bus, train etc.) and submission of documents such as tickets and reservation codes for inter-city travel will be enough.
  1. Activities of Businesses
  • Eating and drinking places (places such as restaurants, cafeterias, patisseries) will provide take-out and take-away services on weekdays between 07:00 to 20:00 and only take-away services from 20:00 to midnight during weekdays, and only take-away services from 07:00 to midnight during weekends.
  • The activities of the workplaces mentioned will continue to be temporarily suspended between 17 May-1 June 2021: clubs, taverns, beer houses, hookah houses, cinemas, places such as coffee houses, cafes, association lounges, tea gardens, places such as internet cafes, video game arcades, billiard salons, swimming pools, gyms, beauty centres/salons, Turkish bath and saunas, amusement parks and theme parks. Tea shops will be able to continue their activities provided they remove their tables, chairs/stools and only serve shopkeepers.
  • Marketplaces will be able to operate between 07:00 and 19:00 during weekdays, however they will not be open during weekend curfew.
  1. Education and Training Activities

]Kindergartens that are currently operating and nursery schools will undertake their activities and for other schools and grades, the Ministry of National Education will inform the public.   

  1. Measures for Public Transportation
  • Public transport vehicles operating between cities (except aircraft) will be able to accept passengers at the rate of 50% of the passenger-carrying capacity specified in the vehicle license, and the way the passengers sit in the vehicle will prevent the passengers from contacting each other (1 full 1 empty seat).
  • In inner-city public transportation vehicles (minibuses, buses etc.) seating capacity will be limited to 50% and Standing passengers will not be allowed in accordance with the circular dated 14 April 2021.

For further details please got to: https://www.icisleri.gov.tr/kademeli-normallesme-tedbirleri-genelgesi

26 April 2021 | New curfew measures

In line with the decisions taken by the Presidential Cabinet Meeting on 26.04.2021, a circular has been issued, outlining a full lockdown that is active across the country as of 29 April 2021, Thursday 07:00 pm continuing until May 17, 2021 at 05:00 am to stem the spread of coronavirus. The circular summaries the following measures:

 

  • During the lockdown markets (bakkal), supermarkets, butchers, bakeries, pastry, and nuts (kuruyemiş) shops will operate from 10 am to 5 pm. Chain supermarkets (like Migros, Çağdaş…) will be closed on Sundays. People will be allowed to go to the nearest grocery stores, markets…, provided that they are limited to meeting their mandatory needs and without using vehicles (except for disabled people).
  • Eating and drinking places and online meal ordering companies will be able to serve takeaways on a 7/24 hours basis until Thursday, May 13, 2021, which coincides with the end of Ramadan. Eating and drinking places and online food ordering companies will be able to serve takeaways until 01.00 am after the end of Ramadan.
  • During the curfew restrictions, all commercial enterprise, business, and/or workplaces will be closed except remote working excluding the enterprises mentioned above selling basic food, medicine and cleaning products so that the production, manufacturing, logistics and supply chains will not be interrupted and no face-to-face services will be rendered.
  • People with autism, heavy mental retardation, people with special needs like people with down syndrome and their guardians or care givers will also be exempt from lockdown measures.
  • During the full-closure period, people who are unable to meet their basic needs included in old-age groups or with severe illness will call 112, 155, and 156 hotlines and inform their needs and these will be met by VEFA Social Support Groups and the necessary measures will be taken by governors and district governors in terms of both staffing and addressing the needs as soon as possible.
  • During the full lockdown intercity travel will be allowed only under certain obligatory situations (attending the funeral of a first degree relative or discharge from hospital). A travel permit document will be required which can be taken from e-Devlet (e-BAŞVURU) or by calling ALO 199.
  • Hotels will only cater for people who has the travel permit or foreign tourists.
  • lockdown measures will cover foreigners’ holders of a Turkish residence permit, people under temporary and international protection and status holders. Only tourists who are in Türkiye for a short period are exempt from lockdown measures.
  • Issuing false documents showing that the workplaces are exempted, Making fake appointments from private health institutions, Use of bakery, market, grocery store, butcher, greengrocer, dried fruit shop or dessert shop beyond the intended purpose (such as going to the market as a family), all kinds of measures will be taken by the law enforcement officers in order to prevent these abuses and the control of these issues will be especially ensured during the audits.

