No, you can’t travel from turkye to greece without visa. Generally, Turkish citizens need a visa to travel to Greece, as Greece is part of the Schengen Area.
However, there’s a special “visa-on-arrival” program for Turkish citizens visiting certain Greek islands for short stays (up to 7 days).
This program currently covers ten islands: Chios, Kos, Lesvos, Rhodes, Samos, Leros, Lemnos, Kalymnos, Kastellorizo, and Symi. This visa is single-entry and only valid for the designated islands; it does not permit travel to other Schengen countries.
For other purposes or longer stays in Greece (or other Schengen countries), Turkish citizens must apply for a Schengen visa in advance through the Greek Visa Application Centre in Turkey.
The General Rule: Why Turkish Citizens Need a Schengen Visa for Greece
If you’re a Turkish citizen planning a trip to Greece, you’ll generally need a Schengen visa. This is because Greece is part of the Schengen Area, a special zone in Europe.
Greece and the Schengen Area
So, what exactly is the Schengen Area? Imagine a large group of European countries that have decided to open up their borders to each other. There are currently 29 countries in this group.
Once you’re in one Schengen country, you can pretty much travel to any of the others without showing your passport again. This whole setup is designed to make it easy for people, goods, and services to move freely around.
Now, because of this open border system, non-Schengen citizens, like those from Turkey, usually need a visa to get in. It’s how these countries keep things secure and manage who comes and goes.
All the countries in the Schengen Area follow the same basic rules when it comes to visas.
Schengen Visa for Turkish Citizens
For Turkish citizens, the Schengen visa is for short visits. This means if you’re going for:
- Tourism: Just to see the sights and enjoy your vacation.
- Business: Attending meetings, conferences, or other work-related activities.
- Family Visits: Going to see relatives or friends who live in the Schengen Area.
You can typically stay for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Think of it this way: over any six-month stretch, your total time in the Schengen countries can’t go over three months, even if you make several separate trips.
Where to Apply
You’ll need to apply for your Greek Schengen visa at the Greek Embassy or Consulate in Turkey, or at one of their official Visa Application Centres (VACs).
A good tip is to apply at the consulate of the country where you’ll spend most of your time, or the one that’s the main reason for your visit.
Common Requirements (Just a heads-up)
While the exact list can change a bit, you’ll generally need:
- A valid passport (make sure it has at least two blank pages, was issued in the last 10 years, and is valid for at least three months after you plan to leave the Schengen Area).
- Recent passport-style photos.
- A filled-out and signed Schengen visa application form.
- Proof of travel medical insurance. This needs to cover at least €30,000 and be valid for your entire trip across all Schengen countries.
- Evidence that you have enough money for your trip (like bank statements or pay stubs).
- A clear plan of your trip (flight and hotel bookings, or a letter if someone is inviting you to stay).
- Documents about your civil status (like a marriage certificate).
- If you’re working, a letter from your employer, or your business registration if you own a business.
- If you’re traveling with kids, you’ll need parental consent and copies of the parents’ passports.
Processing Time & Fees
Typically, getting a Schengen visa from Turkey takes about 15 days. But sometimes, especially during busy travel seasons or if they need more information, it can take longer—up to 30 or even 60 days.
So, it’s always best to apply well in advance, ideally 3-4 weeks before you plan to travel.
The standard visa fee for adults is usually €90. For children aged 6 to 12, it’s typically €45, and kids under 6 don’t usually pay a fee.
Just remember these fees can change, and you’ll pay in Turkish Lira. There might also be extra service fees if you apply through a VAC.
Here’s an important point
Once you have a Schengen visa issued by Greece, you can use it to travel freely to all other Schengen countries during its validity and within your allowed stay period. You won’t need a separate visa for each country. Just remember that 90/180-day rule!
The Exception: Visa-on-Arrival for Greek Islands (The “Express Visa”)
While the general rule is a Schengen visa, there’s a special, more relaxed option for Turkish citizens wanting to visit certain Greek islands: the “Express Visa” or Visa-on-Arrival.
What is it?
This is a fantastic program designed specifically for Turkish citizens. It allows for a much simpler, quicker process to visit some of Greece’s beautiful islands without going through the full Schengen visa application beforehand.
It’s a way to boost tourism and make island hopping much easier for our Turkish neighbors.
Key Details of the Scheme
- Validity: This special visa is valid for up to 7 days. It’s perfect for a short getaway or a quick island escape.
- Purpose: This visa is strictly for tourism only. You can’t use it for business, work, or any other reason.
- Entry: You can only enter Greece with this visa at designated maritime (ferry) entry points on the specific islands participating in the program.
This is super important: it does NOT allow you to travel to mainland Greece or any other Schengen country.
It’s exclusively for enjoying the island you arrive on, and potentially other participating islands if you arrange inter-island travel.
- Extension: Good news! This program has been extended multiple times, showing its success. Currently, it’s expected to be in place until at least April 2026. This gives plenty of time to plan those island adventures!
List of Eligible Greek Islands
This special visa is available for a select group of islands. Here are the most frequently mentioned ones:
- Rhodes
- Kos
- Lesvos (Mytilene)
- Samos
- Chios
- Leros
- Limnos (Lemnos)
- Kalymnos
- Kastellorizo (Meis)
- Symi
You might also hear about Patmos and Samothrace being included in recent extensions, so it’s worth checking the latest updates.
How to Obtain the Visa-on-Arrival (Practical Steps)?
