The world before COVID-19 seems a faraway land, and it would be a long time before everything goes back to normal again. However, slowly but surely, the world of sports is taking the necessary steps to offer athletes a sense of normalcy and help them continue their journey as aspiring amateurs and competitive professionals.
Starting with sports races like marathons, triathlons, and duathlons, organizations and countries around the world are slowly opening their doors to athletes who are ready to get back on track. Let’s take a look at the current COVID-19 protocols for athletes and sports events in sports-active countries today with upcoming global marathons.
Argentina
COVID-19 remains a risk in Argentina, so foreign travelers are required to submit medical and COVID-19 requirements before entering the country.
All vaccinated foreign athletes entering and exiting Argentina must fill in an electronic ‘sworn statement’ form within 48 hours of traveling and present a negative COVID-19 PCR test, taken 72 hours before travel. Quarantine upon arrival is not required.
Meanwhile, unvaccinated foreign athletes must submit the same requirements but should send an application of entry to Argentina stating the purpose of the visit. The acceptable grounds include business, sports, and humanitarian reasons. Unvaccinated foreign athletes must be quarantined for at least 7 days upon their arrival.
Summary of requirements
- An electronic ‘sworn statement’ for all travelers
- Negative PCR test for vaccinated foreign athletes
- Negative PCR test, quarantine, swabbing, and self-monitoring for unvaccinated foreign athletes
Sources and official websites for updates:
Australia
Australia is one of the few countries that quickly recovered from COVID-19, courtesy of its aggressive strategies and plans. The Australian government eased its restrictions for locals, but international travelers, especially those coming from high-risk areas, need to follow strict quarantine requirements.
Australia requires international travelers to be fully vaccinated with one of the following vaccines:
- AstraZeneca Vaxzevria
- AstraZeneca Covishield
- Pfizer/Biontech Comirnaty
- Moderna Spikevax
- Sinovac Coronavac
- Bharat Biotech Covaxin
- Sinopharm BBIBP-CorV (for 18-60 year olds).
- Johnson & Johnson/ Janssen-Cilag COVID Vaccine (one dose)
Foreign athletes and travelers with acceptable proof that they cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons, as well as children under 12, are not required to submit a vaccination certificate but may undergo test trials.
Foreign travelers may also be eligible for additional or reduced quarantine requirements, depending on the state or territory of origin. The immigration or other designated officials will relay the requirements upon arrival.
Summary of requirements:
- Vaccination certificate
- Documentation or medical certificate for children below 12 years old and travelers who can’t be vaccinated for medical reasons
Sources and official websites for updates:
Bahrain
At press time, COVID-19 infections in Bahrain are decreasing. As such, the Kingdom welcomes vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers. However, all foreign and returning athletes must still follow strict rules and regulations.
Vaccinated athletes and passengers who have recovered from COVID-19, within 8 months after the date of infection, from GCC countries, countries with mutual vaccination recognition agreement with Bahrain, and countries with vaccines recognized by the Kingdom are welcome to enter and follow these procedures: get a PCR test upon arrival, on the fight day after arrival, and on the tenth day after arrival. Quarantine and a recent PCR test submission from other institutions are not required.
Meanwhile, all unvaccinated passengers are required to follow a different set of procedures: present an approved PCR test with a QR code and taken 72 hours before boarding the plane; conduct a PCR test upon arrival, on the fifth day of arrival, and on the tenth day of arrival; and quarantine for 10 days.
All arriving athletes must also fill up the ‘BeAware Bahrain’ application and sign an agreement to self-isolate, which requires them to quarantine at their chosen residence. Unvaccinated athletes are encouraged to avoid non-essential travel.
Summary of requirements
- Submission of ‘BeAware Bahrain’ application and self-isolation agreement
- Vaccination certificate and 3 separate PCR tests for vaccinated athletes
- 10-day quarantine, recent PCR test before boarding, and another 3 set of PCR tests for unvaccinated athletes
Official websites for updates
Brazil
At press time, Brazil bans the entry of foreign travelers from high-risk areas, such as India, South Africa, or the UK. All other foreign travelers, regardless of vaccination status, who wish to enter Brazil from other destinations must present a negative result from a COVID-19 RT-PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before travel and must complete a pre-arrival health declaration form. The visit should be no longer than 90 days.
Quarantine and travel rules for vaccinated and unvaccinated foreign travelers depend on the state, so it’s best to coordinate with local authorities upon arrival.