For further details, please go to : https://www.icisleri.gov.tr/81-il-valiligine-tam-kapanma-tedbirleri-genelgesi-gonderildi

16 April 2021 | New curfew measures

In line with the decisions taken by the Presidential Cabinet Meeting on 13.04.2021, a circular has been issued, outlining a two-week partial lockdown that is active across the country as of 14 April 2021, Wednesday 7 p.m. The circular outlines the following measures:

  • Weekday curfew starts at 7.00 p.m. (previously 9.00 p.m.) and lasts until 5 a.m. Weekend curfew will start at 7:00 p.m. on Fridays and will end at 5 a.m. on Monday.
  • In weekdays people over 65 can go out between 10:00 – 14:00 and under 18 can go out between 14:00 – 18:00 hours only. Citizens over the age of 65 and below the age of 18 won’t be allowed to use public transportation at all.
  • Curfew measures will cover all foreigners living in Türkiye with resident permits including persons under temporary protection and international protection applicants and status holders. Only tourists are exempt.
  • Markets, grocery stores, greengrocers, butchers, and dried fruit shops will operate between 10 am. and 5 pm. during the weekend curfew on Saturday and Sunday. With the exception of those over the age of 65 and under the age of 18, people will be allowed to shop at markets, grocery stores, greengrocers, butchers and dried fruit shops nearest to their place of residence, on the condition of meeting their essential needs and not driving (except for disabled citizens).
  • Inter-city travels of people who do not have an urgent situation will only be possible by using public transport (plane, bus, train, ship, etc.). Officials in charge of public transportation vehicles who document their job status and passengers who submit their tickets, reservation codes, etc. for inter-city travel will be exempted from curfew restrictions.
  • Public offices will close at 4 p.m. Female employees, who are pregnant, and those with children younger than 10 years of age, and employees with chronic illnesses will be placed on administrative leave. Private sector companies with suitable working conditions and means will also be encouraged to adopt flexible working methods.
  • Cafes, restaurants, and teahouses will only be able to provide home-delivery and takeaway services, while wedding halls, sports centers, and game halls will be closed until 17 May 2021.
  • All school grades except 8th, 12th and kindergarten will switch to remote education and will continue with online classes for the foreseeable future, starting Thursday.
  • Mass iftar organizations will not be held in the accommodation facilities.
  • During the month of Ramadan, pita and bread production, including special order production in bakeries, will be ended 1 hour before iftar in order to prevent the risk of pita queues and over crowdedness that may occur during and just before iftar time, and only sales will be made until the iftar time. Production, sales, and other preparations will continue in bakeries after iftar.
  • Bread distribution vehicles belonging to bakeries and bakery products licensed businesses can only serve bread to markets and grocery stores, and no sales will be allowed outdoors.

For further information, please go to:

https://www.icisleri.gov.tr/81-il-valiligine-kismi-kapanma-genelgesi-gonderildi.

1 April 2021 | New curfew measures

Following the Presidential Cabinet meeting on 29 March, the Ministry of Interior has issued a new circular regarding the COVID-19 measures to be taken on a provincial basis for the “controlled normalization process”.

The categories of provinces according to their COVID-19 risk have been amended.

Until further notice, the low-risk province: Şırnak

Medium risk provinces (10 in total) : Batman, Bitlis, Diyarbakır, Hakkari, Mardin, Muş, Siirt, Şanlıurfa, Uşak, Van.

High risk provinces (12 in total): Adana, Afyonkarahisar, Ağrı, Bingöl, Burdur, Denizli, Hatay, Kahramanmaraş, Kars, Kırşehir, Manisa, Tunceli.

