As 2025 progresses, Turkish citizens hoping to travel to Europe may have reasons for optimism. The European Union has taken significant steps toward easing Schengen visa regulations for Turkish passport holders. Although full visa liberalisation hasn’t yet materialized, recent developments signal a friendlier visa environment and a shift toward deeper cooperation between Türkiye and the EU.
Below, we break down what’s changing — and what might be coming soon.
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EU Pledges Easier Schengen Access for Turks
The EU has made visa facilitation for Turkish nationals a top priority.
“We are working on a new approach to ease the visa process,” said Thomas Ossowski, EU Ambassador to Türkiye, who took office in late 2024.
In collaboration with Turkish authorities, efforts are underway to reduce
appointment backlogs, streamline application procedures, and improve overall processing times.
Türkiye Pushes for Visa-Free Travel
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has publicly advocated for full visa liberalisation, calling the current Schengen process “inadequate” given the high travel demand.
As part of ongoing negotiations, Türkiye is also lobbying for targeted visa exemptions, particularly for:
- Young researchers
- Entrepreneurs and innovators
- Business professionals involved in EU-funded projects
This focus reflects a broader effort to integrate Türkiye more closely into Europe’s digital, academic, and innovation spaces.
Visa-on-Arrival for Turkish Tourists Visiting Greek Islands
One of the most traveler-friendly updates comes from Greece, which has reintroduced and expanded a visa-on-arrival program for Turkish citizens visiting ten Greek islands:
Islands included:
- Lesbos
- Chios
- Samos
- Rhodes
- Kos
- Leros
- Symi
- Kalymnos
- Kastellorizo
- Patmos
Turkish nationals can now visit these islands for short stays (1–7 days) without applying for a full Schengen visa, providing a convenient option for spontaneous travel or tourism.
Fast Facts: Turkish Citizens & Schengen Applications
- 867,646 Schengen visa applications were submitted by Turkish citizens in 2023
- About 70% of issued visas were multiple-entry
- This exceeds the global average of 50%, suggesting positive trust indicators from EU member states
What’s Coming: EES & ETIAS Systems
Two major systems will reshape how travelers enter and leave the Schengen Zone:
Entry/Exit System (EES)
- Launch: October 2025
- Replaces passport stamps with biometric entry/exit data
- Applies to all third-country nationals, including Turkish citizens
ETIAS (European Travel Authorisation)
- Launch: After EES is implemented
- Will not apply to Turkish nationals (as Türkiye is not visa-exempt)
While ETIAS won’t affect Turkish travelers for now, it could become relevant in future visa liberalisation talks.
What This Means for Turkish Travelers
Although full Schengen visa freedom remains a goal, 2025 brings several meaningful improvements:
- Faster and more efficient visa processes
- Access to Greek islands with simplified entry
- New proposals for group-based visa exemptions
- High rate of multiple-entry visas
Final Thoughts
The EU-Türkiye visa relationship is evolving. With diplomatic momentum and shared interest in economic and cultural exchange, Turkish passport holders may soon enjoy smoother travel experiences across Europe.
Stay tuned to www.landmarktitan.com for updates on Schengen travel, visa policy, and border systems.
Got questions or need help planning your trip?
Reach out to our travel desk via info@landmarktitan.com – we’re happy to assist!