Key Takeaways:
- Launched on April 1, 2024, Turkish nationals can get a visa on arrival for select Greek islands.
- The scheme covers ten islands like Lesvos, Chios, and Rhodes, boosting tourism even in off-peak periods.
- Significant tourist influx, especially to Lesvos and Rhodes, positively impacts local economies and improves Greece-Turkey relations.
What is the Visa-Free Scheme for Turkish Nationals?
The visa-free scheme for Turkish nationals, launched on April 1, 2024, has dramatically increased the number of Turkish visitors to several Greek islands. Initiated after discussions between Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in December 2023, this policy allows Turkish nationals to obtain a visa on arrival for visits of up to seven days to select Greek islands.
Which Greek Islands are Included in the Visa-Free Scheme?
The visa-free scheme covers ten Greek islands near the Turkish coast, including:
– Lesvos
– Lemnos
– Chios
– Samos
– Leros
– Kalymnos
– Kos
– Rhodes
– Symi
– Kastelorizo
How Does the Visa-Free Scheme Work?
Turkish visitors can acquire an express visa at designated ports on these islands for a fee of €60. This visa is valid for a single-entry stay of up to one week and is available throughout the year, not just during peak summer months. This year-round availability aims to boost tourism in off-peak periods.
“These new measures make it far easier for Turkish citizens to explore our beautiful islands,” noted a spokesperson for the Greek Ministry of Tourism.
What Impact Has the Scheme Had So Far?
The visa-free scheme’s effect has been immediate and substantial. In just the first ten days of April 2024, Lesvos welcomed 3,800 Turkish tourists, a significant jump from the 390 visitors in the same period in 2023. Across the five main islands of Lesvos, Chios, Samos, Kos, and Rhodes, the total number of Turkish tourists reached 20,690 in the first ten days of April 2024, compared to 5,969 in the same period in 2023. Rhodes saw the highest number of visitors, followed by Chios, Lesvos, Kos, and Samos.
Why Are Turkish Tourists Flocking to These Islands?
Several factors contribute to the surge in Turkish tourism:
- Ease of Access: The visa-on-arrival scheme eliminates the need for Turkish citizens to apply for Schengen visas in advance, enabling spontaneous trips.
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Proximity: The included Greek islands are close to the Turkish coast, making ferry travel convenient.
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Cost Considerations: Rising prices in Turkish tourist destinations, like Bodrum, make Greek islands a more affordable vacation option.
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Cultural and Historical Ties: Despite political tensions, cultural and historical connections between Turkey and these Greek islands make them appealing destinations for Turkish visitors.
What Are the Economic Impacts on Greek Islands?
The influx of Turkish tourists has positively impacted the local economies of these Greek islands. Local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and shops, have reported increased activity. During the Eid holiday in 2024, Lesvos alone welcomed over 1,700 Turkish tourists, primarily from Istanbul, Izmir, and other major Turkish cities.
How Are Greek Authorities Managing the Visitor Surge?
The dramatic increase in visitors has led to long lines at entry points, particularly at ferry terminals where Turkish tourists arrive from nearby Turkish ports such as Ayvalik. Greek authorities have responded by setting up additional visa processing facilities and increasing staffing at ports of entry to manage the flow of tourists efficiently.
Are There Travel Restrictions for Turkish Tourists?
It is important to note that while the visa-free scheme allows entry to the specified Greek islands, it does not permit travel to other Schengen states or mainland Greece. Greek authorities enforce stricter controls to ensure that visitors comply with these restrictions.
How Can This Policy Improve Greece-Turkey Relations?
This visa-free scheme is part of broader diplomatic efforts to ease long-standing tensions between Greece and Turkey. Both countries, NATO members, have been working on several initiatives focusing on mutual benefits such as trade and tourism.
“As per VisaVerge.com, the success of this policy could strengthen economic ties and foster better relations between the two neighboring countries,” highlighted a recent report.
What Can We Expect in the Future?
As this policy continues, it is expected to bring lasting changes to the tourism landscape of these Greek islands. Local economies are likely to benefit from sustained tourism, but there may also be a need for infrastructure upgrades to handle the increased number of visitors. If successful, the scheme could expand to include more Greek islands or result in broader travel easing between Greece and Turkey.
For more information about travel requirements and the visa-free scheme, visit the official Greek government page on immigration.
Through this initiative, the Greek and Turkish governments aim not only to boost tourism but also to pave the way for stronger, more cooperative bilateral relations.
Learn Today:
Glossary of Immigration Terms
- Visa-Free Scheme:
A policy allowing foreign nationals to enter certain areas without needing to obtain a visa prior to travel. In this context, it refers to Turkish nationals receiving a visa on arrival for specified Greek islands. - Visa on Arrival (VOA):
A type of visa that travelers can acquire at the point of entry into the destination country. For this scheme, it allows Turkish nationals to get a visa upon reaching particular Greek islands for a stay of up to seven days. - Single-Entry Visa:
A visa that permits the holder to enter the destination country only once. The visa issued under this scheme is valid for a one-time, seven-day visit to specific Greek islands. - Schengen Visa:
A visa that allows entry into the 26 European countries that make up the Schengen Area. This scheme specifically exempts its holders from needing a Schengen visa to visit the specified Greek islands but does not allow travel to the broader Schengen Area. - Eid:
A significant Islamic holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide. The influx of Turkish tourists during Eid indicates the popularity of Greek islands as a travel destination among Turkish citizens during this period.
This Article In A Nutshell:
The visa-free scheme for Turkish nationals, starting April 1, 2024, lets them visit ten Greek islands without prior visas. This policy boosts tourism, making access easier and cheaper. Initial results are promising, with a significant increase in Turkish visitors, positively impacting local economies.
— By VisaVerge.com
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