Very high risk provinces (58 in total): Adıyaman, Aksaray, Amasya, Ankara, Antalya, Ardahan, Artvin, Aydın, Balıkesir, Bartın, Bayburt, Bilecik, Bolu, Bursa, Çanakkale, Çankırı, Çorum, Düzce, Edirne, Elazığ, Erzincan, Erzurum, Eskişehir, Gaziantep, Giresun, Gümüşhane, Iğdır, Isparta, İstanbul, İzmir, Karabük, Karaman, Kastamonu, Kayseri, Kırıkkale, Kırklareli, Kilis, Kocaeli, Konya, Kütahya, Malatya, Mersin, Muğla, Nevşehir, Niğde, Ordu, Osmaniye, Rize, Sakarya, Samsun, Sinop, Sivas, Tekirdağ, Tokat, Trabzon, Yalova, Yozgat, Zonguldak.

During the curfews which will be implemented according to the risk groups, exemptions previously announced with MoI circular as well as measures already taken for intercity travel will be respected.

  • The nationwide curfew on weekdays from 21:00 to 05:00 will continue.
  • On weekends,
  • in low- and medium-risk provinces, the curfew will be implemented between 21:00-05:00 as during the week.
  • in high-risk provinces, the curfew will be implemented between 21:00 on Friday and 5:00 on Saturday and starting from 21:00 on Saturday, covering Sunday, ending at 5:00 on Monday.
  • in very high-risk provinces, the curfew will be implemented between 21:00 on Friday and 5:00 on Monday, covering all Saturday and Sunday, ending at 5:00 on Monday.
  • In line with weekend curfews, on Saturday and/or Sunday, businesses such as grocery stores, markets, greengrocers, butchers, dried nuts and fruit sellers and florists will be open from 10:00 to 17:00. These businesses will also be able to offer delivery services during the mentioned hours.
  • On Saturday/Sunday, only bakeries and/or businesses with bakery product licence or bread sellers will be open.
  • Restaurants, patisseries and dessert sellers will continue to offer delivery services on Saturday and/or Sunday between 10:00-20:00.
  • Online business will continue to offer delivery services on Saturday and/or Sunday between 10:00-24:00.
  • In all provinces, businesses such as restaurants, cafeterias, patisseries and dessert shops as well as coffee houses, tea gardens, association clubs,  will be open with 50% capacity (for open and close areas separately) from 7:00 to 19:00 in compliance with the physical social distance set out in the Ministry of Health Outbreak Management and Study Guide and number of table and seat, as well as the maximum number of people who can be present at the same time will be announced in advance. HES code will be requested.

In low- and medium risk provinces, maximum 4 people, whereas in high- and very high-risk provinces, maximum 2 persons will be allowed in.

In all provinces, cafes and restaurants will offer takeaway and delivery services between 19:00 and 21:00 while offering only delivery services from 21:00 to 24:00. They will offer only delivery services between 10:00-20:00 on Saturday and/or Sunday when the curfew is implemented.

  • The general assemblies of NGOs, trade groups, cooperatives, unions, and similar organizations, all gathering events, wedding ceremonies, astro pitches and swimming pools will continue to operate according to the measures already announced. In high- and very high-risk provinces, Provincial Public Health Boards will make decisions on the implementation. In high- and very high-risk provinces, wedding ceremonies that have already been scheduled for 3-4 April will be exempted from the weekend curfew.
  • In low-, medium- and high-risk provinces, internet cafes, billiard halls, amusement/theme parks, baths, saunas and massage parlours will operate between 07:00-19:00 with 50% capacity and HES code will be mandatory. In very high-risk provinces, Provincial Public Health Boards will make decision on the measures.
  • Activities for awareness-raising aiming at limiting house visits such as family and relatives’ visits will be intensified.
  • Thematic general audit activity will continue to be carried out without interruption in order to ensure the sustainability of the controlled normalization period and achieve a complete normalization as soon as possible.

According to Provincial Plan for Decreasing the Pandemic Risk which includes the analysis of all factors affecting the pandemic (differences in District Governorates, average of age of provinces, problems specific to a province), measures taken or to be taken, as well as activities to be conducted, necessary action will be taken.

In this regard, Governors will ensure that decisions will be taken by Provincial Public Health Boards according to the risk category and measures taken by Public Health Boards will be implemented as of 30 March.

