New era for Turks with Green Passports entering the EU: New requirement introduced

The European Union's (EU) ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System), developed to provide pre-travel security checks, will begin implementation in the first half of 2025.

According to the new system, holders of Green and Grey Passports who do not require an EU visa will register with the ETIAS system before traveling.

During the application, passport information, an email address, and payment details will be entered.

A processing fee of 7 Euros will be paid, and the application will be concluded within a few minutes or at the latest within 96 hours. If the application is rejected, the individual will not be able to enter EU countries, and the fee paid will not be refunded.

APPROVAL REQUIRED BEFORE LEAVING TURKEY

The system requires filling out a form and uploading biometric data before the journey. At the first border control, passengers without ETIAS authorization will not be able to depart from Turkey.

This process will be implemented in the first half of 2025, particularly for countries frequently visited by Turks such as Germany, France, and the Netherlands.

Although the EU emphasizes that ETIAS is not a visa but a security-focused "travel authorization," the application is considered a type of visa procedure for Turkish citizens.

Authorities estimate that 90-95% of applications will result in approval.

WHO WILL BE EXEMPT FROM THE FEE?

While the system will not charge those under 18, personal information as well as biometric data will be recorded in the system.

ETIAS is seen as the first step of a transformation expected to affect approximately 1 billion people.