Visa-on-arrival scheme boosts Turkish tourism to Greek islands
A visa-on-arrival scheme allowing Turkish citizens to visit several Greek Aegean islands has led to a sharp increase in tourism, easing travel restrictions and strengthening economic and people-to-people ties between the neighboring countries.
Introduced in April 2024, the program initially covered 10 Greek islands before being expanded to 12. It allows Turkish citizens to stay for up to seven days on participating islands without obtaining a full Schengen visa in advance, although it does not permit travel to mainland Greece or other Schengen countries.
According to the Bank of Greece, nearly 1.5 million Turkish tourists visited Greece in 2025, up from 1.2 million a year earlier. Turkish travel agencies say most visitors to the islands used the simplified visa scheme.
Growing appeal amid Schengen difficulties
The program has gained popularity as Turkish travelers face increasing difficulties obtaining Schengen visas, including longer waiting times, higher costs and uncertainty over approvals.
For many Turks, the nearby Greek islands have also become an attractive alternative as high inflation has made domestic holidays more expensive.
Popular destinations under the scheme include Samos, Rhodes, Chios and Kos, with Turkish tourists arriving daily on ferries from Türkiye's Aegean coast.
Local businesses welcome Turkish visitors
Business owners and tourism operators on the islands say Turkish visitors have become an important source of revenue.
Restaurant owners have increasingly introduced Turkish-language menus, while tourism professionals say demand from neighboring Türkiye continues to grow.
Samos business owner Giannis Kagias said Turkish visitors have become vital to the island's economy, while tour guide Mikail Esabalioğlu noted that although the scheme has significantly boosted tourism, long waiting times at arrival points remain a challenge.
Program seen as bridge between neighbors
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis described the initiative as a success during a visit to Ankara earlier this year, saying hundreds of thousands of Turkish visitors had traveled to the islands and helped bring the two peoples closer together.
The program has emerged as a positive area of cooperation despite longstanding disputes between the two NATO allies over issues including maritime boundaries and minority rights.
Many travelers also view the scheme as an opportunity to strengthen cultural ties through easier cross-border travel, with visitors saying greater interaction between the neighboring societies can help foster mutual understanding.
Source:DailySabah
