Process begins for establishing customs office in Semadirek
The Dedeağaç Port Authority (OLA) has begun working with a technical consultant to initiate all necessary procedures for Semadirek’s inclusion in the pilot visa express program for Turkish visitors. The aim is to boost tourist arrivals from Türkiye, similar to other eastern Aegean islands already participating in the scheme.
The introduction of the “visa express at the gate” system has been a key factor behind the significant increase in Turkish tourism to Greece. Arrivals exceeded 1.2 million in 2024, and forecasts for 2025 anticipate a new record. Combined with the rising cost of holidays in Türkiye, the measure has made the Greek islands an increasingly attractive destination, according to a report by the Greek Embassy in Ankara on the Turkish economy.
The visa facilitation program, which allows a stay of up to seven days, has been implemented since 2024 in twelve islands. For Semadirek—added in the second phase—to participate, a border checkpoint must operate at the port of Kamariotissa, which must comply with Schengen requirements. According to regional authorities, a staff member has already been secured for its operation.
During a meeting last June, initiated by Eastern Macedonia and Thrace Regional Governor Christodoulos Topsidis, representatives of all relevant services and local bodies (OLA S.A., Hellenic Corporation of Assets and Participations, Port Authority, Customs & Police Directorate of Dedeağaç, and the Municipality of Semadirek) confirmed their cooperation and support for designating Kamariotissa port as a temporary entry–exit point. They also agreed to prepare and submit the required application dossier under the guidelines of the Border Protection Directorate.
To proceed, OLA must submit a proposal—prepared in cooperation with the technical consultant—for approval of Semadirek’s participation in the visa express program. Establishing a point as an official Border Crossing Point requires the managing authority (OLA) to file an application accompanied by a detailed dossier, including floor plans of existing or proposed new facilities. These must be evaluated based on specific standards. The dossier must then be approved by the competent ministries according to their individual requirements.
Finally, the formal establishment of a Border Crossing Station requires the issuance of a Joint Ministerial Decision (JMD), following a relevant recommendation from the Border Protection Directorate.
