Key facts
- Greece introduced a 'door visa' scheme in April 2024, allowing Turkish citizens visa-free entry to 12 Aegean islands.
- The scheme permits stays of up to seven days but does not allow onward travel to mainland Greece or other Schengen countries.
- Nearly 1.5 million Turkish tourists visited Greece in 2025, an increase from 1.2 million the previous year.
- The initiative has been praised by both Greek and Turkish officials for simplifying travel and fostering closer ties.
Greece's introduction of a 'door visa' scheme has significantly eased travel for Turkish citizens wishing to visit 12 islands in the Aegean Sea. Launched in April 2024, the initiative allows Turkish nationals to enter these islands for up to seven days without the need for a prior Schengen visa. This has been particularly beneficial given the increasing difficulty and cost associated with obtaining standard Schengen visas.
The scheme, known in Turkey as the 'kapi vizesi' or 'door visa', initially covered 10 islands and was expanded to 12 last year. The islands, all located close to the Turkish coast, include Chios, Kalymnos, Kastellorizo, Kos, Leros, Lesvos, Limnos, Patmos, Rhodes, Samos, Samothraki, and Symi. While convenient for island visits, the visa does not permit onward travel to mainland Greece or other Schengen Area countries and cannot be extended.
According to figures from the Bank of Greece, nearly 1.5 million Turkish tourists visited Greece in 2025, an increase from 1.2 million in 2024, with many utilizing the express visa. Turkish travel agents report that the scheme has provided an affordable holiday option amid rising inflation in Turkey. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has lauded the program's success, noting its role in bringing the two peoples closer and expressing a desire for its renewal.
Tourists like Emirhan Gurses, a 21-year-old student, have found the process easy and fast compared to traditional visa applications. For many, like Ikra Altumsek, it offered a first international travel experience to popular destinations such as Samos, which boasts natural beauty and cultural heritage. The presence of Turkish-flagged boats and Turkish-language menus on the islands highlights the strong flow of visitors.
Local businesses on islands like Samos have reported a significant positive impact on their economy due to the influx of Turkish tourists. Tour guides and business owners have expressed gratitude for the support, noting that the island's economy would face greater difficulties without these visitors. Beyond economic benefits, the scheme is seen as fostering cultural exchange and improving relations between the two neighboring countries.