Turkish authorities have significantly relaxed the rules for entry into the republic, removing the requirement to show the results of PCR or antigen tests, which was introduced as part of the fight against the pandemic. This was stated in a circular issued on Tuesday by Turkey's Interior Ministry.
"As of June 1, certificates with a negative [result of] a PCR test, which had to be taken a maximum of 72 hours before entry, or a requirement for a negative rapid antigen test, which had to be taken within 48 hours after entry, will not be requested at all border crossings," the text reads.
Previously, Turkey allowed entry into the country with a negative coronavirus test or documentation of a complete course of vaccination against COVID-19 without quarantine. The tests were required, including children aged 12 years and older. Vaccinated travelers had to present a certificate of a complete course of vaccination with vaccines registered by the World Health Organization (WHO) or the Turkish Ministry of Health for emergency use. Of the Russian vaccines, only Sputnik V passed such registration.
In the past two weeks, fewer than 1,000 new cases of coronavirus infection have been recorded in the republic on a daily basis, so authorities have been systematically lifting covid restrictions. Meanwhile, most of the restrictions were lifted back in March. Since May 29, wearing masks in Turkey, with the exception of hospitals, is no longer mandatory.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
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Based on materials from TASS