travel to turkey and covid 19

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By Kiwi.com February 21, 2022

By Kiwi.com | February 21, 2022

Last update: April 6, 2022

This article was published on February 21, 2022, and all the information in the article is correct as of this time. Before you book your trip, we highly recommend that you also check official sources for the most up-to-date travel requirements, as they are subject to constant change.

Can I enter Turkey?

Turkey is open for travel to most countries of the world. Nevertheless, please note that several COVID-19 restrictions are in place now.

When traveling to Turkey, the first thing you have to do is complete a Traveler Entry Form. The next steps vary depending on your departure country and vaccination status.

Can I enter Turkey if I am vaccinated?

You can enter Turkey if you are vaccinated. You are considered fully vaccinated at least 14 days after administration of the second dose for vaccines with a two-dose schedule; or at least 21 days after administration of the vaccine with a single dose schedule.

As of January 2022, the following vaccine drugs are approved in Turkey:

• Pfizer/BioNTech
• Sinovac (CoronaVac)

Travel documents if you are vaccinated

• A vaccination certificate in English or Turkish

Please note that besides a certificate, you also have to show a PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before entering Turkey if you are coming from high-risk countries (see the list of these countries in the “ Traveling to Turkey from “high-risk” countries” section)

Can I enter Turkey if I am unvaccinated?

You can enter Turkey if you are unvaccinated.

Travel documents if you are unvaccinated

If you are unvaccinated, please present one of the following documents:

• A negative PCR test result no older than 72 hours / a negative rapid antigen test no older than 48 hours
• Documentation of recovery from COVID-19 no less than 28 days and no more than six months old

Traveling to Turkey from “high-risk” countries

Presently, the “high-risk” countries list includes:

• Afghanistan
• Egypt  
• South Africa

If you have been present in the countries mentioned in the last 14 days before entering Turkey, you must:

• Take a negative PCR test no more than 72 hours before arrival (even for fully vaccinated travelers)
• Present a vaccination certificate without the test (only for Hungarian, Serbian, and Turkish citizens)

Can I leave Turkey?

There are no COVID-19 restrictions for leaving Turkey. Please check the destination country’s requirements concerning COVID-19 tests (even for fully vaccinated arrivals) and entry declarations in advance.

• A vaccination certificate

Unvaccinated travelers have to present one of the following documents:

• Documentation of recovery from COVID-19 (stating that the visitor has been infected no older than 180 days before the day of crossing the border of a particular country)
• A negative COVID-19 test result (the relevant period and kind of test may vary, please check the requirements of your destination country)

COVID-19 situation in Turkey currently

Presently, the COVID-19 situation in Turkey is moderate. More than 60% of the country’s population have been fully vaccinated.

Is it safe to travel to Turkey right now?

Is istanbul open for travel, do i have to quarantine if i go to turkey, how do i get a health pass to travel to turkey,  useful links.

• Turkey Travel Entry Form 
• Turkey Travel and Entry Restrictions

Do you want more travel restrictions articles? Visit our Travel Restriction section at Kiwi.com Stories

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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Türkiye travel advice

Latest updates: Editorial change

Last updated: June 4, 2024 08:03 ET

On this page

Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, türkiye - exercise a high degree of caution.

Exercise a high degree of caution in Türkiye due to the threat of terrorist attacks and the possibility of demonstrations throughout the country.

Border region with Syria - Avoid all travel

Avoid all travel to within 10 km of the border with Syria, due to a deteriorating security situation.

Earthquake-affected provinces - Avoid non-essential travel

• Kahramanmaraş

Southeastern provinces - Avoid non-essential travel

• Bingöl

Back to top

Protests related to the situation in Israel, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip

Since October 17, 2023, protests have been taking place throughout Türkiye due to the ongoing situation in Israel, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. Some protesters have targeted and vandalized popular Western-branded businesses and foreign diplomatic missions in Ankara, Istanbul and Adana, especially those of the United States and Israel. The protests have led to confrontations between protesters and security forces, road closures and traffic disruptions.

Additional protests at various locations cannot be ruled out and could pose a risk to your safety, regardless of your nationality.

Turkish authorities have employed enhanced measures to respond to demonstrations, including:

• deploying additional security forces
• using crowd dispersal methods

If you are near an affected area:

• exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings at all times
• expect heightened security measures
• avoid all demonstrations and gatherings
• follow the instructions of local authorities
• plan and use alternative routes

Armed attacks

Turkish authorities remain on alert following armed attacks in Istanbul at the Italian Santa Maria Catholic Church on January 28, 2024 and the Caglayan Courthouse on February 6, 2024.

If you are in Istanbul, you should:

• exercise increased caution
• expect a heightened security presence
• monitor local media

Border with Syria

Extremist groups have carried out attacks at border crossings and other locations in Syria close to the Turkish border. The Turkish government has declared some areas in villages along the border with Syria special security zones as part of cross-border military operations. Expect a heightened military presence and movement restrictions in these areas.

The security situation remains unpredictable.

• Exercise extreme caution
• Review your security measures regularly
• Monitor these events very closely

Southeast region 

Terrorist groups have launched deadly terrorist attacks against Turkish security personnel in several cities and regions in the south and southeast of the country.

• Remain vigilant
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local and international media

There is a risk, particularly to foreigners, of kidnapping in the area (see Kidnapping, below). Maintain a high level of vigilance at all times.

Avoid overland travel. If you must, drive during the day and stay on major roads. Don’t use public transportation.

There is an ongoing threat of terrorism from domestic and international terrorist groups in Türkiye. Many attacks have occurred throughout the country. Although most have occurred in the south and east, some also took place in major cities like Istanbul and Ankara.

Attacks have targeted:

• Turkish military and government facilities
• places of worship
• tourist attractions and popular public places
• nightclubs and entertainment venues
• public transportation

Further attacks may occur, and terrorists may also target:

• crowded places
• places with high pedestrian traffic and where foreigners may gather
• commercial establishments
• local government offices
• public transit stations
• busy streets
• long queues at tourist attractions

Turkish security officials may set up roadblocks or close streets when they receive reports on specific threats. It is common to have a proactive police presence.

• Be aware of your surroundings at all times in public places
• Avoid large crowds
• Follow the instructions of local authorities at all times

Mountaineering and hiking

Mount Ararat, between the eastern provinces of Agri and Igdir, is designated a special military zone. You must hire the services of a locally licensed guide agency if you intend to hike in the area. A licensed company will obtain the necessary permits and assign you a registered Mountaineer to accompany you throughout your hike.

If you intend on engaging in mountaineering or hiking:

• never do so alone and always hire an experienced guide from a reputable company
• buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation
• ensure that your physical condition is good enough to meet the challenges of your activity
• ensure that you’re properly equipped and well informed about weather and other conditions that may pose a hazard
• inform a family member or friend of your itinerary, including when you expect to be back to camp
• know the symptoms of acute altitude sickness, which can be fatal
• obtain detailed information on trekking routes or ski slopes before setting out and do not venture off marked trails

Accurate information on mountain conditions can be difficult to obtain. Weather in mountainous areas can also be unpredictable.

