Travel restrictions to be implemented in Turkey during Ramadan

Turkey has announced new restriction program to be in effect during Ramadan which will last from April 14 to May 12. Many people seem to be confused about inter-city travel restrictions to cover private vehicles, buses and air travel.

Along with the decisions announced after the cabinet meeting, the curfew limit was imposed under the new covid-19 measures to be implemented for the month of Ramadan. While the weekend curfew continued in the same way, the update was made on weekdays. As such, the eyes of citizens planning to travel between cities have been turned to the question of whether there will be travel restrictions.

As part of President Erdogan’s statements after the cabinet meeting, the curfew limit continued at the weekend, while the curfew limit on weekdays was updated to 19.00 and 05.00. The President announced that during the curfew inter-city travel would not be allowed ‘except in mandatory circumstances‘.

With this decision, inter-city travel, except in mandatory cases, can only be carried out on weekdays between 05.00 in the morning and 19.00 in the evening. So who will be able to travel during the month of Ramadan?

AIRLINE

According to the partial closure circular issued by the Ministry of interior, it is possible to travel by plane both during curfew restrictions and days (weekdays and weekends) and during non-restricted hours.

However, airline passengers will be able to travel by presenting a document stating that they have a flight, such as a mobile flight card, ticket image. The statement in the circular is as follows: persons who provide evidence/document to prove their travel between cities with a ticket or booking code, will be exempt from the curfew restriction.

During the 14-day partial close-down which will be implemented as of April 14, 2021, those who have flights will be able to safely carry out their flights with their travel documents.

PRIVATE CAR AND PUBLIC TRANSPORT

On days when curfew restrictions are imposed, in mandatory cases only, special vehicles will be allowed to travel between cities. People who do not possess such conditions can do intercity traveling by public transport (aircraft, buses, trains, ships, etc.). Citizens who will travel must have their tickets with them.

It will be checked whether those traveling by private vehicles are covered by the exemption; people who do not have a valid excuse or exemption will not be allowed to travel between cities. Seating capacity in urban public transport vehicles will be limited to 50 percent.

——————————————-

How and where to get a travel permit for a private vehicle?
In case of these situations (exempt, that is), persons will be able to travel by public transport or by private vehicles, provided that they receive permission from the travel permission boards via e-application and ALO 199 systems belonging to the Ministry of Interior or by direct application to the governorship/prefectures.