The Turkish Interior Ministry has reconsidered the decision to cancel PCR tests. This was reported on January 16 by a number of Turkish media, citing the General Directorate of Civil Aviation of Turkey.
According to the updated circular, the requirement to present a negative test result for coronavirus is only partially removed: for travel between regions of the country on passenger buses, trains, as well as for visiting theaters, cinemas, concerts and other mass events. However, for domestic flights, everything remains the same. Passengers who have not been vaccinated or have not been ill in the last 180 days are required to undergo PCR testing, valid for 48 hours before departure.
This message of the General Directorate of Civil Aviation of Turkey was also retweeted by the head of Turkish Airlines Bilal Ekshi. The day before, he informed his customers that the requirement for PCR tests on domestic flights has been canceled, all passengers will only need to present their HES code when checking in for a flight.
“Early we began to rejoice,” says travel agent Maria. She had to upset Ukrainian tourists who were going to travel around Turkey in the off-season in the near future (visit Cappadocia, Istanbul, etc.). They will also need to pay about 500 lira (UAH 1,040) to get on the flights of Turkish carriers. Presenting one HES code will not be enough.