Identification

Random ID checks and ‎roadblocks may take place in large cities and on intercity roads.

Cooperate during ID checks and always carry your passport and visa or residence permit. Failure to produce these documents or non-compliance with Turkish officials during identity checks could result in fines, detainment or deportation.

Turkish authorities have detained and prosecuted large numbers of people over social media posts criticizing the government, state officials, president, military operations, etc. You could be subject to scrutiny if you posted similar comments, even if a post was published years ago or outside of Türkiye.

• Keep in mind the sensitivities
• Think twice before posting or reacting to online content criticizing the government
• Restrain and limit your social media footprint

There is a threat of kidnapping-for-ransom along Türkiye’s borders with Syria and Iraq. Extremist groups take advantage of porous borders and an unpredictable security situation to carry out operations and use kidnapping as a means of raising funds.

They may target the local population, foreigners and even foreign aid workers.

Demonstrations

Demonstrations may occur. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, can occur throughout Türkiye.

• Avoid showing signs of affluence
• Ensure that your belongings, passports and other travel documents are secure at all times
• If travelling by car, keep valuable belongings out of sight, windows closed and doors locked

Muggings, assaults and sexual assaults occur.

Spiked food and drinks

Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances. These items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery. Do not accept food and drinks from strangers, even if the wrapping or container appears intact.

Don’t go to down-market bars and neighbourhoods. One scam, particularly common in Istanbul, involves locals inviting tourists to bars for food and drinks and then forcing them to pay a steep bill.

Don’t accept letters, parcels or other items from strangers. Drug traffickers sometimes attempt to convince foreigners to deliver packages and messages into and out of Türkiye.

Credit card and ATM fraud occurs. Be cautious when using debit or credit cards:

• pay careful attention when your cards are being handled by others
• use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business
• avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
• cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
• check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements

If you’re travelling to Türkiye to meet someone you’ve only met online, or the person in Türkiye asks to wire money, you may be the victim of a scam. Don’t send money to someone you have never met in person.

Overseas fraud

Women’s safety

There is a risk of sexual assault.

Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse. Be aware of your surroundings.

Dress conservatively, especially in areas outside major cities and coastal resorts.

Advice for women travellers

Stray animals

There are numerous stray dogs and cats in Türkiye. Dogs often travel in packs and could attack pedestrians and joggers.

Don’t attempt to feed or pet stray animals.

Road safety

Türkiye has a modern road network. However, uneven surfaces and poorly marked lane changes near construction zones, are common.

Exercise caution, especially when driving in the rain. Severe weather conditions may seriously affect road conditions.

Ensure that your vehicle is in good repair. Avoid driving after dark outside of major cities or major roads.

Accidents are common. You may face the following hazards when driving in the country:

• reckless driving
• vehicle breakdown due to poor maintenance practices
• dangerous road conditions
• inadequate lighting
• poor signage
• high-volume traffic congestion

If you come across an accident, don’t slow down or stop to observe.

If you are involved in an accident, lock your doors and windows and call 112 to notify the police.

Don’t move your vehicle until advised to do so by the police, even if your accident results in:

• blocked traffic routes
• injuries to those involved
• a disagreement
• a crowd starting to form

You may be permitted to move your vehicle after communicating with the police if you are on a busy road, once you have taken pictures of the scene.

Although pedestrians officially have the right of way, it may not be the case in practice.

General Directorate of Highways

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from Turkish authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the duration of stay indicated on your visa, e-Visa, visa exemption or residence permit.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Work visa: required Tourism visa: not required for stays of up to 90 days in a 180-day period Business visa: required Student visa: required Medical visa: required

If you are travelling to Türkiye to seek medical services, apply for a medical visa through the HealthTürkiye online portal. You should also consult our advice on medical tourism under the  Health  section before applying for a medical visa.

If you are travelling to Türkiye and need a visa, use the official Turkish government site to apply online and purchase an e-visa before entering the country. Be cautious of third-party websites that offer help in getting any type of visa, as they charge additional fees to provide information and submit applications for you. They are not operating on behalf of the Government of Türkiye.

If you plan to study or work in Türkiye, you must obtain a visa at a Turkish embassy or consulate before arriving in Türkiye.

To qualify for a subsequent visa-exempted entry for a 90-day period in Turkiye, you must leave the country for at least 90 days before being allowed to re-enter for another 90 days.

If you wish to remain in Türkiye for longer than 90 consecutive days, you must obtain a residence permit from the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management in the province in which you reside. If you overstay, you might be fined, deported or banned from future travel to Türkiye for a specific period of time.

• E-visa application system  – Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye
• Residency permit applications – Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Türkiye
• HealthTürkiye online portal – Ministry of Health of the Republic of Türkiye

Entry stamp

Ensure Turkish immigration officials stamp your passport on arrival. Failure to produce a stamped passport is punishable by a fine, detention and deportation, and can lead to significant delays at departure.

Dual citizenship

Dual Turkish-Canadian citizens must present a valid Turkish passport or piece of identification to enter the country.

• Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children .

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

• Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
• COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

• There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

• Proof of vaccination is not required to enter this country.

Recommendation

• Vaccination is not recommended.

* It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada

There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.

Practise  safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a risk in some areas of this destination. It is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). It is spread to humans by the bite of infected ticks or occasionally when unpasteurized milk products are consumed.

Travellers to areas where TBE is found may be at higher risk  during April to November, and the risk is highest for people who hike or camp in forested areas.

Protect yourself from tick bites . The vaccine is not available in Canada. It may be available in the destination you are travelling to.

In this destination, rabies is commonly carried by dogs and some wildlife, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. While travelling, take precautions , including keeping your distance from animals (including free-roaming dogs), and closely supervising children.

If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. In this destination, rabies treatment may be limited or may not be available, therefore you may need to return to Canada for treatment.  

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who are at high risk of exposure (e.g., occupational risk such as veterinarians and wildlife workers, children, adventure travellers and spelunkers, and others in close contact with animals). 

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

•  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
•  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
•  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.

The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Typhoid   is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.

Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.  

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever is a viral disease that can cause fever, pain and bleeding under the skin.  In some cases, it can be fatal.  It spreads to humans through contact with infected animal blood or tissues, or from the bite of an infected tick.  Risk is generally low for most travellers.  Protect yourself from tick bites and avoid animals, particularly livestock.  There is no vaccine available for Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Human cases of avian influenza have been reported in this destination. Avian influenza   is a viral infection that can spread quickly and easily among birds and in rare cases it can infect mammals, including people. The risk is low for most travellers.

Avoid contact with birds, including wild, farm, and backyard birds (alive or dead) and surfaces that may have bird droppings on them. Ensure all poultry dishes, including eggs and wild game, are properly cooked.

