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Could Turkey go on the UK’s quarantine list? Latest Foreign Office travel and holiday advice - and how coronavirus cases compare to Greece

Numerous countries have now been removed from the UK’s travel corridor list, which means travellers returning to the UK from these destinations have to self-isolate for 14 days

By Helen Johnson
30th Sep 2020, 3:50pm

Greece was removed from the travel corridor list for Scotland at the beginning of September, but could the nearby country of Turkey be next on the list?

Here’s everything you need to know.

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Will Turkey go on the quarantine list?

Numerous countries have now been removed from the UK’s travel corridor list, meaning that travellers returning to the UK from certain places abroad have to self-isolate for 14 days on their return (Photo: Shutterstock)

At the moment, travellers returning to the UK from Turkey do not have to undertake a self-isolation period of 14 days.

The UK government has a quarantine threshold of 20 positive tests per 100,000 residents over a seven-day period. According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), there have been 22,652 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Turkey over the last 14 days.

In nearby Greece, there have been 4,393 cases over the past 14 days.

Turkey is currently exempt from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advice against all non-essential international travel, based on the current assessment of COVID-19 risks.

However, the following advice within Turkey, which was in place before coronavirus, remains in place.

The FCDO advise against all travel to:

areas within 10 km of the border with Syria, except the city of Kilis (see below)

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The FCDO advise against all but essential travel to:

all other areas of Sirnak, Kilis (including Kilis city) and Hatay provinces the provinces of Diyarbakir, Tunceli and Hakkari

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What are the current entry restrictions for Turkey?

All arrivals into Turkey will be subject to a medical evaluation for symptoms of coronavirus, including temperature checks

If you show symptoms on arrival, you’ll be required to undergo a PCR test coronavirus.

Do I have to wear a face mask?

The FCDO explains that “the wearing of masks is mandatory at all times outside the home throughout Turkey. This includes, but is not limited to, all public places, including streets, side streets, parks, gardens, picnic areas, markets, sea side and public transportation including Metro, buses, taxis and ferries.”

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Masks are also mandatory in all shops, restaurants, hairdressers and barber shops.

"There will be strict inspections to ensure the measures are being carried out,” the FCDO explains. Those who do not abide by this rule may be issued with a fine of 900 TL, which is approximately £106.