HES code in Turkey - expatriate-turkey

HES code in Turkey: where to get it and how does it work?

The HES code in Turkey is an application from the Turkish Ministry of Health.

It is used to trace contacts within Turkey.

Presenting the code is currently required for access to an airport, some sights and for public transport.

Issuing an HES code is very easy for travelers.

It is automatically issued with the currently required online form for entry into Turkey.

Here I explain everything in detail.

How do I get an HES code in Turkey?

Travelers automatically receive the HES code with the currently required entry registration for Turkey.

To do this, fill out the form on Register.health.gov.tr no earlier than 72 hours before arrival. Make sure that you include the exact date of entry. In the past, you had to enter the departure date so that the HES code was still valid on the day of your return flight. The field has been removed from the form.

The language can be changed to English on the website.

At the moment there is only one field with the name passport number, UK citizens can also enter the number of their identity card here.

After registration you will receive a confirmation in PDF format as a download.

On the top right side of the form you will find the HES code as a QR code and as a number. It’s also on the form with the name HES.

The code on the form is sufficient for all types of travel in Turkey. You can have the code issued on the website as often as you like for a new entry and exit.

Tip: Print out the form at home. You have to be able to show the QR code on it at the entrance of airports, sights and many other much-visited places in Turkey. Theoretically, this also works with a smartphone. Better safe than sorry …

Where do I have to present the HES code?

In practice, the HES code is most frequently checked at the entrance to a tourist attractions, in airports and on public transport.

The printed form is sufficient for entry into the airport and entry to sights. Public transport in major Turkish cities works with rechargeable cards, for example the Istanbulkart or the Antalyakart.

In order for the card to work for public transport, you currently have to connect it to your HES code. Instructions are given below in the article.

Turkish airlines currently also require an HES code for domestic flights.

In the province of Antalya, for example, the following additional regulations apply to the HES code:

Entrance from open and closed markets (bazaar) and wholesale markets

Cafes and coffee houses

Hairdresser, wellness, Turkish baths (hammam), sauna and spa

Amusement parks, sports halls and parks

How does public transport work with the HES code?

I describe public transport with the HES code using the Istanbulkart as an example.

Due to the latest regulations in relation to Covid-19, an HES code synchronized with the Istanbulkart is necessary for driving on public transport in Istanbul.

Here are the steps to synchronize the card with the HES code:

Go to Kisisellestirme.Istanbulkart.Istanbul
Change the language to English
Click on “I am a foreigner, I want to continue by my passport number.”
The “Card Number” is the serial number of your Istanbulkart

What else do I need to know about the HES code?

The automatic issuance of the HES code with the entry registration has made issuing easier.

Requesting the code via SMS used to cause confusion in forums, social media channels and comments.

With the new version it is clear that all travelers automatically have an HES code that also works offline.

I cannot say how long the HES code will be necessary in Turkey. I assume that it will be a requirement for entry to much-visited places for sure in the next few weeks and months.

The exact provisions of the HES code will certainly change with the approaching summer. The individual Turkish provinces can have their own rules depending on the number of cases.

I think that the regulations in Antalya will be much milder than they are at the moment. That was the case last year.

If you have any questions about the HES code, or would like to share your own experiences or tips, please write to me in the comments below.