EU Commission approves 'visa-on-arrival' for Greek islands
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Öncü Keçeli announced that the work regarding the 'one-week visa for Turkish tourists on Greek islands' initiative by Greek authorities has been approved by the European Commission, and that a regulation on the matter is currently being drafted by Greek officials.
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Spokesperson Keçeli made a statement regarding the "one-week visa-on-arrival for Turkish tourists on Greek islands" initiative, which was announced by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis during his meeting with AKP Chairman and President Erdoğan during his visit to Greece.
Keçeli stated that they were informed that the work by Greek authorities to implement a single-entry, 7-day visa-on-arrival for Turkish citizens visiting 10 Greek islands has been approved by the EU Commission and that a regulation on the subject is being prepared by Greek authorities.
"TO PREVENT DIFFICULTIES..."
Explaining that they are awaiting official notification of the implementation, Keçeli said, "Work on this has been ongoing for some time. We are continuing our discussions with Greek authorities to ensure that the necessary infrastructure, such as customs and passport control, is developed on the islands included in the program so that our citizens do not face difficulties when entering and exiting the islands."
During a joint press conference held yesterday in Athens, the capital of Greece, with Erdoğan, Mitsotakis stated, "Greece supports the provision of visa facilitation (for Turkish citizens) within the framework of the European acquis regarding the consistent support of (Turkey's) European Union (EU) membership process, so that Turkey's younger generations, scientists, business people, and students can establish closer relations with Europe. Furthermore, Greece has requested from the EU Commission and secured the ability for Turkish citizens and their families to visit 10 of our islands for 7 days throughout the year."