Greece proposes pan-European tourist visa at Rome Forum

Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni has proposed the introduction of a unified tourist visa for non-EU visitors wishing to travel across multiple European countries, a plan that has received early support from Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani.

Speaking at a tourism forum held in Rome on Friday, Kefalogianni suggested the creation of a flexible visa scheme that would simplify travel across the European Union. Under the proposal, visitors from third countries—such as India and China—could travel seamlessly to destinations like Greece, Italy, and France using a single visa.

“There is growing interest from the middle class in countries such as India, and from Chinese tourists, who increasingly seek multi-country itineraries,” Kefalogianni noted. She emphasized that any such initiative would strictly adhere to the security and control standards set out by the Schengen Agreement and broader EU regulations.

Tajani welcomed the Greek proposal, stating his support for measures that facilitate tourism while ensuring safety. “We agree with Minister Kefalogianni’s vision,” he said, adding that he plans to raise the issue at the upcoming Friends of the Western Balkans meeting in New York, in coordination with other European counterparts.

The proposed visa could become a key step in boosting Europe’s appeal to long-haul travelers, particularly from emerging markets, while fostering cooperation among EU member-states in the tourism sector.