Turkey says it will welcome unvaccinated UK tourists this summer
A Turkish minister says tourists will be welcomed "with open-arms"
Last updated 20th Apr 2021
UK holidaymakers travelling to Turkey this summer are unlikely to be required to provide proof of a Covid-19 vaccine or a negative test, according to the Turkish tourism minister.
It means that UK travellers, who made more than 2.5 million trips to Turkey in 2019, will be able to visit the country regardless of whether they have had their vaccine or not.
The country's tourism minister Mehmet Ersoy assured that Turkey is “looking forward to welcoming British tourists with open arms”.
He also said that the "world-class" border measures in Turkey would help to ensure that travel to and from the country was low-risk.
He added that they were working with the British authorities "to ensure these necessary processes are world class and as up to date as possible."
Vaccine passports will not be required
Mr Ersoy also confirmed vaccination passports would not be required, stating: “We will not require vaccination passports from international travellers when entering the country.”
Turkey is set to re-evaluate the need to provide evidence of a negative PCR test within 72 hours of their departure after 15 April.
This approach differs from other other popular holiday destinations, with Greece announcing UK holiday makers will be welcomed from May as long as they have had the vaccine or a negative test.
Meanwhile people hoping to visit Cyprus must have had both doses of the Covid-19 vaccine.
When can I go on holiday?
While foreign travel for leisure purposes is currently not permitted in England, these rules are expected to be relaxed from 17 May according to the roadmap.
The Government’s Global Travel Taskforce will provide a report to the Prime Minister on April 12 setting out recommendations for how and when overseas leisure trips could resume.
The Scottish government is yet to set out potential dates for allowing foreign travel, but it's hoped that restrictions on travelling around Scotland could be lifted in the next few weeks.
However back in February Nicola Sturgeon said that summer holidays abroad are highly unlikely this year.
It's a similar situation in Wales and Northern Ireland where the devolved administrations have not yet set out planned dates for the return of foreign holidays.
Here are some key dates for the easing of lockdown restrictions:
8 March: ALL pupils in England back to school
From 8 March 2021, all pupils in all year groups were allowed to go back into the classroom. Outdoor after-school sports clubs and activities were also allowed to resume.
8 March: Socialising outdoors with one other person
Two people from different households are now allowed to meet up outdoors in parks and public spaces. This means that people can sit down for a picnic or a drink, whereas previously, you could only meet someone outside your household for exercise.
29 March: Stay at Home rule liften
From 29 March, once the school Easter holidays have started, the Government will lift the stay at home rule but will continue to encourage people to stay local.
29 March: Larger group gatherings outdoors
From March 29 the "rule of six" will be re introduced alongside the the two household rule.
The "rule of six" means that up to six people from different households can meet outside.
More people will be able gather together if they are only from two households, giving greater flexibility for families and friends.
29 March: Outdoor sports facilities allowed to open
Outdoor sports facilities including tennis and basketball courts will be permitted to reopen from 29 March.
29 March: Organised adult and children's sport
Meanwhile organised adult and children's sport, such as grassroot football clubs, can also resume from March 29
29 March: Weddings with 6 people
From 29 March, weddings with 6 people will be permitted to take place. The number of guests allowed to attend weddings will increase as we move through the roadmap.
12 April: shops, hairdressers, nail salons, libraries, outdoor attractions and outdoor hospitality venues
From 12 April at the earliest, shops, hairdressers, nail salons, libraries, outdoor attractions, including zoos, and outdoor hospitality venues will be permitted to reopen.
12 April: Beer gardens reopen
From 12 April, outdoor beer gardens will also be allowed to reopen.
12 April: Gyms reopen
Gyms are expected to reopen from 12 April.
17 May: Indoor mixing
From May 17 at earliest, two households or groups of up to six people can mix indoors and limited crowds will be allowed to return to sporting events. Children's play areas will be opened alongside hotels, and limited groups will be allowed in theatres.
17 May: Possible foreign travel
Foreign travel may be permitted from 17 May.
17 May: Indoor hospitality
Indoor hospitality including pubs and restaurants could reopen from 17 May.
21 June: Nightclubs could reopen
From 21 June all remaining restrictions on social distancing could be lifted, and larger events may be allowed to resume, including theatres. Nightclubs may also be allowed to reopen.
21 June: Bigger weddings
Bigger wedding celebrations may be permitted from 21 June.