Greece unveils visa-on-arrival program for Turkish tourists to 10 islands

According to reports from multiple news agencies, Greece has introduced a special visa program as of April 1, 2024, specifically designed for Turkish tourists. This program enables Turkish visitors to access 10 Greek islands without the necessity of obtaining a visa beforehand. Turkish tourists arriving at these islands are now eligible for a visa upon arrival, which permits a stay of up to seven days, at a cost of 60 euros. The islands included in this initiative are Rhodes, Chios, Kos, Lesbos, Samos, Kalymnos, Leros, Kastellorizo, Symi, and Limnos.

Prior to the implementation of this policy, Turkish citizens aiming to explore these picturesque islands, conveniently located near the Turkish coast, were required to secure a Greek Schengen visa in advance. This significant ease of access is poised to enhance visitor convenience markedly, expected to result in a surge in the number of tourists to these areas.

The tourism sector in Greece is currently experiencing a substantial revival, with visitor numbers exceeding those of the pre-pandemic era. Throughout 2023, up until November, the country welcomed a total of 33.4 million visitors, surpassing the 31.4 million tourists recorded for the entire year of 2019. This marks a significant recovery and highlights Greece’s growing appeal as a premier tourist destination.