Turks flock to Greek Islands as visa-on-arrival program boosts tourism
Türkiye-origin tourists are increasingly choosing Greek islands for their holidays, as Greece extends its visa-on-arrival program for another year across islands in the eastern Aegean.
The policy, which simplifies entry procedures for Turkish citizens, has significantly boosted cross-border tourism. According to industry representatives, arrivals from Türkiye have increased fivefold in recent years, signaling a major shift in regional travel patterns.
A senior official from the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies (TÜRSAB) highlighted the growing appeal of nearby Greek destinations. “Greek islands are easily accessible from Turkey’s coastal resort areas and have become an attractive alternative for Turkish visitors,” the official said. “The visa-on-arrival program makes this access even more convenient.”
The scheme allows travelers greater flexibility, particularly for those unable to secure advance bookings—an important advantage during peak travel seasons.
Greek authorities have also upgraded infrastructure to accommodate the surge in visitors. Ports on islands such as Samos and Chios have undergone capacity improvements to handle increased passenger traffic.
The extension of the program is expected to further strengthen tourism flows between the two countries, reinforcing the eastern Aegean as a key corridor for short-haul travel.