Getting this visa is pretty straightforward, but it’s crucial to be prepared when you arrive at the port. Here’s what you’ll generally need:
A valid passport
Make sure it’s valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay.
Round-trip ferry ticket
You need to show that you have a confirmed way to leave the island.
Visa fee
Be ready to pay the required fee at the port of entry.
Accommodation booking
While sometimes just recommended, it’s highly advisable to have your hotel or accommodation booking confirmed.
Travel health insurance
Also highly recommended to have valid travel health insurance covering your stay.
Sufficient funds
You might be asked to show proof that you have enough money to cover your expenses during your stay.
Important Tip
Specific requirements can sometimes vary slightly between islands or change with updates to the program.
Therefore, it’s absolutely vital to check with the Greek authorities, the ferry operators, or the Greek Consulate/Embassy just before your trip. This will ensure you have the most up-to-date and accurate information.
Benefits of this Scheme
This “Express Visa” scheme brings a lot of positives:
- Increased tourism: It makes it much easier for Turkish citizens to visit, boosting the local economies of these beautiful islands.
- Easier access: It simplifies the entry process, removing the need for a lengthy pre-application for short visits.
- Strengthening ties: It helps foster stronger cultural and economic connections between Turkey and Greece.
Step-by-Step Guide: Applying for a Standard Greek (Schengen) Visa from Turkey
If you’re looking to explore mainland Greece or travel further into the Schengen Area, you’ll need to apply for a standard Schengen visa. Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide to help Turkish citizens through the process:
1. Determine Your Visa Type
For most tourism, business, or family visits, you’ll be applying for a Short-Stay (Type C) Schengen visa. This is the most common type and allows for stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
2. Gather Required Documents (Detailed List)
This is a crucial step! Make sure you have all these documents ready and well-organized. Any missing papers can delay or even cause your application to be rejected.
Valid Turkish Passport
- It must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area.
- It should have at least two blank pages for the visa stamp.
- It must have been issued within the last 10 years.
Completed Schengen Visa Application Form
You can usually find and download this form from the Greek Embassy, Consulate, or VAC website. Fill it out completely and accurately.
Recent Biometric Photos
You’ll need two recent passport-sized photos that meet Schengen photo requirements (e.g., plain light background, specific dimensions, neutral expression, taken within the last six months).
Proof of Travel Insurance
This is mandatory! Your insurance policy must:
- Cover a minimum of €30,000 for medical emergencies, hospitalization, and repatriation.
- Be valid throughout the entire Schengen Area.
- Cover the entire duration of your intended stay.
Flight Reservations
Provide round-trip flight bookings that show your entry and exit dates for the Schengen Area.
Accommodation Proof
This can be:
- Confirmed hotel bookings for your entire stay in Greece.
- An invitation letter from a host in Greece, along with a copy of their ID and proof of their residency (if applicable).
Proof of Financial Means
You need to show you can support yourself financially during your trip. This might include:
- Original bank statements from the last three to six months (stamped and signed by the bank).
- Recent pay slips.
- Tax records.
- Proof of pension or property income, if relevant.
If someone else is sponsoring your trip, a formal sponsorship letter along with their financial documents.
Employment Letter/Student Certificate/Business License (as applicable)
If Employed: A letter from your employer stating your position, salary, start date, approved leave dates, and that you will return to your job. Include your SGK (social security) statement and recent pay slips.
If Self-Employed: Your business registration documents, tax registration certificate, and company bank statements.
If a Student: A student certificate from your educational institution.
If Retired: Documents proving your retirement and pension statements.
If Unemployed/No Income: A sponsorship letter and financial proof from your sponsor are essential.
Cover Letter: A personal letter explaining the purpose of your visit, your detailed itinerary, and confirming your intention to return to Turkey.
Civil Status Documents
Marriage certificate (if applicable).
Birth certificates of children (especially if they are minors traveling with you).
If a minor is traveling with only one parent, a notarized consent letter from the other parent is required.
Previous Passports: If you have any previous passports, especially those with past Schengen or other international visas, include them.
Copy of Turkish Identity Card.
3. Book an Appointment
Once your documents are ready, you’ll need to book an appointment. This is usually done online through the website of the Greek Consulate, Embassy, or their authorized Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Turkey. Do this well in advance, as slots can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons.
4. Attend the Interview & Submit Biometrics
You’ll need to attend the appointment in person. During this visit, you will:
Submit all your collected documents.
Attend a short interview where you might be asked about your travel plans and intentions.
Provide your biometric data (fingerprints and a digital photo). Children under 12 are usually exempt from fingerprinting, but a photo is required for those aged five and above.
5. Pay the Visa Fee
The visa fee is typically paid at the time of your appointment. The standard fee for adults is €90, with reduced fees for children. Be aware that VACs may also charge an additional service fee. Keep the payment receipt as proof.
6. Track Your Application
After submission, you’ll usually receive a tracking number or reference. You can use this to monitor the status of your application online through the VAC’s website.
7. Collect Your Passport
Once your application has been processed, you will be notified to collect your passport. This can usually be done in person at the VAC or via courier service, depending on the options available.
Check your visa sticker carefully once you receive it to ensure all details are correct.
Conclusion
To sum it up, remember that visa-free travel for Turkish citizens to Greece is generally limited to specific Greek islands under a special “Express Visa” scheme. For all other destinations in Greece, including the mainland, a standard Schengen visa is required.
Always cross-check information with official Greek Embassy or Consulate sources, as requirements can change.
Don’t wait! Start planning your trip to the beautiful Greek islands or vibrant mainland cities today.
