Greece's Visa-on-Arrival Program Welcomes Over 100,000 Turkish Tourists

A picturesque view of Samos (Sisam) island, Greece, captured on September 19, 2024, reflects the bustling activity brought by the visa-on-arrival program. (Shutterstock Photo)

In a significant boost to regional tourism, Greece's visa-on-arrival program has drawn more than 100,000 Turkish tourists since its inception on April 1, 2024. Turkish nationals now have the opportunity to explore select Greek islands, such as Rhodes , Lesbos , and Samos using a simplified entry process at a cost of 60 euros ($63), without the need for a full Schengen visa. This arrangement allows stays ranging from one to seven days.

The program has been celebrated as a triumph by officials from both Greece and Türkiye. During a recent meeting in Istanbul, Greek Minister of Shipping Christos Stylianidis and Turkish Transport Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu emphasized the program's economic and diplomatic benefits.

"This initiative has not only revitalized tourism but also paved the way for enhanced cooperation between Greece and Türkiye," stated Stylianidis. Local reports, such as one from the Greek magazine Oikonomikos Tachydromos, indicate that nearly 400,000 Turkish visitors have participated since the program's launch, with 54,373 additional visas issued by the end of August alone.

The ministers expressed their commitment to further strengthening maritime ties, which have flourished under this new framework. Stylianidis highlighted the "win-win" advantages, noting that enhanced ferry connections between Türkiye and Greece are fostering tourism and contributing to economic growth in coastal regions on both sides.

Encouraged by the program's success, Greece intends to extend the initiative through 2025. This decision aligns with recommendations from local officials like Northern Aegean Regional Governor Konstantinos Moutzouris, who has proposed expanding the program to other non-Schengen visitors as well.

The visa scheme was developed following an agreement between Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, with the aim of easing tensions, particularly over disputes in the Aegean Sea. While longstanding issues remain, both nations are optimistic about strengthening bilateral relations through practical cooperation, particularly in tourism and maritime sectors.