EU Eases Schengen Visa Rules For Turkish Citizens With New Multi-Entry System.
The European Union has introduced a significant relaxation of Schengen visa regulations for Turkish citizens, implementing a phased multi-entry visa system to simplify travel. Announced on 18 July 2025 in Ankara by the EU’s ambassador to Turkey, Thomas Hans Ossowski, the new framework aims to streamline access to the Schengen area for Turkish nationals with a proven travel history, marking a step forward in EU-Turkey relations.
Under the revised “cascade” system, Turkish applicants who have lawfully used Schengen visas in the past will benefit from progressively longer multiple-entry visas. Those who have complied with visa conditions can receive a six-month visa on their second application, followed by one-year, three-year, and ultimately five-year visas, provided their passport remains valid. This allows holders to travel freely within the 29 Schengen countries for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, offering privileges akin to visa-exempt nationals. The Schengen area includes nations such as Germany, France, Italy, and Spain, making it a vital gateway for tourism and business.
The update addresses longstanding frustrations among Turkish citizens over lengthy delays and complex visa procedures. Ossowski acknowledged that while the changes do not fully resolve all concerns, they represent a meaningful improvement, with faster processing times and easier access for frequent travellers. The EU attributed past delays to a surge in applications and administrative bottlenecks at visa agencies, a challenge the new system seeks to mitigate.
This policy shift aligns with the EU-India Common Agenda on Migration and Mobility, which fosters cooperation on migration issues, and reflects a broader effort to strengthen ties with Turkey. The announcement has been met with cautious optimism, with posts on X highlighting it as a “tiny step” but a significant gesture in bilateral relations. Turkish travellers are encouraged to apply early and ensure compliance with visa conditions to maximise the benefits of the new system.
The move is expected to boost tourism and business exchanges, with popular destinations like France, which welcomed nearly 90 million visitors in 2024, likely to see increased interest from Turkish nationals. As the EU continues to refine its visa policies, this development signals a commitment to enhancing mobility and fostering closer people-to-people connections.
