Jul 27, 2021, 5:36 am
Last edit by: starflyergold
This thread is strictly for information and experience sharing of the COVID-testing facilities at IST, it is NOT for any broader theorising about PCR or other tests' effectiveness or their limitations, COVID conspiracies or the like. Any posts falling into the latter category will be summarily deleted. Please familiarise yourself with the FT Rules https://www.flyertalk.com/help/rules#stayontopic before posting. Repeated violations will be dealt with in line with the FT rules.
starflyergold
TK forum moderator
starflyergold
TK forum moderator
Covid PCR Test at IST Airport
Mar 31, 2021, 6:03 am
#121
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Istanbul, Turkey
Programs: TK Elite Plus,BAEC GGL,ITA Executive, AFKL Gold,QR Gold,HH Diamond,Bonvoy Gold,ALL Gold
Posts: 14,186
Apr 9, 2021, 12:24 am
#122
Join Date: Jan 2020
Posts: 66
I have an arrival early in the morning in IST and then need to fly back 14 hrs laters. I will be coming with a PCR test from my origin city but I am pretty certain I need another PCR test within Turkey to fly back, even though the 72 hrs limit has not been crossed.
Would it be possible for me to take a test upon arriving in IST, go on with my business and then come back to fly off? I.e. are we able to access the testing center from arrivals or is it only for departing passengers?
Would it be possible for me to take a test upon arriving in IST, go on with my business and then come back to fly off? I.e. are we able to access the testing center from arrivals or is it only for departing passengers?
Apr 9, 2021, 1:42 am
#123
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Kent, UK
Programs: M&S Elite+
Posts: 3,658
I have an arrival early in the morning in IST and then need to fly back 14 hrs laters. I will be coming with a PCR test from my origin city but I am pretty certain I need another PCR test within Turkey to fly back, even though the 72 hrs limit has not been crossed.
Would it be possible for me to take a test upon arriving in IST, go on with my business and then come back to fly off? I.e. are we able to access the testing center from arrivals or is it only for departing passengers?
Would it be possible for me to take a test upon arriving in IST, go on with my business and then come back to fly off? I.e. are we able to access the testing center from arrivals or is it only for departing passengers?
Apr 9, 2021, 1:43 am
#124
Join Date: Nov 2016
Programs: HHonors Diamond, TK E+, Sixt Diamond
Posts: 120
When you pick up your luggage, pass the custom control and take the exit, go right and follow the signs for the test center.
Apr 9, 2021, 1:47 am
#125
Join Date: Nov 2016
Programs: HHonors Diamond, TK E+, Sixt Diamond
Posts: 120
You can not pass it, it’s close to the immigration on the window side
Apr 9, 2021, 2:27 am
#126
Join Date: Jan 2020
Posts: 66
Thanks - I must have missed it on my last few visits just because I was always in a rush to exit so never paid any attention to anything going on around me. I am certain that it would be less congested than the landside testing center since demand would logically be less. Will try! Thanks!
Apr 9, 2021, 9:08 pm
#128
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Earth
Programs: whatever it takes
Posts: 683
Howdy
Have a flight from Istanbul-London-Seattle in early June. I know I 'll need an antigen test for the USA (at this time), fine. But I also read it is necessary for transiting airside through London, just to get on my BA flight. Fine. Does anyone know if the ANTIGEN test in Istanbul airport meets the requirements as stated by UK? Presumably it does, but just checking. (Want to avoid stick up my nose PCR test if at all possible)
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-testing-for-people-travelling-to-england#test-providers-and-type-of-test
You will need to find a test provider. You must make sure that the test provider can meet the standards for pre-departure testing.
The test must meet performance standards of ≥97% specificity, ≥80% sensitivity at viral loads above 100,000 copies/ml.
This could include tests such as:
Have a flight from Istanbul-London-Seattle in early June. I know I 'll need an antigen test for the USA (at this time), fine. But I also read it is necessary for transiting airside through London, just to get on my BA flight. Fine. Does anyone know if the ANTIGEN test in Istanbul airport meets the requirements as stated by UK? Presumably it does, but just checking. (Want to avoid stick up my nose PCR test if at all possible)
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-testing-for-people-travelling-to-england#test-providers-and-type-of-test
You will need to find a test provider. You must make sure that the test provider can meet the standards for pre-departure testing.
The test must meet performance standards of ≥97% specificity, ≥80% sensitivity at viral loads above 100,000 copies/ml.
This could include tests such as:
- a nucleic acid test, including a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test or derivative technologies, including loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) tests
- an antigen test, such as a test from a lateral flow device
Apr 25, 2021, 2:25 am
#131
Join Date: Jan 2020
Posts: 66
I first tried to do it before immigration but they were only doing antigen tests, not PCR (they gave some really strange excuse about requiring a police report and after my shocked reaction, the girl who seemed like a newbie, said they are just not doing PCR and I should do it after immigration). Had to do it after immigration but it was quite empty there also so didn't make a difference.
Apr 25, 2021, 5:35 am
#132
Join Date: Feb 2018
Programs: Whatever is cheapest
Posts: 90
Quick question: if I have a 10-hour layover during my IAD - IST - CGK itinerary, can I check-in at IAD without Indonesia's required PCR test and tell them that I will take the PCR test at IST? The price at IST is less than half of the price at US testing sites.
Apr 25, 2021, 8:45 am
#133
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Istanbul, Turkey
Programs: TK Elite Plus,BAEC GGL,ITA Executive, AFKL Gold,QR Gold,HH Diamond,Bonvoy Gold,ALL Gold
Posts: 14,186
I first tried to do it before immigration but they were only doing antigen tests, not PCR (they gave some really strange excuse about requiring a police report and after my shocked reaction, the girl who seemed like a newbie, said they are just not doing PCR and I should do it after immigration). Had to do it after immigration but it was quite empty there also so didn't make a difference.
I don't know the actual reason why there is a test center before immigration, however, it's exclusive to those who misconnects, etc...
Turkey also requires a PCR test for entry and as you need to go enter Turkey to visit the test center, you would be denied boarding at IAD.
Apr 25, 2021, 9:22 am
#134
Join Date: Feb 2018
Programs: Whatever is cheapest
Posts: 90
The test center before immigration wasn't open to the public since it opened.
I don't know the actual reason why there is a test center before immigration, however, it's exclusive to those who misconnects, etc...
Turkey also requires a PCR test for entry and as you need to go enter Turkey to visit the test center, you would be denied boarding at IAD.
I don't know the actual reason why there is a test center before immigration, however, it's exclusive to those who misconnects, etc...
Turkey also requires a PCR test for entry and as you need to go enter Turkey to visit the test center, you would be denied boarding at IAD.