Travellers with a higher risk of exposure include those: 

• visiting live bird/animal markets or poultry farms
• working with poultry (such as chickens, turkeys, domestic ducks)
• hunting, de-feathering, field dressing and butchering wild birds and wild mammals
• working with wild birds for activities such as research, conservation, or rehabilitation
• working with wild mammals, especially those that eat wild birds (e.g., foxes)

All eligible people are encouraged to get the seasonal influenza shot, which will protect them against human influenza viruses. While the seasonal influenza shot does not prevent infection with avian influenza, it can reduce the chance of getting sick with human and avian influenza viruses at the same time.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•   washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Medical tourism

Medical tourism is common in Türkiye. Canadian travellers have had serious health complications following surgeries abroad. The Turkish government recommends that all travellers seeking medical services select healthcare providers authorized by the Turkish Ministry of Health.

Before leaving for medical travel, you should do your research, especially on:

• the health and financial risks
• medical facilities performing the intended procedure
• language barriers, which can lead to misunderstandings about your medical care and conditions
• travel insurance that includes coverage for the type of medical procedure you will be undergoing

The Turkish authorities established the HealthTürkiye online portal, which provides information to foreigners about medical tourism in Türkiye.

You should discuss your medical plans with your primary healthcare provider in Canada before travelling. 

• Make sure that the healthcare providers you choose are authorized by the Turkish health authorities.
• Ask to see the credentials of the healthcare providers
• Obtain a written agreement detailing the proposed treatment or procedure.
• Receiving medical care outside Canada
• If you become sick or injured while travelling outside Canada or after your return
• Authorized healthcare providers  - Ministry of Health of the Republic of Türkiye (In Turkish)
• International Health Services Call Center  - Ministry of Health of the Republic of Türkiye
• HealthTürkiye – Ministry of Health of the Republic of Türkiye

Medical services and facilities

Modern medical care is available in major cities but may not be in remote areas. Immediate cash payment is often required.

Most provincial and territorial health care programs are extremely limited in the coverage offered abroad. 

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Universal health coverage

Foreigners with residency permits must register for universal health coverage under Turkish Social Security (SGK). Although Canadian citizens are exempt, you may enroll if you have no other coverage and you have been a resident in Türkiye for at least one year.

Universal Health Insurance  - Türkiye's social Security Institution

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a   travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

Authorities can request to see your ID at any time. If you fail to present valid identification documents upon request, you could face:

• deportation
• entry ban for future travel into Türkiye

During your stay:

• carry the original version (not only photocopies or digital versions) of a valid government-issued ID, such as your passport, at all times.
• keep a digital copy of your ID and travel documents in case it is seized or lost
• follow the instructions of the local authorities requesting the documents

If you are temporarily in Türkiye, you should carry a valid passport that contains a Turkish entry stamp and a valid visa.

If you reside in Türkiye, you should carry your Turkish resident ID (Kimlik and/or Ikamet) and a valid passport that contains a Turkish entry stamp and a valid visa.

The use of illegal drugs is prohibited. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and heavy fines.

Don't agree to carry any baggage that is not yours.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Lèse-majesté

It is illegal to denigrate, desecrate or insult the following:

• the name or image of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Türkiye
• the president of the Republic of Türkiye
• the Turkish flag and the national anthem
• Turkish currency
• State organs and institutions and its judicial bodies
• the police and the military

Religious proselytism

Although religious proselytism is not illegal, some activities may be considered illegal and could lead to detention.

Political discussions

Avoid discussions (including on social media) on historical and religious issues as well as on politics.

• Restrain/limit your social media footprint.

Online activities

Turkish authorities have detained and prosecuted people over social media posts criticizing the government, state officials, president, military operations. You could be subject to scrutiny even if a post was published years ago or outside of Türkiye.

Authorities have also targeted people and groups for:

• publishing statements
• organizing news conferences
• organizing or participating in nonviolent activities
• critical writing and online activism protesting the government, its policies, decisions and actions

Even if a case does not go to trial or ends in acquittal, people can be labelled as terrorism suspects and face adverse consequences due to investigations and criminal proceedings, including possible loss of employment and social exclusion.

Photography

It is forbidden to photograph military or public installations. Avoid photographing public demonstrations or members of police or security forces. Cameras may be confiscated. Do not photograph people without their permission.

Turkish antiquities and other cultural artifacts that are considered of historical value or of national importance cannot be exported. Seek advice from Turkish authorities prior to departure from Türkiye. If the item can be exported, you will require a sales receipt and the official museum export certificate issued by the Turkish customs office.

2SLGBTQI+ travellers

Turkish law does not prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. However, homosexuality is not widely socially accepted.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Türkiye.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Türkiye, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements .

Travellers with dual citizenship

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. The convention applies between Canada and Türkiye.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Türkiye, and if the applicable conditions are met, you may apply for the return of your child to the Turkish court.

If you are in this situation:

• act as quickly as you can
• contact the Central Authority for your province or territory of residence for information on starting an application under The Hague Convention
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Türkiye to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children's Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.

• List of Canadian Central Authorities for the Hague Convention
• International Child Abductions: A guide for affected parents
• The Hague Convention – Hague Conference on Private International Law
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Request emergency assistance

You should carry an international driving permit.

International Driving Permit

Dress and behaviour

Islamic practices and beliefs are closely adhered to in many parts of the country.

In all places of worship, women should cover their head with a scarf and all visitors should cover their arms and legs.

• Dress conservatively, especially in areas outside major cities and coastal resorts
• Behave discreetly
• Respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities

In 2025, the lunar month of Ramadan is expected to begin on or around February 28.

In public, between sunrise and sunset, be discreet when:

The currency of Türkiye is the Turkish lira (TRY).

Earthquakes

In February 2023, severe earthquakes struck several provinces in southeastern Türkiye resulting in tens of thousands of casualties and significant damage to critical infrastructure, buildings and private houses. There are reports indicating that most of the affected local populations live in temporary shelters or settlements awaiting reconstruction.

The authorities revoked the state of emergency on May 9, 2023. Recovery work is underway, but the situation remains precarious in the following southern provinces affected by the earthquakes:

If you are in the affected area, you can expect:

• continued telecommunication and electricity disruptions
• frequent aftershocks
• limited food, water and hygiene options
• limited accommodations
• extremely limited transportation options from the disaster area

If you are planning to travel near an affected area despite this advisory:

• monitor local media for the latest developments

Avoid non-essential travel to the provinces affected by the earthquakes as our ability to provide consular assistance to Canadians in that area is severely limited. If you need assistance, call the Embassy of Canada in Ankara: 90 (312) 409-2700.

Türkiye is located in an active seismic zone. Landslides are possible in affected areas, and strong aftershocks may occur after the initial earthquake.

Earthquakes - What to Do?

Severe rainstorms occur in various regions around Türkiye, especially in the Black Sea region and coastal areas. Heavy rainfall can cause severe flooding and landslides, resulting in extensive damage to infrastructure and hampering the provision of essential services in the affected areas. Roads may become impassable and bridges damaged.

Droughts and snowstorms can also delay travel and disrupt essential services.

