Greece and Turkey have made diplomatic efforts to ease tensions between the two countries by opening a new vacation visa terminal for Turkish visitors on the Greek island of Rhodes. This limited-access visa allows Turks to visit 10 Greek islands for up to a week without having to apply for full access to the Schengen area. The measure is intended to boost tourism in areas and at times of the year when there is less traffic, helping local economies. Last year, Greece and Turkey signed bilateral cooperation agreements to focus on trade and set aside disputes over sea boundaries and mineral rights in the Aegean Sea.
The new visa system will be granted at participating Greek ports for 60 euros, including a passport check and fingerprint recording. Visitors will not be allowed to travel onto other EU member states. The islands in the vacation visa program are all close to the Turkish coastline and include popular destinations like Lesbos, Chios, and Kos. The smaller islands are set to join the program in June, with Turkish visitors showing considerable interest in the new system. Tourism is a crucial industry for the Greek economy, with the country welcoming 32.7 million visitors last year and generating 20.5 billion euros in revenue, according to central bank data.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has praised the new visa system as a way to increase tourism in Greece, highlighting the importance of cooperation between the two countries. Mitsotakis and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan have been working to strengthen bilateral ties, with Mitsotakis set to visit Turkey in the coming month to further build on the recent agreements signed in Athens. Both leaders recognize the economic benefits of attracting more tourists to their respective countries and are hopeful that the new visa terminal will contribute to boosting tourism in Greece.
Officials in Rhodes have reported a high demand from Turkish visitors for the new visa system, though there were no boats scheduled to arrive on the first day of its operation. Vassilis Vayiannakis, head of the Rhodes Port Fund, mentioned that arrivals are expected later in the week. The Greek government is prepared to handle the influx of Turkish tourists and is working to ensure a smooth process for visitors accessing the new visa. The cooperation between Greece and Turkey in implementing this system reflects a positive step in resolving longstanding tensions and fostering better relations between the two countries.
The new vacation visa terminal marks a significant development in the efforts to improve relations between Greece and Turkey. By facilitating easier travel for Turkish visitors to Greek islands, the two countries are taking concrete steps to promote tourism and boost their economies. The success of the visa program will depend on the cooperation of both nations and their ability to manage the flow of tourists effectively. With the upcoming visit of Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis to Turkey, there is optimism for further progress in strengthening ties between the two NATO members. Overall, the opening of the vacation visa terminal signifies a positive shift in the relationship between Greece and Turkey, emphasizing the benefits of diplomacy and cooperation in resolving disputes and promoting mutual interests.
