Trade Minister Announces: Truck Drivers Will Be Allowed to Travel Abroad. The Minister has issued a statement concerning drivers who were unable to cross borders due to the coronavirus. Trade Minister Ruhsar Pekcan said that Turkish drivers who exhibit no symptoms of COVID-19 will be permitted to enter and exit the country, except via the Iran and Iraq border crossings. Upon re-entry to Turkey, after all necessary health precautions are taken, those drivers will be allowed to leave the country again without having to wait through the previously applied 14-day quarantine period.
In her written statement, Minister Pekcan outlined new measures for international freight transport. She emphasized that several important regulations have been introduced within the scope of international freight transport. The primary goal of these measures is to prevent export shipments from being negatively affected by the pandemic, to protect the supply chain from disruption, and to ensure that the transport sector continues operating without interruption. She added that this significant step was taken in coordination with the Ministries of Interior, Health, Transport and Infrastructure, and Foreign Affairs.
Foreign Drivers Diagnosed with Coronavirus Will Not Be Permitted Entry
Foreign drivers who test positive for the coronavirus will not be allowed entry. Turkish drivers who cannot travel abroad are still required to complete a 14-day quarantine at home, as previously enforced. For foreign nationals, a 72-hour rule has been introduced when no symptoms are detected during health screenings. If a foreign driver shows no symptoms and complies with all health precautions, they will be allowed to depart after appropriate follow-up. Foreign drivers who enter Turkey will be permitted to deliver their loads without undergoing the full 14-day quarantine, provided they commit to leaving the country again within 72 hours.
A disinfection process will be applied to vehicles entering the country. Local governorates and district authorities will implement all necessary health and safety measures for both Turkish and foreign drivers. Foreign drivers showing signs of COVID-19 will be strictly prohibited from entering the country. Turkish drivers who display symptoms will be reported to the relevant health directorates and receive medical care. Minister Pekcan stated that vehicles carrying medicines, medical supplies, and food—critical for Turkey—will be given priority when entering the country.