EU Approves Easier Multi-Entry Schengen Visa Rules for Turkish Citizens

The European Commission has approved new visa facilitation rules that will allow eligible Turkish citizens to receive multi-entry Schengen visas valid for up to five years, under a gradual system. The decision was adopted on July 15, 2025, and is expected to ease travel procedures for Turks with a low-risk profile and strong travel history.

Who Qualifies for the New Schengen Visa Scheme?

The regulation applies to Turkish citizens who have previously held and complied with Schengen visa rules—particularly those who respected entry/exit conditions and did not overstay. First-time applicants are not included in this facilitation process.

The European Commission noted that this measure aims to:

• Help consulates reduce application backlogs

• Allow authorities to focus on high-risk cases

• Provide greater convenience for frequent Turkish travelers

Step-by-Step Visa Duration Based on Travel History

The new rules offer tiered visa durations, depending on prior visa history:

• 6-month visa: For applicants who apply within 1 year after their previous Schengen visa expired

• 1-year visa: For those who previously held a 6-month visa and apply within 2 years

• 3-year visa: For those who held a 1-year visa and apply within 2 years

• 5-year visa: For those who held a 3-year visa and apply within 2 years

Each visa is multi-entry and will only be granted if the traveler has complied with previous visas and shows continued low risk.

Professional Drivers Not Included

The policy does not apply to Turkish truck drivers applying for short-term work visas. The new rules are limited to private travelers residing in Türkiye and applying at consulates of EU member states located in Türkiye.

Visa Validity Linked to Passport Expiry

A technical note in the decision specifies that the visa’s validity must end at least 3 months before the applicant’s passport expires. This ensures compliance with standard Schengen area entry rules.

List of EU Countries Implementing the Policy

The visa easing will apply in the following Schengen and EU states:

Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Cyprus (Greek Administration).

• Ireland is exempt, as it is not part of the Schengen area

• Denmark, though a Schengen country, has the option to apply this policy on a national level due to a special protocol