Can I travel to Turkey? Latest holiday update following Covid vaccine announcement

TURKEY has announced plans to allow Brits to return on holiday from May 1, without restrictions.

Here is everything you need to know about travelling to the country this year.

Can I currently travel to Turkey?

No – the UK lockdown is still in place which bans all non-essential travel.

This includes holidays abroad.

Only essential travel is allowed which includes health, work or education reasons and all travellers must have a declaration form proving this.

When can I go on holiday to Turkey?

The UK government is yet to announce when holidays abroad can go ahead.

The Global Travel Taskforce will announce on April 12 when this will be, with the earliest date being May 17.

However, Turkey has said that they want Brits back from May 1, with no restrictions or vaccine passports.

Tourism Minister Mehmet Ersoy said: "We are looking forward to welcoming British tourists with open arms, as we did safely last summer. We have world-class border processes in place for ensuring travel will be low-risk throughout Turkey."

Are there any travel restrictions for Turkey?

Currently, Brits need to have a travel declaration form to leave the UK, and a negative Covid test to enter Turkey.

However, Turkey is likely to lift their entry restrictions in time for the summer.

This means travellers will not have to pay to quarantine or for a negative Covid test.

Mr Ersoy said: "We are working with the British authorities to ensure these necessary processes are world-class and as up-to-date as possible. We will not require vaccination passports from international travellers when entering the country.”

He added: "I expect there will be no such requirement from British visitors as the UK Government is rapidly, and impressively, rolling out the vaccination program for the whole nation and a significant portion of the population will be vaccinated by early summer."

To return to the UK from Turkey, current rules require a Passenger Locator Form and three Covid tests – one before arrival and two during the 10-day quarantine.

These cost £210 for the two tests and must be take on day 2 and day 8 of the quarantine.

Greece wants Brits back by May 14, with vaccine passports allowing restriction-free travel.

Spain has also supported vaccine passports while Cyprus will welcome Brits with both jabs from May 1.

Until then, UK holidays can resume from April 12, with fewer restrictions from May 17.

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