Summary of requirements
- Health declaration form
- A negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test, taken no more than 72 hours before travel
Sources and official websites for updates
Canada
Canada welcomes vaccinated and unvaccinated foreign nationals. However, the restrictions and conditions are stricter for unvaccinated travelers. Canada recognizes all the WHO-approved vaccines worldwide, with the recent inclusion of Sinopharm, Sinovac, and COVAXIN.
Fully vaccinated foreign travelers must receive the last dose of vaccine at least 14 days before departure and provide a negative COVID-19 negative molecular test, taken 72 hours before departure. Quarantine is not required.
Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated foreign travelers will only be allowed to enter Canada for essential reasons. Leisure travel and participation in amateur sports for unvaccinated and partially vaccinated individuals is not allowed at the moment.
Summary of requirements
- Vaccination certificate
- Negative molecular COVID test results, taken 72 hours before departure
- Purpose of visit (must be essential) for unvaccinated and partially vaccinated foreign athletes
Sources and official websites for updates
Chile
At press time, Chile has strict requirements for non-residents and international travelers. To enter, foreign athletes must have a negative PCR test taken 72 hours before boarding, submit a complete “Traveler’s Affidavit” form online 48 hours before boarding, have health insurance with a minimum coverage of USD 30,000, and have completed a vaccination program (2 doses). The required form, which is available at www.c19.cl, will ask for your contact, health, and travel information.
Regardless of nationality, foreign athletes who completed a 2-dose vaccination program and got a booster dose will not be required to quarantine or take a COVID-19 test. Meanwhile, foreign athletes who have completed a 2-dose vaccination program but have no booster shot must undergo a 5-day quarantine and wait for the result of their COVID-19 tests performed in Chile.
Summary of requirements
- Vaccination certificate
- Traveler’s Affidavit
- A negative PCR test, taken 72 hours before boarding
- 5-day quarantine and another test upon arrival for fully vaccinated athletes with no booster shot
Official websites for updates
Egypt
Foreign athletes and international visitors do not need to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination to enter Egypt. However, as vaccination programs are improving in many countries, the government is currently discussing the requirement. As such, traveling athletes should watch out for updates.
Fully vaccinated athletes are not required to take a pre-departure test to Egypt. They must have a vaccine certificate with a QR code stating the full COVID-19 vaccination at least 14 days before arrival from any of the following approved brands:
- AstraZeneca (Vaxzevria)
- Janssen
- Moderna
- Pfizer-BioNTech
- Sinopharm
- Sinovac
- Sputnik V
All other athletes traveling overseas, including Egyptian nationals, are required to present a printed medical certificate showing a negative COVID-19 PCR test result, taken 78 to 96 hours before departure (depending on the travel time).
Athletes with negative COVID-19 PCR tests and are fully vaccinated are not required to quarantine on arrival in Egypt. However, if they develop symptoms, they should immediately self-isolate for 14 days or the remainder of their stay.
Summary of requirements
- Vaccination certificate with QR code for fully vaccinated athletes
- A negative COVID-19 PCR test, taken 72 to 96 hours before departure for unvaccinated athletes
Sources and official websites for updates
France
France highly encourages all foreign travels and athletes to get vaccinated before entering the country. Fully vaccinated foreign athletes can travel to France without health-related restrictions. They only need to submit their proof of vaccination and a sworn declaration form from the Interior Ministry’s website.
Unvaccinated foreign athletes from green countries must present a negative PCR or antigenic test taken less than 24 to 72 hours before the flight. Unvaccinated foreign athletes from orange countries must present a negative PCR or antigenic test taken less than 48 to 72 hours before the flight, undergo a random test upon arrival, and self-isolate for 7 days. Lastly, unvaccinated foreign athletes from red countries must present a negative PCR or antigenic test taken less than 48 before the flight, undergo a random test upon arrival, and undergo a mandatory 10-day quarantine supervised by security forces. All unvaccinated foreign athletes must also submit a sworn declaration form.
Summary of requirements
- Sworn declaration form
- A negative PCR or antigenic test for foreign athletes from green countries
- A negative PCR or antigenic test, another test upon arrival, and a 7-day self-isolation for foreign athletes from orange countries
- A negative PCR or antigenic test, another test upon arrival, and a 10-day supervised quarantine for foreign athletes from red countries
Official websites for updates
Germany
Germany still imposes strict restrictions for countries from high-risk areas or those who are infected with new COVID-19 variants. Foreign travelers and athletes entering Germany must complete a digital entry registration, provide a negative test result or vaccination certificate, depending on the origin, and comply with quarantine regulations.