In accordance with Articles 27 and 72 of the Public Health Law, the aforementioned decisions will be urgently taken by the governor and district governors and by the Provincial/District Public Health Boards. Implementation will be ensured.

For those who do not comply with the decisions taken by the Public Health Boards, administrative judicial proceedings will be initiated in accordance with the relevant articles of the Law on Public Health and within the scope of article 195 of the Turkish Criminal Code.

 https://www.icisleri.gov.tr/81-il-valiligine-koronavirus-tedbirlerinin-gozden-gecirilmesi-genelgesi-gonderildi

4 March 2021 | New curfew measures

Following the Presidential Cabinet meeting on 1 March, the Ministry of Interior has issued a circular regarding the COVID-19 measures to be taken on a provincial basis for the “controlled normalization process”. The new regulations are based on the risk level of provinces of Türkiye. The provinces have been classified as low-(blue), medium-(yellow), high- (orange) and very high- risk (red).

Until further notice, the low-risk provinces (14 in total) are: Ağrı, Batman, Bingöl, Bitlis, Diyarbakır, Hakkari, Iğdır, Mardin, Muş, Siirt, Şanlıurfa, Şırnak, Uşak, Van.

Medium-risk provinces (28 in total) : Adana, Afyonkarahisar, Ankara, Aydın, Bartın, Bayburt, Bursa, Çankırı, Çorum, Denizli, Elazığ, Erzincan, Erzurum, Eskişehir, Gaziantep, Hatay, Isparta, Kahramanmaraş, Karabük, Kars, Kastamonu, Kırşehir, Malatya, Manisa, Nevşehir, Sivas, Tunceli, Yozgat.

High-risk provinces (22 in total): Antalya, Ardahan, Artvin, Bilecik, Bolu, Çanakkale, Düzce, İstanbul, İzmir, Karaman, Kayseri, Kırıkkale, Kırklareli, Kilis, Kocaeli, Kütahya, Mersin, Muğla, Niğde, Tekirdağ, Yalova, Zonguldak.

Very high-risk provinces (17 in total): Adıyaman, Aksaray, Amasya, Balıkesir, Burdur, Edirne, Giresun, Gümüşhane, Konya, Ordu, Osmaniye, Rize, Sakarya, Samsun, Sinop, Tokat, Trabzon.

Measures to be taken and rules to be followed are determined on provincial basis and according to the risk groups. Decisions will be taken by Provincial Sanitary Boards under the Governor and will be effective starting from 2 March 2021.
– The nationwide curfew on weekdays from 21:00 to 05:00 will continue.
– Weekend curfew will be implemented between 21:00-05:00 like during the week (blue and yellow).
– Sunday curfew remains in place in higher risks regions (orange and red).
– In low- and medium-risk provinces (blue and yellow), curfew restrictions will be lifted for people aged 65 and above as well as under 20. In high-risk and very high-risk provinces (orange and red), the permitted time to go out for those aged 65 and over and under 20 will be increased from three hours to four hours. Persons aged 65 and over will be able to go out between 10:00 to 14:00 and under 20 between 14:00. to 18:00.
– Businesses such as restaurants, cafes, and patisseries, as well as coffee and tea houses may operate with half capacity seating from 7:00 to 19:00 in all regions except those with very high risks (red).
– In high-risk and very high-risk provinces (orange and red), students, teachers and employees of educational institutions determined by the Ministry of National Education to provide face-to-face education and exams will be exempted from the curfew restrictions limited to the itinerary and relevant hours, on condition that they document their status with a document provided by the related educational institution containing institution address and the course schedule.

