The European Union has eased Schengen visa procedures for Turkish citizens, the bloc's ambassador to Türkiye announced on Friday, while inviting Ankara to resume stalled negotiations on full visa liberalization, reported Xinhua.
The new regulation, which came into effect on July 15, simplifies the path to multiple-entry Schengen visas for Turkish nationals.
EU Ambassador to Türkiye Thomas Hans Ossowski said the changes are intended to reduce bureaucratic delays, which have long been a source of frustration for Turkish applicants.
"It will be much easier and much faster for Turkish citizens," Ossowski told reporters in Ankara.
Under the updated rules, Turkish citizens who have previously obtained and used Schengen visas correctly will now be eligible for a six-month multiple-entry visa starting from their second application. This can later be extended to one-year, three-year, and five-year visas.
Ossowski reiterated the EU's longstanding offer of visa-free travel for Türkiye, urging both sides to return to negotiations on liberalization.
Talks on visa-free travel began in 2016 but have made little progress, as Ankara has fulfilled only 66 out of 72 benchmarks. Remaining benchmarks, such as amendments to the anti-terror law and data protection, have yet to be met, according to the European Parliament.
Turkish Trade Minister Omer Bolat described the development as a long-awaited facilitation. He noted that Turkish citizens have faced significant challenges in recent years, including extended wait times for appointments, short visa durations, and high rejection rates.
The Turkish Foreign Ministry also welcomed the European Commission's Implementing Decision, emphasizing that Ankara will continue working with the EU to further ease visa requirements.
Türkiye, a candidate for EU membership since 1999, has seen its accession process stall in recent years.
- EU
- Eases
- Schengen visa
- Turks
Source: www.dailyfinland.fi
