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Greece has announced the extension of its visa-on-arrival program for Turkish nationals, allowing them to visit 12 Aegean islands for up to a week without obtaining a full European Union visa. This decision comes in light of the program's success in boosting tourism and strengthening bilateral relations between the neighboring countries.
Program Extension and Expansion
Initially launched in December 2023, the visa-on-arrival scheme has been extended for an additional year, now valid until April 2026. The European Commission approved this extension and expanded the list of eligible islands to include Patmos and Samothrace, bringing the total to 12.
The participating islands are:
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Kalymnos
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Kastellorizo
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Kos
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Lesbos (Lesvos)
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Leros
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Limnos
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Rhodes
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Samos
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Symi
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Chios (Hios)
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Patmos
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Samothrace
Surge in Turkish Tourists
The visa-on-arrival program has significantly increased Turkish tourism to Greece. In 2024, over 1.15 million Turkish tourists visited the Greek islands, marking a 93% rise compared to the previous year. Notably, in August 2024 alone, approximately 297,000 Turkish travelers visited these islands.
The program's success is further highlighted by the issuance of over 100,000 express visas to Turkish tourists between April and November 2024. During the peak summer season, nearly 400,000 Turkish tourists visited the Greek islands.
Economic and Diplomatic Impact
The influx of Turkish tourists has positively impacted Greece's tourism sector and contributed to strengthening diplomatic ties between the two nations. The European Commission praised the program's success, acknowledging its role in fostering connections between the Greek and Turkish peoples.
This initiative aligns with recent efforts by Greece and Turkey to resolve longstanding disputes and promote regional cooperation. Both countries have agreed to explore talks aimed at demarcating their maritime zones, and a high-level cooperation council established in 2010 is expected to convene later this year.
Looking Ahead
With the program's extension until April 2026 and the inclusion of additional islands, Greece anticipates continued growth in Turkish tourism. This development is expected to further boost the local economies of the Aegean islands and enhance the cultural exchange between the neighboring countries.
The visa-on-arrival scheme exemplifies how targeted policy initiatives can effectively promote tourism, stimulate economic growth, and strengthen bilateral relations.