Foreign athletes from high-risk areas must present a negative COVID-19 test result, proof of vaccination, or proof of recovery. They are also required to download the Corona-Warn App and undergo a health screening.
Vaccinated foreign athletes may only be required to submit a PCR test before arrival, while unvaccinated foreign athletes should submit a PCR test, undergo health screenings, and self-isolate.
Summary of requirements
- Digital entry registration
- Corona-Warn App
- PCR test before arrival for vaccinated foreign athletes
- PCR test before and upon arrival for unvaccinated foreign athletes
Sources and official websites for updates
Greece
In May 2021, Greece freely opened its borders to foreign travelers, diplomats, athletes, businessmen, and more. Greece welcomes foreign athletes and travelers from some countries without the need to quarantine. However, strict regulations still apply as the country faces another COVID-19 wave.
At press-time, third-country citizens are not allowed to enter Greece for non-essential reasons. Visit the tourism website of Greece to find the list of countries with residents who are allowed to enter.
Athletes and travelers arriving in Greece are required to have either a negative PCR certificate from a testing laboratory, taken no later than 72 hours before arrival or a negative antigen (rapid) certificate taken no longer than 48 hours before arrival.
Proof of a negative test is not required for all travelers that have completed their vaccination 14 days before departure and those who tested positive for COVID-19 and recovered in the past 30 to 180 days.
A vaccination certificate carrying the following acceptable vaccines is required for vaccinated athletes: Pfizer BioNtech, Moderna, AstraZeneca/Oxford, Novavax, Johnson + Johnson/Janssen, Sinovac Biotech, Gamaleya (Sputnik), Cansino Biologics, and Sinopharm. A medical test proving recovery is then required for athletes who recently tested positive for COVID-19.
All athletes, regardless of origin and vaccination status, must also fill up the Passenger Locator Form (PLF) before arriving in Greece. Unvaccinated athletes and travelers, meanwhile, are reminded that only those with proof of vaccination will be permitted in most indoor spaces, such as restaurants, museums, theaters, cinemas, sports venues, and more.
Summary of requirements
- Vaccination certificate and PCR / Antigen tests for vaccinated athletes
- PCR / Antigen tests for unvaccinated athletes
- Medical test for athletes who recently tested positive for COVID-19
- Vaccination certificate for entry to indoor spaces (including sports venues)
Sources and official websites for updates
Indonesia
Indonesia is one of the high-risk countries in Southeast Asia and the world. Although recovering slowly, the country still restricts foreign nationals from entering. To enter Indonesia, all foreign athletes and travelers are required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test, taken 72 hours before departure, and proof of vaccination (fully or partially vaccinated).
For fully-vaccinated travelers, they will have to undergo a 3-day quarantine, while partially vaccinated will have to take a 5-day quarantine at the entry point or facilities established by the government.
Summary of requirements
- Vaccination form
- A negative PCR test, taken no more than 72 hours before travel
- 3-day quarantine for fully vaccinated, 5-day quarantine for partially vaccinated
Sources and official websites for updates
Italy
Italy, as part of Europe, also faces multiple COVID-19 waves. As such, the country is quite strict in accepting foreign athletes and travelers from non-European countries to avoid the further spread of the current wave.
Athletes from European Union countries with a COVID-19 Green Certificate and from countries with low COVID-19 cases, tagged as List A, B, and C by the Italian government, can provide proof of their residency and health status by completing a prescribed anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccination cycle, submitting a negative molecular or antigen swab test prior to entering Italy, or presenting proof of recovery from COVID-19.
Athletes from countries tagged as List D should submit a negative molecular or antigen swab test in the 48 to 72 hours prior to entering Italy (depending on the duration of flight) and present a COVID-19 Green Certificate or equivalent certificate certifying the completion of the vaccination cycle.
Athletes from countries tagged as List E, those with high COVID-19 cases or third-world countries, can enter the country with the same health requirements as the mentioned lists for specific reasons:
- Work
- Health reasons
- Study reasons
- Absolute urgency
- Return to one’s domicile, home, or residence.
Athletes from List E are only allowed to enter Italy provided that they are participating in competitive sports competitions that are “recognized to be of pre-eminent national interest with a provision of the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI) and the Italian Paralympic Committee (CIP) and regulated by a specific safety protocol adopted by the sports organization responsible for the event”.
