New European Union Visa Facilitation for Turkish Tourists to Greek Islands
European Union Visa Facilitation for Turkish Tourists to Greek Islands
In a significant development aimed at enhancing tourism and fostering better relations between Greece and Turkey, the Turkish Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, Öncü Keçeli, announced a new visa scheme for Turkish citizens traveling to certain Greek islands. This initiative, unveiled during President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s visit to Greece, marks a pivotal step in the ongoing efforts to streamline travel between the two neighboring countries. It is a testament to the collaborative spirit between Greece and Turkey, underpinned by the broader context of EU-Turkey relations.
Overview of the New Visa Scheme
The Greek government has decided to implement a visa-on-arrival scheme for Turkish citizens visiting 10 Greek islands, a move that is expected to significantly ease the travel process for Turkish tourists. This policy allows for a single-entry visa, valid for 7 days, to be issued upon arrival. The initiative has received approval from the European Union (EU) Commission, and the necessary regulations are currently being prepared by Greek authorities.
This development not only facilitates travel for Turkish citizens but also underscores the mutual interest in promoting tourism and understanding between Greece and Turkey. It is a clear indication of the European Union’s commitment to fostering closer ties with Turkey, enhancing people-to-people contacts, and supporting Turkey’s EU integration process.
Key Features and Expectations
Greek officials have confirmed that the EU Commission has approved the new visa facilitation scheme and that the relevant regulations are in the process of being drafted. The scheme is specifically designed to simplify access for Turkish citizens to Greek islands, enhancing tourist flows and contributing to the economic and cultural exchange between the two nations.
According to Spokesperson Keçeli, discussions with Greek authorities are ongoing to ensure the necessary infrastructure, including customs and passport control, is in place to facilitate smooth entry and exit for Turkish tourists. This underscores the commitment of both Greece and Turkey to ensuring that travelers face no difficulties during their visits.
Moreover, Prime Minister Kiryakos Miçotakis highlighted Greece’s support for Turkey’s EU membership aspirations, emphasizing the importance of visa facilitation for Turkish citizens. This move is aimed at enabling closer relations between Turkey’s youth, academics, business professionals, and students with the European Union.
Impact on the Tourism Sector
The visa facilitation scheme is expected to have a positive impact on the tourism sectors of both countries. By making it easier for Turkish tourists to visit Greek islands, it is anticipated to boost tourism flows, strengthen economic ties, and reinforce friendly relations between Greece and Turkey. The unique natural beauty, cultural richness, and historical heritage of the Greek islands offer an attractive vacation option for Turkish citizens, and this new visa policy will enable more people to experience these wonders.
In conclusion, the EU-Turkey visa facilitation for Turkish tourists to Greek islands is a forward-looking initiative that exemplifies the collaborative relationship between Greece and Turkey, within the larger framework of European Union engagement. It promises to bring numerous benefits, not only in terms of boosting tourism but also in contributing to the ongoing dialogue and cooperation between the EU and Turkey.
Implementation Details and Expectations
The new visa scheme, which was confirmed during President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s visit to Greece and announced by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, is set to facilitate short-term tourism by granting a single-entry visa valid for 7 days upon arrival to 10 specified Greek islands for Turkish nationals. This move, sanctioned by the European Union (EU) Commission, highlights the ongoing efforts to enhance people-to-people contacts and tourism flows between Greece and Turkey. In addition it is noted it ll not be valid just for summer months.
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