Generic FAQ on COVID-19 Travel
[Updated on 25 October 2022]
For travel from Türkiye to Singapore
- For the latest entry information and requirements, please refer to the Singapore Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA)’s website at www.ica.gov.sg/enter-depart.
- With effect from 26 April 2022, all fully vaccinated travellers entering Singapore via air or sea checkpoints are no longer required to take a COVID-19 pre-departure test (PDT). This also applies to non-fully vaccinated children aged 12 and below. Fully vaccinated travellers should nevertheless be readily able to show proof of their vaccination statuses to the airlines and relevant authorities.
- With effect from 29 August 2022, non-fully vaccinated travellers aged 13 and above are no longer required to serve the stay-home notice (SHN) upon arrival and do not need the exit PCR test. These travellers are still required to take the PDT in line with ICA requirements (PCR test or supervised ART, within 2 days of departure to Singapore). In summary, the SHN requirement has been completely removed for all travellers.
- Pre-Departure Test (PDT) facility is available at İstanbul Airport (IST): Apart from using a laboratory authorised by the Turkish Ministry of Health (TMOH) or service provider that meets ICA’s criteria, travellers may consider taking the PDT at the İstanbul Airport Test Center which provides 24/7 service. The Test Center is located at the Arrivals floor exit gate number 14 and website at https://www.istairport.com/en/announcements?locale=en. Both Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test and supervised/professionally administered Antigen Rapid Test (ART) services are available. The estimated time to obtain the PCR test result is 1.5 hours and the ART result is 20 minutes, although this could be longer based on the volume of passengers at the Test Center. Travellers who choose this option should ensure sufficient time to obtain results, check in for flights and complete all the necessary procedures. Travellers may also wish to consult their respective airlines on the above.
For travel from Singapore to Türkiye
- Visa: Singapore passport holders do not require a visa for visits to Türkiye less than 90 days within 180 days from the date of initial entry into Türkiye. This is for social and travel purposes (e.g., vacations). If your intended travel to Türkiye is for a different purpose, please check directly with the Turkish Embassy in Singapore (http://singapore.emb.mfa.gov.tr/Mission) on the requirements as they are one of the issuing authorities for Turkish visas.
- Pre-Departure Requirements: With effect from 1 June 2022, travellers from Singapore to Türkiye do not need to provide a pre-departure negative Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test result, negative Antigen Rapid Test (ART) result or documents such as proofs of vaccination or proofs of recovery from COVID-19 prior to travelling to Türkiye. These requirements have been lifted. [Please refer to the Turkish Ministry of Interior’s website at https://www.icisleri.gov.tr/bakanligimizca-81-il-valiligine-ulkeye-giris-tedbirleri-konulu-genelge-gonderildi.]
- Quarantine Measures in Türkiye: There is no on-arrival quarantine in Türkiye for travellers from Singapore. For travellers who exhibit symptoms, and if tested positive on arrival, will be referred to the relevant Turkish health authorities to comply with prevailing quarantine protocols.
- Travel Tips: Travellers may wish to refer to the Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ (MFA) website at https://www.mfa.gov.sg/Services/Singapore-Citizens/Travel-Tips for a list of recommended travel tips. Some tips include purchasing comprehensive travel insurance which includes medical evacuation in case of emergencies and being familiar with the terms and coverage of the policy.
Additional information
- COVID-19 Tests: The ART is not part of the Turkish Government’s official local testing framework. For travellers who self-administer ART during their travels and are tested ART positive (not as a PDT to travel to Singapore), the traveller may wish to consult a doctor if unwell and/or having symptoms. The traveller may then be referred to take a precautionary PCR test. TMOH publishes a list of authorised COVID-19 laboratories at https://hsgm.saglik.gov.tr/tr/haberler/yetkilendirilmis-covi-d-19-tani-laboratuvarlari.html but the list is not exhaustive. The traveller may consider seeking assistance from the accommodation operator and/or travel operator, including arranging for a medical consultation and/or PCR test.