Aside from the listed health certificates, all foreign and returning athletes are also required to fill out the Passenger Locator Form prior to entering the country. The form replaces the self-declaration form required by travel companies and can be shown in both digital and paper formats.
Summary of requirements
- Passenger Locator form
- Vaccination certificate / Green Certificate and recognized COVID-19 tests for vaccinated athletes from European countries and List A, B, C, D countries
- Recognized COVID-19 tests for unvaccinated athletes from European countries and List A, B, C, D countries
- Medical test for athletes who recently tested positive for COVID-19
- Vaccination certificates recognized COVID-19 tests and purpose of entry for vaccinated and unvaccinated athletes from List E countries
Sources and official websites for updates
- Ministero della Salute (The Official eGovernment Site of Italy)
- Agenzia Nationale Turismo (The Official Tourism Website of Italy)
Jordan
At press time, Jordan is slowly recovering from the impact of COVID-19 by aggressively administering vaccines across the country. However, international travel is still subject to strict rules and regulations.
All foreign athletes are required to visit Jordan’s portal prior to departure, complete the required form, and obtain the QR code, which will be presented prior to boarding and upon arrival. All passengers must also submit a negative PCR test conducted within 72 hours prior to departure from the first boarded flight. Take note that only PCR tests from approved labs in Egypt, Turkey, and Iraq should be accepted. Further, foreign athletes must also submit a Passenger Health Declaration and Indemnity Online Filling Form upon arrival. They can download the form before boarding.
Fully vaccinated athletes and children under the age of 5 years are not required to conduct a negative PCR test upon arrival, but the rule is still subject to the fulfillment of vaccinated passengers’ regulations. Unvaccinated athletes, meanwhile, should take a paid mandatory PCR test upon arrival.
Summary of requirements
- Pre-registration through Jordan’s portal
- A negative PCR test, taken at least 72 hours before departure, for all athletes
- A PCR test upon arrival for unvaccinated athletes
Sources and official websites for updates
Mexico
At press time, Mexico has some of the less strict COVID-19 travel restrictions in the world. Mexico is open to travelers, and there is no need to provide proof of vaccination, a negative PCR test, or undergo quarantine on arrival. However, foreign travelers must strictly fill up health declaration forms and scan the QR code it generates on arrival.
Local and international health authorities, however, still encourage foreign travelers to and from Mexico to get vaccinated or provide a negative PCR test for everyone’s safety.
Summary of requirements
- Health declaration form with a QR code
Sources and official websites for updates
Netherlands
The Netherlands is open to tourists and foreign nationals. Foreign athletes from countries where the health risks are similar to or lower than in the Netherlands can travel and enter.
Fully vaccinated foreign athletes from high-risk countries within the EU or Schengen need to show proof of vaccination, proof of recovery, or a negative test result. Unvaccinated foreign athletes must show a negative test result or proof of recovery and take day 2 and day 5 COVID tests in the Netherlands. Self-quarantine is not required for travelers who tested negative.
Summary of requirements
- Vaccination certificate for fully vaccinated travelers
- A negative test result, proof of recovery, and on-arrival COVID-tests for unvaccinated travelers
Sources and official websites for updates
Oman
Due to the rising cases of COVID-19 in its surrounding countries, Oman previously imposed strict travel restrictions for foreign and returning travelers. But the rules and regulations are slowly easing.
The list of countries from which arrivals are prohibited from entering Oman has finally been terminated. Citizens and residents with valid residency permits and travelers with valid visas are allowed to enter the Sultanate without prior approval. However, all travelers, including returning and foreign athletes are required to present a COVID-19 vaccine certificate containing a QR Code and stating that they have received two doses of any COVID-19 vaccine approved in Oman:
- Pfizer BioNTech
- Oxford Astrazeneca
- Covishield AstraZeneca
- Sputnik
- Sinovac
- Moderna
- Sinopharm
- Johnson & Johnson (single dose)
*The last dose is required to have been received not less than fourteen (14) days ahead of the estimated arrival in Oman. The list of accepted vaccines may change from time to time, depending on the decision of WHO and the sultanate of Oman.
Aside from vaccines, foreign athletes are also required to pre-register at https://covid19.emushrif.om and upload their vaccination certificate and recent COVID-19 PCR certificate with QR codes online. Alternatively, they can also get a paid test upon arrival. Another important requirement for foreign athletes is international health insurance that covers the cost of one month’s treatment of COVID- 19. Travelers with a free treatment card and returning residents are exempted.
