The visa-on-arrival application for Turkish citizens visiting Greek islands has been extended for a year.

According to a Reuters report based on diplomatic sources, Greece has extended the validity period of the visa-on-arrival application provided for up to a week for Turkish citizens wishing to visit Greek islands.

The automatic visa agreement that allows Turkish citizens to visit some Greek islands without having to apply for full access to the passport-free travel area in the European Union (EU) was signed in December 2023. TWO NEW ISLANDS TO BE ADDED Sources mentioned that after the on approval of the visa-on-arrival application by the European Commission, it will be extended until April 2026 and the islands of Patmos and Semadirek will be added to the list of 10 islands. According to sources, the European Commission welcomed the successful implementation of the program over the past year and viewed it as a positive step in the relationship between the two countries. 100,000 TURKS VISIT THE ISLANDS Since the application started in March 2024, more than 100,000 Turkish citizens have obtained visas for Rhodes, Kos, Chios, Lesbos, Samos, Leros, Symi, Limnos, Kalymnos, and Kastellorizo islands. Greece and Turkey agreed last year to work on potential discussions to determine the boundaries of their maritime jurisdiction areas.