Key Takeaways:
- Greece launched an express visa program for Turkish citizens to boost tourism on Eastern Aegean islands.
- The program has issued over 104,000 visas, with Lesbos and Samos being the most visited destinations.
- This visa initiative fosters stronger bilateral relations between Greece and Turkey.
When diplomacy steps out of offices and becomes part of the tourism industry, the results can be remarkable. Greece’s express visa program for Turkish citizens has not only been a successful economic venture but also a symbol of rapprochement between the two nations.
Since its launch, the program has issued over 104,000 visas. Lesbos leads with 27,614 issued visas, followed by Samos with 22,341. Not all islands received equal attention, though: Kalymnos lags behind with just 102 visas granted. Nevertheless, the total number of applications highlights the program’s popularity among Turkish tourists.
Why does this matter? First, tourism is a soft power capable of bridging nations despite political differences. Second, the program boosts the economy of Greece’s border regions, which often remain in the shadow of the country’s primary tourist destinations.
This initiative shows how visa procedures can serve as a tool for diplomacy. In the context of strained relations between Greece and Turkey, such steps create room for dialogue. Perhaps, in the future, this model will inspire other countries in the region.
If you’re considering travel, Greece—with its rich history and welcoming spirit—awaits. And for Turkish citizens, the express visa opens the door to a world of unique islands and new cultures.