Summary of requirements
- Online pre-registration
- Vaccination certificate with QR code (last does should have been received not less than 14 days)
- Negative COVID-19 PCR test with QR code, taken no more than 72 hours
- Health insurance for foreign athletes with no free treatment card
Sources and official websites for updates
- Omanuna (The Official Oman eGovernment Services Portal)
- Oman Airports
Philippines
The Philippines doesn’t allow the entry of foreigners from high-risk countries at the moment, such as the Faroe Islands and the Netherlands. Foreign athletes from countries tagged as low-risk or mild-to-moderate have different requirements.
Fully vaccinated travelers who will submit a negative RT-PCR taken within 72 hours prior to departure will not be required to quarantine, get an on-arrival swabbing, and self-monitor for 14 days. Fully vaccinated travelers with no RT-PCR test can still enter the country but must be quarantined in a facility and at home for a total of 15 days, and get an on-arrival swab test.
Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated foreign athletes must submit a negative RT-PCR test, quarantine in a facility and at home, and self-monitor.
Summary of requirements
- Negative RT-PCR test, quarantine, swabbing, and self-monitoring for unvaccinated and partially vaccinated foreign athletes
- Quarantine, swabbing, and self-monitoring for fully vaccinated foreign athletes with no RT-PCR test
Sources and official websites for updates
Russia
Russia is slowly easing its restrictions for foreign nationals and travelers, so athletes who are fully vaccinated or physically healthy can enter the country. Vaccinated or unvaccinated foreign travelers must submit a negative COVID-19 PCR test at the customs, taken 72 hours before departure, and medical insurance that can cover COVID-19 or other major health expenses. You do not need to stay in quarantine if you have a negative test result.
Summary of requirements
- Vaccination certificate for fully vaccinated travelers
- Negative COVID test results, taken 72 hours before departure for vaccinated and unvaccinated foreign athletes
- Medical insurance for vaccinated and unvaccinated foreign athletes
Sources and official websites for updates
Spain
Spain has been severely affected by COVID-19, so it’s understandable that its strict travel restrictions remain in place. The country is slowly easing its restrictions for travelers from most European countries and Schengen Area countries with low infection rates. Foreign athletes from these countries with low infection rates are allowed to enter without quarantine requirements.
Meanwhile, foreign athletes from European countries, Schengen Area, other countries with high infection rates, and the rest need to present a vaccination certificate with one of the vaccines accepted by the Spanish authorities, a medical certificate stating his or her recovery from COVID-19, or a negative COVID-19 test.
Other countries that are not considered ‘high-risk’ by the Spanish government will not be asked for any of the mentioned COVID-19 requirements.
All foreign athletes going to Spain are also required to submit a health control form before their arrival, regardless of their vaccination status. For those traveling by plane, they can access the Spain Travel Health app online.
Summary of requirements
- Health control form for all travelers
- Vaccination certificate, medical certificate, or a negative COVID-19 test for foreign athletes from high-risk countries
Sources and official websites for updates
Switzerland
Switzerland remains strict in accepting foreign nationals. Foreign nationals without proof of a recognized vaccination certificate from a SEM high-risk country seeking to stay for up to three months are not allowed to enter. Tourists and participants who want to participate in mass events with no solid purpose to travel are not allowed to enter the country. Only citizens or foreign nationals with special necessities are allowed to enter and stay.
Switzerland still plans to hold global events by next year, so it’s best to watch out for updates regarding foreign travel through relevant sources as time progresses.
Summary of requirements
- Approved purpose of travel
Sources and official websites for updates
Taiwan
Taiwan is one of the few countries that quickly recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic due to its strict travel and border restrictions in 2019. As such, the country is willing to host global sports events by next year. However, at the moment, the government of Taiwan still restricts foreign nationals from entering the country.
Only foreign nationals and students from low-risk countries can enter the country. The approval, which depends on the purpose of the visit, is still on a case-by-case basis. Foreign travelers need to be in touch directly with the immigration or other relevant authorities in Taiwan. If your entry is approved, Taiwan will provide individual or group testing and quarantine facilities upon arrival.
Summary of requirements
- Approval of entry from the government
Sources and official websites for updates
- Bureau of Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of China (Taiwan)
- Taiwan Centers for Disease Control
The United Arab Emirates (UAE)
COVID-19 remains a problem in the UAE, so there are still special rules and regulations in place for tourists and visitors. However, citizens of all countries can visit the UAE for tourism and other important matters, such as sports competition, if they are fully vaccinated with one of the approved COVID-19 vaccines by WHO.
