Greece has created a new “limited access” visa allowing Turkish visitors to vacation on up to 10 Greek islands for up to a week. The new arrangement means Turks can apply to visit Greece without going through the full-blown process of applying to enter the Schengen zone, the passport-free travel area of the European Union.
Improving international relations
The move comes amid ongoing diplomatic efforts by Türkiye and Greece to promote better relations between the two countries. They have long disagreed about maritime border issues and mineral exploitation rights in the Aegean Sea, but in 2023, the two nations signed off on a series of joint trade, energy and education initiatives, as well as a crisis-avoidance plan.
At the time, Turkish president Recep Erdogan said, “It is natural for there to be problems between two neighbors when there can be misunderstandings even among brothers. What is important is the determination to resolve them.”
The “express visa” meets both countries’ needs
Now, those deals have been followed by the “express visa” which meets needs on both sides of the equation. Türkiye has long argued for better EU access for its citizens, especially given the republic’s cooperation with the EU as a nation on the cusp of Europe with a key role in holding back illegal immigration to the bloc.
Greece meanwhile is always looking to consolidate its vital tourist sector, which brought in 20.5 billion euros in 2023, according to central bank figures.
Greek president Mitsotakis hailed the deal and pointed out the new visas “can be issued not only in summer, but all year round. The measure is designed to boost tourism in areas and at times of the year when there is not a lot of traffic, so it will help the local economies.”
Passport checks and biometrics
Priced at 60 euros and available at selected Greek ports, the new permit entails passport checks and biometric data collection. The islands that can be accessed by Turkish visitors carrying the visa are conveniently situated near the Turkish coast and include Chios, Kalymnos, Kastellorizo, Kos, Lesbos, Leros, Limnos, Samos, and Symi. Another suite of smaller islands are set to join the scheme in early summer.
The visa will not extend to allow onward travel into other EU countries.
Rhodes has already opened a new terminal to process the visas. “The new system is ready and there is a lot of demand from Turkish visitors,” Vassilis Vayiannakis, Rhodes Port Fund head, told the Associated Press.