Türkiye and Greece on Thursday announced the “Athens Declaration on Friendly Relations and Good-Neighbourliness” during Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s official visit to the Greek capital.
Turkey and Greece have reached a significant agreement following Turkish President Erdoğan’s visit to Greece. As part of this diplomatic initiative, Turkey and Greece plan to sign a joint declaration covering areas like economy, migration, agriculture, tourism, health, and education.
One of the key developments from this visit is the introduction of a new visa facilitation process for Turkish citizens. This new policy will allow Turkish tourists a seven-day visa exemption for visits to selected Greek islands.
The move is expected to significantly boost tourism between the two countries, with Turkish travel companies predicting a 50% increase in tours to the Greek islands. The visa exemption applies to ten Greek islands close to the Turkish coast, providing a much-needed boost to the local economies of these islands. This policy also indicates a positive shift in the relationship between Turkey and Greece, potentially opening new avenues for cooperation and mutual benefit.
The decision is welcomed by the tourism industry in both countries. It simplifies travel for Turkish tourists, eliminating the need for lengthy visa procedures and additional costs. This change is likely to enhance cross-cultural exchange and economic cooperation, strengthening the ties between the neighboring nations.
Greek Minister of Migration and Asylum Dimitris Kairidis, in an interview with a Greek radio channel, listed the following islands:
Limni, Lesbos, Chios, Samos, Leros, Kalymnos, Kos, Rhodes, Symi, and Meis / Kastellorizo.
Required Documents for Visa on Arrival
The required documents for obtaining a visa upon arrival at the specified Greek islands are:
- A passport valid for at least six months
- Two biometric photos
- Bank account statements from the last three months (showing sufficient balance for the planned trip)
- Ferry ticket
- Hotel reservation
- Travel Insurance
- Photocopy of ID
- Application form
