Anticipated 50% increase in visitor numbers from Turkey to the Greek Islands following implementation of visa-free travel policy.

The long-awaited visa-free policy between Turkey and select Greek islands, launched in April 2024, is set to revolutionise the travel industry, according to tourism experts. This change removes a significant barrier for travellers, as stated by Ozgu Alnitemiz, Türkiye Director of Celestyal Cruises and Karavan Tourism.

The policy, expected to encourage more spontaneous trips and foster closer tourism ties between the two countries, is viewed as a much-needed boost for the travel industry heading into the busy 2025 summer season. Cevik, a board member of Saltur Tourism, anticipates a major rise in bookings for Greek island cruises from Turkey, predicting up to a 50% increase in reservations this season due to visa-free travel.

The visa-free policy strengthens ports like Izmir, Kusadasi, and Bodrum as attractive departure points for international cruise routes in Turkey. This could further boost Turkey's role in regional tourism by encouraging international cruise companies to expand their routes through Turkish ports. For Greece, the change is likely to bring increased revenue from tourist spending. Tourism experts believe the change will bring a surge in short-term visitors' spending on hotels, restaurants, shopping, and excursions in Greece.

However, despite the optimism, industry insiders remain cautious due to the influence of powerful members like Germany on decisions within the Schengen system. As of September 2025, only Greece and Bulgaria have so far implemented the EU’s new cascade visa system for Turkish citizens, which gradually allows for longer multiple-entry Schengen visas if used regularly and in compliance with the rules. Germany and France have not announced participation in further visa waivers, and there are no public statements from other Schengen countries explicitly supporting a broader visa-free regime or a pilot project for Turkish tourists.

Alnitemiz also suggested that if Greece's move is endorsed by other Schengen countries, it could serve as a pilot project for broader visa flexibility in Europe. The permanence of this new arrangement will depend on wider European support, according to Alnitemiz. If successful, the visa-free policy is expected to not only encourage more travel but also foster closer ties between Turkey and Greece, benefiting both countries' economies.

Visa fees, which can reach up to €200 with service charges, have discouraged many potential travellers, according to Alnitemiz. The impact of the visa-free policy is expected to be felt on both sides of the Aegean, as domestic holidays become unaffordable for Greeks, causing them to spend more abroad. The visa-free policy could further boost Turkey's role in regional tourism by encouraging international cruise companies to expand their routes through Turkish ports.

In conclusion, the visa-free policy between Turkey and Greece is set to revolutionise the travel industry, encouraging more travel and fostering closer ties between the two countries. While there are concerns about the influence of powerful Schengen members, the policy is expected to be a success, benefiting both countries' economies and boosting tourism and cross-border travel.

Anticipated 50% increase in visitor numbers from Turkey to the Greek Islands following implementation of visa-free travel policy.