The UAE is not requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination for tourists and residents. However, a rapid PCR test will be required at the departure airports in the UAE. The UAE has different restrictions for athletes traveling from green countries and other locations.
Vaccinated athletes arriving from green countries should present an RT-PCR test on arrival and another on day 6 from arrival if staying in the UAE. They are, however, not required to quarantine themselves. Vaccinated athletes arriving from other countries must take an RT-PCR test on arrival and again on day 4 and day 8 if staying in the UAE. They are also not required to quarantine themselves.
Meanwhile, unvaccinated athletes arriving from green countries must take an RT-PCR test on arrival and again on day 6 and day 12 from arrival. They are not required to quarantine themselves. Unvaccinated athletes arriving from other countries must take an RT-PCR test on arrival, quarantine for 10 days, and take another PCR test on day 9 from arrival.
Summary of requirements
- Vaccination proof and a negative RT-PCR test for vaccinated athletes
- A negative RT-PCR test for unvaccinated athletes from green countries
- A negative RT-PCR test and a 10-day quarantine for unvaccinated athletes from other countries
Sources and official websites for updates
The United Kingdom
The COVID-19 cases in the United Kingdom are extremely high at the moment, so expect the postponement of approaching sports events and marathons in the country. Travelers from other countries, however, can still enter the country and follow restrictions.
Fully vaccinated foreign athletes must present a vaccination certificate, book and pay for a COVID-19 test in England, and complete a passenger locator form upon arrival. The proof of vaccination must be issued or approved by the UN. Partially or unvaccinated foreign athletes must take a COVID-19 test three days before travel, book and pay for day 2 and day 8 COVID-19 PCR tests in England, complete a passenger locator form, and self-quarantine (depending on the result of the tests).
Summary of requirements
- Vaccination form for fully vaccinated travelers
- Passenger locator form
- Multiple COVID-19 tests and self-quarantine restrictions for partially vaccinated and unvaccinated
Sources and official websites for updates
The United States of America
At press time, all non-immigrant or non-citizen foreign athletes traveling to the United States will be required to be fully vaccinated and provide proof of vaccination status before boarding a plane. Children under 18, emergency travelers with no access to vaccines, and people with underlying medical conditions preventing them from receiving vaccines are exempted. Foreign athletes who are partially vaccinated may also travel but with strict requirements.
Both fully and partially vaccinated foreign athletes must submit a negative COVID-19 test before boarding. Fully vaccinated may submit a COVID-19 test taken 3 days prior to boarding, while partially vaccinated individuals should submit a test taken a day before boarding.
Foreign athletes who recently recovered from COVID-19 may instead travel with documentation of recovery from COVID-19. Positive and negative viral test results are also required for submission.
The quarantine requirements for all international travelers depend on their country of origin. The immigration or other officials will give the information upon arrival.
Summary of requirements
- Vaccination certificate and o-day old negative COVID-19 test for fully vaccinated athletes
- A 3-day old (or less) negative COVID-19 test for partially vaccinated athletes
- Medical documentation for athletes who recently recovered from COVID-19
Sources and official websites for updates
Turkey
At the time of writing, Turkey’s daily COVID-19 cases remain high. And although recovery cases are also increasing, the country is still facing and battling the current wave of new cases. As such, travel restrictions remain strict for high-risk countries.
Foreign athletes from low-risk countries no need to undergo quarantine requirements and submit COVID-19 related documents. Foreign athletes from countries with mild to moderate COVID-19 cases may be required to submit their proof of vaccination and negative COVID-19 test results. Some may even undergo quarantine, depending on the country of origin.
Unfortunately, entry is restricted to high-risk countries. Only those returning citizens and travelers with a valid purpose of visit and cam meet strict requirements can enter Turkey. For information about the list of high-risk and low-risk countries, refer to this map by Turkish Airlines.
Summary of requirements
- Vaccination certificate, medical certificate, or a negative COVID-19 test for foreign athletes from countries with mild to moderate COVID-19 cases. Requirements for quarantine or self-isolation depend on the country of origin.
- Proof of residency or valid purpose of visit for foreign athletes from high-risk countries
Sources and official websites for updates
Final Reminders
As the COVID-19 pandemic progresses, all laws and restrictions stated on this page are subject to change. It’s advisable to check the relevant government and organizational websites we provided for more updates. Further, national and international health authorities are encouraging everyone to be fully vaccinated before traveling and strictly follow the local health restrictions by country.