hfly

SAW was already referenced above. I would not think that Izmir would be a good option as even at the best of times they barely have international flights. Also I am confused, IST has possibly the best and most efficient airport set-up in the World and has had it since JULY. If we are talking about non-airport locations, there are literally dozens of labs in Istanbul, Izmir and elsewhere that can do testing and deliver results within 24 hours (and even 12 if you do it early enough).

fil_87

Anyone knows whether the PRC test will be required in case of a transit >12 hours which means I would make use of the hotel service?

ISTFlyer

Yes, if you need to enter Turkey in any circumstance, you would need a negative PCR test.

Zara Khan

hi Thanks for sharing this useful information with us

supatight80

And what about transit airside only? Do we still need a PCR test to fly with TK?

Destination country doesnt require a PCR test prior to departure

tropikey

There're mixed opinions about it but according to NOTAM (https://www.avianews.com/world/2020/...rpassengers/):NOTAM A6712/20 (Issued for LTAA LTBB) — COVID-19 / NOTAM REGARDING FLIGHTS TO TURKEY

1. STARTING FROM 29 DECEMBER 2020 21:00 UTC HOURS ALL PASSENGERS
THAT ARE 6 YEARS OLD AND OLDER WILL BE REQUIRED TO SUBMIT A NEGATIVE
SARS-COV-2 PCR TEST RESULT DONE WITHIN THE LAST 72-HOURS PRIOR TO
THEIR ENTRANCE TO TURKEY. PASSENGERS THAT DO NOT SHOW NEGATIVE
SARS-COV-2 PCR TEST RESULT WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED TO FLIGHT. THIS
REQUIREMENT IS APPLICABLE ALSO FOR TRANSIT AND TRANSFER PASSENGERS.

2. THESE MEASURES WILL BE IN FORCE UNTIL 01 MARCH 2021.

29 DEC 21:00 2020 UNTIL 28 FEB 21:00 2021 ESTIMATED. CREATED: 26 DEC 11:01 2020

However, people have been also reporting (for example on TK's Facebook) that according to information received from TK, transit passengers are excluded from test requirement.

It is hard to say definitely. We have to wait for official announcement, if such is published...

ISTFlyer

Unfortunately, there is too much conflicting information going around the web.
Probably until TIMATIC gets updated, we would get a precise answer.

Dieuwer

I suppose this will hurt TK big time and will collapse the Turkish tourism industry?

Penta M

"72H prior to entrance" and "transits and transfers passengers" kind of contradict each other, no? Unless they're referring to those who need to switch between IST and SAW?

A bit weird for such a big airline to make such an important announcement without thinking the detaila through and clear guidelines

fil_87

Just posted. Transfer passengers are also affected.

englisha

Have a flight into saw on 31 Dec from Hurghada. Have been quoted 150 USD for a PCR test (×4 as we are 4 people) plus have to travel to the clinic in the town, 40km from where we are..

The change fee for the flight on 29 Dec is low, am ready to cut short the holiday by 2 days.

Can we be relatively sure that flights arriving on the 29th won't need a PCR test? Im worried as most sources are srill quoting from the 28th...Don't want to make the change and be stuck.

any advice would be welcomed!

Jaenks

No need to provide negative test when arriving on 29th. All important sources quoting from December 30th. Change the tickets to 29th and relax

DaveS

Have TK sent out any emails about the PCR test requirement? I have not received anything. We are not due to fly through until the 3rd and know about the issue from FT. I think there will be a lot of denied boarding for the 03:35 TK371 flight out of here on the 30th. Unless people here go for the PCR test tomorrow morning and prey, they will not get the result in time.

747jetter

How about people flying from Turkey on Turkish? Need a test? Meaning I am already in IST and want to fly back to Europe.

Jaenks

No, only entering or transit passengers are required to be tested with a negative result unless the country of destination do not require it.