Forest fires often occur during the summer months, particularly in provinces on the Mediterranean and Aegean coasts of Türkiye.

The air quality in areas near active fires may deteriorate due to heavy smoke.

In case of major fire:

• stay away from the affected areas, especially if you suffer from respiratory ailments
• follow the instructions of local authorities, including evacuation orders
• monitor local media for up-to-date information on the situation

Local services

Dial 112 for emergency assistance.

Consular assistance

Azerbaijan, Georgia. Offering consular services to Canadians in Iran.

For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada to Türkiye, in Ankara, or the Consulate General of Canada to Türkiye, in Istanbul, and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

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Warnings and insurance

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice .

Areas where FCDO advises against travel

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against FCDO advice. The embassy staff cannot travel to areas where FCDO advises against travel to help you in person. Staff can offer support by phone and email.

Turkey-Syria border

FCDO advises against all travel to within 10km of the border with Syria due to fighting and a heightened risk of terrorism.

Sirnak city

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Sirnak city.

Hakkari Province

FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Hakkari Province.

Find out more about  why FCDO advises against travel .

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide as well as support for British nationals abroad which includes:

• advice on preparing for travel abroad and reducing risks
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Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.

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COVID-19 in Turkey: a nation on edge

Turkey has the fifth most COVID-19 cases in the world and has now entered a nationwide lockdown. How did it get here? Kaya Genç reports from Istanbul.

On April 30, 2021, Turkey's Health Minister, Fahrettin Koca, announced that 394 people had died from COVID-19 in the country that day, the highest figure since the first case was reported in Turkey more than a year ago. Shared on the second day of a 17-day nationwide lockdown, Koca's figures exposed the precipitous state of Turkey's struggle to contain the pandemic. As of May 9, the total death toll was 43 029. Total case numbers had reached 5 031 332, the fifth highest in the world. How did Turkey get here?

Turkey reacted early to the potential for a pandemic. The Health Ministry established its Coronavirus Scientific Advisory Board as early as Jan 10, 2020, just 11 days after China announced the outbreak in Wuhan. A fortnight later, on Jan 24, 2020, the Ministry issued its Coronavirus Health Guide, which provides guidelines for health workers, and established another organisation to deal with the social aspects of managing the outbreak.

Professor Mustafa Necmi İlhan, the dean of the Medicine Faculty at Gazi University in the capital Ankara, is on one of the Health Ministry's advisory boards. “We already had an action plan for influenza, if not for coronavirus, which we have updated for the current pandemic”, he told The Lancet .

By early March, Turkey announced it was free of COVID-19. On March 9, 2020, the Turkish Medical Association announced it was “good but also surprising” to learn the country had no cases while neighbouring Iran, with which it has a 534 km border, was reporting thousands of cases.

Turkey's first case was reported just after midnight on March 11, 2020, hours before WHO first described the outbreak of COVID-19 as a pandemic. One of the early concerns for Turkish authorities was Umrah, the pilgrimage Muslims make to Mecca, which sees thousands of Turkish people travel abroad. By March 23, 2020, about 11 000 Umrah pilgrims were quarantined on their arrival back to Turkey. The Government placed them in state-run dormitories in Ankara, Konya, and 11 other cities.

“At this point we didn't have many options”, İlhan said. “We didn't have the vaccine, so the only thing to do was to contain infections. For that we needed to cut contact. In March we began undertaking very tough precautions, including banning inter-city travel, closing barber shops, malls, and beauty salons. We were learning about the pandemic ourselves. We knew it was spreading, but not details of its progress.”

At this stage just one laboratory in the capital Ankara was authorised to test for COVID-19 cases. Kayıhan Pala, a professor of public health at Uludağ University in Bursa and a member of the COVID-19 monitoring board under the Turkish Medical Association, points to this as Turkey's first mistake.

“For all of Turkey we had just one laboratory run by the Health Ministry”, Pala told The Lancet . “Medical schools with PCR facilities should have been added to the testing effort. My own university faculty had been offering PCR tests for two decades. But we weren't authorised for COVID-19 testing. The same is true for more than 60 medical faculties in the country. Instead of focusing on testing or contact tracing, the Ministry focused on treating the disease.” In the beginning of March, new testing centres opened in Erzurum and Istanbul; others soon followed.

Contact tracing began 5 weeks after the first case was reported on March 11. By April, 2020, 4000 Turkish contact tracing teams were operating. Pala contends they had little success in spotting early cases of super-spreaders. On May 13, 2020, Koca told a BBC reporter that “the R 0 rate has reached 16 in Istanbul at one point”. Around the same time, the Turkish Government made mask wearing mandatory and began sending each citizen five masks per week. The initial plan to disseminate masks through the postal system failed and the Ministry began distributing masks through pharmacies. Fines were introduced for those who refused to wear masks.

The crisis quickly worsened. On April 8, 2020, Hans Kluge, the Europe regional director of WHO announced that he was “worried” about Turkey's situation. On April 10, the numbers were so alarming (4747 new cases and 98 deaths) that 2 h before midnight, the government introduced nationwide curfews. At this stage, despite Koca's warning that “Istanbul had become the Wuhan of Turkey”, the country's contact tracing rate remained less than 1%.

Meanwhile, the low case numbers presented by the Health Ministry were causing scepticism. When Pala voiced concern and proclaimed there were “more cases than Turkey reported” on April 20, 2020, there was a backlash. The governor of Bursa applied to the public prosecutor to open a case against Pala. The case was later dropped, and 5 months after Pala's announcement, the Health Ministry admitted its figures had referred to patients who had COVID-19 symptoms but had excluded asymptomatic patients, confirming Pala's statement.

The April, 2020, nationwide curfews achieved their circuit-breaking role and on May 11, 2020, Turkey took its first steps to regain normality by opening shopping malls and beauty salons. But the situation was not under control. By May 13, 2020, the R 0 rate was “5 in some cities”, according to Koca. As the tourism season neared, reported case numbers decreased, and a broader reopening was announced for June, 2020. This allowed large public gatherings to return to Turkish life: commemorations of those who died on the July 15, 2016, coup attempt and the reopening of Hagia Sophia as a mosque on July 24, 2020, brought many thousands of people together.

“Perhaps because they experienced it for the first time, our people thought the coronavirus was behind them”, İlhan said. “In early June people were more attentive to hygiene and wore masks. But in July and August and with the arrival of Eid al-Adha at the end of summer, things took a turn for the worse. Some people rushed to coastal towns. Before Eid al-Adha, most coronavirus cases were in big cities, like Istanbul, Ankara, Izmit, Konya, and Bursa. Now the virus spread all over Turkey.”

For public health experts such as Pala, the use of hydroxychloroquine was turning into another concern. “Despite reports that its use showed no benefit in treating COVID-19 cases…that emerged in June, 2020, hydroxychloroquine remained on the Health Ministry's coronavirus guide”, he said. The Health Ministry has since removed hydroxychloroquine from it's guidance.

