Türkiye has announced visa-free travel for citizens of the United States, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates. This policy, detailed in a presidential decree published in the Official Gazette on December 23, is expected to significantly increase tourist arrivals from these nations.
Under the new regulation, citizens of these six countries holding ordinary passports can enjoy visa-free stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism purposes in Türkiye. This development comes as a welcome change, especially for hoteliers in the Black Sea provinces, a region that has traditionally attracted a large number of visitors from the Gulf countries.
Murat Toktaş, the president of the Black Sea Tourism Operators Association (KATİD), expressed optimism about the positive impact of the visa exemption. “We are likely to see more visitors amid the visa exemption decision,” he said in an interview with the daily Hürriyet. Toktaş highlighted that people from these countries are avid travelers and that the main impact of the visa exemption would be on travels from the Gulf countries, with Istanbul and the Black Sea region’s provinces being the most popular destinations.
The decision to grant visa exemptions to these specific countries aligns with the Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency’s (TGA) targeted marketing activities. Toktaş noted that this move could be part of those broader efforts to attract more tourists. He also recalled that Türkiye had experienced diplomatic challenges with some Gulf nations, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, before the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the situation improved following President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s visits to the region, laying the groundwork for this new visa policy.
The impact of the visa exemption is not just speculative. Data from the Tourism Ministry indicates a substantial increase in tourist arrivals from these countries. For instance, tourist arrivals from Saudi Arabia surged by over 70 percent in January-November compared to the previous year, reaching 784,000. The first 11 months of 2023 saw 57,000 visitors from Bahrain and 127,000 from the UAE. Additionally, the number of tourists from the U.S. and Canada rose significantly, with a 33.4 percent increase from the U.S. to 1.3 million and a 27 percent increase from Canada to 237,000.
The Black Sea region, particularly Trabzon, one of its largest provinces, has already been experiencing a tourism boom. From January to October, Trabzon attracted 684,000 foreign tourists, a 59 percent increase from the previous year. Saudis topped the list of visitors, followed by travelers from Oman and Kuwait.
This visa exemption policy is a strategic move by Türkiye to further open its doors to international travelers and enhance its position as a global tourism destination. By simplifying the travel process, Türkiye is not only making it easier for tourists to visit but also strengthening its ties with these key countries. The policy is expected to lead to a significant increase in tourism, contributing to the country’s economic growth and cultural exchange.
As Türkiye prepares to welcome an influx of tourists from the United States, Canada, and the Gulf countries, the nation’s diverse cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and rich history are set to be showcased to a broader audience. This visa-free travel policy marks a new chapter in Türkiye’s tourism narrative, one that promises increased connectivity, cultural exchange, and economic benefits.