For further details go to : https://www.icisleri.gov.tr/koronavirus-ile-mucadelede-kontrollu-normallesme-sureci

2 December 2020 | General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs

Weekend Curfew

  • A nationwide curfew will be in effect for the weekends, starting at 21:00 on Fridays, covering Saturdays and Sundays, finishing at 05:00 on Mondays. The first curfew will start at 21:00 on Friday, 04.12.2020 and end at 05:00, on Monday, 07.12.2020.
  • During the curfew, some sectors will be exempt from the restrictions to ensure the continuity of production, manufacturing, supply and logistics chains, as well as the sectors of health, agriculture and forestry.
  • On Saturdays and Sundays, markets, grocery stores, fruiterers, butchers and shops for dried fruits will be open between 10:00-17:00. People (except those aged 65 and over and under 20) will be allowed to go to the closest market, grocery store, fruiterer, butcher and dried fruit shops to their place of residence in order to meet their needs, but will not be allowed to drive (except people with disabilities). Home delivery services will also be allowed.
  • During the weekend curfews, bakeries and/or shops with flour products license and only relevant parts of these businesses for bread and bakery products sale will be open. People (except those aged 65 and over and under 20) will be able to go to the bakery within the walking distance to their residence, provided that they are limited to meet their needs of bread and flour products and do not drive (except people with disabilities). Bread distribution from bakeries and bakery products licensed shops will be allowed to markets and grocery stores but no delivery on the streets will be allowed.
  • Restaurants and similar catering services will be open to serve as take-away between 10:00-20:00 on Saturdays and Sundays.

Curfew During the Week

  • Until further notice, a nationwide partial curfew will be in effect during the week (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday) between 21:00-05:00. The first curfew will start on Tuesday, 01.12.2020 at 21:00 and end at 05:00, on Wednesday, 02.12.2020. The implementation of the curfew will continue as declared.
  • During the curfew, some sectors will be exempt from the restrictions to ensure the continuity of production, manufacturing, supply and logistics chains, as well as the sectors of health, agriculture and forestry.
  • All workplaces will be closed at 20:00 on weekdays, with the exception of those that have been allowed in order to comply with the curfew hours.

Intercity Travel

  • Intercity travels will be allowed during the curfew under the below mentioned conditions:
    • Mandatory Conditions
      • Those who are discharged from the hospital and return to their place of residence and those who are referred with a doctor’s report and/or doctor appointment,
      • Those who will attend the funeral of a deceased first degree relative of himself or spouse to accompany the funeral transfer (4 persons maximum),
      • Those who have come to the city within the last 5 days and don’t have a place to stay, who want to return to their place of residence (they should submit their travel ticket, vehicle license plate and other relevant document providing information on their travel),
      • Those who will attend central exams announced by Measuring, Selection and Placement Center (ÖSYM) and other central exams,
      • Those who want to return to their residence after their military service,
      • Those who have private of public invitation to a daily contract,
      • Those who are released from a penal execution institution.

Above mentioned people will be able to travel with public transportation vehicles or with their private vehicle on the condition that they obtain travel permission from relevant Boards through Ebaşvuru or Alo 199 and/or direct application to the Governorates/District Governorates.

    • Intercity travels of people who don’t meet the above mentioned exceptions will only be possible by using public transportation vehicles (plane, bus, train, ship etc). The employees of public transportation vehicles, documenting their business status, as well as people who prove their travel with relevant documents such as tickets and reservation code, will be exempt from the curfew.

 Basic Needs for people aged over 65

The basic needs, such as bread and other basic food) of people aged 65 and over will be met through Vefa Social Support Units.

  1. Circular on New Restrictions and Measures
  • Working hours of the public institutions and organizations will be arranged between 10:00-16:00 as of Wednesday, 02.12.2020 by Governorates and rearrangement of personnel vehicles will be ensured accordingly.
  • Activities of swimming pools, Turkish baths, saunas, massage saloons and amusement parks will be suspended, the deposits of coupons for national lottery and horse race will allowed without entering the shops.
  • Persons aged 65 and over, as well as under 20 will not be able to use the public transportation vehicles (metro, metrobus, bus, minibus etc) between 10:00-13:00 and 13:00-16:00.
  • Measures on public transportation vehicles will be taken by relevant local administrations according to the decisions of Provincial Sanitation Boards in order to reduce the density in the vehicles.
  • Funeral prayers will be made with up to 30 people maximum, including the relatives of the deceased. Wedding ceremonies will be organized with the participation of up to 30 people, including the relatives of the bride and groom.
  • Taking into account the winter period when more time spent in close areas,
    • Activities with gatherings (such as home visits, mawlid, condolences and new year celebrations) will not be allowed at home,
    • People will be reminded not to receive guests at their homes during this period.
  • The number of customers that will be accepted at the same time in a shopping mall and market places will be determined by the Provincial Sanitary Boards. Inspections on shopping malls and market places will be carried out by the responsible managers and law enforcement units. HES code will be mandatory at the entrance for visitors and employees.
  • The number of persons who can be in the crowded streets and squares at the same time will be decided by the Provincial Sanitation Boards if deemed necessary and necessary measures will be taken accordingly.
  • Activities in kindergartens will be suspended.
  • In workplaces with 50 or more employees, inspections will be undertaken by occupational safety specialist or a staff member to be assigned in his absence, and under the supervision of the workplace doctor to ensure the implementation of measures.
    The source:

