EU Eases Schengen Visa Rules for Turkish Citizens

Charlie Schengen Visa News 19 July 2025 | Updated On July 22, 2025 | 0

The European Union has introduced new, more flexible visa rules to make travel easier for Turkish citizens who have a good record of following Schengen visa rules.

Under the updated system, eligible Turkish travellers can now apply for multi-entry Schengen visas valid for 6 months up to 5 years—depending on how well they followed the rules in the past. These visas allow them to visit most EU countries more easily and more often.

EU Ambassador to Türkiye, Thomas Hans Ossowski, said the changes respond to long-standing complaints about slow and difficult visa procedures. However, he also stressed that more needs to be done and called for renewed talks on allowing Turkish citizens visa-free travel to the EU.

“This is an important step, but not the final solution,” Ossowski said. “It’s time to restart negotiations on visa-free travel for Turkish citizens.”

Türkiye’s Trade Minister, Ömer Bolat, explained how the new system will work:

After the first visa, the second application could grant a 6-month visa.
With each successful renewal, the visa period may be extended—up to 1 year, 2 years, and even 5 years.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry welcomed the move and said it will keep working with the EU to make the application process even smoother.

Who Is Eligible?

Turkish citizens living in Türkiye who apply for short-term visas at EU consulates in the country.
Only those with a clean visa history and no security issues.

Who Is Not Eligible?

First-time visa applicants.
Professional drivers (such as truck drivers) seeking work-related visas.

The new rules only apply to short-stay Schengen visas. These are valid for travel to countries like Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and others in the Schengen Area. Ireland and Denmark are not included in this change.

The European Commission said the new system will:

Help consulates focus more on higher-risk applications.
Reduce the workload for visa centers.
Speed up the entire process for trusted travelers.

“This is the first time Turkish citizens have had access to long-term, multiple-entry Schengen visas,” Bolat noted. “The EU has sent a new document to member countries to guide this faster and simpler visa process.”

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Charlie

Travel and Immigration Writer and Client Relationship Manager at IaM (Immigration and Migration)

Charlie is IaM’s resident Travel & Immigration Writer and Client Relationship Manager. They craft clear, engaging guides that demystify complex visa and migration rules - and then personally supports each client through every step of their journey.

Over the past 6+ years, with IaM, and working in the travel and immigration sector, Charlie has authored 200+ in-depth guides on Schengen, UK visas & other destinations they have relocated 1,000+ families safely through the system. A Clockwork Practitioner, Charlie also works hard to streamline operations and adheres to the mantra "Task Clients Well".

When they’re not translating policy into plain English, you’ll find them scouting new destinations, collecting local stories, and mastering a new language to better serve our global community.