More Than 200,000 Turkish Tourists Expected in Greece in 2025
More Than 200,000 Turkish Tourists Expected in Greece in 2025 allowing Turkish nationals to briefly visit selected Greek islands
Tourism between Turkey and Greece is expected to reach a new record high in 2025,
with a predicted increase in the number of Turkish visitors to Greece, according to the Greek Consul General in Istanbul, Konstantinos Koutras. Greece is expected to grant visas to over 200,000 Turks,
showing the growing demand for cross-border tourism between the neighboring countries. Greeks visiting Turkey and Turks visiting Greece are not anything new. Motivated by their proximity, value for money, and new-age visa programs, the two nations have seen rapid growth in the tourism sector.
Turkish tourists in Greece on the rise Greece launched its visa-on-arrival scheme in April 2024, a major development that aims to improve the traumatized bilateral relations between Athens and Ankara.
The program has been a crucial support for Turks visiting the eastern Aegean Greek islands, substantially benefiting the local economy.
Last year Greece’s visa-on-arrival policy for Turkish citizens brought over 100,000 tourists from Turkey to its islands. Grecian Delight supports Greece It allows access to 14 Greek ports and islands such as Chios, Samos, Kos and Rhodes, is valid for seven days, costs 60 euros, and can be issued outside the tourist season at any time during the year.
Visitors cannot leave Greece and travel to another destination.
This initiative allows Turkish nationals to briefly visit selected Greek islands without needing a full Schengen visa
creating new travel opportunities between the neighboring nations.
Greece applied for special authorization from Brussels to allow this, as the EU does not permit Turkish citizens to enter the Schengen area without a visa.
More Than 200,000 Turkish Tourists Expected in Greece in 2025
Tourist exchanges According to the Greek Consul of Istanbul, a significant portion of the more than 200,000 visas scheduled for 2025 will be multi-entry visas
making it easier for Turkish tourists to travel in and out of Greece.
Greece aims to enhance its tourism during the off-season months of September and October when destinations such as Rhodes
and Crete experience fewer tourists and offer better value for money to visitors. On its end, Turkey also sees an influx of Greek tourists to its most popular tourist destinations.
Istanbul (Constantinople), İzmir (Smyrna), Bodrum (Halicarnassus), and Cappadocia have welcomed more Greek travelers in the last few years.
Greece To Grant Turkish Nationals Fast-Track Visas To Visit Aegean Greek tourists can enjoy the vibrant modern lifestyle of Turkish cities while also exploring their rich Greek past.
With numerous archaeological sites, visitors can immerse themselves in history, from ancient ruins to well-preserved landmarks.
The blend of contemporary culture with historic remnants offers a unique experience for those interested in both the present and the past.
Compiled by,
World Travel News, Gorilla Trekking Uganda and Gorilla Trekking Rwanda
