Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has announced a new initiative that will streamline travel for Turkish visitors to Greece. Following a historic meeting with Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan last December, Mitsotakis revealed plans for a fast-track temporary visa program, granting travelers from Turkey immediate access to 10 Greek islands.
The temporary visa, valid for seven days, will enable Turkish tourists to explore popular destinations including Kalymnos, Limnos, Leros, Kos, Lesvos, Chios, Samos, Rhodes, Symi, and Kastelorizo. These islands, located near the Turkish coast, have long been favored by Turkish visitors despite strained relations between Greece and Turkey.
Lefteris Papakalodoukas, the Mayor of Symi Island, applauded the initiative, emphasizing the deep-rooted ties in tourism and culture shared between Greece and Turkey. He highlighted Symi’s popularity among Turkish yachters, noting the island’s significantly higher boat arrivals compared to neighboring destinations like Rhodes.
Previously, Turkish visitors encountered a cumbersome visa process through the Greek Consulate in Izmir. The introduction of the fast-track system aims to simplify entry procedures, with thousands already expressing interest in the new arrangement.
Giannis Papavasileiou, President of the Hotel Owners Association, anticipates a surge in visitors from Turkey, which is expected to offset the decline in Israeli tourists and bolster the local economy.
Local stakeholders are eager for the swift implementation of the new visa program, with hopes of attracting more Turkish tourists as early as this summer.
