The Government portal of Ukraine reports that the Declaration was signed on April 27 by the Ukrainian Minister of culture and information policy Alexander Tkachenko and the Turkish Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy. "During the negotiations, an agreement was reached between the two countries to ensure the safety of tourists, protect their rights and legitimate interests and improve the quality of tourism services. The agreement will simplify border-crossing rules for citizens of both countries while ensuring safe passage during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the agreement, Turkey and Ukraine will exchange information about their vaccination systems," — says Radio Svoboda.
Turkish President Recep Erdoğan announced a quarantine until May 17. Due to an increase in the number of cases during the Ramadan period, quarantine security measures were tightened: curfews were imposed and catering facilities closed for the rest of the holidays. The Ukrainian ambassador to Turkey Andrei Sibiga notes that these security measures will not affect Ukrainian tourists, but the general rules of crossing the border of Turkey remain in force: the presence of a negative test for a coronavirus, a filled-in electronic form and insurance.
In order to keep the tourist industry afloat, Turkey began forced vaccinations against COVID-19, certification and covert inspections of hotels.
As the Ambassador of Ukraine in Turkey noted: "Large infrastructure hubs, such as airports, have the same certificates. This is very important and adds to the confidence of guests to minimize the risks associated with the pandemic. As a result of these restrictions, the Turkish side sees a reduction or minimization of the number of diseases throughout the country. I would like to point out that Turkey is among the top 10 countries in terms of the rate of successful vaccination of the entire population, and in terms of a tourist area, almost all staff who work with tourists are vaccinated".
The restrictions on walking on the country’s streets do not apply to Ukrainian tourists, but they do apply to the use of public transport: "Filling of more than 50% is not permitted. Air services will be maintained, and conversely, we are talking about maintaining both charter and regular flights between countries and to the most popular destinations", — the Ambassador said.
Mandatory masking, social distance and disinfection are the requirements for the tourist. "The most important tourist attractions — museums, ancient sites — will be open and accessible to visitors. If you take the rest of the facilities, like malls, they’re closed. Only outlets for the purchase of food and necessities will be available. You must remember that restaurants will also be closed. Therefore, it will be possible to eat in the places where you live or takeaway".
Another requirement for a tourist is a passport valid for at least 6 months at the time of departure from Ukraine.
In 2020, almost a million Ukrainian tourists visited Turkey.
