The Greek authorities on Rhodes Island inaugurated a new visa terminal for Turkish tourists on April 1st. Turkish citizens can now explore ten Greek islands for up to seven days without requiring a full Schengen area visa. AP News notes that this initiative aims to ease tensions between Greece and Turkey. Vassilis Vayiannakis, head of the Rhodes Port Fund, confirmed the system's readiness and highlighted the considerable interest shown by Turkish tourists.
The Visa on Arrival fee is set at 60€:
Turkish citizens can also visit other Greek islands such as Lesvos, Limnos, Chios, Samos, Leros, Kalymnos, Kos, Symi, and Kastellorizo with a visa on arrival, aside from Rhodes. These visas, available at designated ports, will cost 60€, covering passport verification and fingerprinting. They allow for stays of up to seven days with a single entry. Greek PM Mitsotakis clarified last week that these visas will be issued throughout the year, not just during the summer season.
A Single-Entry Visa is not valid for entry into other Schengen countries:
In a previous statement, Greek officials clarified that this isn't a "free visa system," emphasizing that Greece will issue visas on arrival to Turkish citizens specifically at designated islands. This indicates that Turkish citizens holding single-entry visas are restricted from traveling to other Schengen Zone countries. To prevent any violations, Greece has cautioned of thorough police inspections. Among its benefits, Greek authorities anticipate that this program will enhance tourism and stimulate the islands' development.