On Aug 2, 2020, Koca announced “the first wave of coronavirus had hit the beaches”, as cases spread among people socialising in coastal towns. The statement was important but could not change the events that followed. “We had great difficulties in October and November”, İlhan said. “There was sadly resistance against our rules. Some people refused to wear masks and use medicines.” He contends that with people returning home from holidays in September, cases spiked first in Ankara and then in Istanbul in October. “By November we started having really tough times at hospitals. Our intensive care units were functioning on full capacity. We had to rotate patients in between departments.”

Deniz Odabaş, a member of the Health Ministry's scientific council, lists the infection prevention measures in retirement homes and prisons as successes in this period. By the end of December, 20 881 had died from COVID-19 in Turkey in 2020. 69% (14 511) of those deaths occurred between Sept 1 and Dec 30, 2020.

Turkey's vaccination campaign began in 2021. In December, 2020, Koca had calculated that Turkey needed “100 million doses in three months” and announced that the vaccination programme would begin on Dec 11, 2020. Soon afterwards, on Jan 13, 2021, CoronaVac had received approval for “urgent use”. 3 million doses had arrived and the vaccination programme began, a month later than announced.

“Despite their low immunity response, inactive vaccines are the best known vaccine technology, so they became our first choice”, said Odabaş. “Our scientific council was very influential and effective in designing the Health Ministry's vaccination plans. Our strategy was right. The only problem was disruptions in the supply process.”

By early February, 2021, there were encouraging signs. Among countries with populations of more than 10 million, Turkey's vaccination percentages in the first 23 days were an encouraging 3·04%, higher than Italy (2·06%), Spain (2·90%), the UK (2·36%), and the USA (2·69%).In March, 2021, as the B.1.1.7, B.1.351, and P.1 variants spread in Turkey, the government announced a reopening programme. On March 24, 2021, the governing AK Party held its General Congress in Ankara, and members from its 11 million base—around one in eight Turkish citizens—began rushing to the capital. Social media was full of videos of packed buses party members took from Anatolian towns. By late April, daily case numbers surged, surpassing 60 000.

“There were no quarantines required from foreign visitors”, says Pala, complicating the crisis. This lax attitude soon evolved into the so-called quarantine tourism. In May, 2021, The Times reported groups of tourists from Pakistan and other countries taking advantage of so-called tourism packages comprising 10 days in Istanbul in five-star hotels that remove the requirement of quarantines when passengers continue to travel on to the UK or other high-income countries after Turkey. The packages were priced at £1495, including airport transports and COVID-19 tests.

Such ventures will not halt the spread of variants in Turkey. According to İlhan “nearly 85% of the current cases come from the variant”. “There is no city in Turkey where we don't see the Kent variant [B.1.1.7].” Koca also reported five cases of the B.1.617 variant in April, 2021.

The pace of the vaccination programme has slowed. Sinovac, the Beijing-based biopharmaceutical company, halted deliveries of 100 million CoronaVac doses it promised to send in May. By May 1, 2021, 14 weeks after the vaccination effort began, about 13 million citizens received their first doses. But the 16·5% single dose vaccination rate appears small when compared with figures in Israel (59·7%), the UK (51·2%), and the USA (43·6%). As the number of new cases peaked, Turkey's testing capacity dropped, from 61 028 on April 20, 2021, to 38 553 on April 25, 2021. The same week Koca announced the death toll figure of 394, he issued another alarming statement: “We'll have difficulties in providing vaccine over the next two months, but after that we expect a vaccine abundance.” Turkey had placed its new hopes in Sputnik V, Russia's first approved vaccine developed by the Gamaleya Institute. 50 million doses were ordered, and Koca said he expected to receive them “in the upcoming 6 months”. While its European neighbours prepared to lift restrictions, Turkey was in a precarious position by early May.

Sinovac's supply problem brought to the fore Turkish officials' earlier reticence about mRNA vaccines. “The Pfizer–BioNTech vaccine is known as ‘the German vaccine’ in Turkey and in fact people trust German technologies more than Chinese technologies here”, said Odabaş. “That Uğur Şahin and Özlem Türeci, the BioNTech founders, have Turkish roots, also warmed people to their vaccine. Still, since the mRNA technology is comparatively novel, people approached it reluctantly at the beginning. Its status as the preferred vaccine all over the world and in Europe, one that is widely used and providing good results, soon removed those doubts.”

The scientific community also began to question the effectiveness of CoronaVac. “Look at Chile”, said Pala, where CoronaVac is being used. “Their vaccination rates surpassed 40%, but there is little fall in case numbers.” Meanwhile there were reports of a serious shortage of intensive care beds in Ankara, Istanbul, Diyarbakir, Van, and Konya. “The comparative fall in summer was replaced by a serious rise in death numbers by November, 2020”, Pala said. Turkey's health workers were struggling. By Dec 10, 2020, 216 health workers had died of COVID-19, according to the Health Ministry; the Turkish Medical Association reports that number had risen to 362 by the end of March.

Pala said these developments show the fragility of Turkey's family physician system. “One family physician has around 3200 citizens on their list. For a quality service, that number should be around 1500. We can't expect a family physician to serve properly with so many patients some of whom don't live in their neighbourhood.”

As Turkey remains in lockdown, Pala fears a vicious cycle for the future. “There was mass migration before the current lockdown from big cities to small towns and holiday destinations. This will increase case numbers in Anatolia. When those people travel back to big cities, the variants will have infected the country as a whole. Even if the vaccination programme resumes in June, we'll see its results in mid-August. If the Indian variant already takes its toll by then, things may not go as planned.”

Odabaş is more optimistic, hoping the country will learn from the mistakes made in 2020. “We're quite experienced from the past year, regarding touristic venues. I predict that this year, with the emergence of variant viruses the touristic season will open later than the previous year.”

Meanwhile in Berlin, Turkey's Foreign Minister, Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, has told his German counterpart, Heiko Maas, that the vaccination programme would now focus on Turkey's touristic towns: “We will vaccinate everyone that tourists may encounter by the end of May.” This could create the prospect of two parallel realities in Turkey: lockdowns for locals, fines for Turks breaking quarantines, and freedom for foreign travellers.

As for the “Turkish vaccine” that the government promised to deliver in early 2021, the wait continues. İlhan said “4 or 5 months” are needed for the production of the Turkish vaccine, which is entering phase 3 studies in May, 2021. “The number of active cases, according to my calculations, stands at 350 000”, İlhan said, “which means around 1 million people are living in isolation or under quarantine at the moment. There is still great risk and danger. People expect a magical wand to fix this situation once the lockdown ends. But this isn't how it works”.

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Enjoy more peace of mind with no change fees when you purchase a Main Cabin or above ticket on flights originating from the United States, Canada, or the Caribbean . For tickets where travel begins outside of these regions, change and cancel fees may apply depending on your origin location and type of ticket.

When changing your ticket, sometimes your new flight may cost more than your original flight. If this happens, you will need to pay the difference in price. In cases where the price of your new flight is less than the original price or if you choose to cancel your flight before departure, you will receive an eCredit for the difference between the price of your original ticket and the price of your new ticket.

