Greek island Rhodes has opened a new visa terminal for Turkish visitors. This visa allows Turks to explore 10 Greek islands for up to a week without needing full access to the EU’s Schengen area.
Greece and Turkey, both NATO members, have been working on diplomatic solutions to longstanding disputes. Last year, Turkish President Erdogan visited Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis, leading to cooperation agreements being signed in Athens.
Mitsotakis will visit Turkey next month. This visa aims to boost tourism and local economies. It costs 60 euros, involves passport checks, and prohibits travel to other EU countries.
Vassilis Vayiannakis, head of the Rhodes Port Fund, said there’s interest from Turkish visitors, but no boats today. The islands included are near Turkey’s coast.
Turkey has sought relaxed travel rules for its citizens visiting the EU in exchange for cooperation on issues like illegal immigration. Tourism is vital for Greece, bringing in 32.7 million visitors and 20.5 billion euros last year.
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