 https://www.icisleri.gov.tr/koronavirus-ile-mucadele-kapsaminda-sokaga-cikma-kisitlamalari—yeni-kisitlama-ve-tedbirler-genelgeleri

27 August 2020 | General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs

General Directorate of Population and Citizenship’s announcement regarding the measures taken in in 14 provinces to fight against the COVID-19 epidemic:

Additional measures were taken in 14 provinces within the scope to fight against COVID-19, the following procedures: identity card, passport, driver’s license, address verification etc., will be carried out by appointment temporarily, except for obligatory and emergency situations.

The 14 provinces are Adana, Agrı, Ankara, Bursa, Corum, Diyarbakır, Erzurum, Gaziantep, Kayseri, Konya, Mardin, Sanlıurfa, Van and Yozgat.

26 June 2020 | Announcement for International Protection Applicants and Status Holders

If you are an international protection applicant or status holder, you can now book an online appointment at e-randevu.goc.gov.tr for the following transactions:

  • Updating your personal data
  • Updating your address/contact information
  • Requesting travel permit
  • Requesting marriage authorization certificate
  • Merging files / adding dependent due to marriage, referral, kinship, legal decisions and other needs
  • Splitting files due to divorce, correction of mistakes, and legal decisions
  • Counseling needs – if the information provided by 157 YİMER Call Center is not sufficient for you.
  • In case of any changes other than those mentioned above
  • Withdrawal of your international protection application
  • Renewal of the identification card

Only a certain number of people can be processed at PDMM each day. Booking an appointment helps to ensure that the process at the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management (PDMM) goes fast for you and your family. Save yourself time by booking an appointment beforehand and show-up at PDMM on the day and time of your appointment.

Please keep in mind that booking an appointment is free of charge and no one can ask you for payment to book an appointment. If you face any problem, call YIMER call center at 157.

Important: Please take note of the appointment code or keep your confirmation SMS. You will be asked to show this code for your interview.

16 June 2020 | GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCEMENT

In the following provinces, the use of face masks is compulsory:

Ankara, Istanbul, Adıyaman, Afyonkarahisar, Amasya, Ardahan, Aydın, Balıkesir, Bartın, Batman, Bolu, Burdur, Denizli, Diyarbakır, Düzce, Elazığ, Eskişehir, Erzurum, Gaziantep, Giresun, Iğdır, Isparta, Kahramanmaraş, Karabük, Kayseri, Kırklareli, Kocaeli, Konya, Kütahya, Malatya, Mardin, Muğla, Muş, Nevşehir, Osmaniye, Rize, Sakarya, Siirt, Sivas, Şanlıurfa, Şırnak, Tunceli, Uşak and Zonguldak,Yalova and Bitlis .

Please note that the instructions of the local Governorates may differ for each province. We suggest to regularly check the Governorates’ announcements.

5 May 2020| Extension for the Remote Education to 1st July 2020

The schools will continue to provide remote education until May 31st as a part of COVID-19 social distancing measures. Do not forget to follow EBA to continue learning! 