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In keeping with our longstanding policy, we will first attempt to rebook you on a new flight if your current flight is canceled, significantly delayed (> 120 minutes) or impacted by a qualifying significant schedule change.

If we cannot find an alternate flight for you and we cancel your ticket, or you choose to cancel the new flight you have been rebooked on, you have the following options:

• Receive an eCredit for the value of the ticket, seat upgrade or Preferred Seat
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Visit delta.com/redeem where you’ll be able to verify your eCredit value, expiration date and redeem online for future travel.

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If you are a U.S. citizen who has reviewed all required travel documents and determined you need to receive or renew your passport ahead of international travel, please visit the U.S. Department of State’s travel website to fill out the necessary forms. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time as passport processing often takes several months and could take longer during peak travel periods. Processing is often 10 weeks for routine requests and 6 weeks for expedited service. 

In addition to needing a passport for international travel, some countries have also imposed temporary health-related entry requirements. To find out more about your destination's health requirements, please use our interactive map.

We want you to arrive prepared, so please visit the Delta Discover Map to learn about potential travel requirements for a trip you are planning or have booked. The information is up-to-date and personalized based on your specific circumstances.  Entry and exit requirements are imposed by governments and may change before departure, so please be sure to check back close to your intended travel dates for the latest requirements.

Also, if you book an international flight, your trip may be eligible for  Delta FlyReady SM which makes managing travel requirements faster and easier by guiding you through the process.

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Ronaldo’s Portugal among the group rivals for debutant Georgia at Euro 2024

FILE - Turkey’s head coach Vincenzo Montella reacts during an international friendly soccer match between Germany and Turkey in Berlin, Germany, Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber, File)

FILE - Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates at the end of the Euro 2024 group J qualifying soccer match between Portugal and Slovakia at the Dragao stadium in Porto, Portugal, Friday, Oct. 13, 2023. Portugal won 3-2 to qualify for the Euro 2024 championship in Germany. (AP Photo/Luis Vieira, File)

FILE - Georgia’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, right, controls the ball as Greece’s Konstantinos Mavropanos tries to stop him during the Euro 2024 qualifying play-off soccer match between Georgia and Greece at the Boris Paichadze National Stadium in Tbilisi, Georgia, Tuesday, March 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Tamuna Kulumbegashvili, File)

FILE - Czech Republic’s Patrik Schick celebrates after scoring his side’s opening goal during the World Cup 2022 group E qualifying soccer match between Belarus and Czech Republic at Centralniy Stadium in Kazan, Russia, Monday, Oct. 11, 2021. (AP Photo/Roman Kruchinin, File)

FILE - Atlanta United midfielder Saba Lobjanidze plays the ball up the pitch against CF Montreal during the first half of a MLS soccer match, Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart, File)

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Georgia had to wait more than 30 years to play in a major soccer tournament after gaining independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.

The time has now come at the European Championship — and the republic’s reward has been fairly spectacular.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal, one of the tournament favorites, await in the group stage for Georgia, the only debutant at these Euros and the latest underdog to take advantage of the tournament having increased to 24 teams since 2016.

Turkey and the Czech Republic are also in Group F, which gets underway on Day 5 of the Euros.

Here is a closer look at the group:

Whenever Portugal is in town, the focus invariably falls on Ronaldo and the five-time world player of the year is preparing to take part in his 11th major tournament — and sixth European Championship — at the age of 39. Time will tell if this is his final chance at another big international trophy, because it might be beyond even Ronaldo to make it to the World Cup in 2026, when he’ll be 41. Roberto Martinez, Portugal coach since January 2023, is putting his faith in Ronaldo to lead the team to a second title in the last three editions of the Euros and is under scrutiny himself after failing to achieve any tangible success with a talented Belgium team as its coach from 2016-22. Pepe, the 41-year-old center back, is still around but there is a younger element to the team, the pick of whom might be quick winger Rafael Leao. Watch out, too, for Joao Palhinha, whose tigerish coverage of central midfield gives the creative players ahead of him space to shine.

It will be a head-spinning experience for a Georgia squad containing largely unheralded players from teams spread across Europe and — in the case of Atlanta United winger Saba Lobhanidze — the United States. Two key figures should bring some calm and assurance, though. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is the undoubted superstar of the team, the MVP of the Italian league in Napoli’s title-winning season of 2022-23. The winger is one of Europe’s most exciting attackers and could be using the Euros as a shop window for a potential move this summer. Then there’s Georgia coach Willy Sagnol, who knows Germany well after nine years playing for Bayern Munich and has tournament experience as a player with France, for whom he started the World Cup final in 2006. Georgian players have been European champions before. Three were in the Soviet Union team that won the inaugural title in 1960.

Turkey went into Euro 2021 with plenty of optimism and wider backing — many pundits called them the tournament “dark horse” — only for the team to be a major flop, losing all three of its games and scoring just one goal. So there is a wariness around Turkey’s chances this time even though the side topped a qualifying group containing recent World Cup semifinalist Croatia and lost only one of its eight games. Turkey is managed by former Italy and Roma striker Vincenzo Montella, who ended up in the job in September 2023 having been working in Turkish club soccer as coach of Adana Demirspor for the previous two years. It’s in midfield where Monzella has his most exciting talents — captain Hakan Çalhanoğlu, a key player for Italian champion Inter Milan, and Arda Güler, a 19-year-old prodigy at Real Madrid.

CZECH REPUBLIC

The Czech Republic has qualified for every European Championship since the country was created in 1993 after the split of Czechoslovakia. The national team was runner-up to Germany in 1996 and reached the semifinals in 2004. Patrik Schick, a striker for German champion Bayer Leverkusen, is a major star on the Czech team, which should be well-supported with lots of Czechs expected to travel to neighboring Germany. “I hope that a lot of fans will come to support us and we’ll present good football for them and advance from the group,” Schick said. Led by new coach Ivan Hašek, the team opens against Portugal on June 18 in Leipzig.

AP writer Karel Janicek in Prague contributed.

AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

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9 Best Travel Insurance Companies of 2024

According to our analysis of more than 50 travel insurance companies and hundreds of different travel insurance plans, the best travel insurance company is Travelex Insurance Services. In our best travel insurance ratings, we take into account traveler reviews, credit ratings and industry awards. The best travel insurance companies offer robust coverage and excellent customer service, and many offer customizable add-ons.

Travelex Insurance Services »

Allianz Travel Insurance »

HTH Travel Insurance »

Tin Leg »

AIG Travel Guard »

Nationwide Insurance »

Seven Corners »

Generali Global Assistance »

Berkshire hathaway travel protection ».

Why Trust Us

U.S. News evaluates ratings, data and scores of more than 50 travel insurance companies from comparison websites like TravelInsurance.com, Squaremouth and InsureMyTrip, plus renowned credit rating agency AM Best, in addition to reviews and recommendations from top travel industry sources and consumers to determine the Best Travel Insurance Companies.

