Turkey: How to get an HES code (for foreigners)
The HES code is a sort of Turkish “health pass” : a QR code you’ll need for sightseeing, taking public transport, going to restaurants (in theory, the only place we were asked for it was at the hotel), …
Unlike in France, the QR code isn’t used to check that you’re vaccinated or have a recent negative PCR test. It’s used to track you. If someone tests positive, this tracking allows authorities to contact everyone they’ve crossed paths with to get tested.
The process for getting an HES code is fairly simple, but there’s one catch: you need a Turkish SIM card (see our article on the subject).
Once you have a SIM card, all you have to do is send a text message to the number 2023 with exactly this format:
HES FR <passport number> <year of birth> <last name>
If the format is correct, you’ll receive a text message one or two minutes later with a link to retrieve your QR code.
Nothing too complicated 🙂
