Greece Expands Fast-Track Visa Program to 10 Aegean Islands to Boost Turkish Tourism

Greece has expanded its fast-track visa program for Turkish tourists to include 10 islands in the Aegean Sea, up from the initial five. The move aims to boost visitor arrivals and support local communities on the islands of Lesvos, Chios, Samos, Kos, Rhodes, Kalymnos, Limnos, Leros, Symi, and Kastelorizo.

Under the expanded program, Turkish nationals can obtain a seven-day visa on the spot, valid for a 12-month period, by paying a fee of 60 euros. The visa, issued after a passport check and fingerprinting, allows travel to the designated islands but not to other European countries.

This initiative has significant implications for the economic recovery of Greece, which has received three international bailouts totaling 326 billion euros since 2010. This initiative has significant implications for the economic recovery of Greece, which has received three international bailouts totaling 326 billion euros since 2010. The success of this program could also pave the way for further cooperation and growth in the region, promoting stronger ties between Greece and Turkey.

The fast-track visa initiative has already shown promising results. During the Eid al-Fitr holiday in April 2024, the islands welcomed 20,000 Turkish travelers, a significant increase from the 5,969 visitors in the same period last year. Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni emphasizes that "the goal is to extend the tourist season and support local communities."

In the first 10 days of April 2024 alone, the number of arrivals from Turkey to the initial five islands tripled compared to the previous year. Lesvos sees a remarkable increase from 390 to 3,800 visitors, while Chios welcomes 4,993 travelers, up from 2,716. Rhodes experiences a surge from 2,320 to 6,000 visitors, and Samos and Kos receive 2,851 and 3,300 tourists, respectively.

Why this matters: The fast-track visa program was initially announced during a historic meeting between Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Athens in 2023. To facilitate the influx of travelers from Turkey, a visa station opened on Rhodes last month.

Despite the program's initial success, some challenges remain. Symi Mayor Lefteris Papakalodukas expresses reservations about the seven-day visa duration, stating,"The seven-day visa is a positive step, but it's not enough... Cultural and tourism exchanges promote good neighborly relations. Just as we can visit Turkey with our IDs, Turks should be able to do the same in Greece. "He suggests extending the visa validity to a year or at least the entire summer season.

Additionally, the initial demand for the new visas remains low on some islands because of short notice and limited ferry services. Islands like Simi and Limnos lack established ferry routes from the Turkish coast, with services expected to begin in June 2024.

The expansion of the fast-track visa program comes as Greece experiences an economic comeback. The country has received three international bailouts totaling 326 billion euros since 2010. The increased tourism from Turkey is expected to contribute to the ongoing recovery efforts.

As Greece continues to strengthen its ties with Turkey through initiatives like the fast-track visa program, the success of the expanded program on the 10 Aegean islands will serve as a litmus test for further collaboration and growth in the region. The future of tourism and economic cooperation between the two countries hinges on the outcomes of these efforts.

Key Takeaways

• Greece expands fast-track visa program to 10 Aegean islands for Turkish tourists.
• Turkish nationals can obtain 7-day visa on the spot for 60 euros, valid for 12 months.
• Program aims to boost tourism and support local communities on the islands.
• 20,000 Turkish travelers visited the islands during Eid al-Fitr holiday in April 2024.
• Success of the program could pave way for further cooperation and growth between Greece and Turkey.