Greece’s visa-on-arrival policy for Turkish citizens has brought over 100,000 tourists from Turkey to its islands, Minister of Shipping and Island Policy Christos Stylianides revealed.
Since April 1, 2024, when the policy was implemented, it significantly enhanced regional tourism. This initiative enables Turkish nationals to visit select Greek islands for short stays without requiring a full Schengen visa, creating new travel opportunities between the neighboring nations.
The visa, which allows access to 10 Greek islands and 14 ports, is valid for seven days, costs 60 euros and can be issued outside the tourist season, at any time during the year. Visitors cannot leave Greece and travel to another destination.
The move was agreed upon at the meeting between Greek Prime Minster Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Athens in December 2023.
Previously, Turkish visitors faced a lengthy visa process via the Greek Consulate in Izmir.
Greece and Turkey are “partners” in tourism and shipping
“Greece and Turkey, are not just neighbors. We are partners, especially in the maritime and tourism sector,” said Stylianides after meeting with Turkish Minister of Transport Abdulkadir Uraloğlu.
Stylianides said that the two ministers reaffirmed their commitment to work together to further strengthen cooperation in the tourism and maritime sector.
Specifically, the Greek Minister of Shipping mentioned three specific areas of cooperation:
-First, “we agreed that maritime connections have created a win-win situation for all. We remain committed to supporting them.”
-Second, “we established a very successful scheme for the provision of short-term visas to Turkish citizens to visit the Greek islands. To give you a sense of success, during the pilot phase, we granted one hundred thousand visas”!
-Third, “maritime tourism is on the rise. Both from commercial yachts and cruise ships. This has tangible results in boosting economic development in coastal communities.”
Greek tourism benefits from Turkish travelers
The impact of the initiative on Greece’s tourism sector has been immediate and substantial. Local businesses—particularly those in hospitality, retail, and food services—are already seeing the benefits. With Turkish visitors eager to discover the islands’ treasures, demand for accommodation, dining, and local goods has surged, providing a much-needed economic boost to these island communities.
Beyond the financial advantages, the visa-on-arrival policy has helped strengthen ties between Greece and Turkey, fostering a deeper cultural exchange. As Turkish tourists explore Greek history and culture, they also bring their own traditions, enriching the experience for everyone.
This newfound ease of travel is helping to bridge the gap between the two countries, creating opportunities for greater collaboration in tourism and other sectors.
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