Table of Contents

• Travelex Insurance Services
• Allianz Travel Insurance

Travel insurance can help you protect the financial investment you made in your vacation when unexpected issues arise. Find the best travel insurance for the type of trip(s) you're taking and the coverages that matter most to you – from interruptions and misplaced belongings to illness and injury.

• Travelex Insurance Services: Best Overall
• Allianz Travel Insurance: Best for Trip Interruptions
• HTH Travel Insurance: Best for Groups
• Tin Leg: Best Cost
• AIG Travel Guard: Best for Families
• Nationwide Insurance: Best for Last-Minute Travel Insurance
• Seven Corners: Best for 24/7 Support When Traveling
• Generali Global Assistance: Best for Medical Emergencies
• Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection: Best for Specialized Coverage

Customizable upgrades are available, including car rental coverage, additional medical insurance and adventure sports coverage

Medical and trip cancellation maximum are not as high as some other companies

• 100% of the insured trip cost for trip cancellation; 150% for trip interruption
• Up to $1,000 in coverage for lost, damaged or stolen bags and personal items; $200 for luggage delays
• $750 in missed connection coverage
• $50,000 in emergency medical and dental coverage
• Up to $500,000 in emergency medical evacuation and repatriation coverage

SEE FULL REVIEW »

Annual and multitrip policies are available

Distinguishing between the company's 10 travel insurance plans can be challenging

• Up to $200,000 in trip cancellation coverage; $300,000 in trip interruption coverage
• $2,000 for lost, damaged or stolen luggage and personal effects; $600 for bag delays
• Up to $1,600 for travel delays
• Emergency medical coverage of up to $75,000
• Epidemic coverage

Generous coverage at the mid- and high-tier levels, and great group discounts

Preexisting conditions coverage is only available at mid- and high-tier plans

• 100% trip cancellation coverage (up to $50,000); 200% trip interruption coverage
• Up to $2,000 in coverage for baggage and personal effects; $400 in baggage delay coverage
• Up to $2,000 in coverage for trip delays; $1,000 for missed connections
• $500,000 in coverage per person for sickness and accidents

Variety of plans to choose from, including two budget-friendly policies and several more premium options

More limited coverage for baggage issues than other companies

• 100% trip cancellation protection; 150% trip interruption
• $500 per person for lost, stolen or damaged baggage and personal items
• Up to $2,000 per person in travel delay coverage ($150 per day); $100 per person for missed connections
• $100,000 per person in emergency medical coverage, including issues related to COVID-19

Travel insurance policy coverage is tailored to your specific trip

Information about policy coverage inclusions is not readily available without first obtaining a quote

• Trip cancellation coverage for up to 100% of your trip's cost; trip interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost
• Up to $2,500 in coverage for lost, stolen or damaged baggage; $500 related to luggage delays
• Up to $1,000 in missed connection and trip delay coverage
• $100,000 in emergency medical coverage

Variety of plans to choose from and coverage available up to a day before you leave on your trip

Limited trip cancellation coverage even at the highest tier

• Trip cancellation coverage up to $30,000; trip interruption coverage worth up to 200% of the trip cost (maximum of $60,000)
• $2,000 for lost, damaged or stolen baggage; $600 for baggage delays
• Up to $2,000 for trip delays; missed connection and itinerary change coverage of $500 each
• $150,000 for emergency medical and dental issues

Customer service available 24/7 via text, Whatsapp, email and phone

Cancel for any reason coverage costs extra

• 100% trip cancellation coverage (up to between $30,000 and $100,000 depending on your state of residence); interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost 
• Lost, stolen or damaged baggage coverage up to $2,500; up to $600 for luggage delays
• Trip delay and missed connection coverage worth up to $1,500
• Emergency medical coverage worth up to between $250,000 and $500,000 (depending on where you live)

Generous emergency medical and emergency evacuation coverage

Coverage for those with preexisting conditions is only available on the Premium plan

• 100% reimbursement for trip cancellation; 175% reimbursement for trip interruption
• $2,000 in coverage for loss of baggage per person
• $1,000 per person in travel delay and missed connection coverage
• $250,000 in medical and dental coverage per person

In addition to single-trip plans, company offers specific road trip, adventure travel, flight and cruise insurance coverage

Coverage for missed connections or accidental death and dismemberment is not part of the most basic plan

• Trip cancellation coverage worth up to 100% of the trip cost; interruption coverage worth up to 150% of the trip cost
• $500 in coverage for lost, stolen or damaged bags and personal items; bag delay coverage worth $200
• Trip delay coverage worth up to $1,000; missed connection coverage worth up to $100
• Medical coverage worth up to $50,000

To help you better understand the costs associated with travel insurance, we requested quotes for a weeklong June 2024 trip to Spain for a solo traveler, a couple and a family. These rates should help you get a rough estimate for about how much you can expect to spend on travel insurance. For additional details on specific coverage from each travel insurance plan and to input your trip information for a quote, see our comparison table below.

Travel Insurance Types: Which One Is Right for You?

There are several types of travel insurance you'll want to evaluate before choosing the policy that's right for you. A few of the most popular types of travel insurance include:

COVID travel insurance Select insurance plans offer some or a combination of the following COVID-19-related protections: coverage for rapid or PCR testing; accommodations if you're required to quarantine during your trip if you test positive for coronavirus; health care; and trip cancellations due to you or a family member testing positive for COVID-19. Read more about the best COVID-19 travel insurance options .

Cancel for any reason insurance Cancel for any reason travel insurance works exactly how it sounds. This type of travel insurance lets you cancel your trip for any reason you want – even if your reason is that you simply decide you no longer want to go. Cancel for any reason travel insurance is typically an add-on you can purchase to go along with other types of travel insurance. For that reason, you will pay more to have this kind of coverage added to your policy.

Also note that this type of coverage typically only reimburses 50% to 80% of your nonrefundable prepaid travel expenses. You'll want to make sure you know exactly how much reimbursement you could qualify for before you invest in this type of policy. Compare the best cancel for any reason travel insurance options here .

International travel insurance Travel insurance is especially useful when traveling internationally, as it can provide medical coverage for emergencies (in some cases for COVID-19) when you're far from home. Depending which international travel insurance plan you choose, this type of travel insurance can also cover lost or delayed luggage, rental cars, travel interruptions or cancellations, and more.

Cheap travel insurance If you want travel insurance but don't want to spend a lot of money, there are plenty of cheap travel insurance options that will offer at least some protections (and peace of mind). These are typically called a company's basic or standard plan; many travel insurance companies even allow you to customize your coverage, spending as little or as much as you want. Explore your options for the cheapest travel insurance here .

Trip cancellation, interruption and delay insurance Trip cancellation coverage can help you get reimbursement for prepaid travel expenses, such as your airfare and cruise fare, if your trip is ultimately canceled for a covered reason. Trip interruption insurance, on the other hand, kicks in to reimburse you if your trip is derailed after it starts. For instance, if you arrived at your destination and became gravely ill, it would cover the cost if you had to cut your trip short.

