Visits from Turkey to nearby Greek islands have increased around fivefold in recent years with the expansion of a visa-on-arrival program, reflecting the growing demand for easier travel options as Schengen visa appointments remain difficult to get for many Turks.
Greece decided to extend the visa-on arrival program for another year this month, which allows Turkish citizens to visit 12 islands including Rhodes, Kos, Chios and Lesbos with simplified entry procedures.
Speaking to the Demirören news agency, Hakkı Karadeveci, head of the İzmir branch of the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies (TÜRSAB), said the system has made the islands an alternative for Turkish travelers, especially for those living in coastal regions of the country.
“Given the difficulties in obtaining Schengen visa appointments, Greek islands that can be easily reached from Turkey’s coastal holiday destinations have become a strong option,” Karadeveci said. He added that the visa-on-arrival system has further eased access to these places.
He said the number of Turkish visitors to the islands has increased significantly over the past few years as the program expanded and began to be used beyond the summer season.
According to the statistics the Hürriyet news website reported, citing Turkey’s Transport and Infrastructure Ministry, the number of Turkish visitors to Greek islands rose from 416,000 in 2022 to 804,000 in 2023, which surpassed 1.15 million in 2024 and reached more than 2.25 million in 2025.
The steady rise in visits to nearby Greek islands has coincided with growing demand among Turks for European holidays, as prices at Turkish resort destinations have climbed above those in Greece, while other European destinations have become harder to reach due to growing Schengen visa rejections.
Karadeveci also mentioned that the system offers flexibility for travelers affected by delays in standard visa procedures, allowing holiday plans to be made up to 10 days before departure. He added that it is particularly useful for those unable to book trips in advance due to their work schedules.
However, there have been logistical problems related to visa-on-arrival procedure as well. “In the previous year,” Karadeveci says, “lengthy lines at the ports delayed people’s trips and tour packages. This problem was conveyed by the travel agencies to the Greek authorities.”
He also said improvements have already been made at the port of Samos, while facilities on Chios are expected to be upgraded to handle higher passenger volumes ahead of the peak season.
Karadeveci mentioned that contacts with Greek authorities would continue in the coming months to prevent similar disruptions, adding, “We hope this season will be much more smoother for both sides.”
Despite the growing popularity of the visa-on-arrival scheme, he said demand for Schengen visas is unlikely to decline, as travelers visiting mainland Greece or other European countries still require Schengen visas.