30 April 2020 | Regarding UNHCR interviews

UNHCR resettlement interviews are postponed until 15 May 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. All other activities relating to resettlement processing will continue during this period. If you have any questions regarding resettlement interviews please call the counselling line on 444 48 68

22 April 2020 | Announcement from Ministry of Health ON PATIENTS’ ACCESS TO DRUGS USED CHRONICALLY (Original text here):

As is known, our Ministry is taking the necessary measures against the new subtype of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). In this context, temporary measures taken to facilitate patient access to drugs used chronically, including those regarding red, green and normal prescription medications that are subject to monitoring and purple and orange prescription medications are specified in the announcement published on the official website of our Institution on 16.03.2020 and the updated version is as follows:

  1. Drug use reports, which have expired or will expire in the period from 1 January 2020 to 31 July 2020, will be valid until 31 July 2020.
  2. Patients who are using drugs prescribed for their chronic disease by a physician in the past six months will go to the pharmacy directly, without having to go to a healthcare facility or present a prescription, to obtain only the prescribed drugs in the amount sufficient for 90 days of treatment according to the dose prescribed in the previous prescription.
  3. Pharmacists who will provide the drugs that meet the above conditions to patients (red, green and normal prescribed medications that are subject to monitoring and the medicines subject to purple and orange prescription) are required to log in to the “My Prescription Application” (Colour Prescription System, recetem.enabiz.gov.tr) by selecting the “Non-Prescription Drugs for Chronic Diseases” checkbox before registering the patient’s identification number in the prescription menu.
  4. It should be noted that the amount, dosage and delivery date of drugs to be provided to eligible patients through the “Non-Prescription Drugs for Chronic Diseases” mechanism of the Social Security Institution Medula System should match the information stored in “My Prescription” and “Social Security Institution Medula” applications.

Pharmacists are required to comply with the measures outlined above.

The source : Moh

11 April 2020 | 48 hour curfew in 31 provinces

Türkiye’s Interior Ministry imposed a 48 hour curfew in 31 provinces, took effect at midnight Friday. Details, can be found on DGMM website

6 April 2020 | Regarding UNHCR interviews:

UNHCR resettlement interviews are postponed until 24 April 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. All other activities relating to resettlement processing will continue during this period. If you have any questions regarding resettlement interviews please call the counselling line on 444 48 68.

5 April 2020 | An important message about Covid-19

In the face of the global COVID-19 crisis, we are all vulnerable. The virus has shown that it does not discriminate. Refugees, asylum seekers and migrants are also at risk. We all have to be responsible and careful.

The Turkish government and the international community present in Türkiye are aware of the difficult situation the circumstances have put the refugees and asylum seekers in, similarly to the Turkish society.

UNHCR continues to work in coordination with government and implementing partners in order to ensure that there won’t be disruptions in the essential services that we deliver, as well as to look into measures to support the community. Relevant information in this regard will be shared soon, please follow our digital platforms such as Help website and Facebook page.

2 April 2020 | The extension of the disabled people documents in order to be benefited from services

Minister Selçuk: “We regard expired reports as of January 1, 2020 of  Disabled People who receive Disability Benefits and Benefits from Home Care Assistance valid until the end of May”

The Ministry of Family, Labor and Social Services has added a new one to the measures  taken to combat the new coronavirus, in order not to engage health institutions in unavoidable situations and not to endanger public health.

Minister Zehra Zümrüt Selçuk; “We consider the reports, expired as of Januray 2020, of our disabled people who receive disability pension and benefit from Home Care Assistance extended until the end of May.”

It was previously announced that all reports that were due to expire from 1st January and on will be accepted until the end of May, so that people with disabilities are not expected to continue their regular check ups to continue this financial assistance.

Minister Selçuk; “With the instructions we sent to our 81 Provincial Directorates, we prevented our disabled people, whose report expired from January 1, suffering from lossing their right.” said.

Selçuk reminded that those who benefit from the disability pensions with the Home Care Aid have to renew their periodic Disabled Health Board reports periodically.

18 March 2020 | Regarding departure:

In line with international travel restrictions to limit the spread of coronavirus, resettlement departures are temporary postponed. You will still depart from Türkiye when the global situation regarding COVID-19 is contained. UNHCR or IOM will contact you when you are rebooked for travel.  If you have any questions regarding departures please call the counselling line on 444 48 68.