In 2023, Schengen states rejected 16 percent of all visa applications submitted by Turkish nationals, amounting to 169,500 denied visas. This figure may be surprising given that the Visa Liberalisation Dialogue between the EU and Turkey has been ongoing since 2013, and visa rejection rates have been rising. According to Schengen Statistics, the rejection rates for visa applications from Turkish nationals increased by an average of 15 percent between 2019 and 2023. In 2022, Turkey became one of the top sources of Schengen visa applications.

Despite the growing interest in obtaining Schengen visas and efforts to meet EU criteria, Turkish nationals are still waiting for progress. The Progress Report published in November 2023 indicates that Turkey has made no progress in meeting the criteria necessary for visa liberalization. The required benchmarks include document security, public order and security, migration management, readmission of irregular migrants, and fundamental rights.

Since Turkey has not met the criteria outlined in the EU-Turkey Statement of 2016, the EU cannot recommend visa liberalization. Despite the growing interest from Turkish nationals in obtaining Schengen visas—evidenced by a 16.4 percent increase in applications from 2019 to 2023—progress remains stalled.

Schengen visa applications, which are often lengthy and unpleasant, are a common experience for Turkish nationals. In 2023, over 1 million visa requests were submitted to application centers, making Turkish nationals the second-largest group of applicants. The high rejection rates are causing significant distress and discontent among them.

Many Turkish applicants share their struggles on social media. Recently, one netizen posted an eight-part series on X, detailing the emotions and challenges faced during the Schengen visa application process, from securing an appointment and traveling to consulates to gathering documents and hoping to convince officers to grant a visa.

The visa situation affects more than just Turkish nationals. In 2023, the Serbian women’s national volleyball team nearly missed participating in the CEV EuroVolley 2023 tournament because two Turkish staff members were denied entry visas to Belgium. The Belgian authorities refused the visas, citing concerns that the Turkish coaches might not return to their home country.