Greece has announced the extension of its visa program for Turkish nationals, allowing them to visit 12 Aegean islands for up to seven days. This initiative, which aims to improve relations between the two countries, will now run until April 2026.
Key Takeaways
- Visa program extended until April 2026.
- Turkish nationals can visit 12 Aegean islands for up to seven days.
- Over 100,000 visas issued since the program’s launch in March 2024.
- Expansion of the program includes the islands of Patmos and Samothrace.
Background of the Visa Program
The visa program was initially signed in December 2023 as part of a broader effort to ease tensions between Greece and Turkey, two NATO allies with a history of rivalry. The agreement allows Turkish citizens and their families to obtain automatic visas to visit specific Greek islands without needing full access to the European Union’s passport-free travel zone.
Expansion of the Program
The European Commission has approved the extension of this program, which will now include two additional islands, Patmos and Samothrace, expanding the original list of ten islands. The islands currently included in the program are:
- Rhodes
- Kos
- Samos
- Lesvos
- Chios
- Leros
- Symi
- Lemnos
- Kalymnos
- Kastelorizo
- Patmos (newly added)
- Samothrace (newly added)
Impact on Relations
The visa program has been recognized for its success in fostering connections between the peoples of Greece and Turkey. Since its launch, more than 100,000 visas have been issued, indicating a positive response from Turkish tourists. This initiative is seen as a step towards improving diplomatic relations, which have been strained over various issues, including maritime boundaries and airspace control.
Future Prospects
In addition to the visa program, Greece and Turkey have committed to exploring discussions regarding the demarcation of their maritime zones. A high-level cooperation council, established in 2010 to address ongoing disputes, is expected to convene later this year, signaling a potential thaw in relations and a willingness to engage in dialogue.
The extension of the visa program is a significant move towards enhancing tourism and cultural exchange between the two nations, reflecting a shared interest in stability and cooperation in the region.