Trip delay insurance can help you qualify for reimbursement of any unexpected expenses you incur (think: lodging, transportation and food) in the event your trip is delayed for reasons beyond your control, such as your flight being canceled and rebooked for the next day. You will want to save your receipts to substantiate your claim if you have this coverage.

Lost, damaged, delayed or stolen bags or personal belongings Coverage for lost or stolen bags can come in handy if your checked luggage is lost by your airline or your luggage is delayed so long that you have to buy clothing and toiletries for your trip. This type of coverage can kick in to cover the cost to replace lost or stolen items you brought on your trip. It can also provide coverage for the baggage itself. It's even possible that your travel insurance policy will pay for your flight home if damages are caused to your residence and your belongings while you're away, forcing you to return home immediately.

Travel medical insurance If you find yourself sick or injured while you are on vacation, emergency medical coverage can pay for your medical expenses. With that in mind, however, you will need to find out whether the travel medical insurance you buy is primary or secondary. Where a primary policy can be used right away to cover medical bills incurred while you travel, secondary coverage only provides reimbursement after you have exhausted other medical policies you have.

You will also need to know how the travel medical coverage you purchase deals with any preexisting conditions you have, including whether you will have any coverage for preexisting conditions at all. Read more about the best travel medical insurance plans .

Evacuation insurance Imagine you break your leg while on the side of a mountain in some far-flung land without quality health care. Not only would you need travel medical insurance coverage in that case, but you would also need coverage for the exorbitant expense involved in getting you off the side of a mountain and flying you home where you can receive appropriate medical care.

Evacuation coverage can come in handy if you need it, but you will want to make sure any coverage you buy comes with incredibly high limits. According to Squaremouth, an emergency evacuation can easily cost $25,000 in North America and up to $50,000 in Europe, so the site typically suggests customers buy policies with $50,000 to $100,000 in emergency evacuation coverage.

Cruise insurance Travel delays; missed connections, tours or excursions; and cruise ship disablement (when a ship encounters a mechanical issue and is unable to continue on in the journey) are just a few examples why cruise insurance can be a useful protection if you've booked a cruise vacation. Learn more about the top cruise insurance plans here .

Credit card travel insurance It is not uncommon to find credit cards that include trip cancellation and interruption coverage , trip delay insurance, lost or delayed baggage coverage, travel accident insurance, and more. Cards that offer this coverage include popular options like the Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card , the Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card and The Platinum Card from American Express . 

Note that owning a credit card with travel insurance protection is not enough for your coverage to count: To take advantage of credit card travel insurance, you must pay for prepaid travel expenses like your airfare, hotel stay or cruise with that specific credit card. Also, note that credit cards with travel insurance have their own list of exclusions to watch out for. Many also require cardholders to pay an annual fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

The best time to buy travel insurance is normally within a few weeks of booking your trip since you may qualify for lower pricing if you book early. Keep in mind, some travel insurance providers allow you to purchase plans until the day before you depart.

Many times, you are given the option to purchase travel insurance when you book your airfare, accommodations or vacation package. Travel insurance and travel protection are frequently offered as add-ons for your trip, meaning you can pay for your vacation and some level of travel insurance at the same time.

However, many people choose to wait to buy travel insurance until after their entire vacation is booked and paid for. This helps travelers tally up all the underlying costs associated with a trip, and then choose their travel insurance provider and the level of coverage they want.

Figuring out where to buy travel insurance may be confusing but you can easily research and purchase travel insurance online these days. Some consumers prefer to shop around with a specific provider, such as Allianz or Travelex, but you can also shop and compare policies with a travel insurance platform. Popular options include:

• TravelInsurance.com: TravelInsurance.com offers travel insurance options from more than a dozen vetted insurance providers. Users can read reviews on the various travel insurance providers to find out more about previous travelers' experiences with them. Squaremouth: With Squaremouth, you can enter your trip details and compare more than 90 travel insurance plans from 20-plus providers.
• InsureMyTrip: InsureMyTrip works similarly, letting you shop around and compare plans from more than 20 travel insurance providers in one place. InsureMyTrip also offers several guarantees, including a Best Price Guarantee, a Best Plan Guarantee and a Money-Back Guarantee that promises a full refund if you decide you no longer need the plan you purchased.

Protect your trip: Search, compare and buy the best travel insurance plans for the lowest price. Get a quote .

When you need to file a travel insurance claim, you should plan on explaining to your provider what happened to your trip and why you think your policy applies. If you planned to go on a Caribbean cruise, but your husband fell gravely ill the night before you were set to depart, you would need to explain that situation to your travel insurance company. Information you should share with your provider includes the details of why you're making a claim, who was involved and the exact circumstances of your loss.

Documentation is important, and your travel insurance provider will ask for proof of what happened. Required documentation for travel insurance typically includes any proof of a delay, receipts, copies of medical bills and more.

Most travel insurance companies let you file a claim using an online form, but some also allow you to file a claim by phone or via fax. Some travel insurance providers, such as Allianz and Travel Insured International, offer their own mobile apps you can use to buy policies and upload information or documents that substantiate your claim. In any case, you will need to provide the company with proof of your claim and the circumstances that caused it.

If your claim is initially denied, you may also need to answer some questions or submit some additional information that can highlight why you do, in fact, qualify.

Whatever you do, be honest and forthcoming with all the information in your claim. Also, be willing to provide more information or answer any questions when asked.

Travel insurance claims typically take four to six weeks to process once you file with your insurance company. However, with various flight delays and cancellations due to things like extreme weather and pilot shortages, more travelers have begun purchasing travel insurance, encountering trip issues and having to submit claims. The higher volume of claims submitted has resulted in slower turnaround times at some insurance companies.

The longer you take to file your travel insurance claim after a loss, the longer you will be waiting for reimbursement. Also note that, with many travel insurance providers, there is a time limit on how long you can submit claims after a trip. For example, with Allianz Travel Insurance and Travelex Insurance Services, you have 90 days from the date of your loss to file a claim.

You may be able to expedite the claim if you provide all the required information upfront, whereas the process could drag on longer than it needs to if you delay filing a claim or the company has to follow up with you to get more information.

Travel insurance is never required, and only you can decide whether or not it's right for you. Check out Is Travel Insurance Worth It? to see some common situations where it does (and doesn't) make sense.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is an award-winning content creator who has been writing about travel insurance and travel for more than a decade. She has researched travel insurance options for her own vacations and family trips to more than 50 countries around the world, and has experience navigating the claims and reimbursement process. In fact, she has successfully filed several travel insurance claims for trip delays and trip cancellations over the years. Johnson also works alongside her husband, Greg, who has been licensed to sell travel insurance in 50 states, in their family media business.

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Discover the best carry-on luggage for your unique travel style and needs.

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Israel rescues four hostages in Gaza; Hamas says 210 Palestinians killed in Israeli assault

An Israeli military spokesperson said the hostage rescue operation took place under fire in the heart of a residential neighborhood, where he said Hamas had been hiding captives among Gaza civilians under guard by armed militants.