Turkey is set to open its doors to citizens of 6 more European countries, allowing them to visit without a visa. Nationals of many European countries can already enter Turkey without a visa for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. In a bid to strengthen diplomatic relations with European nations and increase tourism,
5 January 2024
| Post byIn a strategic move to enhance its tourism sector, the Republic of Türkiye has extended its visa-free travel policy for citizens of 6 additional countries: Bahrain, Canada, Oman, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States.
Passport holders from these countries now fall under Turkey’s visa exemption policy, which allows citizens of certain countries to enter without a visa. Traveling to Türkiye will be much easier for these nationals, as they no longer need a travel permit before entering.
Citizens of countries that are not part of the visa exemption scheme can only enter Turkey with a valid visa. This must be obtained in advance either online or at an embassy.
This landmark change to Turkey’s visa policy, issued by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, is a critical element of a broader agreement with the European Union. The policy underscores Turkey’s commitment to simplifying travel procedures and enhancing accessibility for international visitors.
Boosting Turkey’s Tourism Sector
The intention of extending visa-free travel to additional countries is to boost Turkey’s tourism sector.
According to GlobalData, the number of inbound tourists in Turkey is expected to surpass 2019 levels in 2023, reaching an estimated 48.5 million, and continue growing until 2027.
GlobalData highlights that in 2022, international tourists significantly outnumbered domestic tourists in Turkey for leisure travel, with 33.2 million international and 17.7 million domestic tourists.
Germany, Russia, and the UK have been identified as the largest contributors to Turkey’s tourism market, with Germany expected to remain the leading source market.
How Will Travel to Turkey Change?
With this change, ordinary passport holders from these 6 nations are now entitled to visa-free entry lasting up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Visitors from these countries can now enter the Republic of Türkiye with just a valid passport, provided the purpose of their visit is tourism. Those intending to travel to Turkey for other reasons, such as to work or study, still need to obtain a visa.
Other Changes to Turkey’s Visa Policy
The effects of Turkey’s revised visa policy are far-reaching, extending beyond the 6 newly included countries. For instance, Indian passport holders now have access to a detailed guide on the visa requirements and application procedures for Turkey.
Accompanying this significant policy shift is the implementation of Turkey’s online visa system. This modern e-Visa platform enables eligible travelers to apply for a visa electronically, offering a streamlined and efficient application process.
Typically, visa approvals are granted quickly, and the visa is directly emailed to the applicant after the completion of the application and payment process.
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