The European Commission has distributed to EU member states a new framework aimed at simplify and accelerate Schengen visa procedures for Turkish nationalsThe announcement was made on July 18 by Turkish Trade Minister Omer Bolat. This is an important decision after years of challenges faced by Turkish citizens in obtaining these visas.
A progressive system for long-term visas
The new procedure introduces a progressive system allowing Turkish citizens to obtain long-term, multiple-entry Schengen visas. According to Minister Bolat, applicants who have already held visas, traveled regularly in the EU and returned to Turkey without infringement, will be able to benefit from increasingly longer visa durations: initially up to six months, then one year, 2 years, and potentially up to 3 and 5 years in subsequent phases. The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed this implementing decision, dated July 15, 2025, as an improvement to the Schengen visa regime.
Minister Bolat acknowledged the persistent difficulties to Turkish citizens, including students, academics, businessmen and professionals such as engineers and technicians, underlining the impact of restrictive practices in recent years. Ankara has consistently raised this issue with the EU authorities, including at the latest round of negotiations of the Turkey-EU High-Level Trade Dialogue held on July 1 in Ankara. It was during these discussions that European Commission representatives announced the preparation of this new mechanism.
A boost for tourism and trade
This reform is part of a broader EU approach to boosting travel demand after the pandemic and make the Schengen area more open and attractive. Official data from the European Commission reveals a increase of 13.6 % in visa applications and 18 % in visitor arrivals in Europe by early 2025. In 2024, over 9.7 million Schengen visas were granted, over half of which were multiple-entry visas, and the refusal rate fell from 16 % in 2023 to 14.8 % in 2024.
Turkey is one of the main requesting countries, with 1,173,917 applications in 2024. In particular, more than 993,000 Turkish applications were approved with a success rate of 85 %. The visa is designed to boost confidence and make Europe a preferred destination for tourists and professionals alike. The reforms are considered particularly attractive for students, digital nomads and business travelers.
The decision prompted mixed reactions on online discussion forums. Some hailed it as a "excellent news" and highlighted the ridiculous" refusals previously encountered by qualified professionals and academics. Others, however, have expressed doubts, believing that Turkey is not sufficiently integrated into Europe, or is even drifting away from it.. Voices also denounced the perceived "racism" behind restrictive visa policies. One viewpoint pointed out that past refusals have not prevented Turkish citizens from continuing to apply for short-term trips.
Despite these differences, the Turkish Foreign Minister affirmed Turkey's willingness to pursue its efforts with European institutions to improve the Schengen visa application procedure.
A broader context of visa facilitation
The easing of visa requirements for Turkey is part of a general trend. The EU has also signed visa facilitation agreements with 13 other countries for short-term staysincluding Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Cape Verde, Georgia, Moldova, Montenegro, Northern Macedonia, Serbia and Ukraine, offering lower fees and faster processing.
In addition, Greece and Italy have proposed the creation of a unified Schengen visa to make it easier to travel between several EU countries under a single permit, an idea that received strong support.
With the full integration of Bulgaria and Romania into the Schengen area on January 1, 2025bringing the number of participating countries to 29, and with Cyprus preparing for future membership, the Schengen area aspires to become a "one-stop shop". an even more open and interconnected global corridor for travelers from all over the world.
English 
Français 
Deutsch 
Italiano 
Español